Flat, topless socks

Abstract

The flat, topless sock is are re-usable, machine washable/dryable, sock/stocking alternative that is inserted into a shoe or sandal, adhering to the shoe's insole so it can be worn in place of traditional socks to give the wearer the “no-sock” look while providing the benefits of wearing a sock. The preferred embodiment of the flat, topless sock consists of a soft, durable, absorbent surface in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot and an adhesive/anti-slip surface on the opposite side which is in contact with/adheres to the insole of the shoe or sandal. Optional features may include but are not limited to: the addition of extra layer(s) for added comfort, shock and/or sweat absorption; the addition of an anti-microbial agent; a design modification to allow for use in a thong sandal; and an unlimited variety of decorative material designs, colors, textures, stitching patterns or appliqués.

1 . A flat, topless sock that is inserted into a shoe, sandal or thong sandal and sticks to the insoles so it can be worn in place of traditional socks, stockings or shoe inserts to provide a “no-sock” bare leg/bare foot look while providing the comfort and hygiene benefits of wearing socks or stockings. 
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock covers only the insole or part of the insole of the shoe, sandal or thong sandal, thereby allowing it to be worn only under the foot and not resting on any part of the foot above the sole (bottom) of the foot. 
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock can be machine washed and dried and still retain its full functionality, including adhesive properties, which enables repeated re-use and encourages better foot/shoe hygiene. 
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock has a soft, durable, absorbent surface in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot and an adhesive/anti-slip surface on the opposite side which is in contact with the insole or part of the insole of the shoe, sandal or thong sandal. 
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock can be constructed of either a single layer of woven or non-woven material or multiple layers of woven or non-woven materials/products. 
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive/anti-slip material/product is either inherently built into the layer(s) of woven/non-woven materials comprising the flat, topless sock, or it is attached/applied/secured to the layer(s) of the flat, topless sock by any mechanical or non-mechanical means including, but not limited to: stitching, gluing, fusing, velcro, snapping, interlocking, and magnetizing. 
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock can be manufactured by any combination of mechanical or non-mechanical means including, but not limited to: stitching, gluing, fusing, velcro, snapping, interlocking, molding, and magnetizing. 
     
     
         8 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock can be manufactured using any existing, new or future technologies and/or products and materials in any combination including, but not limited to: cotton, wool, polyester, velcro, silicone gel, polyurethane gel, glue, molding and tape. 
     
     
         9 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock may have one or more optional features/designs added that include but are not limited to the following (in any combination): the addition of an extra-cushion layer of a woven or non-woven material or substance to provide added comfort/shock absorption; the addition of an anti-microbial agent; the addition of a moisture wicking material; and an unlimited variety of decorative fabric, material, designs, prints, colors, textures, stitching patterns or appliqués. 
     
     
         10 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock may have an unlimited amount of design modifications to allow for use in any and all existing and/or future types of shoes, high heels, sandals, flats, boots, thong sandals and foot coverings for men, women, children and animals. 
     
     
         11 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock may be modified in an unlimited variety of ways to allow changes in functionality including, but not limited to, allowing it to adhere to the bottom of the foot instead of the insole of the shoe or sandal. 
     
     
         12 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the flat, topless sock may be modified in an unlimited variety of ways to allow changes in functionality including, but not limited to, allowing it to adhere to both the bottom of the foot and the insole of the shoe or sandal.