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Sock with gripping dots and a method of making sameRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, StockingsSock with gripping dots and a method of making same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070028365, Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to socks and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention concerns an improved gripping sock having a friction-gripping surface consisting of a multiplicity of closely positioned gripping dots provided on the interior surface of the foot portion of the sock. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0004] A variety of different types of socks have been produced in the past from various materials, including natural and synthetic yarns. Styles of prior art socks include dress socks, socks for casual wear, athletic socks and special-purpose socks for special activities. [0005] As a general rule, socks are made by knitting using circular knitting machines. Such machines typically knit a tubular fabric structure using a multiplicity of closely controlled latch needles and sinkers on a length of yarn. One form of prior art circular knitting machine is commercially available from the Lonati Company, S.P.A. of Brescia, Italy. In this machine the knitting action and stitch density is controlled by a program of instructions installed in a microprocessor. [0006] Prior art socks are generally knitted with a rim surrounding an opening at the leg portion and an opening at the toe portion. The toe opening of a machine knit sock is typically closed in a separate operation performed on one of several different types of commercially available automatic sewing machines. [0007] The interaction between the sock and the wearer's foot can have a profound impact on the comfort and well being of the user. For example, a wrinkle or a bunching of the stock within the shoe will, overtime, likely cause friction and skin shear which, in turn, can cause blisters, ulcers or other debilitating conditions. This result can be particularly severe with persons having poor circulation, such as persons suffering with diabetes and certain other types of physical disabilities. [0008] Experience has shown that unless both the sock and the shoe fit nearly perfectly, wrinkling and bunching of the sock within the shoe is generally unavoidable. It is this problem that the present invention seeks to overcome by providing a novel sock and the method of making same that will substantially prevent unwanted wrinkling and bunching of the wearer's sock within the shoe even during periods of prolonged walking and exercise. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel sock construction that substantially prevents wrinkling and bunching of the sock within the shoe. More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a sock construction which includes a multiplicity of strategically located gripping dots disposed on the interior surface of the sock which effectively resist slippage of the sock relative to the user's foot. [0010] A further important object of the present invention is to provide a sock of the aforementioned character that effectively prevents slippage of the sock relative to the user's foot without restricting blood flow to the foot and without inhibiting normal blood circulation within the foot. [0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method for efficiently and cost effectively producing socks of the character described in the preceding paragraphs. [0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a stretchable sock of the aforementioned character and the method of making the sock wherein the sock is provided with a multiplicity of gripping dots spaced such that the stretch quality of the sock is not restricted by the excessive coverage of the knit fabric by the grip-dots. [0013] In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention concerns a sock comprising an open top, seamless, fabric receptacle that extends downwardly to a closed toe end. The receptacle includes a tapered toe section that projects from the toe end and is configured to receive the toes of the wearer, a tubular generally straight-leg section that is adjacent the leg end and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the leg of the wearer, and a tubular, generally straight-foot section extending between the leg section and toe section. The toe, foot and leg sections of the receptacle can be knitted of a common, high-stretch yarn and are preferably configured to cause the yarn to stretch when the sock is donned. In one embodiment of the invention, the yarn comprises multiple corespun strands, each of which includes an elastomeric core and an outer sheath of substantially non-elastic fibers. This construction provides a highly stretchable, form-fitting sock that is free of seams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of a sock of the character used in connection with the method of the present invention showing the exterior surface thereof. [0015] FIG. 2 is a generally perspective view of the sock shown in FIG. 1 but turned inside out to show the interior surface thereof. [0016] FIG. 3 is a generally perspective view of one form of the sock support mandrel used in connection with the performance of one embodiment of the method of the invention. [0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the area designated in FIG. 3 as 4-4. [0018] FIG. 5 is a generally perspective view showing the inside out sock of FIG. 2 positioned over the support mandrel shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings. [0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the area designated in FIG. 5 as 6-6. [0020] FIG. 7 is a generally perspective, diagrammatic view illustrating the first step in one form of the method of the invention namely using an apertured stencil for depositing polymer grip-dots on the interior surface of the sock. [0021] FIG. 8 is a generally perspective diagrammatic view illustrating the second step in one form of the method of the invention, namely using curing means superimposed over the sock for curing the polymer grip-dots emplaced on the interior surface of the starting sock of the invention. Continue reading about Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same... Full patent description for Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Clothing with adjustable waist size Next Patent Application: Detachable protective cuff guard for pants Industry Class: Apparel ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sock with gripping dots and a method of making same patent info. 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