US20100005567A1 - Hoisery article with a user-adjustable tension retaining component - Google Patents
Hoisery article with a user-adjustable tension retaining component Download PDFInfo
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- US20100005567A1 US20100005567A1 US12/171,221 US17122108A US2010005567A1 US 20100005567 A1 US20100005567 A1 US 20100005567A1 US 17122108 A US17122108 A US 17122108A US 2010005567 A1 US2010005567 A1 US 2010005567A1
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- article
- region
- retaining component
- hosiery
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
- A41B11/12—Means at the upper end to keep the stockings up
- A41B11/125—Integrated adjustable garter
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to hosiery articles, and more particularly to hosiery articles with tension retaining components operable to maintain a worn hosiery article at a predetermined desired height.
- hosiery articles such as socks, stockings, panty hose, etc.
- the broad range of hosiery articles comprises a number of categories (socks, stockings, leggings, panty hose, etc.), with corresponding sub-categories (sport socks, dress socks, winter socks, knee-high socks, etc.).
- all hosiery articles have at least one component in common—a retaining component responsible for maintaining the position of each worn article at an appropriate height on the leg.
- the most common retaining components included ribbons, ties, suspenders (garters, sock suspenders, etc.), and equivalents thereof.
- a typical hosiery article 500 (e.g., a sock) is shown.
- the hosiery article 500 includes a lower section 502 and a retaining component 504 (for example an elastic compression band).
- the article 500 is worn on a wearer's leg 520 (a first portion of which, 520 a is above the top portion of the article 500 , and a second portion of which, 520 b, is disposed within the retaining component 504 .
- the retaining component 504 exerts a predefined level of compression forces 605 on the leg portion 520 b causing the article 500 to remain in the desired position on the wearers lower leg. While in theory, the compression-based approach seemed to provide a good and versatile solution, in practice, the preconfigured compression-based retaining component suffers from a number of serious and, in some cases, potentially dangerous disadvantages.
- the most significant and previously insurmountable flaw of the commonly known hosiery articles is the fact that all purchased articles come in pairs, and include retaining components configured with equal predefined levels of tension/compression forces in each article of the pair.
- many individuals, especially those suffering from a prior orthopedic lower limb trauma may have different levels of swelling in each lower limb.
- any work set of hosiery articles will cause either significant discomfort as one of the articles inflicts a greater level of pressure on the limb, or if the wearer chooses to prioritize comfort, one of the hosiery articles will have a higher tendency than the other to slip down the wearer's leg.
- a novel and versatile hosiery article that includes a retaining component having user-adjustable levels of compression force/tension. It would also be desirable to provide a novel and versatile hosiery article with a configurable retaining component that is very easy to utilize by anyone at any time to increase or to decrease, at various increments, the level of compression force exerted thereby on the wearer's leg to achieve a desired balance between a pleasing appearance and the wearer's comfort. It would further be desirable to provide a pair of novel and versatile hosiery articles where each article includes the user-configurable retaining component that may configured be independently from one another.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive hosiery article with a user-adjustable tension component
- FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an inventive hosiery article with a user-adjustable tension component
- FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article of FIGS. 1 or 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article of FIGS. 1 or 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article of FIGS. 1 or 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article of FIGS. 1 or 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable retaining adjustment element of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable retaining adjustment element of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 9 is a diagram of a prior art previously known hosiery article with a conventional tension component.
- the present invention addresses the flaws and disadvantages of previously known hosiery articles (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.), by providing a novel hosiery article that includes an inventive configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces selectable and adjustable by a user.
- the inventive hosiery articles when the inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user (e.g., the wearer) is able to selectively adjust the level of tension and compression force exerted by each article, as the circumference of their lower limbs changes throughout the day, and/or in response to one or more environmental factors, and/or one or more physical and/or health conditions.
- the user is always able to maintain a desired predetermined balance between appearance and comfort of the worn novel hosiery articles.
- each worn novel hosiery article is independently adjustable, users can configure different levels of compression force and tension for each retaining component of each worn article to maintained desired levels of comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance even when the wearer's limbs each swell to a different size.
- at least a portion of each retaining component may be provided with one or more decorative elements.
- the novel retaining component with at least one user-adjustable tensioning sub-component, at least partially circumferentially disposed around the user's leg proximal to the top of the inventive hosiery article, that includes at least one releasable selective adjustment element that may be placed by the user within a selected range of desired positions, each position corresponding to a higher or lower magnitude of tension and compression forces exerted by the retaining component on the user's leg proximal to the position of the component.
- Each selective adjustment element itself may be fully or partially composed of a flexible material (e.g., nylon webbing or equivalent), and optionally may comprise one or more portions having elastic properties.
- the selective adjustment element may be at least partially attached to one or more other elements of the corresponding novel configurable retaining component, or alternately, it may be removable and/or replaceable by the user.
- the present invention addresses the flaws and disadvantages of previously known hosiery articles (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.), by providing a novel hosiery article that includes an inventive user-configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces selectable and adjustable by a user.
- a pair of inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user is further able to independently select and adjust the tension and compression force levels of each configurable retaining component thereof.
- inventive hosiery article may be implemented as any hosiery article, including but not being limited to: leggings, panty hose, knee-highs, specialty sports socks, etc., as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- inventive hosiery article shapes, elements, components and features that may be provided in accordance with the present invention, are shown by way of example only, and shall not serve as a limitation on what type, size or configuration of shapes, elements, components and features of an hosiery article may be provided.
- the article 10 may be a dress or a sport sock, having a sock body 12 , with a lower portion 14 , a middle portion 16 (of a height A), and an upper section 18 of a height B, culminating at the article 10 top 22 .
- a novel configurable and user adjustable retaining component 20 of a height C is disposed within the article upper section 18 a distance D away from the article top 22 .
- a wearer's leg when the article 10 is worn, is shown in two parts—a leg portion 30 a above the article top 22 , and a leg portion 30 b, disposed within the article upper section 18 .
- the diameter of the leg portion 30 b may change throughout the day between diameters D- 1 and D- 2 at the point of the article top 22 (at which position, the diameter of the article 10 itself is D- 3 ).
- the user may selectively change, at any desired or convenient time, the diameter of the retaining component 20 within a predefined range of diameters from diameter D- 4 to diameter D- 5 , for example in response to changes in the diameter of the wearer's leg between D- 1 and D- 2 .
- decreasing the diameter of the component 20 from D- 5 toward D- 4 increases the tension and compression forces exerted thereby on the wearer leg portion 30 b, while increasing the diameter from D- 4 toward D- 5 , reduces the tension and compression forces.
- the user is able to individually change the tension and compression forces exerted on each of his legs by each corresponding worn novel article, for example to relive the discomfort caused by swelling of one or both of the lower extremities.
- proximal retaining components While only a single retaining component 20 is shown, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, two or more proximal retaining components, of similar configuration to the component 20 , may be utilized in conjunction with one another.
