Sock

Abstract

This sock is characterized by being provided with: a sock body (100); and an annular fastening part (120) provided so as to cover the instep and sole of the foot at a portion of the sock main body corresponding to at least one of the bone parts and the base parts of the five metatarsal bones of the sock wearer, the fastening force of the fastening part being greater than the fastening force of the portion of the sock main body other than the fastening part, or the fastening force of the fastening part being greater than the fastening force of the other portion of the sock main body other than the bone parts and the base parts of the five metatarsal bones of the sock wearer. A sock according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a sock body; and a ring-shaped fastening part provided in a portion of the sock body corresponding to at least one of a metatarsophalangeal joint, a tarsometatarsophalangeal joint, a transverse tarsophalangeal joint, a toe joint, and an ankle joint, which are joints of a foot of a wearer, the fastening force of the fastening part being greater than the fastening force of a portion of the sock body other than the fastening part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sock for correcting the arch of the foot. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1 The bones in a person's foot Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the arch structure of the human foot. As shown in these figures, the human foot (from the ankle to the toes) consists of 26 bones: 7 tarsal bones, 5 metatarsal bones, and 14 phalanges. Joints are formed at the junctions of these bones. These 26 bones are interconnected by multiple ligaments, and the combination of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles forms the arch structure of the foot.

[0003] The arch structure of the foot (hereinafter referred to as "arch") consists of the medial longitudinal arch connecting the heel bone and the first metatarsal head, the lateral longitudinal arch connecting the heel bone and the fifth metatarsal head, and the transverse arch connecting the first metatarsal head and the fifth metatarsal head. In addition, in Japan, the depression formed on the sole of the foot through the arch is called the "sole".

[0004] The arch of the foot is supported by ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other tissues located around the bones. It works in conjunction with a series of muscles from the top of the head to the back, buttocks, thighs, and the back of the calves to maintain an upright posture. In addition, the arch of the foot functions as a cushion to absorb the impact exerted on the soles of the feet when walking.

[0005] As we age, lack of exercise leads to decreased muscle strength in the feet, loosened ligaments, and increased weight, sometimes causing the arch of the foot to lose its three-dimensional shape. When the arch loses its shape, the balance between the arch and other parts of the body, from the top of the head to the back, buttocks, thighs, and calves, is disrupted. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain an upright posture, leading to poor posture such as hunchback. In addition, if the arch loses its shape and the sole of the foot disappears (flat feet), the impact applied to the sole of the foot cannot be adequately absorbed when walking, putting a strain on the knees and lower back.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sock in which an arch support portion is provided in the part of the sock body corresponding to the arch of the foot, wrapped around the entire circumference of the sole and instep. The arch support portion is constructed by weaving a thread that is more difficult to stretch than the thread used to knit the sock body into the base fabric of the sock body. With this structure, the arch support portion in the sock body has a stronger clamping force than other parts. Therefore, when a person whose arch shape has become deformed and whose sole has flattened wears socks with the above structure, the arch support portion tightens the sole and instep corresponding to the arch, correcting the arch to a normal three-dimensional shape.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-133046 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] For example, in the case of a person with bowlegs, weight is applied to the outer side of the foot (little toe side), causing the arch of the foot to tilt outwards. When the arch is tilted, the balance between the arch and other parts of the body from the top of the head to the back, buttocks, thighs, and the back of the calves is disrupted, leading to poor posture. However, the socks described in Patent Document 1 cannot adequately correct the tilted arch.

[0012] The problem this invention aims to solve is that by wearing socks, the arch of the foot in various undesirable conditions can be corrected to a normal state.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The socks of the first aspect of the present invention, completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, are characterized in that the socks comprise:

[0015] The main body of the socks; and

[0016] The ring-shaped fastening part is configured to cover the instep and sole of the foot in a manner that corresponds to at least one of the bony portions and base portions of the wearer's five metatarsal bones on the main body of the sock.

[0017] The fastening force of the fastening part is greater than the fastening force of the other parts of the sock body.

[0018] Furthermore, the socks of the second aspect of the present invention, completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, are characterized in that the socks comprise:

[0019] The main body of the socks; and

[0020] A ring-shaped fastening part is provided on the body of the sock, corresponding to at least one of the five joints of the wearer's foot: the metatarsophalangeal joint, the tarsometatarsal joint, the transverse tarsal joint, the joints of the toes, and the ankle joint.

[0021] The fastening force of the fastening part is greater than the fastening force of the other parts of the sock body.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] The metatarsophalangeal joint is located at the bony part of the five metatarsal bones, while the tarsometatarsal joint is located at the base of the five metatarsal bones. Therefore, the wearer of the socks of the first aspect of the present invention uses the fastening part to strongly tighten the instep and sole surrounding the metatarsophalangeal joint and / or tarsometatarsal joint, correcting the arch of the foot into a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, because the metatarsophalangeal joint and / or tarsometatarsal joint of the wearer's foot is stimulated by the fastening force of the fastening part, it can return to a normal state in cases of arch tilt or misalignment of the foot bones.

