ArchEase Socks

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/658,971, filed May 8, 2024, and claims priority thereto. This continuation-in-part application contains subject matter not disclosed in the parent application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Orthotic devices configured to provide arch support are primarily implemented as separate shoe inserts. Such devices may present drawbacks, including user discomfort, excessive bulk, or suboptimal fit. Additionally, these devices may lack the convenience and wearability to promote consistent daily use, especially among individuals afflicted with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other foot pain conditions. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative device that offers arch support in a manner that is comfortable, wearable, and integrated into a commonly worn garment, such as a sock.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to therapeutic socks, particularly those crafted to alleviate foot pain and furnish arch support for individuals suffering from flat feet or plantar fasciitis.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to therapeutic socks that provide integrated or removable arch support to alleviate foot pain and promote foot alignment, particularly for individuals with flat feet who suffer from plantar fasciitis. The sock includes a stretchable, breathable textile body that encases the foot and provides targeted support at the medial arch region. The arch support element may be permanently integrated into the sock or removably housed in a pocket. Additional embodiments may incorporate compression zones for enhanced circulation, stability, and comfort during wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sock on foot.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sock on foot with built-in support.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a sock on foot with removable support.

FIG. 4 is an aerial view of the arch support insert.

FIG. 5 is an aerial view of the arch support pocket.

FIG. 6 is a side view of athletic ribbing with built-in support.

FIG. 7 is a side view of athletic ribbing with flap closure for removable support.

FIG. 8 is a side view of athletic ribbing with hook and loop closure for removable support.

FIG. 9 is a side view of athletic ribbing with snap closure for removable support.

FIG. 10 is a side view of athletic ribbing with a zipper closure for removable support.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the removable arch support sock.

• • 1. Sock Body
  • 2. Medial Arch Region
  • 3. Toe Area
  • 4. Heel Section
  • 5. Compression Zone
  • 6. Built-In Arch Support
  • 7. Inner Sock Layer
  • 8. Foot Profile for Reference
  • 9. Dorsal Surface
  • 10. Plantar Surface
  • 11. Pocket
  • 12. Removable Arch Support Insert
  • 13. Pocket Opening
  • 14. Contoured Body
  • 15. Thickness Gradient
  • 16. Non-Slip/Textured Surface
  • 17. Compression Band
  • 18. Weave Pattern
  • 19. Sock Closure for Built-In Support
  • 20. Flap Closure
  • 21. Hook and Loop Closure
  • 22. Snap Closure
  • 23. Zipper Closure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, where like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 illustrates a therapeutic sock (1) configured to encase a human foot, including a toe area (3), a heel section (4), and a medial arch region (2).

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the sock body (1) with an integrated built-in arch support (6) positioned at the medial arch region (2). The sock includes an inner sock layer (7) adjacent to the foot profile (8), and optional compression zones (5) to provide targeted compression.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment wherein a removable arch support insert (12) is positioned within a pocket (11) disposed at the medial arch region (2), with a pocket opening (13) configured to receive and retain the insert.

FIG. 4 provides an aerial view of the removable arch support insert (12), showing its contoured body (14) shaped to cradle the plantar arch. The insert includes a thickness gradient (15) to distribute pressure evenly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an aerial view of the pocket (11), showing the pocket opening (13) for receiving the insert (12).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with athletic ribbing and built-in arch support (6), illustrating a weave pattern (18) and compression band (17) reinforcing the medial arch region (2).

FIG. 7 depicts a flap closure (20) securing the removable insert (12) within the pocket (11).

FIG. 8 shows a hook and loop closure (21) securing the removable insert (12) within the pocket (11).

FIG. 9 illustrates a snap closure (22) for securing the removable insert (12) within the pocket (11).

FIG. 10 shows a zipper closure (23) for securing the removable insert (12) within the pocket (11).

FIG. 11 provides an exploded view of the therapeutic sock (1), showing the removable insert (12), pocket (11), compression zones (5, 17), and structural features.

Throughout embodiments, the sock body (1) conforms to the plantar surface (10) and dorsal surface (9) of the foot. The removable insert (12) may include a non-slip/textured surface (16) to resist movement within the pocket (11) during use.

Compression zones (5, 17) provide graduated pressure around the arch, ankle, and calf, optionally featuring visually distinguishable weave patterns (18). Sock closures for built-in arch support (19) may also be included.

The invention offers an alternative to conventional orthotics by integrating support structures directly into a wearable sock for everyday use, enhancing both convenience and comfort.

In one embodiment, the sock comprises a stretchable, breathable body adapted to encase the foot and deliver targeted support at the medial arch region. The arch support may be permanently integrated within the sock body or removably housed within a pocket formed on the sock.

The arch support element may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and is contoured to conform to the wearer's arch, distributing pressure evenly. The removable insert may also feature a textured surface to reduce slippage.

The pocket for the removable insert may include secure closures such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, or flaps to retain the support element during use.

Certain embodiments further incorporate compression zones integrated into the sock to promote circulation, reduce fatigue, and enhance stability. These compression areas may use differential knitting techniques and may be visually distinguished to indicate pressure levels or zones.

The invention thus provides a therapeutic sock that combines foot pain relief, biomechanical support, and user comfort, all in an ergonomic, non-invasive garment suitable for daily use.