- the present invention contemplates any configuration and/or construction of the component 20 , that enables a user to change and maintain its diameter, and thus to adjust the resulting tension and compression forces exerted thereby on the wearer's leg. Therefore, any component, or component set, with such capabilities may be readily utilized as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- FIGS. 3 to 6 Several advantageous exemplary embodiments of such novel retaining components are shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , and described in greater detail below in connection therewith.
- the article 40 may include an elongated body 42 , with a middle and lower portion 48 , and an upper section 44 .
- a novel configurable and user adjustable retaining component 46 a is disposed within the article upper section 44 .
- a wearer's leg, when the article 40 is worn, is shown in two parts—leg portion 50 a above the article 40 top, and a leg portion 50 b, disposed within the upper section 44 .
- the article 40 of FIG. 2 operates in a manner quite similar to the inventive article 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the article 40 may also comprise a second user adjustable retaining component 46 b, that may be positioned within the middle and lower potion 48 , close to, but not within the upper section 44 .
- This additional retaining component 46 b is particularly useful for embodiments of the article 40 , in which the body 42 is so long, that a user-adjustable retaining feature in addition to the retaining component 46 a and that is positioned at a significant distance therefrom, is desirable or warranted.
- the retaining component 46 b may be of the same, or of a different type, and/or configuration, as the retaining component 46 a, as a matter of design choice or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- FIG. 3 a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 100 (such as may be used as the adjustable retaining component 20 of FIG. 1 , and/or as the adjustable retaining components 46 a, 46 b of FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in a hosiery article 120 a that is worn on a user's leg 30 b.
- the retaining component 100 includes an elongated cylindrical body 102 of a height H 1 a, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 a (such as of the section 18 of the hosiery article 10 of FIG.
- the retaining component 100 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D 6 (smaller) and D 7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D 4 to D 5 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the retaining component 100 also comprises an elongated sleeve element 104 of a height H 2 a that, in combination with the body 102 , forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 102 - 104 of a height H 3 a in the retaining component 100 .
- the sleeve element 104 may either be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 a, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on the body 102 directly.
- the sleeve 102 - 104 comprises a first open slit 104 a and a second open slit 104 b.
- a flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”) element 106 is positioned within the sleeve 102 - 104 , and includes, at the respective ends thereof, two connecting elements 108 a and 108 b, sized and configured to emerge from respective slits 104 a and 104 b.
- RRA releasable retaining adjustment
- the element 108 a may be of a length L 1 a - 1
- the element 108 b may be of a length L 1 a - 2 .
- Each connecting element 108 a, 108 may include an optional corresponding grip element 110 a, 110 b at its respective edge to assist a user in gripping the ends thereof.
- the grip elements 110 a, 110 b may each be an additional strip, or a folded over and stitched portion, of the same material as the RRA element 106 , or they may be made from a different material (e.g., a strip of rubber, etc.).
- the retaining component 100 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 100 that is in the range between diameters D 6 and D 7 , and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 100 that is in the range between diameters D 6 and D 7 , and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- the subcomponent 112 - 116 a - 116 b comprises a first releasable attachment region 112 , of a length L 2 a, positioned on the surface of the body 102 facing outward from the user's leg 30 b, and a pair of second releasable attachment regions 116 a, 116 b (each of a length smaller than L 1 a - 1 and L 1 a - 2 , respectively) positioned on the respective inner surfaces of the connecting elements 108 a and 108 b that face the first releasable attachment region 112 .
- first ( 112 ) and second ( 116 a, 116 b ) releasable regions are placed into contact with one another, they form a releasable connection, that, depending on how far towards one another the elements 108 a and 108 b have been pulled by the user prior to their contact with the first releasable attachment region 112 , determine the resulting diameter of the retaining component 100 desired by the user.
- first and second releasable attachment regions may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- the first region 112 may comprise hook material, while the second regions 116 a, 116 b comprise loop material (or vice versa).
- the first region 112 may comprise a male connector, while the second regions 116 a, 116 b comprise a plurality of matching female connectors at predefined intervals (or vice versa).
- the first region 112 may comprise a button hole, while the second regions 116 a, 116 b comprise a plurality of matching buttons at predefined intervals (or vice versa).
- the RRA element 106 may be configured to freely slide within the sleeve 102 - 104 (for example to facilitate its removal therefrom for cleaning and/or replacement), or in an alternate embodiment thereof, the RRA element 106 may be at least partially secured from removal from the sleeve 102 - 104 by at least one securing element 114 a (e.g., such as stitching between a portion of the RRA element 106 and at least a portion of the sleeve 102 - 104 ) positioned a reasonable distance away from each of the slits 104 a, 104 b.
- the RRA element 116 may be secured from removal through the use of one or more additional circumferentially positioned securing elements, such as a second securing element 114 b.
- the user when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof (i.e., by changing the diameter of the retaining component 100 ), the user disengages, from the region 112 , and grips at least one of the elements 108 a and 108 b (but preferably both), and moves them in a direction corresponding to a desired increase in the hosiery article 120 a retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the second releasable regions 116 a, 116 b to the first releasable region 112 to maintain the desired adjusted hosiery article 120 a retaining region diameter.
- FIG. 4 a second exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 200 (such as may be used as the adjustable retaining component 20 of FIG. 1 , and/or as adjustable retaining components 46 a, 46 b of FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in a hosiery article 120 b that is worn on a user's leg 30 b.
- the retaining component 200 includes an elongated cylindrical body 202 of a height H 1 b, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 b (such as of the section 18 of the hosiery article 10 of FIG.
- the retaining component 200 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D 6 (smaller) and D 7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D 4 to D 5 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the retaining component 200 also comprises an elongated sleeve element 204 of a height H 2 b that, in combination with the body 202 , forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 202 - 204 of a height H 3 b in the retaining component 200 .
- the sleeve element 204 may either be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 a, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on the body 202 directly.
- the sleeve 202 - 204 comprises an open slit 204 a in either a right or a left portion of the component 200 (depending on whether the specific hosiery article 120 b is configured for use by a right-handed, or by a left-handed user).
- a flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”) element 206 is positioned within the sleeve 202 - 204 , and includes a connecting element 208 of a length L 1 b, sized and configured to emerge from the slit 204 a.
- the connecting element 208 may include an optional grip element 210 at its exposed end, to assist a user in gripping the end thereof, which may be of the same configuration as elements 110 a, 110 b of FIG. 3 .
- the retaining component 200 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 212 - 216 that is easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 200 within a range between diameters D 6 and D 7 , and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 212 - 216 that is easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 200 within a range between diameters D 6 and D 7 , and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- the sub-component 212 - 216 comprises a first releasable attachment region 212 , of a length L 2 b, positioned on the surface of the body 202 facing outward from the user's leg 30 b, and a second releasable attachment region 216 (of a length smaller than L 1 b ), positioned on the inner surface of the connecting element 208 facing the first releasable attachment region 212 .
