TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a sock for preventing slips and falls, in particular in slippery areas such as showers and other wet surfaces or on other floor surfaces with a low coefficient of friction. The sock comprises a sole and a body including an ankle or leg portion which can include a cuff at an upper end thereof, a heel, an instep, a foot, a sole and a toe. In embodiments, the sock comprises a body made from porous materials and a sole with grip zones for friction and stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Slips and falls are a major concern for institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes that are charged with the care of elderly or disabled patients. Slip and fall incidents can cause moderate to severe injuries or injury- related deaths, with falls accounting for 41 % of hospitalised injuries and 37% of injury-related deaths in Australia.

[0003] In particular, older individuals are increasingly prone to slipping on wet surfaces due to reduced mobility and motor skills. 30-35% of individuals that are 65 years and older fall at least once a year. In addition to the physical and economical burdens, non-fatal injuries sustained by a fall may lead to psychological trauma and may reduce confidence, quality of life and independence in an individual.

[0004] Existing products for preventing slips in bathrooms and showers include grab bars and shower chairs. Grab bars are typically installed diagonally onto the wall of a bathroom and are made from metals and plastic materials. The disadvantages of grab bars include the user may not be able to grip the bar due to arthritis or other debilitating conditions and the grab bar may only be reached from limited locations within the bathroom or shower. The disadvantages of shower chairs include high costs for purchasing and/or installation of the chair, size, damage from prolonged water exposure and the chairs are often uncomfortable. [0005] Accordingly, a need exists for a solution that assists in preventing slips and falls in wet areas such as showers that ameliorates some of the problems with existing solutions such as grab bars and shower chairs. A need exists for a solution for preventing slips and falls in wet areas that is relatively inexpensive, portable, comfortable for use by the user, reusable and durable when exposed to water.

[0006] Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sock adapted for being worn on a foot and for preventing slips and falls, the sock comprising: an upper body and a lower sole; the upper body including leg, instep, foot, heel, and toe portions; the lower sole adjoining the foot, toe and heel portions; the upper body being formed from a material comprising one or more layers; and a plurality of grip zones located on an outer surface of the lower sole for contacting a floor surface when in use.

[0008] Embodiments of the sock are advantageous as the grip zones, which increases a friction coefficient of the sole, provides grip for the sock and greater slip resistance and increased stability on low friction surfaces such as wet surfaces.

[0009] In embodiments, the grip zones extend across a length and a width of the sole.

[00010] In embodiments, the material forming the upper body is porous to allow water to permeate therethrough.

[0001 1 ] Embodiments of the invention are advantageous in that in by providing a water permeable upper body, and in embodiments a water permeable sole, water is allowed to permeate through the sock in order to wash the wearer’s foot and to prevent water from pooling within the sock, which can be a trip hazard.

[00012] Preferably, at least one of the layers of material forming the upper body is a water-permeable, quick-dry material. Preferably the material is neoprene. Preferably the material is foamed neoprene.

[00013] Preferably at least one of the layers of material forming the upper body is mesh material. Preferably the mesh material is a polyester mesh material.

[00014] In embodiments, the material forming the upper body includes an inner layer of the neoprene and an outer layer of the mesh material. In embodiments, the material forming the upper body includes an intermediate layer of the neoprene and inner and outer layers of the mesh material on opposite sides of the neoprene.

[00015] In embodiments, the layers of material forming the upper body are laminated together, preferably with an adhesive.

[00016] In embodiments, the cuff and leg of the sock are constructed to envelop around and above the ankle and the lower leg of a wearer up to immediately below the knee of the wearer.

[00017] Preferably, the material forming the upper body is minimally elastic to apply compression to the foot, ankle and leg of the wearer so as to minimise swelling and pooling of blood in the lower leg and foot.

[00018] In embodiments, the material forming the sole is porous to allow water to permeate therethrough.

[00019] Preferably, the material forming the sole is neoprene, preferably foamed neoprene. [00020] In embodiments, the material forming the sole includes an inner layer of the neoprene and an outer layer of a polyester textile. Preferably, the inner layer of the neoprene and the outer layer of the polyester textile are laminated together. In embodiments, the material forming the sole includes an intermediate layer of the neoprene and inner and outer layers of the polyester textile on opposite sides of the neoprene.

[00021 ] In embodiments, the grip zones comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone or silicone rubber or a combination thereof. Preferably, the grip zones are circular or oblong in shape. Preferably the grip zones are arranged in a regular pattern of rows and columns on the outer surface of the sole.

[0022] In further embodiments, the cuff of the sock comprise at least one loop to assist with manually pulling the sock onto a foot.

[0023] In embodiments, the upper body is comprised of a first panel and a second panel, the first panel comprises the front of the leg portion and the instep and toe portions and the second panel comprises the back of the leg portion and the heel portion. Preferably, the first and second panels are joined together along adjoining edges at opposite sides of the leg portion. Preferably the sole is comprised of a panel that is joined to the first and second panels at the heel, and toe portions and at opposite sides of the foot portion. Preferably the panels and the sole are joined together with stitches.

[0024] The sock of claim 1 , further include a device that is adapted to sense movement of the wearer and to cause an alert to be issued if the wearer has suffered from a trip, slip or a fall.

[0025] The sock of claim 26, wherein the device includes housing containing an accelerometer and a processors, power supply and a transmitter that is adapted to transmit a signal to a remotely located device to cause the alert to be issued. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 and figure 2 illustrate opposite sides of a sock in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention worn on the foot of a wearer;

[0028] Figure 3 and figure 4 illustrate top and bottom views of the sock embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 in a layflat form;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a sock including a loop in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates a pair of the socks of Figures 1 to 4 being worn on the feet of a wearer in a shower;

[0031 ] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a sock in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention worn on the foot of a wearer, wherein the sock is adapted for applying compression to the foot, ankle and lower leg of the wearer;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view from the front of the sock of Figure 7;

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view from the rear of the sock of Figure 7; and

[0034] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a sock in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention worn on the foot of a wearer, wherein the sock comprises part of a system in accordance with another aspect of the invention that is adapted for the prevention, monitoring and reporting of slips and falls of a wearer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In one aspect, the present invention relates to socks for preventing slips and falls on slippery surfaces with low coefficients of friction such as showers and other wet surfaces. Embodiments of the invention are particularly adapted for use as fall prevention socks for use in showers and wet areas. However, other embodiments of the invention are adapted for other uses including as a compression sock that is adapted for the prevention of falls on relatively slippery surfaces with low coefficients of friction.

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an embodiment of the invention comprising a sock 1 adapted for use as a fall prevention sock for use in showers and wet areas. The sock 1 comprises an upper body 10 and a sole 30. The upper body 10 comprises a cuff 12, a leg 14, a heel 16, an instep 18 and a toe 20. The upper body 10 and the sole 30 together define an interior and the cuff 12 defines an opening for a wearer to insert a foot into the interior of the sock 1 .

[0037] In embodiments, the cuff 12 and leg 14 of the sock 1 are constructed to envelop around the ankle and the lower leg of a wearer. The quarter-length sock form of the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 provides support and stability and thereby improves safety and comfort for the wearer. In other embodiments, the sock 1 is configured to be low-cut, wherein the cuff 12 and leg 14 sit at or below the ankle of a wearer.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the sock 1 invention that in all other respects is identical to the embodiment of the sock 1 of Figures 1 to 4, except that the cuff 12 of the sock 1 comprises a loop 1 1 . The loop 13 is located in line with the heel and is adapted to be manually gripped by a wearer to assist in pulling the sock 1 onto the wearer’s foot.

[0039] The body 10 is comprised of material that is multi-layered, including an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is comprised of a mesh fabric, preferably a polyester mesh, and the inner layer is comprised of a porous water- permeable, quick dry material, preferably neoprene or foamed neoprene. The outer layer and the inner layer of the body 10 are attached through stitching, lamination, adhesive or a combination there.

[0040] The body 10 is comprised of a first panel 13 and a second panel 15, the first panel comprises the front of the leg portion 14 and the instep 18 and toe portions 20 and the second panel 15 comprises the back of the leg portion

14 and the heel portion 16. The first and second panels are joined together along adjoining edges at opposite sides of the leg portion 14. Preferably the sole 30 is comprised of a panel that is joined to the first and second panels at the heel 16 and toe 20 portions and at opposite sides of the foot or instep 18 portion. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the panels of the body 10 and the sole 30 are joined together with stitching.

