Ankle supporter

Abstract

To provide an ankle supporter which is easy to wear on an ankle and can be used both for the right and left ankles.SOLUTION: An ankle supporter 10 has: a tubular body 20 to be worn on an ankle; and a belt-like winding part 30 connected to the body 20. One of a front face 31 and a rear face 32 of the winding part 30 is attachable to and detachable from the other, and the winding part 30 can be wound around the body 20 with the front face 31 facing the front side and can be wound around the body 20 with the rear face 32 facing the front side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ankle support, and more particularly to an ankle support having an auxiliary function, a taping function, etc. do. [Background technology]

[0002] Ankle supports are worn around the ankle to assist movement of the part on which they are worn, to protect the part on which they are worn, and to relieve pain in the part on which they are worn (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes a foot support made of a tubular elastic fabric. Patent Document 2 describes an ankle support having a band-like wrapping part that can be wrapped around the ankle.

[0003] Thus, in the past, ankle supports such as bandages or taping to immobilize the ankle joint and restrict movement, circular knitted supports worn like socks, and wrap-around supports using hook-and-loop fasteners have been used to prevent ankle sprains, provide first aid, protect the ankle until it heals, help shorten the recovery period, and prevent recurrence of injury. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7218466 [Patent Document 2] Utility model registration No. 3213219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the past, separate ankle supports for the left and right feet were required. Also, in the case of ankle supports with a wrapping section, an engagement member is often provided at the tip of the wrapping section, which can easily loosen during wrapping. Also, even if the ankle support is wrapped tightly immediately after wrapping, it can loosen as the wearer wears it for a long time. Furthermore, there is a problem that the strength of wrapping (tightening) cannot be adjusted for each part, and it can only be fixed with a certain strength.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to provide an ankle support that is easy to wear around the ankle and can be used on both the left and right ankles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a means for solving the above-mentioned problems as follows: That is, the present invention provides an ankle support having a tubular main body portion to be worn around the ankle and a band-shaped wrapping portion connected to the main body portion, wherein one of the front and back surfaces of the wrapping portion is detachable from the other, and the wrapping portion is configured so that it can be wrapped around the main body portion with the front surface facing outward, and can be wrapped around the main body portion with the back surface facing outward.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the wrapping part can be wrapped around the main body part both with the front side facing outward and with the back side facing outward, and the ankle supporter can be used for both the left and right ankles. In this case, since the wrapping part can be wrapped around the main body part while engaging the front and back sides, wrapping the wrapping part around the main body part can be easily performed. In addition, the strength of wrapping (tightening) of the wrapping part can be easily adjusted according to the user's desire at each of the instep part, the joint part, and the part around the ankle. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ankle supporter that is easy to wear around the ankle and can be used for both the left and right ankles.

[0009] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the entirety of one of the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part is detachable from the other. This allows the wrapping part to be wrapped around the main body while engaging the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part at a point in the middle of wrapping, making it easy to wrap the wrapping part. In addition, the engagement between the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part can be maintained for a long time, and loosening of the wrapping part can be suppressed even when the ankle support is worn for a long time.

[0010] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the entire other of the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part is also detachable from the other. This allows the wrapping part to be wrapped around the main body while reliably engaging the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part at a point in the middle of wrapping, making it easy to wrap the wrapping part reliably and securely. In addition, the engagement between the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part can be maintained for a long period of time, effectively preventing the wrapping part from becoming loose even when the ankle support is worn for a long period of time.

[0011] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part are provided with hook-and-loop fasteners made of a raised material. This allows the wrapping part to be easily attached and detached (wrapped and removed), and even if the wrapping part is repeatedly attached and detached, the engagement force between the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part can be maintained for a long period of time. Moreover, since the material of the hook-and-loop fasteners on the front and back surfaces of the wrapping part is thin and soft, it does not feel uncomfortable or thick when worn, and it is easy to wear socks or shoes over the ankle support. In addition, since the position of the wrapping part to be attached and detached can be freely selected, the tightening strength of the wrapping part can be easily changed. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ankle support that is easy to wear around the ankle and can be used for both the left and right ankles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an ankle support according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the ankle supporter of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ankle support of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the ankle support of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the ankle support of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the ankle support of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the ankle supporter before it is worn on the right ankle. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the ankle supporter when worn on the right ankle. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the ankle supporter before it is worn on the left ankle. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the ankle supporter when worn on the left ankle. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an ankle supporter according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The schematic configuration of an ankle support 10 according to this embodiment is shown in six views in Figs. 1 to 6 and in Figs. 7 to 11, which show the state of use.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the ankle support 10 has a tubular main body 20 worn around the ankle, and a band-like wrapping part 30 connected to the main body 20. For convenience, the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction are defined as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 1 etc., a mesh pattern is applied to the front surface 31 of the wrapping part 30, and a back surface 32 of the wrapping part 30 is left plain, so that the two parts 31, 32 are displayed in a distinguishable manner.

