HK1212881B - Arch-supporting sock - Google Patents

Description

Foot arch support sock

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to arch support socks and, more particularly, to socks that provide additional support and stability to the arch of the foot in order to enhance proper bending of the arch and reduce tension in the legs, arch and a wider range of the foot.

Background

Stockings or socks have been used for centuries to provide comfort and warmth, and to protect the foot from cracking, drying, chafing or general injury that may result from constant rubbing against one's footwear or, if barefoot, the surrounding environment. Recently, sock manufacturers have come to pay particular attention to the comfort of wearing socks, such as designing thinner socks with better breathability or thicker socks that provide more padding. In addition to increasing cushioning, thicker socks often use terry loops to provide better moisture absorption. Some prior art have used terry loops only in certain areas of the sock or simply employed greater density in those areas in order to mitigate the effect on the foot due to contact with the ground when walking or otherwise moving on foot. The prior art has adopted this approach in many areas of the foot, including the achilles tendon, sole, heel and toes, but rarely in the arch or arch side of the foot. Of these, the arch is very important.

The arch region is mostly present in the inner, medial portion of each foot and is composed primarily of tarsal and metatarsal groups, as well as various tendons and ligaments, or rests on these tissues to support the weight of the entire body when upright. Thus, it is not surprising that the arch of the foot experiences tremendous tension and pressure (particularly when it is not adequately supported by the sock or footwear), which can become a great annoyance. However, despite its importance, the prior art has ignored the provision of support solely to the arch (interior) side of the foot. Furthermore, the prior art emphasizes cushioning, excluding the important differences of structural support, with even more important results. Although cushioning may improve pain from walking or running, structural defects are almost ignored and are not appreciated.

Thus, for example, a person with plantar fasciitis or a low or flat foot arch will likely only have very limited improvement by wearing cushioning socks, but may nevertheless greatly benefit from socks having an arch area that has been modified in accordance with the problems presented by the prior art. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for arch support socks that reduce pain and tension in the arch region of the foot and enhance proper bending of the arch, whereby other areas important for standing and moving (e.g., the heel or lower leg) are also positively affected. It is for these purposes that the present invention has been developed.

Disclosure of Invention

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes an arch support sock to alleviate pain and tension in the arch region of the foot and to stabilize and strengthen the proper curvature of the arch.

An arch support sock according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first region having a first modulus of elasticity; and a second region substantially enclosing an arch of the foot, the second region having a second coefficient of elasticity for providing structural support, wherein the second coefficient of elasticity is lower than the first coefficient of elasticity.

An arch support sock according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a first region having a first modulus of elasticity; and a second region substantially enclosing an arch of the foot; and one or more peripheral boundaries between the first region and the second region, each peripheral boundary comprising a peripheral elastic modulus, wherein at least one of the one or more peripheral boundaries has a peripheral elastic modulus lower than the first elastic modulus.

An arch support sock according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes: a first loop area having a first modulus of elasticity; a second gathered stitched region substantially enclosing an arch of the foot having a second coefficient of elasticity for providing structural support, wherein the second coefficient of elasticity is lower than the first coefficient of elasticity; and one or more peripheral boundaries between the first region and the second region, each boundary comprising a peripheral elastic modulus, wherein the one or more peripheral boundaries have a peripheral elastic modulus that is lower than the first and second elastic moduli.

It is an object of the present invention to support the arch region of the foot without compromising comfort.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of types of socks for different occasions and different situations.

It is another object of the present invention to enhance proper bending of the arch region.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide wedge-shaped support for the inner half of the foot and thereby raise the medial longitudinal arch relative to the outer half of the foot.

Finally, it is yet another object of the present invention to relieve pain and reduce tension in the heel, arch and larger foot areas.

These and other advantages and features of the invention are described with particularity herein to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention.

Drawings

In order to improve drawing clarity and to improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the present invention, the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Additionally, elements that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the bones of the lower leg and foot.