- first and second ( 216 ) releasable regions when they are placed into contact with one another, they form a releasable connection that, depending on how far away from the slit 204 a the element 208 has been pulled by the user prior to the contact between the respective releasable regions 212 , 216 , determine the diameter of the retaining component 200 that is desired by the user.
- the specific type of the first and second releasable attachment regions 212 , 216 that may be utilized in accordance with the present invention, as well as the relative magnitudes of L 1 b, and L 2 b, may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- Various examples of combinations of possible first and second regions 212 , 216 are described above in connection with the regions 112 , 116 a, and 116 b of FIG. 3 .
- the RRA element 206 is preferably secured within said sleeve 202 - 204 at an end opposite of its element 208 , in one embodiment of the invention, at least at a circumferential distance from the slit 204 a greater than 1 ⁇ 2 of the circumference of the body 202 , by at least one securing element 214 (e.g., such as stitching between a portion of the RRA element 206 and at least a portion of the sleeve 202 - 204 ).
- at least one securing element 214 e.g., such as stitching between a portion of the RRA element 206 and at least a portion of the sleeve 202 - 204 .
- the user when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user releases, from the region 212 , and grips the element 208 , and moves it in a direction corresponding to a desired increase in the hosiery article 120 b retaining region diameter (i.e., toward the slit 204 a ), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., away from the slit 204 a ), before securing the second releasable region 216 to the first releasable region 212 to maintain the desired adjusted hosiery article 120 b retaining region diameter.
- FIG. 5 a third exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 250 (such as may be used as the adjustable retaining component 20 of FIG. 1 , and/or as adjustable retaining components 46 a, 46 b of FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in a hosiery article 120 c that is worn on a user's leg 30 b.
- the retaining component 250 is very similar in usage and operation to the retaining component 100 of FIG. 3 , but differs in construction as described in greater detail below.
- the retaining component 250 includes an elongated cylindrical body 252 , which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 c (such as of the section 18 of the hosiery article 10 of FIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of the hosiery article 120 c (for example by being stitched on) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article.
- the retaining component 250 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D 6 (smaller) and D 7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D 4 to D 5 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the main difference in construction between the retaining component 250 and the retaining component 100 of FIG. 3 is that instead of including a sleeve 102 - 104 , slits 104 a, 104 b, or a RRA element 106 with connecting elements 108 a, 108 b emerging from respective slits 104 a, 104 b, as is shown in FIG. 3 , the retaining component 250 only includes a pair of connecting elements 258 a and 258 b, that correspond to the connecting elements 108 a and 108 b of FIG.
- the connecting elements 258 a, 258 b are at least partially resilient, and may optionally each be configured with the optional grip elements 110 a and 110 b.
- the retaining component 250 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 250 that is in the range between diameters D 6 and D 7 and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 250 that is in the range between diameters D 6 and D 7 and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- this sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b are described above in connection with FIG. 1 .
- the user when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user disengages, from the region 112 , and grips at least one of the elements 258 a and 258 b (but preferably both), and moves them in a direction corresponding to a desired increase in the hosiery article 120 c retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the second releasable regions 116 a, 116 b to the first releasable region 112 , to maintain the desired adjusted hosiery article 120 c retaining region diameter.
- FIG. 6 a fourth exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 300 (such as may be used as the adjustable retaining component 20 of FIG. 1 , and/or as the adjustable retaining components 46 a, 46 b ) is shown as being utilized in a hosiery article 120 d that is worn on a user's leg 30 b.
- the retaining component 300 is very similar in construction to the retaining component 100 of FIG. 3 , but is similar to usage and operation of the retaining component 200 of FIG. 4 , as described in greater detail below.
- the retaining component 300 includes an elongated cylindrical body 302 , which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 d (such as of the section 18 of the hosiery article 10 of FIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of the hosiery article 120 d (for example by being stitched on) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article.
- the retaining component 300 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D 6 (smaller) and D 7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D 4 to D 5 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the retaining component 300 also comprises an elongated sleeve element 104 that, in combination with the body 302 , forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 302 - 104 of a in the retaining component 300 .
- the sleeve element 104 may either be an integral part of the hosiery article 120 d, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on the body 302 directly.
- the sleeve 302 - 104 comprises a first open slit 104 a and a second open slit 104 b.
- a flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”) element 306 that is preferably at least partially resilient, is positioned within the sleeve 302 - 104 , and includes two connecting elements 308 a and 308 b, sized and configured to emerge from respective slits 104 a and 104 b.
- the main difference in construction between the retaining component 300 and the retaining component 100 of FIG. 1 is that instead of including a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112 - 116 a - 116 b, the retaining component 300 includes a releasable adjustable attachment subcomponent 312 - 316 , similarly configured to the releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 212 - 216 of the retaining component 200 of FIG. 4 .
- the releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 312 - 316 is preferably easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the component 300 that is in the range between diameters D 6 and D 7 , and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user.
- the sub-component 312 - 316 comprises a first releasable attachment region 312 , positioned on a surface of the connecting element 308 b facing outward from the user's leg 30 b, and a second releasable attachment region 316 , positioned on the inner surface of the connecting element 308 a facing the first releasable attachment region 312 .
- the connecting element 308 a when the connecting element 308 a is pulled over the connecting element 308 b, the first ( 312 ) and the second ( 316 ) releasable regions are then placed into contact with one another forming a releasable connection that, depending on how far away from the slits 304 a, 304 b the elements 308 a, 308 b have been pulled by the user prior to the contact between the respective releasable regions 312 , 316 , determine the diameter of the retaining component 300 that is desired by the user.
- first and second releasable attachment regions 312 , 316 may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- Various examples of combinations of possible first and second regions 312 , 316 are described above in connection with the regions 112 , 116 a, and 116 b of FIG. 3 .
- the relative lengths of the connecting elements 308 a and 308 b maybe selected as a matter of design choice, preferably they are such to enable a substantial overlap therebetween.
- the RRA element 306 may be configured to freely slide within the sleeve 302 - 104 (for example to facilitate its removal therefrom for cleaning and/or replacement), or in an alternate embodiment thereof, the RRA element 306 may be at least partially secured from removal from the sleeve 302 - 104 by the at least one securing element 114 a configured and positioned as described above in connection with FIG. 3 .
- the user when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user disengages the region 316 , from the region 312 , grips at least one of the elements 308 a and 308 b (but preferably both), and moves them in a direction corresponding to a desired increase in the hosiery article 120 d retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the second releasable region 316 to the first releasable region 312 to maintain the desired adjusted hosiery article 120 d retaining region diameter.
