NL2013561B1

NL2013561B1 - Yarn and anti-slip water-sock.

Info

Publication number: NL2013561B1
Application number: NL2013561A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Gré Moerli Jermaine
Original assignee: Gré Moerli Jermaine
Priority date: 2014-10-02
Filing date: 2014-10-02
Publication date: 2016-10-03

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of an anti-slip sock. A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is considered to be a heavy producer of sweat. Socks may help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where it can evapo- rate. Socks are also used to keep feet warm and to reduce a risk of frostbite, especially in cold environments.

Description

Yarn and anti-slip water-sock

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an anti-slip water-sock and a yarn for an anti-slip water-sock.

Background of the invention

The present invention is in the field of an anti-slip sock. A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is considered to be a heavy producer of sweat. Socks may help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where it can evaporate. Socks are also used to keep feet warm and to reduce a risk of frostbite, especially in cold environments. A person walking around a pool can slip. The dangers of slipping are increased by a wet or humid floor. Floors around swimming pools are frequently wet or humid. A slip and subsequent fall of a person on the floor can cause (minor) injuries or worse.

Known is a water-sock, which can be worn during walking around the pool as well as during swimming in the pool. Such a sock provides an anti-slip surface at the bottom of the sock (US2011162129). Typically such a surface comprises rubber like dots, or is comprised of rubber like dots.

Other known socks with an anti-slip surface are disclosed in US710762 6, JP2002204701 and US2013152275. A disadvantage of known socks is that the sock provides not enough friction for use in humid conditions by people wearing the sock. The low friction increases the danger of the person wearing the sock to slip and fall.

Therefore there is a need for an improved anti-slip sock, which overcomes one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides an improved anti-slip sock made according to the claims or a foot enclosing device made of a yarn according to the claims, which overcomes the disadvantage of the known socks.

The sock according to the invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

The anti-slip characteristics may be expressed in terms of a friction coefficient. The friction coefficient is a coefficient determining behaviour of two flat surfaces in contact with or adjacent to each other. The friction coefficient is a friction force divided by a normal force. The friction force is parallel to the surfaces and the normal force is perpendicular to the surfaces.

The condition of the two surfaces greatly determines the friction coefficient. One major difference is if the two surfaces are static or dynamic relative to each other. Another condition is if the surfaces are dry or have some kind of lubrication. A lubricant might be water, soap, oil or any other fluid or even a grained or fine grained solid material. A foot placed on the ground for walking or standing is not moving relative to the ground, this is considered a static friction. For the anti-slip effect and therefore the patent application the main interest is the static friction coefficient in lubricated conditions, wherein the lubricant is water or water with an additive.

For reference rubber on dry concrete has a static friction coefficient around 1.0. Unfortunately, the same rubber on wet concrete can have a friction coefficient as low as 0.3.

It is noted that the friction coefficient is in most cases non-linear. Therefore the friction coefficient in this application are considered over a predetermined range of a normal force. The normal force acting upon the yarn during use relates to the mass of the human wearing the anti-slip water-sock. The mass of humans, wearing such an anti-slip water-sock, may range from 5kg to 120kg, for children from 5kg to 50kg, such as 10kg to 40kg, or for adults from 50kg to 120kg, such as 60kg to 100kg.

It has been found that an effect of using a yarn with a friction coefficient of μ>0,50, such as μ>0,60, preferably μ>0,70, more preferably μ>0,80, even more preferably μ>0,90, is that the sock in humid conditions significantly decreases the change of a person wearing the sock according to the invention to slip and fall.

The friction coefficient of the anti-slip water-sock of the invention is measured according to the DIN 51130. It is noted that a friction coefficient depends on the measurement method. Unfortunately not one single friction coefficient can be given for two adjacent materials. To overcome this issue, in the present invention a material is considered suited for an anti-slip sock if the material provides a relative improvement of at least 25%, preferably 50%, more preferably 75%, most preferably 100%, of the static friction coefficient of prior art yarns used in an anti-slip water-sock or a bare foot under the same conditions.

In an embodiment the yarn is knitted to provide a surface texture. This embodiment provides an improved friction coefficient to the anti-slip water-sock. A known disadvantage of prior art socks is that the knitting of the yarn does not -or not sufficiently improve the friction coefficient. It is an insight of the inventor that knitting the yarn with a stich with additional crossings of the yarn or a stich with a larger cross-section increases the texture of the anti-slip water-sock and therewith increases the friction coefficient. A result of a measurement of the texture of the anti-slip water-sock is expressed according to the ISO 1302:2002.