FIG. 2 is a plantar view of the lower surface of a human foot.

Fig. 3(a) is a side view of a foot with a typical arch, where the bottom of the arch is not in contact with the ground.

Fig. 3(b) is a side view of a foot with a flattened arch, where the bottom of the arch is in contact with the ground.

FIG. 4(a) is a side view of a right side and ankle sock according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4(b) is a side view of a left side and ankle sock according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5(a) is a side view of a right side and sock liner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5(b) is a side view of a left side and sock liner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a right stocking according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a side view of a left side sock according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an arch pad assembly of a sock according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following discussion, which discusses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is depicted by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is included as an introductory part of the physical features (i.e., bones, including the arch of the foot and other related foot and leg bones) to provide further background and understanding of the scope and objects of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view of the bones of the lower leg and foot. The relevant bones of the lower leg and foot 100 are constituted by the talus 106, calcaneus 112, fibula 102, tibia 104, cuboid 114, navicular 108, cuneiform 110, metatarsals 116, and phalanges 118. The calcaneus 112, talus 106, cuboid 114, navicular 108, and three cuneiform bones 110 form what are referred to as tarsal bones. Only two of the three cuneiform bones 110 are visible, the third hidden cuneiform bone 110 is present on the bone line, ending distally with the big toe (also known as the big toe).

For simplicity, the foot may also be divided into its opposing regions: listed from proximal to distal are hind, midfoot and forefoot. The hindfoot includes the calcaneus 112 and the talus 106. The midfoot includes five important bones, two of which are the cuboid 114 and navicular 108, and three of which are the cuneiform 110, which together delineate the range of interest: the arch region. The forefoot includes metatarsals 116, which metatarsals 116 are the five bones that connect the midfoot to the toe bones, and the toe bones themselves are referred to as phalanges 118. The big toe has two phalanges 118, while the remaining four toes consist of three phalanges 118. The tibia 104 and fibula 102 do not form part of the foot 100 but are long bones of the lower leg, but both the tibia 104 and fibula 102 affect and are affected by the arch region and its components.

Fig. 2 is a plantar view of the lower surface of the foot. The drawings show a pictorial outline of the three major arches of a human foot and the areas supported by the arch pad assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Medial spherical portion 222 refers to the area on the interior portion of foot 100 between the big toe and the adjacent long toe near the distal end of metatarsal 116, where medial spherical portion 222 acts as the bottom of the arch. The lateral bulbous portion 220 refers to the area on the exterior portion of the foot 100 between the fifth and fourth toes near the distal end of the metatarsal 116, with the lateral bulbous portion 220 serving as the bottom of the arch. The space between the medial ball portion 222 and the lateral ball portion 220, which is normally similar to the arch structure, is referred to herein as the transverse arch 224. Also, the area between the medial ball portion 222 and the calcaneus bone 112 that is normally similar to the arch structure is referred to herein as the medial longitudinal arch 228. Also, the area between the lateral ball portion 220 and the calcaneus bone 112, which is normally similar to the arch structure, is referred to herein as the lateral longitudinal arch 226. Medial longitudinal arch 228 is the innermost of the three enumerated arches and generally receives more intense stress than lateral longitudinal arch 226 and lateral arch 224. Medial longitudinal arch 228 may therefore benefit most from the arch pad assembly, which reduces stress and tension on the arch region, heel, and medial and lateral ball portions 222 and 220 of foot 100 when striking the ground. Further, the portion of the sock underlying or substantially covering medial longitudinal arch 228 may have supplemental material that achieves a lower coefficient of elasticity than some or all of the other arch support portions, this concept being elaborated upon in subsequent figures.