[0024] Furthermore, the second aspect of the socks of the present invention allows the wearer to more forcefully tighten at least one of the five joints surrounding the foot, including the instep and sole, through the fastening part, correcting the arch of the foot into a three-dimensional shape. Moreover, because at least one of the five joints is stimulated by the fastening force of the fastening part, it can return to a normal state in cases where the wearer's arch is tilted or the bones of the foot are misaligned. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the bones of a human foot.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a diagram representing the arch of a human foot.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the right foot wearing the socks of the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0028] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the right foot wearing the socks of the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0030] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the right foot wearing the socks of the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0032] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0034] Figure 10 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 10 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the right foot wearing the socks of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0036] Figure 12 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 12 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the right foot wearing the socks of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the big toe side.

[0038] Figure 14 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the socks described above, viewed from the instep side. Figure 14 (b) is a diagram of the right foot of the sock described above, viewed from the sole side.

[0039] Figure 15 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the reference sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 15 (b) is a diagram of the left foot wearing the sock, viewed from the instep side.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of treatment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] As mentioned above, the foot is composed of multiple bones and multiple joints (see reference). Figure 1 The condition of the joints affects a person's daily movements and walking. Furthermore, observations of spinal reflexes in the feet reveal a correlation between the condition of the bones in the feet and the bones in the back. Specifically, the calcaneus is associated with the sacrum, the talus with the lumbar vertebrae, the navicular bone, the metatarsals with the thoracic vertebrae, and the phalanges with the cervical vertebrae.

[0042] Stimulating five representative joints in the foot (metatarsophalangeal joint, tarsometatarsal joint, transverse tarsal joint, toe joints, and ankle joint) can align the bones of the foot correctly. It is known that when the bones of the foot are in the correct position, the spine maintains its natural curvature, resulting in a stable posture that does not put strain on the body—a so-called neutral position (a naturally relaxed posture).

[0043] Therefore, the inventors conducted the following experiment on multiple subjects: A band was wrapped around the areas corresponding to the aforementioned five joints, and the subjects' walking and resting postures were observed before and after the band was wrapped. Furthermore, the subjects were interviewed regarding the state of their joints before and after the band was wrapped, as well as the state of their joints after the band was wrapped. The results showed that by wrapping the band around the areas corresponding to the five joints, the state of the joints changed, and consequently, the walking and resting postures changed.

[0044] Such changes in joint state and posture are believed to be caused by the tightening of the instep and sole areas corresponding to the foot joints, thereby stimulating the joints and nearby bones. Stimulating the foot joints and nearby bones is equivalent to, for example... Figure 16 The treatments shown in (a) to (f) are for improving the walking and resting postures of test subjects. Therefore, the inventors considered providing the wearer of socks with an effect equivalent to the aforementioned treatment, and thus completed the present invention. The socks of the present invention are based on insights gained from the above-described experiments and surveys.

[0045] Hereinafter, the methods for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] <First Implementation>

[0047] The first embodiment consists of a pair of socks, one for the right foot and one for the left foot. Figure 3 This is a diagram of a right foot wearing the sock of the first embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the right foot sock 100, viewed from the sole side. The right foot sock and the left foot sock (not shown) are symmetrical in shape, have the same structure and the same function, so the structure and function of the socks will be described below without distinguishing between left and right.

[0048] The sock 100 includes: a sock body 110 having an insertion opening 111 for the foot; and a fastening portion 120 formed therein. The fastening portion 120 is formed in a ring shape, extending from the instep to the sole, covering the portion containing the bony portions 16 of the five metatarsal bones B1 (first metatarsal 11, second metatarsal 12, third metatarsal 13, fourth metatarsal 14, and fifth metatarsal 15) of the wearer's foot. The portion of the metatarsal bones having a base 17 is not covered by the fastening portion 120. The fastening portion 120 has a substantially uniform width throughout its circumference, for example, 20 to 50 mm.

[0049] The fastening portion 120 consists of a medial fastening portion 121 located on the big toe side and a lateral fastening portion 122 located on the little toe side. The medial fastening portion 121 is configured to cover the portion of the sole corresponding to the first metatarsal bone 11 to the portion of the instep corresponding to the second metatarsal bone 12. On the other hand, the lateral fastening portion 122 is configured to cover at least the portions of the instep and sole corresponding to the third metatarsal bone 13, the fourth metatarsal bone 14, and the fifth metatarsal bone 15. Alternatively, the medial fastening portion 121 only needs to cover at least the portion of the instep and sole corresponding to the first metatarsal bone 11.