In a further embodiment the yarn provides a core and a coating. A disadvantage of prior art anti-slip socks is that these are not suited for wet environments, such as swimming pools. The, socks degrade over time, due to relative harsh environments of swimming pools. Over time such a sock tends to become saggy and does not snugly fit around a foot anymore. This problem is caused by the yarn losing its elasticity and flexibility. This loss of elasticity and flexibility is due to UV, water and/or additives in the water act upon the sock.

Known socks have anti-slip zones made of patches. Another disadvantage of such a sock is that over time these patches become lose from the other materials of the sock. A yarn with a core and a coating overcomes one or more of the previous mentioned disadvantages.

In view of the above, a yarn according to the invention is made of at least one core and at least one coating. The diameter of the core of the yarn in case of a single core is smaller or equal than 1500 pm, preferably smaller than 1000 pm, more preferably smaller than 500 pm, even more preferably smaller than 250 pm, preferably smaller than 100 pm, most preferably smaller than 50 pm. The diameter of the core of the yarn in case of multiple cores is smaller or equal then 750 pm, preferably smaller than 500 pm, more preferably smaller than 250 pm, even more preferably smaller than 100 pm, preferably smaller than 50 pm, most preferably smaller than 10 pm.

The coating of the yarn is preferably thick enough to provide good protection and a thin enough to maintain good flexibility. The present inventor has found that a coating of less than 500 pm, preferably less than 250 pm, more preferably less than 100 pm, even more preferably less than 50 pm, most preferably less than 10 pm provides the characteristics suitable for the invention.

The coating preferably protects the core in order to maintain adequate elasticity, flexibility, durability, and integrity, and prevents degradation by UV, water and/or an additive in water.

Combining the different core diameters and coating thicknesses provides the table below with the yarn diameter converted to wraps per inch (wpi).

Elasticity is typically defined as the percentage of change in length of the section of the yarn divided by the percentage of change in force acting upon the section of the yarn. The elasticity of the yarn is expressed according to Hooke's law. Hooke's law defines elasticity as the percentage of expansion of a yarn due to a force equals a constant multiplied with the force expanding the yarn. The constant relates to the elasticity of the yarn and has the unit percentage expansion per Newton. The constant of the yarn according to the invention is preferably in the range of 1 %/N to 100 %/N, such as 10 %/N to 80 %/N, such as 20 %/N to 60 %/N.

Flexibility is the opposite of stiffness. Stiffness is typically defined as the perpendicular force exercised on an object divided by the displacement of this object at the position where the force is applied relative to the length of that object deflecting. The unit of stiffness is N/%. A sock preferably has a degree of flexibility in order to allow the sock to follow the curvature of an object (foot) positioned inside the sock. As part of a comfortable fitting of the sock around a foot, this also provides a larger contact surface between the foot and sock for an increased friction between sock and foot. The stiffness of the present yarn is preferably in the range of 0.01 N/% to 1 N/%, such as 0.1 N/% to 0.5 N/%.

Durability is the ability to withstand wear and tear. If friction is applied to a sock, this sock will be subjected to wear and tear. It is therefore preferred to have a sock that can withstand wear and tear for a period of at least a few month, and preferably 1-2 years.

Integrity relates to a state of the sock. Integrity of an object is mostly measured in terms of compliance of this object to certain requirements. In case of a sock, the integrity is among other requirements defined according to the wear and tear withstanding ability, breaking strength of a yarn comprised in the sock and withstanding sagging. The person skilled in the art of production of socks with a yarn is known with measuring techniques to measure the integrity of the sock.

In an exemplary embodiment the yarn comprises several cores. Several cores provide the advantage of a higher breaking strength compared to a single core with the same diameter.

In yet another exemplary embodiment the multiple cores of the yarn each have a coating. It has been found that this provides the advantage of improved laterally movement of the cores relative to each other in the yarn. This advantage provides a higher flexibility and/or lower wear and tear.

In a further embodiment the yarn comprises multiple cores, such as 2-5 cores. Each core preferably has a coating and each coating may be selected independently. This advantageously allows for equipping the different cores with a coating suitable for their function. In an example the cores are arranged in a bundle. The outer cores of the bundle may have a coating which prevents wear and the inner cores of the bundle may have a coating with high elasticity and flexibility.

In a further embodiment the yarn comprises a coating enclosing multiple cores. This provides the advantage of improved lateral movement of multiple enclosed cores relative to each other and minimizing the amount of coating used.

In an embodiment the yarn is selected from a group consisting of materials providing one or more functions to the sock, wherein the one or more functions are selected from the group comprising elasticity, flexibility, durability, and integrity. This provides the advantage of a sock with an extended time providing the anti-slip function.