- the RRA element 350 includes a body 352 comprising a resilient circumferential section 354 of a length L 1 c - 1 , with a connecting element 356 a of a length L 1 c - 2 at one end, and a connecting element 356 b of a length L 1 c - 3 at the other end.
- the connecting elements 356 a, 356 b are composed of a non-resilient material (for example, such as nylon webbing or equivalent), but optionally may be composed of a resilient material that is the same or different from the material of the section 354 .
- the elements 356 a, 356 b correspond to elements 108 a, 108 b of FIG. 3 , and to elements 308 a, 308 b of FIG. 6 .
- the RRA element 350 may be adjustable between diameters D 6 a and D 7 a, that are at least substantially similar to diameters D 6 and D 7 of FIGS. 3 and 6 .
- the relative magnitudes of lengths L 1 c - 1 , L 1 c - 2 , and L 1 c - 3 may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- FIG. 8 a second exemplary embodiment of a selective releasable retaining adjustment (RRA) element 400 (such as the RRA element 106 of FIG. 3 , or the RRA element 306 of FIG. 6 ), is shown.
- RRA selective releasable retaining adjustment
- the RRA element 400 includes a body 402 comprising a first circumferential section 404 of a length L 1 d - 1 , with a second circumferential section 406 a of a length L 1 d - 2 , followed by a connecting element 408 a of a length L 1 d - 4 at one end, and a third circumferential section 406 b of a length L 1 d - 3 , followed by a connecting element 408 b of a length L 1 d - 5 at the other end.
- the elements 408 a, 408 b correspond to elements 108 a, 108 b of FIG. 3 , and to elements 308 a, 308 b of FIG. 6 .
- one or more of the sections 404 , 406 a, 406 b, and of the elements 408 a, 408 b may be composed of one or more resilient materials, while the remaining sections and/or elements may be composed of a non-resilient material.
- section 404 and elements 408 a and 408 b may be composed of a non-resilient material (for example, such as nylon webbing or equivalent), while sections 406 a and 406 b are each composed of a resilient material.
- the RRA element 400 may be adjustable between diameters D 6 a and D 7 a, that are at least substantially similar to diameters D 6 and D 7 of FIGS. 3 and 6 .
- L 1 d - 1 , L 1 d - 2 , L 1 d - 3 , L 1 d - 4 , and L 1 d - 5 may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- each embodiment of the inventive hosiery article in FIGS. 1-8 may vary in color and material composition, and may include one or more embellishments or other decorative features, as a matter of design choice and without departing from the spirit of the invention, such that the inventive hosiery articles may be readily configured as attractive fashion accessories.
Abstract
The present invention provides a hosiery article (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.) that includes a novel configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces that are selectable and adjustable by a user. Advantageously, when the inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user (e.g., the wearer) is able to adjust the level of tension and compression force exerted by each article as the circumference of their lower limbs changes throughout the day and/or in response to one or more environmental factors, and/or in response to one or more physical and/or health conditions. As a result, the user is always able to maintain their desired balance between appearance and comfort of the worn novel hosiery articles. Furthermore, because each worn novel hosiery article is independently adjustable, users can configure different levels of compression force and tension for each retaining component of each worn article to maintained desired levels of comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance even when the wearer's limbs each swell to a different size. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of each retaining component may be provided with one or more decorative elements. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the novel hosiery article may include a retaining component at least a portion of which is removable and replaceable by the user.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to hosiery articles, and more particularly to hosiery articles with tension retaining components operable to maintain a worn hosiery article at a predetermined desired height.
- Various hosiery articles (such as socks, stockings, panty hose, etc.) have been integral wardrobe elements for centuries. The broad range of hosiery articles comprises a number of categories (socks, stockings, leggings, panty hose, etc.), with corresponding sub-categories (sport socks, dress socks, winter socks, knee-high socks, etc.). In view of the generally conical shape of both lower and upper human legs, all hosiery articles have at least one component in common—a retaining component responsible for maintaining the position of each worn article at an appropriate height on the leg. For many years, the most common retaining components included ribbons, ties, suspenders (garters, sock suspenders, etc.), and equivalents thereof.
- However, with the advent of elastic fabrics in the past several decades, the most common retaining component in the majority of modern hosiery items has been a section of elastic material (e.g., stretchable, incorporating one or more rubber bands, etc.), disposed near the top portion of the article, and sized and configured to compress and grip a portion of the wearer's leg proximal to the top of the article to generate sufficient tension to retain the article at a desired height on the wearer's leg. Referring now to a prior art
FIG. 7 , a typical hosiery article 500 (e.g., a sock) is shown. Thehosiery article 500 includes alower section 502 and a retaining component 504 (for example an elastic compression band). Thearticle 500 is worn on a wearer's leg 520 (a first portion of which, 520 a is above the top portion of thearticle 500, and a second portion of which, 520 b, is disposed within theretaining component 504. When thearticle 500 is worn, theretaining component 504 exerts a predefined level of compression forces 605 on theleg portion 520 b causing thearticle 500 to remain in the desired position on the wearers lower leg. While in theory, the compression-based approach seemed to provide a good and versatile solution, in practice, the preconfigured compression-based retaining component suffers from a number of serious and, in some cases, potentially dangerous disadvantages. - First, it is a well documented fact that people's lower extremities typically swell up as a day progresses into the afternoon and evening. While such swelling is common in even healthy individuals, a number of environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, barometric pressure), as well as certain physical and health conditions, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy, fluid retention, edema, certain cardiac conditions, previous fractures and other limb trauma, and old age, can cause swelling at any time of day or night, and may also significantly increase the extent to which the lower limbs swell in the evening.
- Unfortunately, because virtually all previously known hosiery articles have retaining components preconfigured with predetermined tension and compression forces in a relatively small region, an increased level of lower limb swelling can lead to a dangerous level of lower vascular system compression for the wearer, which in turn may result in decreased lower limb circulation causing significant discomfort to the wearer, and with potentially dangerous consequences for wearers having circulation-related health conditions (e.g., blood pressure imbalances, diabetes, cardiac conditions, disorders of the lower extremities, etc.). Prolonged disruption of lower limb circulation is especially devastating for neuropathy-prone individuals (diabetics, etc.).
- A number of solutions to the above problems have been attempted with very mixed results. For example, certain hosiery articles are offered with reduced compression force retaining elements that promise to minimize the negative impact on lower limb vascular system. However, this solution results in a significantly reduced effectiveness of the retaining component, causing the hosiery articles to constantly slip and slide down the wearer's leg (this problem is particularly prevalent with socks) which negatively impacts the wearer's appearance and personal comfort. Another set of attempted solutions, aimed more particularly at individuals with lower limb circulation problems (diabetics, etc.), took a different approach—rather than utilizing a relatively small retaining component at the top of the article, entire upper sections of such articles served as “distributed” retaining components that spread the compression force throughout a significant portion of the lower limb, to thereby reduce the risk of cutting off lower circulation. However, such approaches are likewise flawed. First, extended retaining components with distributed compression forces also result in the articles being more prone to slippage when worn. Furthermore, even with distributed retaining components, any significant level of lower limb swelling can still cause extreme discomfort to the wearer, even if it does not rise to the level of a health risk.