[0050] The sock body 110 is formed of a stretchable fabric such as knitted fabric or woven fabric. The fastening portion 120 of the sock body 110 is configured to have a lower stretch rate than the other portions (non-fastening portions). The sock body 110 can be constructed by joining the fastening portion 120, which is formed of a different fabric, with the non-fastening portion, or by performing a treatment on the portion of the sock body 110 corresponding to the fastening portion 120 to reduce the stretch rate. In either case, the non-fastening portion of the sock body 110 has the same degree of stretch as a regular sock, while the fastening portion 120 is configured to have a lower stretch rate than the non-fastening portion. Furthermore, the inner fastening portion 121 constituting the fastening portion 120 is configured to have a lower stretch rate than the outer fastening portion 122. With this structure, the portion of the wearer's foot covered by the fastening part 120 is tightened with a stronger force than the other portions, and the portion covered by the inner fastening part 121 is tightened with a stronger force than the portion covered by the outer fastening part 122.

[0051] When the sock body 110 is constructed by joining the fastening part 120 and the non-fastening part, the fastening part 120 can be formed, for example, by the following method.

[0052] In the first method, a fastening portion 120 is formed by joining an inner fastening portion 121 having predetermined elasticity and an outer fastening portion 122 formed of a highly elastic fabric with higher elasticity than the inner fastening portion 121.

[0053] In the second method, two strips of fabric with an elongation that gradually increases from one end to the other are prepared. These two strips of fabric are joined together at one end and at the other end to form a fastening portion 120. In this case, one end of the joined two strips of fabric becomes the inner fastening portion 121, and the other end becomes the outer fastening portion 122.

[0054] In the third method, the fastening part 120 is composed of a tubular knitted or woven fabric with different loops or weave holes, corresponding to the portion of the inner fastening part 121 and the portion of the outer fastening part 122. The fastening part 120 of this structure has no seams.

[0055] In addition, as a method for reducing the elasticity of the portion of the sock body 110 corresponding to the fastening part 120, the following methods can be cited as examples.

[0056] When the main body 110 of the sock is made of knitted material, reinforcing yarns are knitted into the part corresponding to the fastening part 120, or the loop density (loop size) of the knitted material is reduced, or a knitting structure with low elasticity (tuck knitting, float knitting, etc.) is formed.

[0057] When the main body 110 of the sock is made of fabric, the ratio of elastic threads constituting the part corresponding to the fastening part 120 is increased, or the elastic threads are made thicker, or elastic threads with a high elastic modulus are used.

[0058] When the main body 110 of the sock is made of knitted or woven fabric, a resin such as silicone is applied to the part corresponding to the fastening part 120, or a low-stretch fabric or cloth such as elastic mesh is pasted on.

[0059] When wearing the socks 100 with the above-described structure, the fastening part 120 tightens the portion of the wearer's instep and sole corresponding to the arch, thus correcting the arch to a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, greater pressure is applied to the portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the inner fastening part 121 than to the portion corresponding to the outer fastening part 122. This allows for better control of the wearer's foot. Figure 16 (b) "externalization", Figure 16 The treatment of (f) “outward” has the same effect.

[0060] Therefore, the arch of the foot, which was slightly raised on the big toe side due to the shift in the center of gravity, is pushed back to its normal position, and as a result, the arch of the foot is corrected to a normal state. In this embodiment, since the fastening part 120 is used to tighten the part corresponding to the bone part 16 of the metatarsal bone (the end on the metatarsophalangeal joint 21 side), the posture of people with hunchbacks who tend to concentrate their weight on the metatarsophalangeal joint 21 can be effectively improved.

[0061] <Second Implementation Method>

[0062] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the right foot wearing the sock of the second embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a right-foot sock, viewed from the sole side. Similar to the first embodiment, the socks in the second embodiment are also composed of a right-foot sock and a left-foot sock with a symmetrical shape, so the structure and function of the socks are explained without distinguishing between left and right.

[0063] The sock 200 of the second embodiment includes: a sock body 210 having an insertion opening 211 for the foot; and a fastening portion 220 formed in the sock body 210. The fastening portion 220 consists of an instep-side fastening portion 221 covering the instep and a sole-side fastening portion 222 covering the sole. The instep-side fastening portion 221 is configured to slope inward from the outer side (little toe side) towards the inner side (big toe side) towards the toe side. Figure 6 The rate of extension (in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in (a)) is greater than the rate of extension in other directions. Similarly, the foot-side fastener 222 is configured to slope in a direction from the outer side (little toe side) toward the inner side (big toe side) and toward the toe side ( Figure 6 The scaling factor in the direction indicated by arrow A2 in (b) is greater than the scaling factor in other directions.

[0064] The position of the fastening part 220 in the sock 210 of this embodiment is the same as the position of the fastening part 120 in the sock 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the method of forming the sock body 210 and the fastening part 220 is the same as the method of forming the sock body 110 and the fastening part 120 of the first embodiment; various methods can be used as described above.