[0017] The main body 20 is formed from a fabric having elasticity, breathability, etc. The size and material of the main body 20 are not particularly limited as long as they allow the ankle to be inserted therein, as described below.

[0018] The main body 20 is configured such that a first portion 21 extending vertically and a second portion 22 extending front-rear are integrally provided. The second portion 22 extends diagonally downward, not horizontally. When the ankle support 10 is worn, the ankle is covered by the first portion 21, and the foot (the instep and sole) is covered by the first portion 21. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are connected at a predetermined angle, but the angle between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 can be changed by the deformation of the main body 20 in response to the movement of the ankle.

[0019] The main body 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape from a single piece of fabric by sewing together at seams 23a and 23b. The seam 23a is provided at the front end and upper end of the main body 20, and consists of a portion extending vertically at the front end of the first part 21 and a portion extending back and forth at the upper end of the second part 22. When the ankle support 10 is worn, the seam 23a is located at the instep and the front end of the ankle. The seam 23b is a portion extending vertically at the rear end of the first part 21, and is located at the rear end of the ankle when the ankle support 10 is worn. On the other hand, no seam is provided at the lower end of the second part 22, and the fabric of the main body 20 is connected at this portion. In other words, when the ankle support 10 is worn, no seam is located on the sole of the foot.

[0020] The main body 20 has three openings 24a, 24b, and 24c. The opening 24a is an opening provided at the upper end of the first part 21, and when the ankle support 10 is worn, the foot is inserted through the opening 24a. The opening 24b is an opening provided at the front end of the second part 22, and when the ankle support 10 is worn, the toes are exposed through the opening 24b. The opening 24c is an opening provided at the connecting portion between the lower end of the first part 21 and the rear end of the second part 22, and when the ankle support 10 is worn, the heel is exposed through the opening 24c.

[0021] The wrapping portion 30 is formed of a long piece of fabric. One end of the wrapping portion 30 is sewn to the seam 23a of the main body portion 20, thereby connecting the wrapping portion 30 to the main body portion 20. In detail, one end of the wrapping portion 30 is connected to the seam 23a of the second portion 22 of the main body portion 20. The length of the wrapping portion 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is long enough to allow various winding techniques to be performed, as described below.

[0022] One of the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 of the winding portion 30 can be engaged with and detached from the other. In this embodiment, the entirety of one of the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 of the winding portion 30 can be engaged with and detached from the other. Also, the entirety of the other of the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 of the winding portion 30 can be engaged with and detached from one. Note that the front surfaces 31 of the winding portion 30 do not engage with each other, and the back surfaces 32 do not engage with each other.

[0023] In this embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners are provided on the entire front surface 31 and the entire back surface 32 of the winding portion 30, making it possible to repeatedly wind the main body 20. The hook-and-loop fasteners have female and male members that adhere to each other. Specifically, hook-and-loop fastener female members are provided on the entire front surface 31 of the winding portion 30, and it is preferable to use, for example, a raised material (ultrafine fibers) obtained by processing the surface of a synthetic fiber fabric as such hook-and-loop fastener female members. Also, hook-and-loop fastener male members are provided on the entire back surface 32 of the winding portion 30, and it is preferable to use, for example, a raised material (ultrafine fibers) obtained by processing the surface of a synthetic fiber fabric as such hook-and-loop fastener male members.

[0024] In this embodiment, as described above, the ankle supporter 10 has a cylindrical main body 20 to be worn around the ankle and a band-shaped wrapping part 30 connected to the main body 20, and the wrapping part 30 is configured so that it can be wrapped around the main body 20 with the front surface 31 facing outward (upward) and with the back surface 32 facing outward (upward). Specifically, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, when the ankle supporter 10 is worn around the ankle of the right foot R1, the wrapping part 30 is wrapped around the main body 20 with the front surface 31 facing outward (upward). On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the ankle supporter 10 is worn around the ankle of the left foot L1, the wrapping part 30 is wrapped around the main body 20 with the back surface 31 facing outward (upward).

