Thermal transfer footwear; sock or stocking

Abstract

The product relates to a heat-regulating sock ( 1 ) with heat-conducting materials in certain areas. In one example embodiment the device may provide a means of conducting heat in and around the foot and leg. Heat can be intentionally transferred from one area of the foot to another, from an area of the leg to an area of the foot, from an area of leg to an area of the foot, from the foot to the localized atmosphere, or from the localized atmosphere to the foot. To this end, the inventive sock has at least one thermally conductive material ( 2 ) touching a portion of the foot or leg, in one or multiple locations, and conducting heat towards other regions of the foot or away from the contacted area of the foot with one or more additional materials insulating the conductive material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thermally-conductive sock having a foot portion with sole, an intermediate portion extending therefrom, and a band at the top thereof, comprising:
 a conductive material provided in predetermined areas especially for use in various environments where the foot may become cooler than the localized environment wherein the wearer wishes to utilize the temperature differential between regions of the sock and foot and   a thermally conductive material and an insulating material knit and wound together with the thermally conductive material making direct contact with the foot.   1.1. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is formed as a thread.   1.2. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of up to about 3,300 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K).   1.3. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of at least 100 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K).   1.4. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 1 location.   1.5. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 2 locations and out of contact with the wearers foot in at least 1 location.   1.6. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is constructed with at least one thermally insulating material.   1.7. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is woven above, below and between one or more thermally insulating material.   1.8. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, an elastic yarn or thread is interwoven with other portions of the sock.   
     
     
         2 . A thermally-conductive sock having a foot portion with sole, an intermediate portion extending therefrom, and a band at the top thereof, comprising:
 a conductive material provided in predetermined areas especially for use in various environments where the foot may become warmer than the localized environment wherein the wearer wishes to utilize the temperature differential between regions of the sock and foot, and temperature differentials between the localized environment and the sock.   a thermally conductive material and an insulating material knit and wound together with the thermally conductive material making direct contact with the foot.   2.1. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is formed as a thread.   2.2. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of up to about 3,300 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K).   2.3. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material has a conductive rate of at least 100 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m*K).   2.4. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 1 location.   2.5. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is in contact with the wearer's epidermis in at least 2 locations and out of contact with the wearers foot in at least 1 location.   2.6. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is exposed to environmental conditions in at least one location.   2.7. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is constructed with at least one thermally insulating material placed between the wearer's epidermis and the thermally conductive material.   2.8. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, the thermally conductive material is woven above, below and between one or more thermally insulating material.   2.9. A temperature moderating sock in accordance with  claim 1  characterized in that, an elastic yarn or thread is interwoven with other portions of the sock.