[0065] The wearer of the socks 200 of this embodiment tightens the instep and sole corresponding to the arch of the foot through the fastening force of the fastening part 220. Therefore, the wearer's arch is corrected to a normal three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, the wearer of the socks 200 uses the fastening part 221 on the instep side to act on the big toe side of the instep. Figure 6 The force in the direction indicated by arrow A3 in (a) acts on the little toe side. Figure 6 The force is in the direction indicated by arrow A4 in (a). As a result, Figure 6 The force indicated by arrow A5 in (b) acts on the wearer's entire foot. By applying such a force to the foot, the same effect is achieved as in cases where treatment such as "inversion" as shown in Figure 18 is performed. As a result, joints that have hardened due to injury, surgical sequelae, or aging are stimulated, and the wearer's foot, spine, and entire body are restored to a neutral position.

[0066] <Third Implementation Method>

[0067] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the right foot wearing the sock of the third embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 8 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a right-foot sock, viewed from the sole side. Similar to the first embodiment, the socks in the third embodiment are also composed of a right-foot sock and a left-foot sock with a symmetrical shape, so the structure and function of the socks are explained without distinguishing between left and right.

[0068] The sock 300 of the third embodiment includes: a sock body 310 having an insertion opening 311 for the foot; and a fastening portion 320 formed on the sock body 310. The position of the fastening portion 320 in the sock 300 of this embodiment differs from the position of the fastening portion 120 in the sock 100 of the first embodiment. That is, the fastening portion 320 is arranged on the sock body 310 such that it covers the portion from the instep to the sole corresponding to the base 17 of the five metatarsal bones B1, but does not cover the bony portion 16 of the metatarsal bones B1. The structure of the sock 300, except for the position of the fastening portion 310, is the same as that of the sock 100 of the first embodiment, therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0069] The wearer wearing the socks 300 of this embodiment tightens the portion of the instep and sole corresponding to the base 17 of the metatarsal bones using the fastening part 320. Therefore, the arch of the foot is corrected to a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, greater pressure is applied to the portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the inner fastening part 321 than to the portion corresponding to the outer fastening part 322. Therefore, even if the big toe side of the foot slightly lifts due to a shift in the wearer's center of gravity, the bones of the foot can be pushed back to their normal position, correcting the arch of the foot to a normal state. In addition, in this embodiment, since the fastening part 320 tightens the portion of the instep and sole corresponding to the base 17 of the metatarsal bones (the end on the tarsometatarsal joint 22 side), it can effectively improve the posture of people with kyphosis (lower back) whose weight tends to concentrate at the tarsometatarsal joint 22.

[0070] <Fourth Implementation>

[0071] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the right foot wearing the sock of the fourth embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 10 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 10 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a right-foot sock, viewed from the sole side. Similar to the first embodiment, the socks in the second embodiment are also composed of a right-foot sock and a left-foot sock with a symmetrical shape, so the structure and function of the socks are explained without distinguishing between left and right.

[0072] The sock 400 of the fourth embodiment includes: a sock body 410 having an insertion opening 411 for the foot; a fastening portion 420 formed on the sock body; and a plurality of markings (labels) provided on the surface of the sock body 410. The sock 400 of this embodiment differs from the sock 100 of the first embodiment in having markings; otherwise, its structure is the same as that of the sock 100 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the markings of the sock 400 will be described in detail, while descriptions of the structure of the sock 400 other than the markings will be omitted.

[0073] The markings, used to indicate effective treatment sites for improving physical discomfort resulting from arch misalignment, are positioned on the surface of the sock body 410 corresponding to the wearer's treatment sites. Specifically, markings 431, 432, 433, 434, and 435 are respectively provided on the surface of the sock body 410 at two locations corresponding to the wearer's left and right ankles (ankle joint bones), two locations on the toe side of the ankle, two locations on the heel side of the ankle, a location corresponding to the first metatarsal bone 11 and the fifth metatarsal bone 15 on the dorsum of the foot, and on the surface of the fastening part 420 on the sole of the foot. Furthermore, between two markings 434, a marking 436 consisting of a pair of arrows arranged in a facing manner is installed. The arrow marking 436 is positioned on the straight line connecting the two markings 434. In this embodiment, 431, 432, 433, 434, and 435 are respectively a triangle, a quadrilateral, a circle, a rhombus, and an ellipse, but they can be any shape or all of them can be the same shape.

[0074] The markings 431 to 436 are formed by coating the surface of the sock body 410 with polyurethane resin or by attaching a thin resin sheet. In this structure, the sock body 410 and the markings 431 to 436 have different tactile sensations, making them distinguishable. Therefore, the sock body 410 and the markings 431 to 436 can be the same or different colors.