[0025] Here, how to wear the ankle support 10 around the ankle of the right foot R1 or the left foot L1 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0026] First, referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, wearing of the ankle support 10 on the ankle of the right foot R1 will be described. When wearing the ankle support 10 on the ankle of the right foot R1, first, as shown in Fig. 7, the winding part 30 is placed on the right side of the main body part 20 with the surface 31 facing outward (upward). In this state, the opening 24a of the main body part 20 is opened and the right foot Rl is inserted into the main body part 20, toe first. The right foot R1 is inserted into the main body part 20 until the toe is exposed from the opening 24b of the main body part 20 and the heel is exposed from the opening 24c. Note that the winding part 30 may be placed on the right side of the main body part 20 after the right foot R1 is inserted into the main body part 20.

[0027] 8, the wrapping part 30 is wrapped around the outer surface of the main body 20 worn on the right foot R1. In this case, the wrapping part 30 may be wrapped around the instep and sole of the foot as well as the ankle. There are various methods for wrapping the wrapping part 30, including circular, heel lock, figure eight, and the like, to name a few.

[0028] When winding the winding part 30 around the main body 20, the winding part 30 may be wound so as to overlap the already wound winding part 30. As a result, the back surface 32 of the winding part 30 to be wound engages with the front surface 31 of the already wound winding part 30, and the winding parts 30 are in close contact with each other. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the back surface 32 of the tip of the winding part 30 is engaged with the front surface 31 of the already wound winding part 30, completing the wearing of the ankle supporter 10 around the ankle of the right foot R1. When removing the ankle supporter 10 from the ankle of the right foot R1, the winding part 30 is peeled off from the tip, and the engagement between the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 of the winding part 30 is released, and the winding part 30 can be easily removed from the main body 20. After removing the winding part 30 from the main body 20, the ankle of the right foot R1 may be pulled out from the main body 20.

[0029] Next, wearing the ankle support 10 on the ankle of the left foot L1 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. When wearing the ankle support 10 on the ankle of the left foot L1, first, as shown in Fig. 9, the wrapping part 30 is placed on the left side of the main body part 20 with the back surface 32 facing outward (upper side). In this state, the opening 24a of the main body part 20 is opened and the left foot L1 is inserted into the main body part 20, toe first. The left foot L1 is inserted into the main body part 20 until the toes are exposed from the opening 24b of the main body part 20 and the heel is exposed from the opening 24c. Note that the wrapping part 30 may be placed on the left side of the main body part 20 after the left foot L1 is inserted into the main body part 20.

[0030] 10, the wrapping part 30 is wrapped around the outer surface of the main body 20 attached to the left foot L1. In this case, the wrapping part 30 may be wrapped around the instep and sole of the foot as well as the ankle. As described above, the wrapping part 30 may be wrapped around the circular, heel lock, figure eight, etc.

[0031] When winding the winding part 30 around the main body 20, the winding part 30 may be wound so as to overlap the already wound winding part 30. As a result, the front surface 31 of the winding part 30 to be wound engages with the back surface 32 of the already wound winding part 30, and the winding parts 30 come into close contact with each other. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the front surface 31 of the tip of the winding part 30 is engaged with the back surface 32 of the already wound winding part 30, completing the wearing of the ankle support 10 around the ankle of the left foot L1. When removing the ankle support 10 from the ankle of the left foot L1, the winding part 30 is peeled off from the tip, and the engagement between the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 of the winding part 30 is released, and the winding part 30 can be easily removed from the main body 20. After removing the wrapping portion 30 from the main body portion 20, the ankle of the left foot L1 can be removed from the main body portion 20.

[0032] The ankle support 10 of this embodiment is configured by integrally combining a cylindrical main body 20 worn around the ankle and a wrapping part 30 having a taping function. This ankle support 10 not only supports the wearer's daily movements and exercises and maintains and improves the functions of conventional ankle supports, such as reducing the load on the wearer's ankle, but also provides functions such as prevention of ankle sprains, first aid, protection until healing, assistance in shortening the healing period, and prevention of recurrence of injury, which could not be achieved without the use of separate bandages or taping tapes in the past.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the wrapping part 30 can be wrapped around the main body 20 with the front surface 31 facing outward and with the back surface 32 facing outward, and the ankle support 10 can be used for both the left and right ankles. At this time, since the hook-and-loop fastener is formed not only on the tip of the wrapping part 30 but also on the entire surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping part 30, the wrapping part 30 can be wrapped around the main body 20 while reliably engaging the front surface 31 and back surface 32 even during the wrapping, and the wrapping part 30 can be easily wrapped reliably and firmly. In addition, the strength of wrapping (tightening) of the wrapping part 30 can be easily adjusted according to the user's desire at each of the instep, joint, and ankle areas. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ankle support 10 that is easy to wear around the ankle and can be used for both the left and right ankles.