- Finally, the most significant and previously insurmountable flaw of the commonly known hosiery articles is the fact that all purchased articles come in pairs, and include retaining components configured with equal predefined levels of tension/compression forces in each article of the pair. However, many individuals, especially those suffering from a prior orthopedic lower limb trauma, may have different levels of swelling in each lower limb. In such a case, any work set of hosiery articles will cause either significant discomfort as one of the articles inflicts a greater level of pressure on the limb, or if the wearer chooses to prioritize comfort, one of the hosiery articles will have a higher tendency than the other to slip down the wearer's leg.
- It would thus be desirable to provide a novel and versatile hosiery article that includes a retaining component having user-adjustable levels of compression force/tension. It would also be desirable to provide a novel and versatile hosiery article with a configurable retaining component that is very easy to utilize by anyone at any time to increase or to decrease, at various increments, the level of compression force exerted thereby on the wearer's leg to achieve a desired balance between a pleasing appearance and the wearer's comfort. It would further be desirable to provide a pair of novel and versatile hosiery articles where each article includes the user-configurable retaining component that may configured be independently from one another.
- In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding or similar elements throughout the various figures:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive hosiery article with a user-adjustable tension component; -
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of an inventive hosiery article with a user-adjustable tension component; -
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article ofFIGS. 1 or 2; -
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article ofFIGS. 1 or 2; -
FIG. 5 is a diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article ofFIGS. 1 or 2; -
FIG. 6 is a diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the inventive user-adjustable tension component of the hosiery article ofFIGS. 1 or 2; -
FIG. 7 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable retaining adjustment element of the inventive user-adjustable tension component ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable retaining adjustment element of the inventive user-adjustable tension component ofFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 9 is a diagram of a prior art previously known hosiery article with a conventional tension component. - The present invention addresses the flaws and disadvantages of previously known hosiery articles (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.), by providing a novel hosiery article that includes an inventive configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces selectable and adjustable by a user. Advantageously, when the inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user (e.g., the wearer) is able to selectively adjust the level of tension and compression force exerted by each article, as the circumference of their lower limbs changes throughout the day, and/or in response to one or more environmental factors, and/or one or more physical and/or health conditions. As a result, the user is always able to maintain a desired predetermined balance between appearance and comfort of the worn novel hosiery articles.
- Furthermore, because each worn novel hosiery article is independently adjustable, users can configure different levels of compression force and tension for each retaining component of each worn article to maintained desired levels of comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance even when the wearer's limbs each swell to a different size. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of each retaining component may be provided with one or more decorative elements.
- The above is accomplished by providing the novel retaining component with at least one user-adjustable tensioning sub-component, at least partially circumferentially disposed around the user's leg proximal to the top of the inventive hosiery article, that includes at least one releasable selective adjustment element that may be placed by the user within a selected range of desired positions, each position corresponding to a higher or lower magnitude of tension and compression forces exerted by the retaining component on the user's leg proximal to the position of the component. Each selective adjustment element itself may be fully or partially composed of a flexible material (e.g., nylon webbing or equivalent), and optionally may comprise one or more portions having elastic properties. In various embodiments of the present invention, the selective adjustment element may be at least partially attached to one or more other elements of the corresponding novel configurable retaining component, or alternately, it may be removable and/or replaceable by the user.
- Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.
- The present invention addresses the flaws and disadvantages of previously known hosiery articles (such as socks, stockings, hose, leggings, panty hose, etc.), by providing a novel hosiery article that includes an inventive user-configurable retaining component with a range of various levels of tension and compression forces selectable and adjustable by a user. When a pair of inventive hosiery articles are worn, the user is further able to independently select and adjust the tension and compression force levels of each configurable retaining component thereof.
- It should be noted that while the various exemplary embodiments of the inventive hosiery article are shown and described with reference to a sock or to a stocking, the inventive hosiery article may be implemented as any hosiery article, including but not being limited to: leggings, panty hose, knee-highs, specialty sports socks, etc., as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, in the various drawing figures and accompanying descriptions herein, various hosiery article shapes, elements, components and features that may be provided in accordance with the present invention, are shown by way of example only, and shall not serve as a limitation on what type, size or configuration of shapes, elements, components and features of an hosiery article may be provided.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a first exemplary embodiment of the inventivehosiery article 10 is shown. By way of example only, thearticle 10 may be a dress or a sport sock, having asock body 12, with alower portion 14, a middle portion 16 (of a height A), and anupper section 18 of a height B, culminating at thearticle 10top 22. Preferably, a novel configurable and useradjustable retaining component 20, of a height C is disposed within the article upper section 18 a distance D away from thearticle top 22. A wearer's leg, when thearticle 10 is worn, is shown in two parts—aleg portion 30 a above thearticle top 22, and aleg portion 30 b, disposed within the articleupper section 18. As noted above, it should be understood that for a variety of reasons, the diameter of theleg portion 30 b may change throughout the day between diameters D-1 and D-2 at the point of the article top 22 (at which position, the diameter of thearticle 10 itself is D-3). - In accordance with the present invention, the user may selectively change, at any desired or convenient time, the diameter of the
retaining component 20 within a predefined range of diameters from diameter D-4 to diameter D-5, for example in response to changes in the diameter of the wearer's leg between D-1 and D-2. Advantageously, decreasing the diameter of thecomponent 20 from D-5 toward D-4, increases the tension and compression forces exerted thereby on thewearer leg portion 30 b, while increasing the diameter from D-4 toward D-5, reduces the tension and compression forces. Accordingly, the user is able to individually change the tension and compression forces exerted on each of his legs by each corresponding worn novel article, for example to relive the discomfort caused by swelling of one or both of the lower extremities. - While only a
single retaining component 20 is shown, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, two or more proximal retaining components, of similar configuration to thecomponent 20, may be utilized in conjunction with one another. - It should be noted, that the present invention contemplates any configuration and/or construction of the