[0075] Alternatively, the markings 431-436 can be made by using a different color for the knitting or fabric of the portion that constitutes the part corresponding to the main body of the sock 410 compared to the other parts. In this case, the discomfort caused by setting the markings 431-436 can be eliminated.

[0076] The markings 431-435 indicate the treatment areas on the feet of the wearer of the socks 400, and marking 436 indicates the direction of force applied when treating the area indicated by marking 434. Furthermore, the size of markings 431-435 indicates the treatment area; typically, areas corresponding to smaller markings 431-434 are treated with finger pressure (acupressure), while areas corresponding to larger markings 435 are treated with palm pressure. Additionally, marking 436 indicates the direction of pressure applied to marking 434.

[0077] Therefore, by using their fingers or palms to press on the feet of the wearer of socks 400 above markings 431-435, the therapist can apply appropriate treatment to the appropriate parts of the feet. In this way, in addition to correcting the shape of the wearer's arch, socks 400 also have the effect of assisting in relieving physical discomfort caused by misalignment of the arch.

[0078] Furthermore, information such as numbers indicating the order of treatment or names of treatment sites can be assigned to the markings 431-436. Additionally, it is not necessary to set all six markings 431-436 on the sock body 410; one to five of the six markings 431-436 can be used. Moreover, the markings can also be set on... Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 In addition to the positions shown. Furthermore, markings 431-436 can be installed on the socks 200 of the second embodiment.

[0079] <Fifth Implementation>

[0080] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the right foot wearing the sock of the fifth embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 12 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 12 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the right foot sock, viewed from the sole side. Similar to the first embodiment, the sock in the fifth embodiment is also composed of a right foot sock and a left foot sock with a symmetrical shape, so the structure and function of the sock are explained without distinguishing between left and right.

[0081] The sock 500 of the fifth embodiment includes: a sock body 510 having a foot insertion opening 511; and a plurality of fastening portions formed on the sock body 510. The sock 500 of this embodiment is a five-toe type sock with the toe-covering portion divided into five sections.

[0082] The fastening parts of the sock 500 in this embodiment include: a big toe fastening part 521, a middle toe fastening part 522, and a little toe fastening part 523 respectively disposed in the sock body 510 in the region corresponding to the base of the first proximal phalanx (big toe), the third proximal phalanx (middle toe), and the fifth proximal phalanx (little toe) (the portion near the metatarsophalangeal joint); a big toe tip fastening part 524 disposed in the region corresponding to the toe side of the first proximal phalanx; a midfoot fastening part 525 disposed in the region corresponding to the region between the metatarsophalangeal joint and the tarsometatarsal joint; a central fastening part 526 disposed in the region corresponding to the transverse tarsal joint; and an ankle fastening part 527 disposed in the region corresponding to the ankle joint (ankle). All seven fastening parts 521 to 527 are annular and are configured to cover the regions of the instep side and the sole side of the sock body 510.

[0083] The socks of the fifth embodiment are men's socks made with consideration for the arch structure of the male foot. By having female wearers wear these socks, the arch of the foot can be more effectively corrected to a normal state, or walking posture and static posture can be corrected to a normal state.

[0084] <Sixth Implementation>

[0085] Figure 13 This is a diagram of a right foot wearing a sock according to the sixth embodiment, viewed from the big toe side. Figure 14 (a) is a diagram of the right foot wearing a sock, viewed from the instep side. Figure 14 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the right foot sock, viewed from the sole side. Similar to the first embodiment, the sock in the fifth embodiment is also composed of a right foot sock and a left foot sock with a symmetrical shape, so the structure and function of the sock are explained without distinguishing between left and right.

[0086] The sock 600 of the sixth embodiment includes: a sock body 610 having an insertion opening 611 for the foot; and a plurality of fastening portions formed on the sock body 610. Similar to the sock 500 of the fifth embodiment, the sock 600 of this embodiment is also a five-toe type sock with the toe-covering portion divided into five sections.

[0087] The fastening portion of the sock 600 in this embodiment includes: a big toe fastening portion 621, a second toe fastening portion 622, and a fourth toe fastening portion 623 respectively disposed in the area corresponding to the base of the first proximal phalanx (big toe), the second proximal phalanx (second toe), and the fourth proximal phalanx (fourth toe) of the sock body 610 (the portion near the metatarsophalangeal joint); a big toe tip fastening portion 624 disposed in the area corresponding to the toe side of the first proximal phalanx; a midfoot fastening portion 625 disposed in the area corresponding to the area between the metatarsophalangeal joint and the tarsometatarsal joint; a central fastening portion 626 disposed in the area corresponding to the transverse tarsal joint; and an ankle fastening portion 627 disposed in the area corresponding to the ankle joint (ankle). All seven fastening portions 621 to 627 are ring-shaped, forming a configuration that covers the area on the instep side and the sole side of the sock body 610.

