Patent Application
20120084902
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to footwear, and particularly to socks with a pouch for insoles in which each sock has a pouch adapted to receive a removable insole to provide support for a user's foot.
2. Description of the Related Art
The feeling of discomfort while walking or standing, due to foot or ankle pain, may be caused by a variety of factors. Most acute arch pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a broad section of fibrous tissue at the bottom of the foot. This can be caused by over-pronation, or flat feet, a condition that has a genetic basis. Another common ailment is called heel spur. This is the result of long-term, untreated inflammation of the plantar fascia and results in calcium deposits in the place where the plantar fascia meets the heel. The calcium deposits form a thorn-like spur. The symptoms are a dull ache throughout the foot and a sharp pain at the center of the heel. Other foot irritations may be caused by the inflammation of the metatarsal muscles across the center of the foot. The pain occurs at the ball of the foot and can spread outward. Indirect causes of foot and ankle pain may be linked to obesity, diabetes or a host of other medical problems.
Fortunately, there are many varieties of insoles that treat these conditions and relieve foot and ankle discomfort. For arch pain caused by flat feet, insoles with arch supports that lift the foot and prevent over-pronation usually solve the problem without further medical treatment. Insoles with silicone gel absorb shock with each step and distribute pressure throughout the foot to relieve and/or prevent plantar fascitis and other ailments. Some insoles have blue silicone packs spread throughout the entire insole or just across the middle to protect the metatarsal muscles. Many insoles are made of a spongy material rather than gel. These insoles provide comfort and shock absorption, but focus on the entire foot rather than on specific areas. They often contain special materials proven to provide relief. Some are made of an ultra-lightweight material.
Unfortunately, most conventional insoles are designed to be located adjacent the inside bottom of the shoe and in direct contact therewith. These insoles are purchased as related to shoe size, and some must be cut to size. This scenario is often unsuitable in that the insole may move relative to the foot, causing an improper and less than comfortable fit. A device that would prevent such movement and enhance wearing comfort would certainly be a welcome addition in the art. Thus, a sock with a pouch for insoles solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The socks with pouch for insoles provide a device for stabilizing insoles. The device comprises a sock having a pouch for receiving and retaining the insole therein. The pouch is fabricated from a soft, moisture-absorbing, washable material. Although terry is preferred, other similar materials may be utilized if found suitable. The sock and pouch need not be fabricated from the same material. The sock may be manufactured in various lengths (anklet, calf, knee, etc.) and colors to accommodate aesthetic tastes.
Accordingly, the invention presents a device that enhances comfort when one is wearing an insole. The pouch is designed to accept almost any type of insole. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Referring to
Preferably, each sock 10 of a pair of socks is equipped with the pouch 16, since many foot problems are bilateral and require the same correction. The insole 20 may be any type of insole 20, and is removable from the pouch 16. The pouch 16 may be made from the same material as the sock 10, or may be formed from a different material than the body of the sock, e.g., leather, and may be formed by sewing the periphery of a layer of fabric or other material over the bottom layer of the sock 10, leaving an opening for insertion of the insole 20. The pouch 16 restrains the insole 20 from sliding around under the foot when the user walks, thereby maintaining the insole 16 in proper position to support the foot so that the insole 20 provides greater comfort to the foot.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