component 20, that enables a user to change and maintain its diameter, and thus to adjust the resulting tension and compression forces exerted thereby on the wearer's leg. Therefore, any component, or component set, with such capabilities may be readily utilized as a matter of design choice, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Several advantageous exemplary embodiments of such novel retaining components are shown inFIGS. 3 to 6 , and described in greater detail below in connection therewith. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a different type of hosiery article, such as a stocking, is shown by way of example as anarticle 40. Thearticle 40 may include anelongated body 42, with a middle andlower portion 48, and anupper section 44. Preferably, a novel configurable and useradjustable retaining component 46 a is disposed within the articleupper section 44. A wearer's leg, when thearticle 40 is worn, is shown in two parts—leg portion 50 a above thearticle 40 top, and aleg portion 50 b, disposed within theupper section 44. Other than the relative sizes of its various portions, in a first exemplary embodiment thereof, thearticle 40 ofFIG. 2 operates in a manner quite similar to theinventive article 10 ofFIG. 1 . - In an alternate exemplary embodiment thereof, the
article 40 may also comprise a second useradjustable retaining component 46 b, that may be positioned within the middle andlower potion 48, close to, but not within theupper section 44. Thisadditional retaining component 46 b is particularly useful for embodiments of thearticle 40, in which thebody 42 is so long, that a user-adjustable retaining feature in addition to the retainingcomponent 46 a and that is positioned at a significant distance therefrom, is desirable or warranted. It should be noted that the retainingcomponent 46 b may be of the same, or of a different type, and/or configuration, as the retainingcomponent 46 a, as a matter of design choice or necessity, without departing from the spirit of the invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a first exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 100 (such as may be used as theadjustable retaining component 20 ofFIG. 1 , and/or as theadjustable retaining components FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in ahosiery article 120 a that is worn on a user'sleg 30 b. The retainingcomponent 100 includes an elongatedcylindrical body 102 of a height H1 a, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 a (such as of thesection 18 of thehosiery article 10 ofFIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of thehosiery article 120 a (for example by being stitched thereon) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article. Preferably, the retainingcomponent 100 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D6 (smaller) and D7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D4 to D5 shown inFIG. 1 . - The retaining
component 100 also comprises anelongated sleeve element 104 of a height H2 a that, in combination with thebody 102, forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 102-104 of a height H3 a in theretaining component 100. As noted above with respect to thebody 102, thesleeve element 104 may either be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 a, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on thebody 102 directly. The sleeve 102-104 comprises a firstopen slit 104 a and a secondopen slit 104 b. A flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”)element 106, of a height smaller than H3 a, and that is preferably at least partially resilient, is positioned within the sleeve 102-104, and includes, at the respective ends thereof, two connectingelements respective slits element 108 a may be of a length L1 a-1, while theelement 108 b may be of a length L1 a-2. - Each connecting
element 108 a, 108 may include an optionalcorresponding grip element grip elements RRA element 106, or they may be made from a different material (e.g., a strip of rubber, etc.). - Preferably, the retaining
component 100 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112-116 a-116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of thecomponent 100 that is in the range between diameters D6 and D7, and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the subcomponent 112-116 a-116 b, comprises a firstreleasable attachment region 112, of a length L2 a, positioned on the surface of thebody 102 facing outward from the user'sleg 30 b, and a pair of secondreleasable attachment regions elements releasable attachment region 112. Preferably, when the first (112) and second (116 a, 116 b) releasable regions are placed into contact with one another, they form a releasable connection, that, depending on how far towards one another theelements releasable attachment region 112, determine the resulting diameter of theretaining component 100 desired by the user. The specific type of the first and second releasable attachment regions that may be utilized in accordance with the present invention, as well as the relative magnitudes of L1 a-1, L1 a-2, and L2 a, may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, thefirst region 112 may comprise hook material, while thesecond regions first region 112 may comprise a male connector, while thesecond regions first region 112 may comprise a button hole, while thesecond regions - The
RRA element 106 may be configured to freely slide within the sleeve 102-104 (for example to facilitate its removal therefrom for cleaning and/or replacement), or in an alternate embodiment thereof, theRRA element 106 may be at least partially secured from removal from the sleeve 102-104 by at least one securingelement 114 a (e.g., such as stitching between a portion of theRRA element 106 and at least a portion of the sleeve 102-104) positioned a reasonable distance away from each of theslits second securing element 114 b. - By way of illustrative example, in practical use of the
hosiery article 120 a, when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof (i.e., by changing the diameter of the retaining component 100), the user disengages, from theregion 112, and grips at least one of theelements hosiery article 120 a retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the secondreleasable regions releasable region 112 to maintain the desired adjustedhosiery article 120 a retaining region diameter. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a second exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 200 (such as may be used as theadjustable retaining component 20 ofFIG. 1 , and/or asadjustable retaining components FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in ahosiery article 120 b that is worn on a user'sleg 30 b. The retainingcomponent 200 includes an elongatedcylindrical body 202 of a height H1 b, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 b (such as of thesection 18 of thehosiery article 10 ofFIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of thehosiery article 120 b (for example by being stitched on) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article. Preferably, the retainingcomponent 200 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D6 (smaller) and D7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D4 to D5 shown inFIG. 1 . - The retaining
component 200 also comprises anelongated sleeve element 204 of a height H2 b that, in combination with thebody 202, forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 202-204 of a height H3 b in theretaining component 200. As noted above with respect to thebody 202, thesleeve element 204 may either be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 a, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on thebody 202 directly. The sleeve 202-204 comprises anopen slit 204 a in either a right or a left portion of the component 200 (depending on whether thespecific hosiery article 120 b is configured for use by a right-handed, or by a left-handed user). - A flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”)
element 206, of a height smaller than H3 b, and that is preferably at least partially resilient, is positioned within the sleeve 202-204, and includes a connectingelement 208 of a length L1 b, sized and configured to emerge from theslit 204 a. The connectingelement 208 may include anoptional grip element 210 at its exposed end, to assist a user in gripping the end thereof, which may be of the same configuration aselements FIG. 3 . - Preferably, the retaining
component 200 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 212-216 that is easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of thecomponent 200 within a range between diameters D6 and D7, and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the sub-component 212-216, comprises a firstreleasable attachment region 212, of a length L2 b, positioned on the surface of thebody 202 facing outward from the user'sleg 30 b, and a second releasable attachment region 216 (of a length smaller than L1 b), positioned on the inner surface of the connectingelement 208 facing the firstreleasable attachment region 212. Preferably, when the first (212) and second (216) releasable regions are placed into contact with one another, they form a releasable connection that, depending on how far away from theslit 204 a theelement 208 has been pulled by the user prior to the contact between the respectivereleasable regions retaining component 200 that is desired by the user. The specific type of the first and secondreleasable attachment regions second regions regions FIG. 3 . - The