[0088] The socks of the sixth embodiment are women's socks made with consideration for the arch structure of women's feet. By wearing these socks, women can more effectively correct their arches to a normal state, or correct their walking posture and resting posture to a normal state.

[0089] (Modified example)

[0090] The above examples illustrate the methods for implementing the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications are permitted within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] The socks of this invention only need to cover at least the sole and instep of the foot. The socks of this invention include socks of various lengths (socks, stockings), tights, knee-high socks, etc. Additionally, some or all of the toes may be exposed, and the portion covering the toes may be separated into several parts. From the viewpoint of preventing slippage during wear, the socks are preferably socks that are separated into portions covering the big toe and portions covering the other toes, portions covering the toes, portions covering the second to fourth toes and portions covering the little toe, or socks where all five toes are separated.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the fastening part is configured as a band of approximately the same width in the circumferential direction, but it can also be configured to be wider on the big toe side than on the little toe side of the foot. This allows for a larger area to tighten the big toe side of the foot, thus effectively correcting an arch that tilts towards the little toe side.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the fastening portion is formed to cover either the bony part or the base of the metatarsal bone, but it may also be formed to cover both the bony part and the base of the metatarsal bone without covering the portion between the bony part and the base.

[0094] Alternatively, the fastening portion 220 of the sock 200 in the second embodiment can be configured such that the stretching force in the direction indicated by arrow A3 is lower than the stretching force in the direction indicated by arrow A4. With this structure, similar to the sock 100 in the first embodiment, the fastening force of the fastening portion 220 is stronger on the big toe side, applying a stronger fastening force to the big toe side of the foot. As a result, the fastening portion 220 generates a stronger torsional force on the foot, causing it to rotate inward. Therefore, the function of correcting the arch of the foot to a normal angle is more effectively achieved, resulting in a more complete correction of the arch. Figure 16 (a) "inversion", Figure 16 The same effect is achieved with the application of (e) "adduction".

[0095] In the sock 200 of the second embodiment, the stretching direction is the same throughout the circumference of the instep-side fastening portion 221 and the sole-side fastening portion 222, but the instep-side fastening portion 221 and the sole-side fastening portion 222 can also be further divided into multiple areas to switch the stretching direction.

[0096] <Reference Example>

[0097] The human foot contains the pivot foot (the foot used to support the body) and the dominant foot (the foot used for movement). In the pivot foot, weight is concentrated on the little toe side, thus there is a tendency for the big toe side to be slightly raised. If the foot is deformed in this way, the following problems arise: the biceps femoris muscle, one of the muscles that make up the hamstrings, is loaded, leading to biceps femoris hypertrophy, and the pelvis, which is connected to the biceps femoris, shifts in position.

[0098] The inventors of this application have discovered that by wearing socks configured to tighten specific toes at the pivot foot and dominant foot respectively, it is possible to prevent foot deformation caused by a shift in the center of gravity and to prevent pelvic misalignment. The socks will be described below as an example.

[0099] Figure 15 (a) is a diagram of the left foot wearing the sock in reference example 700, viewed from the instep side. Figure 15 (b) is a diagram of the right foot wearing the sock 700 of the reference example, viewed from the instep side. In this reference example, a sock for a person whose left foot is the pivot foot and whose right foot is the dominant foot will be described. The sock 700 is a so-called five-toe type sock with the toe-covering part divided into five sections, and includes: a sock body 710 having a foot insertion portion 711; and multiple toe fastening portions 721, 722, 723, and 724 formed in the sock body 710. The toe fastening portions 721 and 722 are respectively formed into a loop by wrapping around the portion corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint C3a of the middle toe of the left foot and the portion corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint C3b of the little toe of the left foot. The toe fastening portions 723 and 724 are respectively formed into strips by wrapping the portions corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint C3c of the second toe of the right foot and the portions corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint C3d of the fourth toe of the right foot. The toe fastening portions 721-724 are made of a fabric or knitted material with lower elasticity than other parts of the sock body 710. Therefore, the fastening force of the toe fastening portions 721-724 is stronger than that of other parts of the sock body 710.

[0100] The five toes and their role in various foot movements (abduction / adduction, dorsiflexion / plantarflexion, supination / pronation, and combinations thereof such as inversion / eversion), see [reference]. Figure 16 Various muscle connections. In the sock 1E of this reference example, by tightening specific toes on the pivot foot and the dominant foot, stimulation is applied to the muscles connected to those toes, thereby improving the function of the foot's movements. Specifically, tightening the middle toe of the left foot (pivot foot) improves the foot's adduction / abduction function, and tightening the little toe of the left foot (pivot foot) improves the foot's eversion function. In addition, tightening the fourth toe of the right foot (dominant foot) improves the foot's dorsiflexion function, and tightening the second toe of the right foot (dominant foot) improves the foot's inversion function. By using this treatment to improve these various functions, foot deformities caused by the wearer's center of gravity shift can be resisted. Furthermore, in the sock for people with the right foot as the pivot foot, toe fastening portions 721 and 722 are formed on the right foot sock, and toe fastening portions 723 and 724 are formed on the left foot (dominant foot) sock.

