Lululemon Athletica. has been granted a patent for socks featuring integrated gripping systems. These socks include external and internal gripping surfaces made from specialized yarns, designed to enhance traction by optimizing friction between the foot, sock, and underlying surfaces. GlobalData’s report on Lululemon Athletica gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Lululemon Athletica, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Lululemon Athletica's grant share as of June 2024 was 67%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Integrated gripping systems for socks or stockings
The granted patent US12041975B2 describes a novel stocking design that incorporates advanced gripping features to enhance traction and stability. The stocking consists of a knit sock with two distinct patterns of gripping surfaces: an external pattern on the sock's exterior and an internal pattern on its interior. Both patterns are formed using specialized yarns, including a gripping yarn, which may be silicone-coated. Notably, the internal and external gripping surfaces are strategically arranged to be out of registration with each other, creating a shearing vector that improves frictional forces between the foot and the sock, as well as between the sock and the underlying surface. This design aims to provide better grip, particularly in high-contact areas such as the heel and ball-of-foot regions.
Further claims detail the specific configurations of the gripping surfaces, including their concentration and arrangement. The external gripping surfaces may be concentrated in specific areas and arranged in a gradient, while the internal gripping surfaces are designed to be thinner and located in complementary regions. The patent also outlines the use of functional yarns that enhance the sock's performance, with options for lateral orientation and transitions to other yarns using specialized stitching techniques. Overall, the patent presents a comprehensive approach to improving the functionality of knit socks through innovative design and material use, targeting enhanced grip and user safety.
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