RRA element 206 is preferably secured within said sleeve 202-204 at an end opposite of itselement 208, in one embodiment of the invention, at least at a circumferential distance from theslit 204 a greater than ½ of the circumference of thebody 202, by at least one securing element 214 (e.g., such as stitching between a portion of theRRA element 206 and at least a portion of the sleeve 202-204). - By way of illustrative example, in practical use of the
hosiery article 120 b, when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user releases, from theregion 212, and grips theelement 208, and moves it in a direction corresponding to a desired increase in thehosiery article 120 b retaining region diameter (i.e., toward theslit 204 a), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., away from theslit 204 a), before securing the secondreleasable region 216 to the firstreleasable region 212 to maintain the desired adjustedhosiery article 120 b retaining region diameter. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , a third exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 250 (such as may be used as theadjustable retaining component 20 ofFIG. 1 , and/or asadjustable retaining components FIG. 2 ) is shown as utilized in ahosiery article 120 c that is worn on a user'sleg 30 b. The retainingcomponent 250 is very similar in usage and operation to theretaining component 100 ofFIG. 3 , but differs in construction as described in greater detail below. - The retaining
component 250 includes an elongatedcylindrical body 252, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 c (such as of thesection 18 of thehosiery article 10 ofFIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of thehosiery article 120 c (for example by being stitched on) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article. Preferably, the retainingcomponent 250 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D6 (smaller) and D7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D4 to D5 shown inFIG. 1 . - The main difference in construction between the retaining
component 250 and theretaining component 100 ofFIG. 3 , is that instead of including a sleeve 102-104, slits 104 a, 104 b, or aRRA element 106 with connectingelements respective slits FIG. 3 , the retainingcomponent 250 only includes a pair of connectingelements elements FIG. 3 , but that are connected to thebody 252 outer surface atcircumferential positions slits FIG. 3 ). Preferably, the connectingelements optional grip elements - Preferably, the retaining
component 250 also includes a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112-116 a-116 b easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of thecomponent 250 that is in the range between diameters D6 and D7 and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user. Various embodiments of this sub-component 112-116 a-116 b are described above in connection withFIG. 1 . - As with the retaining
component 100 ofFIG. 1 , by way of illustrative example, in practical use of thehosiery article 120 c, when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user disengages, from theregion 112, and grips at least one of theelements hosiery article 120 c retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the secondreleasable regions releasable region 112, to maintain the desired adjustedhosiery article 120 c retaining region diameter. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a fourth exemplary embodiment of an inventive user-adjustable configurable retaining component 300 (such as may be used as theadjustable retaining component 20 ofFIG. 1 , and/or as theadjustable retaining components hosiery article 120 d that is worn on a user'sleg 30 b. The retainingcomponent 300 is very similar in construction to theretaining component 100 ofFIG. 3 , but is similar to usage and operation of theretaining component 200 ofFIG. 4 , as described in greater detail below. - The retaining
component 300 includes an elongatedcylindrical body 302, which in one embodiment of the invention may be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 d (such as of thesection 18 of thehosiery article 10 ofFIG. 1 ), or it may be applied to the surface of thehosiery article 120 d (for example by being stitched on) and composed of the same, or of a different material, than the article. Preferably, the retainingcomponent 300 is capable of being adjusted, as described in greater detail below, between diameters D6 (smaller) and D7 (larger), which by way of example, approximately correspond to diameters D4 to D5 shown inFIG. 1 . - Similarly to the
component 100 ofFIG. 1 , the retainingcomponent 300 also comprises anelongated sleeve element 104 that, in combination with thebody 302, forms at least a partially circumferential internal sleeve 302-104 of a in theretaining component 300. As noted above with respect to thebody 302, thesleeve element 104 may either be an integral part of thehosiery article 120 d, or alternately it may be applied (e.g., stitched) onto the surface thereof, or mounted on thebody 302 directly. Again, similarly to thecomponent 100 ofFIG. 3 , the sleeve 302-104 comprises a firstopen slit 104 a and a secondopen slit 104 b. A flat elongated releasable retaining adjustment (hereinafter “RRA”)element 306, that is preferably at least partially resilient, is positioned within the sleeve 302-104, and includes two connectingelements respective slits - The main difference in construction between the retaining
component 300 and theretaining component 100 ofFIG. 1 , is that instead of including a releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 112-116 a-116 b, the retainingcomponent 300 includes a releasable adjustable attachment subcomponent 312-316, similarly configured to the releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 212-216 of theretaining component 200 ofFIG. 4 . - The releasable adjustable attachment sub-component 312-316 is preferably easily operable by the user to set a desired diameter of the
component 300 that is in the range between diameters D6 and D7, and that achieves a balance between comfort and retaining effectiveness that is desirable to the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the sub-component 312-316, comprises a firstreleasable attachment region 312, positioned on a surface of the connectingelement 308 b facing outward from the user'sleg 30 b, and a secondreleasable attachment region 316, positioned on the inner surface of the connectingelement 308 a facing the firstreleasable attachment region 312. Preferably, when the connectingelement 308 a is pulled over the connectingelement 308 b, the first (312) and the second (316) releasable regions are then placed into contact with one another forming a releasable connection that, depending on how far away from the slits 304 a, 304 b theelements releasable regions retaining component 300 that is desired by the user. The specific type of the first and secondreleasable attachment regions second regions regions FIG. 3 . While the relative lengths of the connectingelements - Furthermore, while
element 308 a has been described above as having the secondreleasable attachment region 316 on its underside, and theelement 308 b has been described above as having the firstreleasable attachment region 312 on its surface, it should be understood that the positions of theregions positioning region 312 on the surface of theelement 308 a, while positioningregion 316 on the underside of theelement 308 b), as a matter of design choice or convenience, without departing from the spirit of the invention. - The
RRA element 306 may be configured to freely slide within the sleeve 302-104 (for example to facilitate its removal therefrom for cleaning and/or replacement), or in an alternate embodiment thereof, theRRA element 306 may be at least partially secured from removal from the sleeve 302-104 by the at least one securingelement 114 a configured and positioned as described above in connection withFIG. 3 . - By way of illustrative example, in practical use of the
