Sole Coated Toe Sock

Abstract

The present invention relates to socks and related items and specifically, toe socks that are breathable but include a thin protective barrier on the sole to guard against most types of penetration. The invention comprises a five toed sock that includes a thin elastomer protective layer, preferably natural latex rubber or nitrile, generally located on the exterior portions of the heel, arch, pad, and toes sections.

1 . A sock, said sock comprising:
 a. An interior and an exterior shaft, heel, arch, pad, and toes section;   b. Wherein the shaft section includes an open end through which the foot of the wearer is inserted when the sock is put on, the sock shaft section including a shaft support section to encircle a lower part of a leg or ankle of a wearer and to maintain the sock in proper orientation upon the leg or ankle; the closed foot section adapted to receive the foot of the wearer, and includes the heel, arch, pad, and toe sections;   c. the toes section comprising:
 i. five individual toe cavities configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear; 
 ii. each toe cavity comprising a top side and an under side; and 
 iii. at least one layer of elastomer coating generally located on the exterior portions of the heel, arch, pad, and toe sections. 
   
     
     
         2 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer protective coating is formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of:
 a. Natural rubber;   b. Nitrile.   
     
     
         3 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the sock is shaped to fit either a right foot or a left foot. 
     
     
         4 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the interior shaft, heel, arch, pad, and toes sections are formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of:
 a. Nylon;   b. Wool;   c. Acrylic; and   d. Polyester.   
     
     
         5 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer layer has a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimeters to approximately 4 millimeters. 
     
     
         6 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein a pattern is incorporated into the elastomer coating.