According to the present exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2, arch pad assembly 250 covers a majority of arch region 230, with medial longitudinal arch 228 being entirely covered. Thus, arch pad assembly 250 will provide maximum structural support to the interior, i.e., the medial portion of foot 100. It is important to note, however, that structural support is not limited to arch region 230, as arch pad assembly 250 extends beyond arch region 230. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the arch pad assembly 250 extends from the center of the heel (generally from the calcaneus 112) to the end of the metatarsals 116, with the metatarsals 116 reaching the beginning of the phalanges 118. In addition, along the width of foot 100, arch support assembly 250 runs from the medial-most portion of foot 100 to the vertical boundary between the second toe and the third toe. The range or area of the arch pad assembly 250 may be reduced or expanded without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, arch pad assembly 250 may extend laterally to the middle of the third toe, the vertical boundary between the third toe and the fourth toe, or the middle of the second toe to cover more or less of arch region 230. In any event, this may cause the inner or medial half of foot 100 to become slightly wedged or elevated as compared to the outer or lateral half of foot 100. The disparity in support between the medial and lateral halves of the foot represents a disparity in the tension and stress experienced by each half of the foot during ambulatory movements.

In alternative embodiments, arch pad assembly 250 may cover a slightly larger area of foot 100, possibly reaching the vertical boundary between the third toe and the fourth toe, to more completely enclose arch region 230. However, even in such widely extended embodiments, an disproportionate amount of support is provided to the medial half of foot 100 as compared to the lateral half.

Fig. 3(a) is a side view of a foot with a preferred amount of the substance on the inside of the foot not in contact with the ground, thus forming a normal arch. In various circumstances, such as when standing, walking or running, the general proportions and portions of the foot that need to be in contact with the ground are known to those skilled in the art. The arch region 230 shown in fig. 3(a) is very important due to its elasticity. When upright, the portion of foot 100 that makes up arch region 230 (e.g., the plantar fascia) helps spread and extend ground contact over time, reducing the amount of tension placed on the remainder of arch region 230 and the greater foot and lower leg in the process. Additionally, support of arch region 230, such as shown in the figures, is necessary for longevity of the upright position. Having an ideal or near ideal arch region 230 curve is beneficial for storing some of the energy consumed as arch region 230 begins to flatten out after landing, much like a coil spring, and using it to reduce the energy requirements for subsequent steps. This results in less energy consumption for walking, running, standing, etc. If this level of support is not achieved due to bending of the medial portion of the foot, the arch support assembly provides dual relief: first by reducing the energy requirements associated with standing or moving, and second by enhancing the proper bending of arch region 230, thereby helping arch region 230 to reuse the energy expended in flattening the arch for landing.

The arch support assembly is also useful for persons with a normal foot arch, due to the reduced energy requirements for upright posture and exercise. Although foot disorders are more likely to occur among those with structural disorders or defects in the foot or leg, foot disorders are equally likely to occur in persons without such disorders or defects, for example, when starting more rigorous athletic training or running long distances on sidewalks or concrete. Furthermore, such disorders as the flat foot (elaborated upon in discussing fig. 3 (b)) often develop gradually from slow wear and tear of tendons, muscles, ligaments and bones, or as a result of medical conditions such as diabetes or diseases of the nervous system or muscular system (e.g. cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy). Finally, it is known that a flat foot also temporarily develops in some pregnant women. In these cases, the socks disclosed in fig. 4 to 8 in particular, due to their firm but comfortable nature, can help to slow down the onset of the flat foot or completely prevent it, depending on the cause and situation.

Fig. 3(b) is a side view of a foot with insufficient amounts of the substance inside the foot not in contact with the ground, thus forming a flat arch. Flat arch 334 is also colloquially referred to as an arch sag or flat foot and can result in myriad complications that can disrupt the patient's daily activities. For example, the flat arch 334 may cause undue tension to be placed on the calcaneus bone 112, the heel 332, or on the medial and lateral ball portions 222, 220 of the foot 100. Due to discomfort or pain, a person may tend to change their gait involuntarily slowly, then eventually putting undue stress on other parts of the body associated with standing, walking or running, such as the back, achilles tendon, toes, tibia 104 and lower leg. Frequently, this can result in a number of subsequent injuries and common complications, typically soreness, inflammation, tendonitis, and fatigue, as well as more targeted complications such as painful shinitis or heel spurs.