hosiery article 120 d, when the user desires to change the diameter of the retaining region thereof, the user disengages theregion 316, from theregion 312, grips at least one of theelements hosiery article 120 d retaining region diameter (i.e., away from one another), or corresponding to a decrease in the retaining region diameter (i.e., toward one another), before securing the secondreleasable region 316 to the firstreleasable region 312 to maintain the desired adjustedhosiery article 120 d retaining region diameter. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , a first exemplary embodiment of a selective releasable retaining adjustment (RRA) element 350 (such as theRRA element 106 ofFIG. 3 , or theRRA element 306 ofFIG. 6 ), is shown. TheRRA element 350 includes abody 352 comprising a resilientcircumferential section 354 of a length L1 c-1, with a connectingelement 356 a of a length L1 c-2 at one end, and a connectingelement 356 b of a length L1 c-3 at the other end. Preferably, the connectingelements section 354. Theelements elements FIG. 3 , and toelements FIG. 6 . Preferably, theRRA element 350 may be adjustable between diameters D6 a and D7 a, that are at least substantially similar to diameters D6 and D7 ofFIGS. 3 and 6 . The relative magnitudes of lengths L1 c-1, L1 c-2, and L1 c-3 may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a second exemplary embodiment of a selective releasable retaining adjustment (RRA) element 400 (such as theRRA element 106 ofFIG. 3 , or theRRA element 306 ofFIG. 6 ), is shown. TheRRA element 400 includes abody 402 comprising a firstcircumferential section 404 of a length L1 d-1, with a secondcircumferential section 406 a of a length L1 d-2, followed by a connectingelement 408 a of a length L1 d-4 at one end, and a thirdcircumferential section 406 b of a length L1 d-3, followed by a connectingelement 408 b of a length L1 d-5 at the other end. Theelements elements FIG. 3 , and toelements FIG. 6 . - In various alternate embodiments of the
RRA element 400, one or more of thesections elements section 404 andelements sections RRA element 400 may be adjustable between diameters D6 a and D7 a, that are at least substantially similar to diameters D6 and D7 ofFIGS. 3 and 6 . The relative magnitudes of lengths L1 d-1, L1 d-2, L1 d-3, L1 d-4, and L1 d-5 may be selected as a matter of design choice without departing from the spirit of the invention. - It should also be noted, that the various above-described elements and components of each embodiment of the inventive hosiery article in
FIGS. 1-8 may vary in color and material composition, and may include one or more embellishments or other decorative features, as a matter of design choice and without departing from the spirit of the invention, such that the inventive hosiery articles may be readily configured as attractive fashion accessories. - Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (1)
1. A hosiery article, sized and configured to be worn on a predefined region of a user's lower limb comprising the user's leg, ankle, and foot, the limb region having a predetermined portion of a diameter that varies between a first diameter value and a second diameter value over a period of time, the article comprising:
an article body composed of a flexible material, comprising a lower region for receiving the user's foot, a middle region, positioned above the lower region, for receiving at least the user's ankle, and an upper region of a third diameter, positioned above the middle region for receiving a predetermined portion of the user's leg;
a configurable tension retaining component, positioned within said upper article region and connected to said article body, operable to exert a tension force on a proximal region of the user's leg, that is sufficient to at least partially retain said upper region of said article proximal to a predetermined position thereupon selected by the user when placing the article on the user's lower limb, wherein said tension retaining component is further operable by the user to selectively change said tension force exerted thereby on said proximal leg region, by adjusting said third diameter to a user-determined diameter value within a predetermined range between a fourth diameter and a fifth diameter, such that the user is thereby empowered to alter said tension force exerted on at least a portion of the leg thereof, to maintain a desired user-determined level of comfort in wearing the article, in response to a change in the diameter value of the predetermined potion of the users limb region.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/171,221 US20100005567A1 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2008-07-10 | Hoisery article with a user-adjustable tension retaining component |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/171,221 US20100005567A1 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2008-07-10 | Hoisery article with a user-adjustable tension retaining component |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20100005567A1 true US20100005567A1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
Family
ID=41503777
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/171,221 Abandoned US20100005567A1 (en) | 2008-07-10 | 2008-07-10 | Hoisery article with a user-adjustable tension retaining component |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100005567A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180235836A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-08-23 | Carrie Green | Pressure point sleep garment |
US20220346462A1 (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2022-11-03 | KaNisha L. Hall | Mobility Support Sock |
KR102614953B1 (en) * | 2023-08-29 | 2023-12-15 | 안명기 | Socks |
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US1238196A (en) * | 1915-12-30 | 1917-08-28 | Alfred M Roedelheim | Stocking. |
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US2513639A (en) * | 1947-06-25 | 1950-07-04 | Goodman Max | Stocking wear |
US2526663A (en) * | 1949-05-17 | 1950-10-24 | Sonja S Holland | Sock |
US2697230A (en) * | 1952-10-31 | 1954-12-21 | Sr Ernest E Rosecrans | Stocking clamping garter |
US2700161A (en) * | 1953-07-22 | 1955-01-25 | Henrietta E Boyce | Gauntlet sock |
US2805424A (en) * | 1956-11-08 | 1957-09-10 | Shamrock Knitting Mills Inc | Novelty hosiery |
US3492674A (en) * | 1968-03-21 | 1970-02-03 | Tip Top Hosiery Mills Inc | Footlet |
US3605122A (en) * | 1969-02-28 | 1971-09-20 | Harvery L Myers | Adjustable elastic stocking |
US3747125A (en) * | 1972-05-30 | 1973-07-24 | B Goldman | Cast sheath with sealing closure |
US4198834A (en) * | 1978-05-15 | 1980-04-22 | Carolon Company | Elastic stocking with circumferentially adjustable upper thigh |
US4599812A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1986-07-15 | Harmsen Wayne A | Leggings |
US4809447A (en) * | 1987-11-13 | 1989-03-07 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Waterproof breathable sock |
USD362957S (en) * | 1994-01-05 | 1995-10-10 | Glenn Lindaman | Sock with fastener |
USD382994S (en) * | 1995-08-23 | 1997-09-02 | Frederick Kluttz | Sock |
US5774898A (en) * | 1996-05-02 | 1998-07-07 | Malpee; Mitchell G. | Athletic footwear for soft terrain |
US5987778A (en) * | 1997-01-30 | 1999-11-23 | Stoner; Ronald N. | Protective footwear and lower leg covering |
US5742945A (en) * | 1997-02-21 | 1998-04-28 | Lindaman; Glenn | Sock with shin guard fastener |
US5867839A (en) * | 1997-10-17 | 1999-02-09 | Lawlor; Michael R. | Athletic sock garter and method of using same |
US6135974A (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 2000-10-24 | Matz; Samuel O. | Post-injury support hose |
US6378139B1 (en) * | 1998-04-06 | 2002-04-30 | Patricia A. Mazzaglia | Lounging and sleeping stocking |
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US20040111787A1 (en) * | 2002-12-13 | 2004-06-17 | Solomon Green | Waterproof boot liner |
US20050034221A1 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2005-02-17 | Frankie Ridpath | Disposable gaiter guard |
US20060189253A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-08-24 | Jones Karen E | Body-shaping apparel |
US20060206987A1 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2006-09-21 | Gear-Up Sports Apparel Limited | Athletic sock |
US7552483B2 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2009-06-30 | Gear Up Sports Worldwide Ltd. | Athletic sock |
US20060276734A1 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-12-07 | Satkowiak Steve M | Waterproof limb protector |
US20070271680A1 (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2007-11-29 | Howell Harry M | Adjustable sock for people with diabetes and injuries |
US20100081984A1 (en) * | 2007-02-27 | 2010-04-01 | Gruppo Decortex S.R.L. | Garment with Silicone Transpiring Band and Method for Making the Same |
US20090188020A1 (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2009-07-30 | Beaumont Samaiya A | Sock with decorative portion |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180235836A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2018-08-23 | Carrie Green | Pressure point sleep garment |
US10413479B2 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2019-09-17 | Carrie Green | Pressure point sleep garment |
US20220346462A1 (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2022-11-03 | KaNisha L. Hall | Mobility Support Sock |
KR102614953B1 (en) * | 2023-08-29 | 2023-12-15 | 안명기 | Socks |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |