Multi-Layered Socks With Elastomeric Padding

Abstract

Multi-layered socks with elastomeric padding in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sock for reducing foot movement is provided, the sock including: a toe region connected to a mid-foot region, connected to a heel region, further connected to an ankle region, the ankle region including an opening; a sole positioned from the toe region through the mid-foot region to the heel region, the sole comprising an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer; the middle layer being attached to the inner layer and encapsulated between the inner layer and the outer layer; the middle layer of the sole varies in thickness; a thickness of the middle layer of the sole is greater in the heel region and the toe region; and the sock forms a hollow tubular shape that is closed at the toe region and open at the ankle region.

1 . A sock for reducing foot movement, the sock comprising:
 a toe region that is positioned at a first end of the sock for receiving at least one toe of a user's foot;   a mid-foot region comprising a ball region and having a first side connected to the toe region and a second side connected to a heel region, wherein the first side is positioned opposite the second side;   the heel region positioned for receiving a heel of a user's foot;   an ankle region connected to the heel region, wherein the ankle region comprises an opening;   a sole positioned from the toe region through the mid-foot region to the heel region, the sole comprising an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer, wherein:
 the inner layer makes contact with the user's foot when the sock receives the user's foot; 
 the middle layer is attached to the inner layer and is encapsulated between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein:
 the middle layer of the sole varies in thickness; 
 a thickness of the middle layer of the sole is greater in the heel region, ball region, and the toe region; and 
 
   wherein the sock forms a hollow tubular shape that is closed at the toe region and open at the ankle region.   
     
     
         2 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the middle layer is greater in the toe region in an area corresponding to a first metatarsal of the user's foot. 
     
     
         3 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the middle layer of the sole comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The sock of  claim 3 , wherein the elastomeric material has a geometric grid pattern that allows for adequate air and moisture transfer while providing localized support. 
     
     
         5 . The sock of  claim 4 , wherein the inner layer comprises a blend of all natural fibers. 
     
     
         6 . The sock of  claim 4 , wherein the inner layer comprises a blend of all synthetic fibers. 
     
     
         7 . The sock of  claim 4 , wherein the inner layer comprises a combination blend of synthetic and natural fibers including cellulosic fibers. 
     
     
         8 . The sock of  claim 3 , wherein the elastomeric material has a Shore hardness between 00-0 and A-40. 
     
     
         9 . The sock of  claim 8 , wherein the elastomeric material has a water absorption rate no greater than 3.00%. 
     
     
         10 . The sock of  claim 9 , wherein the elastomeric material has a thickness not to exceed 2.00 mm. 
     
     
         11 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The sock of  claim 2 , wherein the greater thickness of the middle layer in the toe region in the area corresponding to the first metatarsal forms a first metatarsal cushion. 
     
     
         22 . The sock of  claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the middle layer is greater in the toe region in an area corresponding to a fifth metatarsal of the user's foot. 
     
     
         23 . The sock of  claim 22 , wherein the greater thickness of the middle layer in the toe region in the area corresponding to the fifth metatarsal forms a fifth metatarsal cushion. 
     
     
         24 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the greater thickness of the middle layer in the heel region forms a heel cushion. 
     
     
         25 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the greater thickness of the middle layer in the ball region forms a ball cushion. 
     
     
         26 . The sock of  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the middle layer is greater in the ankle region. 
     
     
         27 . The sock of  claim 26 , wherein the greater thickness of the middle layer in the heel region and the ankle region forms an extended heel cushion.