Sock 436 disclosed in fig. 4-8, due to its solid but comfortable nature, may not only help alleviate many of the above-mentioned symptoms of flat arch 334, but also address the configuration of the foot that first presents with those symptoms.

Still referring to fig. 3(b), a flat arch 334 may reduce the functionality of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is an important group of thick connective tissue that runs from the calcaneus 112 through the metatarsals 116, and acts like a shock absorber, whereby it supports the arch region 230 of the foot 100 and allows the tremendous stresses and strains placed on the arch region 230 to be managed by other parts of the body. When the functionality of the plantar fascia is reduced, this tension may become excessive, resulting in the formation of a slight tear in the fascia, which in many cases ultimately leads to inflammation and pain, known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can cause severe pain in the heel and sole of the foot in any position that depends on the foot being upright (whether moving or stationary), and is therefore very common in sports or military activities and other occupations. Sock 436 disclosed in fig. 4-8, due to its firm but comfortable nature, may relieve much of the tension on the plantar fascia and, more generally, arch region 230 by distributing some of the body's stress and pressure onto the depicted arch support sock 436. Thus, the invention described is suitable for use in the treatment of plantar fasciitis or other inflammatory reactions caused by the arch, greater foot range, or inadequate support of the legs.

Each of the following figures describes various portions, features, designs and purposes of the proposed arch support sock. Fig. 4(a) is a side view of the right side and ankle sock. And ankle sock 436 typically has a top portion of sock 436 that reaches directly above the ankle bone (also referred to as talus 106). The sock 436 shown in fig. 4(a) or in any other figure presents only one of many possible variations in sock design and length and should not be considered limiting or exhaustive. In this figure, sock 436 has a tube 438, and tube 438 depicts the area from the opening of sock 436 to the beginning of approximately the dorsal heel edge 440 and the frontal instep 444. Heel edge 440 substantially surrounds heel 112 of foot 100, contains heel bone (also referred to as calcaneus bone 112), and may vary in knit density depending on a number of factors such as (but not limited to): sock length, style, or material.

Sock material is an important feature of the present invention. The firm, reinforced areas of the arch are not specific to a particular type of sock, as it may be made for any application, formal or informal, athletic or otherwise. For example, the sock may be manufactured for the purposes of walking, running, skiing, snowboarding, working, hiking, or hiking, although the listed purposes are not exhaustive in any way. The sock may also comprise a myriad of materials, as one may find various purposes of the invention in which it is used. By way of non-limiting example only, wool, polyester, cotton, acrylic, nylon, and cashmere may be employed.

Sock instep 444 refers to the top area of sock 436 that covers arch region 230 and arch pad assembly 442, but does not contact support assembly 442 when foot 100 is inside sock 436. Arch pad assembly 442 is forward of heel edge 440 and rearward of sock toes 446 and includes a denser weave than the rest of sock 436, although it does not use conventional terry weaves, as terry weaves are more suitable for cushioning than for providing structural support and stability. In contrast, in one non-limiting embodiment, arch support assembly 442 can use pleat stitching to achieve a more dense knit where a given sock segment can have multiple rows of stitched overlap. The proposed arch support sock may use terry loops elsewhere in the sock, where support and stability may not be a goal. Thus, arch pad assembly 442 is more solid than any other portion of the sock, but the stiffness may vary within arch pad assembly 442 due to the tension differences between the arch locations. Unless specified as a particular arch (e.g., lateral arch 224), arch or arch region 230 will be understood to be a region that falls within or within the confines of medial longitudinal arch 228, lateral longitudinal arch 226, and lateral arch 224.

Additionally, referring to sock 436 of fig. 4(a), an arch pad assembly 442 is located on the left side of sock 436 to support the arch region 230 of the foot, which is subjected to most of the stresses on the inner portion of the midfoot. Arch pad assembly 442 transitions into sock toes 446 that cover the toes of the foot.