[0041 ] By forming the sock 1 out of three panels, namely the first panel 13, the second panel 15 and the sole 30, the separate panels of the sock 1 can be formed separately and stitched together at the edges of the three panels to form the sock 1. Furthermore, the first panel 13, the second panel 15 and the sole 30 are produced separately out of a single layer of a mesh fabric, preferably, a polyester mesh. In another embodiment the first panel 13, the second panel

15 and the sole 30 are each produced separately and comprise two layers including the mesh fabric as an outer layer and an inner layer comprised of a porous water-permeable, quick dry material, preferably namely neoprene or foamed neoprene. In another embodiment, the first panel 13 and the second panel 15 are produced separately out of a single layer of a mesh fabric and the sole 30 comprise two layers including the mesh fabric outer layer and porous water-permeable, quick dry material inner layer, preferably neoprene or foamed neoprene. In another embodiment, the sole 30 is produced separately out of a single layer of a mesh fabric and the first panel 13 and the second panel 15 each comprise two layers including the mesh fabric outer layer and porous water-permeable, quick dry material inner layer, preferably neoprene or foamed neoprene.

[0042] In alternative embodiments, the first panel 13, the second panel 15 and the sole 30 of the body 10 each comprise an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The outer and inner layers comprise a mesh fabric, namely a polyester mesh, and the middle or intermediate layer comprises a porous, water-permeable, and quick dry material, namely neoprene or foamed neoprene.

[0043] The mesh and porous materials comprising the body 10 are advantageous as they: allow water to permeate through the sock 1 in order to wash the wearer’s foot; prevent water from pooling within the sock 1 , as pooling of water in the sock 1 can result in the sock 1 becoming heavy and providing a trip hazard for the wearer. An additional advantage of the mesh fabric outer layer is that it improves grip and assists a user with gripping and pulling on the sock 1 .

[0044] The neoprene material is advantageous as it provides structural integrity and a degree of rigidity to the body 10 of the sock 1. By providing structure for the body 10, the sock 1 is less prone to moving around on the wearer’s foot which can cause a trip hazard. The neoprene material is elastically deformable and so it stretches when a wearer pulls on the sock 1 and retracts to form a relatively tight fit on the wearer’s foot to further assist with preventing the sock 1 from moving around on the wearer’s foot.

[0045] In further embodiments, the first panel 13, the second panel 15 and the sole 30 of the sock 1 comprises each are comprised of a single layer of water- permeable, quick-dry material, wherein the material is porous to allow water and air to permeate through the sock 1 and to the foot of a user. Preferably the material comprises mesh neoprene.

[0046] The sole 30 of the sock 1 is constructed with one layer or two layers or three layers of porous material as previously described and is joined along a peripheral edge to the first panel 13 and the second panel 15 of the body 10 of the sock 1 , preferably by stitching. Referring to Figure 4, the sole 30 comprises a plurality of grip zones 32 on an external surface thereof. Preferably, the plurality of grip zones 32 are positioned on the external surface of the sole 30 are spaced apart from each other and preferably located uniformly, in regular rows and/or columns, across the length and width of the sole 30. Preferably, the grip zones 32 are formed out of a material with a high friction coefficient, preferably including silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a combination thereof. The grip zones 32 are applied onto the porous material of the sole 30, preferably by printing, adhesive or pressing. Alternatively, the grip zones 32 are adhered onto an additional layer of material, preferably a layer of polyester material, wherein the additional layer of material is adhered to a neoprene inner layer of the sole 30 and wherein the grip zones 32 face outwards.

[0047] It has been found that by providing the sole 30 with the plurality of spaced apart grip zones 32, the sole 30 exhibits the necessary grip level on a slippery or wet floor, such as in a shower, while also permitting water to pass through the porous material comprising the rest of the sole 30, namely the mesh fabric outer layer or the layers of mesh fabric and neoprene or foamed neoprene. Thus the water permeability of the sole 30 is maintained so that water is allowed to permeate through the sock 1 in order to wash the wearer’s foot and to prevent water from pooling within the sock 1 . At the same time, the sole 30 exhibits the necessary grip level on a slippery or wet floor, such as in a shower, to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

[0048] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown a sock 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The sock 100, is configured for use to apply compression to the foot, ankle and lower leg. Socks of this kind are referred to as a compression sock.