[0101] [Way]

[0102] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following methods.

[0103] (Item 1) A sock according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a sock body; and an annular fastening portion, which is provided such that it covers the instep and sole of the foot in a portion of the sock body corresponding to at least one of the bony portion and the base portion of the five metatarsal bones of the sock wearer, the fastening force of the fastening portion being greater than the fastening force of the portion of the sock body other than the fastening portion.

[0104] According to the socks described in item 1, the fastening part strongly tightens the instep and sole of the wearer's foot, surrounding the metatarsophalangeal joint and / or tarsometatarsal joint, correcting the arch of the foot into a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, because the fastening force of the fastening part stimulates the metatarsophalangeal joint and / or tarsometatarsal joint of the wearer's foot, it can restore the wearer's arch to a normal state in cases of arch tilt or misalignment of the foot bones.

[0105] (Item 2) Regarding the socks in Item 2, the socks according to Item 1 are characterized in that,

[0106] The fastening part consists of an inner fastening part and an outer fastening part, and the fastening force of the inner fastening part is greater than that of the outer fastening part.

[0107] (Item 3) With regard to the socks in Item 3, the socks according to Item 1 are characterized in that,

[0108] The fastening part is configured such that the rate of extension and retraction in the direction inclined from the little toe side toward the big toe side and toward the toe side is greater than the rate of extension and retraction in other directions.

[0109] According to the socks described in item 2 or 3, the fastening force of the fastening part is offset relative to the direction in which the fastening part circumferentially covers the instep and sole, thus generating a force that tightens relative to the foot and a force that twists the foot. In particular, when the elasticity in the direction inclined towards the toe from the little toe side to the big toe side and towards the toe side is greater than the elasticity in other directions, a force that twists the foot inward is generated. Therefore, by wearing the socks described above, the three-dimensional shape and tilt of the arch of the foot can be corrected to a suitable state.

[0110] (Item 4) Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a sock body; and an annular fastening portion disposed on a portion of the sock body corresponding to at least one of the metatarsophalangeal joint, tarsometatarsal joint, transverse tarsal joint, toe joint, and ankle joint of the wearer's foot, wherein the fastening force of the fastening portion is greater than the fastening force of the portion of the sock body other than the fastening portion.

[0111] According to the socks in item 4, the wearer uses the fastening part to strongly tighten at least one of the five joints surrounding the foot, including the instep and sole, thereby correcting the arch of the foot into a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, because at least one of the five joints is stimulated by the tightening force of the fastening part, it can return the wearer to a normal state in cases of arch tilt or misalignment of the foot bones.

[0112] (Item 5) Regarding the socks in item 5, according to the socks in item 4, where,

[0113] The fastening part is located on the body of the sock, corresponding to the joints of the big toe, middle toe, and little toe of the wearer's five toes.

[0114] According to the socks in item 5, it is possible to achieve the effect of correcting the three-dimensional shape of the arch of the foot to the correct state, especially for male wearers.

[0115] (Item 6) For the socks of Item 6, according to the socks of Item 4, the fastening part is provided in the part of the sock body corresponding to the joints of the big toe, second toe and fourth toe of the wearer's five toes.

[0116] According to the socks in item 6, it is possible to achieve the effect of correcting the three-dimensional shape of the arch of the foot to the correct state, especially for female wearers.

[0117] (Item 7) For the socks of Item 7, according to the socks of Item 5, the fastening part is further provided in the part of the sock body corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint, tarsometatarsal joint, transverse tarsal joint and ankle joint.

[0118] (Item 8) For the socks of Item 8, according to the socks of Item 6, the fastening part is further provided in the part of the sock body corresponding to the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint, tarsometatarsal joint, transverse tarsal joint and ankle joint.

[0119] The inventors have discovered that, depending on the location of the tightened metatarsal bones, specific types of poor posture can be effectively improved. Specifically, in a poor posture characterized by lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt (hereinafter referred to as "kyphosis"), weight is concentrated near the metatarsophalangeal joint. Therefore, by tightening the bony portion of the metatarsal bones (the ends on the metatarsophalangeal joint side), the structure of the arch of the foot can be effectively corrected, thereby improving kyphosis by maintaining this posture. Similarly, in a poor posture characterized by lumbar lordosis and posterior pelvic tilt (hereinafter referred to as "lumbar kyphosis"), weight is concentrated near the tarsometatarsal joint. Therefore, by tightening the base of the metatarsal bones (the ends on the tarsometatarsal joint side), lumbar kyphosis can be improved.