The anti-slip water-sock is mostly used in humid and wet conditions. It is noted that in humid or wet conditions development of bacteria and/or fungal is favoured, compared to dry conditions. In view thereof the sock and/or yarn are provided with an anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal agent, preferably to a coating of the sock.

In a further embodiment the yarn is advantageously made of cotton and/or soya fibres. This provides the advantage of a strong readily available fibre at low cost.

In yet another embodiment the water-sock comprises patches arranged on a bottom side of said tubular part, wherein the one or more patches have a high friction coefficient, such as μ>0.60, preferably μ>0.70, more preferably μ>0.80, like μ>0.90. These patches provide the advantage of an increased slip friction when the sock is used.

In an embodiment the sock comprises one or more openings, preferably five openings, on an opposing end from the heel part. These openings provide the advantage of improved draining of water from the inside of the sock. Another advantage is when during walking the toes keep direct contact with the walking surface an improved walking experience is perceived.

In a further embodiment toe openings are extended with respective tubular parts. This provides the advantage of in creased friction of the toes arranged in the tubular parts during use, wherein the increased friction can be between a toe and the yarn and between the yarn and a contact surface.

In an embodiment the sock is made of one (semi-) continuous yarn. This provides the advantage of a simplification of the production process and improved comfort.

In a yet another embodiment the sock is a seamless sock. This provides the advantage of improving the comfort of the sock. Another advantage is the improved prevention of blisters and other skin pressure induced defects.

In an embodiment of the sock the sock provides a garment insulation of I > 0.010, preferably I > 0.015, more preferably I > 0.020, even more preferably I > 0.025. A sock with a high garment isolation enables the use of this sock in cold conditions while still providing a high comfort to the user.

In a further embodiment of the sock the sock provides a garment insulation of I < 0.030, preferably I < 0.025, more preferably I < 0.020, even more preferably I < 0.015. A sock with a low garment isolation enables the use of this sock in warm conditions while still providing a high comfort to the user.

Garment isolation is measured according to the ASHRAE standard 55.

In another embodiment the sock is water resistant preventing the ingress of water in the yarn to weaken the yarn. The water resistance is expressed in the ratio of wet to dry tensile force at break. This ratio for the sock is < 2, preferably < 1.6, more preferably < 1.4, even more preferably < 1.2, most preferably < 1.1.

In another aspect a yarn is provided for use in a water-sock, wherein the yarn, if used in the water-sock, provides an improved anti-slip behaviour during use. A yarn according to the invention and preferably used in an anti-slip water-sock is suited for use in a knitting machine for knitting. The yarn requires among other parameters a certain smoothness to glide through the knitting machine.

In the context of this application knitting is a method of creating cloths, such as a sock, from a yarn. Knitted fabric, such as cloths, like a sock, comprise a number of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will hereinafter be further explained with reference to the drawing of several figures which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it will be clear that many variants are conceivable covered by the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an anti-slip water-sock.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an anti-slip water- sock with toe openings.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a low anti-slip water-sock with toe openings.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a yarn.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a yarn with multiple cores and coatings.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of a yarn with multiple cores and one coating.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an anti-slip water-sock 1. The sock 1 comprises a first tubular part 10, a second tubular part 11 and a heel part 12. The first and second tubular part are placed under an angle to comfortably fit around a foot and a lower leg part of a human.

The second tubular part provides an insertion opening 13 for inserting the foot and lower leg part of the human. The first tubular part further comprises anti-slip patches 15, 15', 15'', 15''' for additional friction.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an anti-slip water-sock 1 with toe openings. The sock 1 further comprises tubular toe parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 connected on an end with the first tubular part and providing a toe opening 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 on an opposite end.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a low anti-slip water-sock 1 with toe openings. This embodiment of the sock 1 comprises a first tubular part 10. The first tubular part pro- vides an insertion opening at an end and is connected to five tubular toe parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 on an opposite end. Each of the tubular toe parts provides opposite to an end connected with the first tubular part a toe opening 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a yarn 40. The yarn comprises a core 41 and a coating 42. The core has essentially a cylindrical shape. The core is preferably bendable in a radial direction and elastic in a longitudinal direction. The coating covers the core along its longitudinal axis to form a concentric snugly fitting ring around the core.

