Knit sock with targeted compression zones, and method for lifting and stretching the plantar fascia
A knit sock is integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales. At least one targeted compression zone is formed with the sock and includes spaced-apart axial compression ridges. A compression force applied by the sock within the targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of the sock.
1 . A knit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales, said sock comprising:
a first targeted compression zone formed with said sock, and comprising spaced-apart axial compression ridges, and wherein said compression ridges of said first compression zone comprise at least one pattern yarn integrally knit with the body yarn in a manner using tuck and float stitches, such that said compression ridges of said first compression zone create areas of increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of said sock;
a second targeted compression zone formed with said sock, and comprising spaced-apart axial compression ridges, and wherein said compression ridges of said second compression zone comprise at least one pattern yarn integrally knit with the body yarn in a manner using tuck and float stitches, such that said compression ridges in said second compression zone create areas of increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of said sock; and
whereby a compression force applied by said sock within said first and second targeted compression zones is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said sock.
2 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second targeted compression zones comprise elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn.
3 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said axial compression ridges comprise individual uncut pattern yarns integrally formed with respective courses of the body yarn within said first and second targeted compression zones.
4 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said first targeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adapted to extend under the foot generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer.
5 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said second targeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adapted to extend around a back of the heel generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer.
6 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein a heel of said sock comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines, and wherein the first end of said first targeted compression zone is formed at the lower reciprocation line of said heel pocket, and extends axially from said heel pocket towards a toe of said sock.
7 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein a heel of said sock comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines, and wherein the first end of said second targeted compression zone is formed at the upper reciprocation line of said heel pocket, and extends axially from said heel pocket towards an open leg end of said sock.
8 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second targeted compression zones comprise double covered elastic yarns.
9 . The knit sock according to claim 8 , wherein said double covered elastic yarns are greater than 250 denier.
10 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second targeted compression zones have an increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of said sock.
11 . The knit sock according to claim 1 , wherein said first and second targeted compression zones have a knit structure distinct from directly adjacent areas of said sock.
12 . A knit sock integrally formed of a body yarn in circumferential courses and axial wales, said sock comprising:
a targeted compression zone formed with said sock, and comprising spaced-apart axial compression ridges, and wherein said compression ridges comprise at least one pattern yarn integrally knit with the body yarn in a manner using tuck and float stitches, such that said compression ridges create areas of increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of said sock; and
whereby a compression force applied by said sock within said targeted compression zone is greater than the compression force in directly adjacent areas of said sock.
13 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said targeted compression zone comprises elastic yarns laid-in the body yarn.
14 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said axial compression ridges comprise individual uncut pattern yarns integrally formed with respective courses of the body yarn within said targeted compression zone.
15 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said targeted compression zone is centrally pointed at its second end, and is adapted to extend around a back of the heel generally from a lateral malleolus to a medial malleolus of the wearer.
16 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein a heel of said sock comprises a heel pocket defined by upper and lower reciprocation lines, and wherein the first end of said targeted compression zone is formed at the upper reciprocation line of said heel pocket, and extends axially from the heel pocket towards an open leg end of said sock.
17 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said targeted compression zone comprises double covered elastic yarns.
18 . The knit sock according to claim 17 , wherein said double covered elastic yarns are greater than 250 denier.
19 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said targeted compression zone has an increased density as compared to directly adjacent areas of said sock.
20 . The knit sock according to claim 12 , wherein said targeted compression zone has a knit structure distinct from directly adjacent areas of said sock.