Fig. 4(b) is a side view of the left side and ankle sock. Sock 436 of fig. 4(b) is substantially identical to the sock of fig. 4(a) except that arch pad assembly 442 is on the right side of sock 436 to reflect the mirror image anatomy between the left foot and the right foot.

Fig. 5(a) is a side view of the right side and sock liner. Sock 436 of pad length typically has a top that reaches sock 436 directly below talus 106. In such an embodiment, the tube 438 is substantially absent, and the tube 438 quickly transitions from the top of the sock 436 to the heel edge 440. The heel edge 440 extends to an arch pad assembly 442 that is itself extended to the sock toes 446 generally parallel to the sock instep 444. Generally, and padded socks are used for sports or walking, but not limited thereto.

Figure 5(b) is a side elevational view of the left side and sock liner. Sock 436 of fig. 5(b) is substantially identical to the sock of fig. 5(a) except that arch pad assembly 442 is on the right side of sock 436 to reflect the mirror image anatomy between the left and right feet.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a mid-sock. This figure better shows the socks that the user may wear on more formal occasions or appointments, typically but not exclusively at work or work-related activities. By way of non-limiting example, sock 436 may be composed of polyester, cashmere or nylon, particularly if used as a formal or skirt sock. This embodiment also includes an arch support structure, support assembly 442, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention. This figure better shows the socks that the user may wear during such activities as hiking. Although not required, this length of sock tends to be thicker than those long and ankle, and padded or stocking, to provide enhanced insulation and to prevent moisture ingress through the multi-layered structure of the sock.

Fig. 8 depicts one embodiment of an arch pad assembly in a left sock. In the depicted embodiment, the arch pad assembly 442 is rectangular in shape, but in other embodiments different shapes may be present without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment has an arch pad assembly 442 wherein the longer side is approximately parallel to the length of sock 436 (from heel edge 440 to sock toes 446 or vice versa) and the shorter side is perpendicular to the longer side, which together form the boundary perimeter between typical sock features and arch pad assembly 442. Typical sock features are meant to be understood as those features external to the arch pad assembly 442 that are most frequently found in ordinary socks, such as the heel edge 440, the tubes 438, and the toes 446 of the sock, as well as other features deemed standard or not commonly found by those skilled in the art. The medial longitudinal support 848 is located higher than the lateral longitudinal support 850 in the longer side of the arch pad assembly 442. In the exemplary embodiment, medial longitudinal support 848 extends substantially along medial longitudinal arch 228. Also in the exemplary embodiment, lateral longitudinal support 850 extends generally along lateral longitudinal arch 226, at least to the extent that lateral longitudinal arch 226 is significantly supported by lateral longitudinal support 850.

Considering sock toe 446 as the distal-most region and sock tube 438 as the proximal-most region, among the shorter sides of arch support assembly 442, lateral support 852 is located distal to heel support 854. In the exemplary embodiment, lateral support 852 extends generally along lateral arch 224, although other embodiments exist in which lateral support 852 is distal to lateral arch 224 and may more accurately outline the boundary between the metatarsals and the phalanges. Also in the exemplary embodiment, heel support 854 braces the contour of the distal end of heel 332 generally in the general area where the midfoot begins and the hindfoot ends. Heel support 854 may also begin near the center of heel 332 with reference to the length of sock 436 rather than the width without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 8, as well as many other exemplary embodiments, the support portions that make up the arch pad assembly 442 have different coefficients of elasticity.

In the present invention, the elastic modulus generally refers to the ratio of the stress experienced acutely to the temporary change in configuration of the elastic entity, whereby, for example, an entity with a low elastic modulus will be less elastic, less pliable, or less physically affected in other ways than an entity with a high elastic modulus, assuming the same stress is applied.