Figure 5. shows a cross section of a yarn 40 with multiple cores and coatings. The yarn comprises seven cores 41, 41', 41", 41'", 41"", 41'"", 41""" and seven coatings 42, 42', 42", 42'", 42"", 42'"", 42""" in this embodiment. The yarn from this embodiment can for example have a different core and/or coating for a core 41""" and/or coating 42""" not directly adjacent to an outside of the yarn compared to respectively a core 41", 41'", 41"", 41'"" and/or coating 42, 42', 42", 42'", 42"", 42'"" directly adjacent to an outside of the yarn. A yarn according to such a coating can provide a coating on the outside, which is more resistant to wear and tear, and a coating on the inside, which is more flexible and elastic.

Multiple cores and coatings can have an additional twist in a longitudinal direction of the core. This additional twist is not shown in a figure. This additional twist can be either with all cores and coatings of the yarn or a selection of the cores and coatings. This additional twist provides additional elasticity and friction and improved wear and tear withstanding ability.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of a yarn 40 with multiple cores and one coating. The yarn comprises seven cores 41, 41', 41", 41'", 41"", 41'"", 41""" and a coating 42 in this embodiment. The cores can have an additional twist along a longitudinal axis of the yarn.

List of reference numerals Number Name I anti-slip water-sock 10 first tubular part II second tubular part 12 heel part 13 insertion opening 15, 15', 15'', 15''' anti-slip patches 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 toe opening 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 tubular toe part 40 yarn 41, 41', 41", 41'", 41"", core 41r r r r r 41r r r r r f 42, 42', 42", 42'", 42"", coating 42" " ' , 42" " "

Claims

A non-slip water sock comprising: - a first tubular part; and - a heel part arranged at one end of the tubular part; wherein at least a portion of the first tubular member comprises a knitted yarn, characterized in that the yarn has a coefficient of friction μ> 0.50.

The anti-slip water sock of claim 1, wherein the knitting yarn provides a surface texture that enhances said coefficient of friction.

Anti-slip water sock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the yarn comprises a core that is elastic and flexible, and a protected coating, wherein the coating prevents one or more of UV, water and / or an additive in water adversely affects the core and / or for maintaining one or more of elasticity, flexibility, durability and integrity of the core.

Anti-slip water sock according to claim 3, wherein the yarn comprises a plurality of cores, each core having a respective coating, each core and each coating being independently selected, preferably wherein said thread comprises a plurality of cores with at least one coating.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 3-4, wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting of polymers such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, poly (meth) acrylamides, polyamides, epoxies such as epoxy amine, acyclic epoxy, and alkyds.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 3-5, wherein the coating protects against additives selected from the group consisting of chlorine, OCl ", OH", and a peroxide, such as H2 O2, and combinations thereof.

Anti-slip water sock according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the coating is a material with a high friction coefficient, preferably under moist or wet conditions, wherein the friction coefficient is μ> 0.50.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the yarn comprises an antibacterial and / or antifungal agent.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the yarn comprises cotton and / or soy fibers.

An anti-slip water sock according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the sock comprises one or more stickers arranged on a bottom side of the tubular part, the one or more stickers having a high coefficient of friction.

Anti-slip water sock according to any of claims 1-10, wherein at least a part of the yarn is woven and / or stickers according to claim 9 comprise a print, preferably a print of a cartoon figure, such as a Walt Disney figure , Mega Mindy ,, Toby, Cars, Kabouter Plop, Piet Pirate, Alfred Jodocus Kwak, Babar, Barbapapa, Boes, The Rescuers, The Flintstones, The Freggels, Tintin, Lucky Luke, Maja de Bij, Muppet Show, Pokémon, Spirou and Fantasio, Smurfs, Snorkels, Totally Spies, Wingz, Sponge Bob and / or Bob the Builder, an animal figure such as a lion, monkey, snake, elephant, rhino, giraffe, tiger, cougar, cat dog, mouse, horse and / or cockroach, an abstract figure, such as circle, triangle, rectangle, square, hexagon and / or star, auxiliary card, such as from Tora Bora, N-Korea, Iran, and / or Russia, and / or photos, such as from a former American president and / or Putin.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sock comprises one or more openings, preferably five openings, on an opposite end of the heel portion.

The non-slip water sock according to claim 12, wherein at least two respective openings of the five openings are extended with respective tubular parts.

The non-slip water sock according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the sock is made of one continuous thread.

The non-slip water sock of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the sock is a seamless sock.

The anti-slip water sock according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the sock has a garment insulation I> 0.01.

The anti-slip water sock of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the sock has a garment insulation of I <0.03.

The non-slip water sock of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the sock has a water resistant of <2.

19. A yarn for use in a water sock, wherein said yarn has a coefficient of friction of μ> 0.50.