[0120] A stronger surface pressure is applied to the portion of the instep and sole that abuts against the fastener, on the big toe side, than on the little toe side. As a result, a radially tightening force (fastening force) is applied to the portion of the wearer's foot corresponding to the fastener, correcting the arch of the foot into a three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, when the wearer's center of gravity shifts, causing the foot to tilt downwards with the little toe side (outer side) and upwards with the big toe side (inner side), resulting in a slight lift of the big toe side, the arch is corrected to a suitable angle.

[0121] Furthermore, the inventors of this application discovered that tightening the metatarsal bones is effective in improving certain types of poor posture. Specifically, in a poor posture where the lumbar spine is bent forward and the pelvis is tilted forward (hereinafter referred to as "kyphosis"), the weight is concentrated near the metatarsophalangeal joint. Therefore, by tightening the bony part of the metatarsal bones (the ends on the metatarsophalangeal joint side), the structure of the arch of the foot can be effectively corrected, thereby improving kyphosis by being in this state. Similarly, in a poor posture where the lumbar spine is bent backward and the pelvis is tilted backward (hereinafter referred to as "lumbar kyphosis"), the weight is concentrated near the tarsometatarsal joint. Therefore, by tightening the base of the metatarsal bones (the ends on the tarsometatarsal joint side), lumbar kyphosis is improved.

[0122] When the metatarsals are constricted over a wide area, corrections corresponding to the specific types of poor posture described above cannot be performed. Furthermore, blood flow can sometimes be impaired due to constriction of unwanted portions. Therefore, to effectively improve the aforementioned specific types of poor posture, it is preferable that the fastening portion is formed to cover one of the bony portion and the base of the metatarsal bone without covering the other.

[0123] In the socks, it is preferable that the width of the fastening part on the big toe side is wider than the width on the little toe side of the foot.

[0124] According to this structure, since the big toe side of the foot is tightened over a larger area, the corrective effect on the arch of the foot is improved when the little toe side (outer side) of the foot tilts down and the big toe side (inner side) rises slightly due to the shift in the wearer's center of gravity, thus improving the corrective effect on the arch of the foot.

[0125] (Item 9) For the socks of Item 9, according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein one or more markings indicating the treatment site are provided on the surface of the sock body.

[0126] In item 9, "socks," the treatment area refers to, for example, a part of the foot that is twisted or pressed. Treatment includes acupressure and massage. The label can be any mark that represents the treatment area and may include symbols, text, pictures, graphics, etc. Alternatively, the label may be given text indicating the content of the treatment, an arrow indicating the direction of the force applied when applying force to the treatment area, a picture, or a graphic.

[0127] Based on the above-described structure, even those unfamiliar with foot treatments can apply appropriate treatment to the wearer's feet based on the markings on the socks.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0129] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600: Socks; 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610: Sock body; 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620: Fastening parts.

Claims

1. A sock characterized by comprising: a sock main body; and a ring-shaped fastening portion provided so as to cover a instep and a sole in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to at least one of a bone portion and a base portion of five metatarsal bones of a sock wearer, a fastening force of the fastening portion being greater than a fastening force of a portion other than the fastening portion of the sock main body.

2. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the fastening portion is composed of an inner side fastening portion and an outer side fastening portion, the fastening force of the inner side fastening portion being greater than the fastening force of the outer side fastening portion.

3. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the fastening portion is configured so that an elongation ratio in a direction inclined toward a toe side from a little toe side to a thumb side is greater than an elongation ratio in other directions.

4. A sock characterized by comprising: a sock main body; and a ring-shaped fastening portion provided in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to at least one of a metatarsophalangeal joint, a tarsometatarsal joint, a transverse tarsal joint, a joint of a toe, and an ankle joint of a joint of a foot portion of a wearer, a fastening force of the fastening portion being greater than a fastening force of a portion other than the fastening portion of the sock main body.

5. The sock according to claim 4, wherein the fastening portion is provided in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to a joint of each of a thumb, a middle toe, and a little toe among five toes of the wearer.

6. The sock according to claim 4, wherein the fastening portion is provided in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to a joint of each of a thumb, a second toe, and a fourth toe among joints of five toes of the wearer.

7. The sock according to claim 5, wherein the fastening portion is further provided in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to a metatarsophalangeal joint, a tarsometatarsal joint, a transverse tarsal joint, and an ankle joint of the wearer.

8. The sock according to claim 6, wherein the fastening portion is further provided in a portion of the sock main body corresponding to a metatarsophalangeal joint, a tarsometatarsal joint, a transverse tarsal joint, and an ankle joint of the wearer.

9. The sock according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more marks indicating a treatment site are provided on a surface of the sock main body. ​ ​

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