The illustrated embodiment includes a medial longitudinal support 848, a lateral longitudinal support 850, and a lateral support 852 with a lower spring constant than both the heel support 854 and most or the remainder of the boundaries of the arch pad assembly 442 within the perimeter support portions 848, 850, 852, 854. The portions of the arch support sock having a relatively lower coefficient of elasticity will be firmer and stronger, that is, more resistant to physical manipulation or yielding, than those portions having a relatively higher coefficient of elasticity, and thus more able to provide stability and support to the corresponding areas of the foot when the foot rests on these sock areas. Thus, in these embodiments, the arch support sock is able to stabilize and support the entirety of arch region 230 (also referred to as the arch) as generally defined by the dashed lines in fig. 2, while providing even better structural support and stability along the perimeter support boundary where pressure may be highest.

The difference in elasticity around the peripheral boundary of the arch pad assembly 442 and within the peripheral boundary of the arch pad assembly 442 may be achieved in any number of ways. For example, without limiting the scope of the invention, the arch pad assembly 442 is confined within the perimeter boundaries or perimeter support sections 848, 850, 852, 854 and may include various knitting or stitching techniques known in the art, such as pleat stitching, which is implemented in such a manner that the arch pad assembly 442 includes increased weight, width, or thickness.

Other embodiments may include a perimeter support portion having a lower coefficient of elasticity than most or the remainder of sock 436. For example, in one embodiment, the support portion with the lowest spring rate is the medial longitudinal support 848 and the lateral longitudinal support 850, wherein the lateral support 852 and the heel support 854 hold a spring rate that is approximately equal to the spring rate of the remainder of the arch pad assembly 442. Still other embodiments may, for example, provide the lowest level of spring rate around the entire perimeter of the arch pad assembly 442 including the medial longitudinal support 848, the lateral longitudinal support 850, the lateral support 852, and the heel support 854.

In one embodiment, only the medial longitudinal support 848 will have a lower coefficient of elasticity than every other portion of the sock to account for the expectation that the medial longitudinal support 848 will experience the greatest pressure when the user assumes an upright position.

In another embodiment, the peripheral support portion may be constructed of different spring rates, which are generally anticipated based on typical pressures in the three arch and distal heel regions, or based on a particular need of a person, such as suffering from such aforementioned ailments among other ailments that will be known to those skilled in the art, such as plantar fasciitis or flatfoot.

Fig. 8 depicts one embodiment of an arch pad assembly of a sock according to the present invention. Thus, the support structure may be placed inside the sock or on the outside of the sock without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, there are exemplary embodiments that do not require that the outer sock-supporting portion have the same coefficient of elasticity as the inner sock-supporting counterpart that it overlaps. Conversely, the elastic coefficients of the inner support portions may be different from each other and from the elastic coefficients of the outer sock support portions, but they need not be different in order for the proposed arch support sock to produce the desired effect.

An arch support sock has been described. The foregoing description of various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims and the equivalents to the claims.

Description of the reference symbols

100: foot part

102: fibula

104: tibia bone

106: talus bone

108: scaphoid bone

110: wedge bone

112: calcaneus

114: cuboid bone

116: metatarsal bone

118: phalanx

220: outer spherical portion

222: inner spherical part

224: transverse arch

226: lateral longitudinal arch

228: medial longitudinal arch

230: arch region of foot

250: foot arch pad assembly

332: heel of foot

334: flat arch of foot

436: socks

438: sock tube

440: heel edge

442: foot arch pad assembly

444: sock instep

446: socks toe

848: inner longitudinal support

850: outside longitudinal support

852: transverse support

854: heel support

Claims (12)

1. An arch support sock comprising:

a first region having a first modulus of elasticity;

a second region comprising an arch pad component that provides structural support to an arch of the foot, the arch pad component having a second coefficient of elasticity, wherein the second coefficient of elasticity is lower than the first coefficient of elasticity, an

A first peripheral boundary extending longitudinally along a medial portion between a lateral side region of the toes of the sock, the lateral side region adapted to cover a lateral ball portion of the foot, and a medial side region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot, such that the arch pad assembly excludes the lateral side region of the toes of the sock;

a second peripheral boundary extending longitudinally parallel to the first peripheral boundary and along a boundary of a medial region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot such that the arch pad assembly partially covers a medial region of the toes of the sock;

a third peripheral boundary perpendicular to the first and second peripheral boundaries and located between the first and second peripheral boundaries at a proximal region of the toe portion such that the arch pad assembly excludes the toe portion of the sock; and

a fourth perimeter boundary perpendicular to the first and second perimeter boundaries and located between the first and second perimeter boundaries at a distal region of the heel.