[0034] In this embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners are formed on the entire surfaces of the front surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping portion 30, so that the hook-and-loop fastener engagement between the front surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping portion 30 can be maintained for a long period of time, and loosening of the wrapping portion 30 can be effectively prevented even when the ankle support 10 is worn for a long period of time.

[0035] In addition, since the hook-and-loop fasteners made of a brushed material are provided on the entire surfaces of the front surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping portion 30, the wrapping portion 30 can be easily attached and detached (wrapped and removed), and even if the wrapping portion 30 is repeatedly attached and detached, the engagement force between the front surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping portion 30 can be maintained for a long period of time. Moreover, since the material of the hook-and-loop fasteners on the front surface 31 and back surface 32 of the wrapping portion 30 is thin and soft, it does not feel uncomfortable or thick when worn, and it is easy to wear socks or shoes over the ankle support 10. In addition, since the position at which the wrapping portion 30 is attached and detached can be freely selected, the tightening strength of the wrapping portion 30 can be easily changed.

[0036] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but is defined by the claims. Also, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included.

[0037] The positions and numbers of the seams 23a, 23b of the main body portion 20 described above are merely an example and are not particularly limited.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the winding portion 30 is connected to the seam 23a of the second portion 22 of the main body portion 20, but the connection position (sewing position) of the winding portion 30 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the winding portion 30 may be connected to the seam 23a of the first portion 21 of the main body portion 20, or the winding portion 30 may be connected to the seam 23b of the main body portion 20. Furthermore, the winding portion 30 may be connected to a portion of the main body portion 20 other than the seams 23a and 23b.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener female members are provided over the entire surface 31 of the winding portion 30, and the hook-and-loop fastener male members are provided over the entire surface 32 of the winding portion 30. Conversely, the hook-and-loop fastener male members may be provided over the entire surface 31 of the winding portion 30, and the hook-and-loop fastener female members may be provided over the entire surface 32 of the winding portion 30. In the above embodiment, a raised material is used as the hook-and-loop fastener female members and the hook-and-loop fastener male members, but the hook-and-loop fastener female members may be made of, for example, pile fabric with hook-and-loop fastener adhesion. In addition, the hook-and-loop fastener male members may be made of, for example, the following material (1) or (2). (1) A woven or knitted hook-and-loop fastener having a group of hook-, mushroom-, or loop-shaped engaging elements on one surface of a woven or woven base material obtained by knitting or weaving synthetic fibers selected from polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyolefin fibers, vinyl chloride fibers, and the like. (2) A molded hook-and-loop fastener having a group of hook-shaped, mushroom-shaped, bulging-head-shaped, angular, rod-shaped or other engaging elements on one side of a sheet-like base material obtained by molding a thermoplastic resin such as polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, vinyl chloride polymer, or polyurethane, or a thermosetting resin.

[0040] In addition, a hook-and-loop fastener female member may be provided on the entire surface 31 of the winding portion 30, and a hook-and-loop fastener male member may be provided on a portion of the back surface 32 (for example, the tip or middle portion), or a hook-and-loop fastener female member may be provided on a portion of the surface 31 of the winding portion 30 (for example, the tip or middle portion), and a hook-and-loop fastener male member may be provided on the entire back surface 32. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 Ankle Support 20 Main body 30 Winding section 31 Surface 32 Back side

Claims

1. A cylindrical main body to be worn around the ankle; and a belt-shaped wrapping portion connected to the main body, One of the front surface and the back surface of the winding portion is detachable from the other, An ankle support characterized in that the wrapping portion is configured so that it can be wrapped around the main body portion with the front side facing outward, and can also be wrapped around the main body portion with the back side facing outward.

2. The ankle support according to claim 1, An ankle supporter, characterized in that one of the front and back surfaces of the wrapping portion is entirely engageable with and detachable from the other.

3. The ankle support according to claim 2, The ankle supporter is characterized in that the entire other of the front and back surfaces of the wrapping portion is also capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the other.

4. The ankle support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 1. An ankle supporter, comprising: a hook-and-loop fastener made of a raised material on the front and back surfaces of the wrapping portion.

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