[0049] The sock 100 comprises an upper body 1 10 and a sole 130. The upper body 1 10 comprises a cuff 1 12, a leg 1 14, a heel 116, an instep 1 18 and a toe 120. The upper body 1 10 and the sole 130 together define an interior and the cuff 1 12 defines an opening for a wearer to insert a foot into the interior of the sock 100. The sock 100 is formed out of three panels, namely a first panel 1 13, a second panel 1 15 and the sole 130, which are formed separately and stitched together at the edges of the three panels to form the sock 100. [0050] The first panel 113, the second panel 1 15 and the sole 130 are produced separately out of a single layer of material that is to some small extend elastic and stretchable. Preferably the material is a blend of synthetic material such as nylon, spandex (also known as lycra or elastane), or polyester. The first panel 1 13, the second panel 1 15 and the sole 130 are formed separately and stitched together at the edges of the three panels to form the sock 100.

[0051 ] The cuff 1 12 and leg 1 14 of the sock 100 are constructed to envelop around and above the ankle and the lower leg of a wearer up to immediately below the knee of the wearer to apply compression so as to minimise swelling and pooling of blood in the lower limbs and feet.

[0052] Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the sole 130 comprises a plurality of grip zones 132 on an external surface thereof. Preferably, the plurality of grip zones 132 positioned on the external surface of the sole 130 are spaced apart from each other and preferably located uniformly, in regular rows and/or columns, across the length and width of the sole 130. Preferably, the grip zones 132 are formed out of a material with a high friction coefficient, preferably including silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a combination thereof. The grip zones 132 are applied onto the porous material of the sole 130, preferably by printing, adhesive or pressing. Alternatively, the grip zones 132 are adhered onto an additional layer of material, preferably a layer of polyester material, wherein the additional layer of material is adhered to a neoprene inner layer of the sole 130 and wherein the grip zones 132 face outwards.

[0053] Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a sock 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention worn on the foot of a wearer. The sock 200 comprises part of a system in accordance with another aspect of the invention that is adapted for the prevention, monitoring and reporting of slips and falls of a wearer. The sock 200 is structurally identical to either the sock 1 of Figures 1 to 6 or the sock 100 of Figures 7 to 9, however, with the addition of a device 220 that is adapted to sense movement of the wearer and, in particular, to sense if the wearer has suffered from a trip, slip or a fall. The device 220 includes housing 222 containing a movement detection sensor, preferably comprising an accelerometer. The housing 222 includes a clip for removable attachment to the cuff 212 of the sock 200. The device 220 includes a processors, power supply and a transmitter that is adapted to transmit a signal to a remotely located device such as a smartphone 250 or a computer 270. The transmitter is adapted to transmit wirelessly via a radio frequency signal such as WiFi, Bluetooth or the like which is receivable by the smartphone 250 or the computer 270 directly or indirectly through a wireless network.

[0054] In use, when a wearer is wearing the sock 200 and suffers a slip, trip or a fall, the device 220 is configured to detect that the wearer has suffered from a slip, trip or a fall and to generate an alarm, either through a sound generating transducer in the device 220 or by transmitting a signal to the smartphone 250 or the computer 270 which in turn issues an alert to a carer to check on and attend to the wearer of the sock 200.

[0055] The device 200 is also adapted to gather data in relation to the movement of the wearer and to either process the data on board the device 200 or remotely. The device 200 can receive information derived from the processed data that processed by the device 200 along with real-time movement data generated by the accelerometer to identify when the wearer is at risk of suffering from a slip, trip or a fall and to issue an alert. Alternatively, the processing may be conducted remotely by the smartphone 250 or the computer 270 or another remotely located processor.

[0056] In embodiments, the grip zones 32 are circular in shape and preferably 3-5 mm in diameter. Alternatively, the grip zones 32 are oblong in shape and extend across the full width of the sole 30 and in a parallel configuration. However, the grip zones 32 can be other shapes or configurations. The grip zones 32 are advantageous as they improve the friction coefficient of the sole 30 and allow for increased stability on wet surfaces.