2. The arch support sock of claim 1, each perimeter boundary between the first area and the second area including a perimeter coefficient of elasticity, wherein the perimeter boundaries have a perimeter coefficient of elasticity that is lower than the first coefficient of elasticity and the second coefficient of elasticity.

3. The arch support sock of claim 2, wherein the respective peripheral boundary between the first area and the second area is on an exterior of the sock.

4. The arch support sock of claim 2, wherein the perimeter boundaries between the first area and the second area are on an interior of the sock.

5. The arch support sock of claim 1, wherein the first area includes terry loops.

6. The arch support sock of claim 5, wherein the second area includes a tuck stitch.

7. An arch support sock comprising:

a first region having a first modulus of elasticity;

a second region having a second coefficient of elasticity and comprising an arch support member providing structural support to an arch of the foot,

wherein the arch support assembly comprises:

a first peripheral boundary extending longitudinally along a medial portion between a lateral side region of the toes of the sock, the lateral side region adapted to cover a lateral ball portion of the foot, and a medial side region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot, such that the arch pad assembly excludes the lateral side region of the toes of the sock;

a second peripheral boundary extending longitudinally parallel to the first peripheral boundary and along a boundary of a medial region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot such that the arch pad assembly partially covers a medial region of the toes of the sock;

a third peripheral boundary perpendicular to the first and second peripheral boundaries and located between the first and second peripheral boundaries at a proximal region of the toe portion such that the arch pad assembly excludes the toe portion of the sock; and

a fourth perimeter boundary perpendicular to the first and second perimeter boundaries and located between the first and second perimeter boundaries at a distal region of the heel.

8. The arch support sock of claim 7, wherein the second area has a second coefficient of elasticity that is higher than a peripheral coefficient of elasticity.

9. The arch support sock of claim 7, wherein the second region parametrically abuts the perimeter boundaries.

10. The arch support sock of claim 7, wherein the perimeter boundaries form a perimeter that covers a medial longitudinal arch.

11. A non-interchangeable left or right sock supported by an arch of foot in which proper bending of the arch of foot is increased and tension on the legs, arch and larger foot area is relieved, comprising:

a first loop area having a first modulus of elasticity;

a second gathered stitched region circumscribing the arch of the foot, having a second coefficient of elasticity for providing structural support and comprising an arch support component for providing structural support, wherein the second coefficient of elasticity is lower than the first coefficient of elasticity;

and the arch support assembly:

a first peripheral boundary extending longitudinally along a medial portion between a lateral side region of the toes of the sock, the lateral side region adapted to cover a lateral ball portion of the foot, and a medial side region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot, such that the arch pad assembly excludes the lateral side region of the toes of the sock;

a second peripheral boundary extending longitudinally parallel to the first peripheral boundary and along a boundary of a medial region for covering a medial ball portion of the foot such that the arch pad assembly partially covers a medial region of the toes of the sock;

a third peripheral boundary perpendicular to the first and second peripheral boundaries and located between the first and second peripheral boundaries at a proximal region of the toe portion such that the arch pad assembly excludes the toe portion of the sock; and

a fourth perimeter boundary perpendicular to the first and second perimeter boundaries and located between the first and second perimeter boundaries at a distal region of the heel.

12. The arch-supported, non-interchangeable left or right sock of claim 11, wherein the first looped area covers a greater surface area of the sock than the second gathered stitched area.