Support member, and socks and shoes provided with that support member

Abstract

To provide a support member, and socks and shoes which enable an increased twist difference between the waist and shoulders during a swing, thereby allowing appropriate ground reaction force to be obtained, enhancing swing stability, stabilizing the hitting direction, and increasing the flight distance.SOLUTION: The support member is disposed to be in contact with the foot directly or through a fabric, and includes a side portion that comes into contact, directly or through a fabric, with the outer side surface of the foot. The side portion is in contact, directly or through a fabric, with the outer side surface of a portion corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member and a sock and shoe equipped with the support member. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of people enjoying various sports has increased, and golf in particular has become increasingly popular among people of all ages and genders.

[0003] Tools for improving golf are in high demand in the market. For example, socks have been proposed as such tools, as described in Patent Document 1. The socks described in Patent Document 1 have an adhesive mixed with titanium powder attached to the part that comes into contact with the arch of the foot, in order to enable accurate shots. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-97122 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although the socks in Patent Document 1 use titanium powder in the adhesive to promote blood circulation in the arch of the foot, increasing the strength of the foot to push off and enabling accurate shots, promoting blood circulation in the arch of the foot does not necessarily contribute to accurate shots. Also, the socks in Patent Document 1 focus on anti-slip properties and cushioning.

[0006] While anti-slip properties and cushioning are important, the present invention has a different perspective and aims to provide a support member, as well as socks and shoes equipped with this support member, that is designed to obtain an appropriate floor reaction force, stabilize the direction of the ball, and increase the flight distance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A support member according to one aspect of the present invention is a support member that is arranged so as to contact the foot directly or via fabric, and is characterized in that it has a side edge portion that contacts the outer side of the foot directly or via fabric, and that the side edge portion contacts the outer side of the part of the foot corresponding to the ball of the little toe directly or via fabric.

[0008] According to this configuration, a support member is used that is arranged to contact the foot directly or via a sock or other fabric, and the side edge of the support member contacts the outer side of the foot directly or via a fabric so as to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the ball of the little toe, so that the side edge acts as a wall on the outer side of the foot during a swing, increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and enabling the distance to be increased. In particular, by creating a solid wall on the outer side of the part corresponding to the ball of the little toe, the stability of the swing is increased, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and enabling the distance to be increased.

[0009] The support member is characterized in that the side edge portion contacts the outer side surface of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bones directly or via a fabric.

[0010] This configuration is more effective because the side edge of the support member contacts the lateral side of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bone, either directly or via fabric, creating a firmer wall. Here, the part that corresponds to the metatarsal bone is the part called the lateral arch of the foot.

[0011] The support member is characterized in that the side edge portion comes into contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot directly or via a fabric so as to include the outer side surface.

[0012] According to this configuration, the side edge of the support member contacts the metatarsal head and the outer side of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bone either directly or through fabric, so that the side edge acts as a wall on the outer side of the foot during the swing, further increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball and increasing the flight distance.

[0013] The support member may be configured so that the side edge portion comes into contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot directly or via a fabric.

[0014] With this configuration, the side edge portion contacts the outer side of the part corresponding to the cuboid bone and metatarsal bones of the foot directly or through fabric, and acts as a wall on the outer side of the foot during the swing, further increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball and increasing the flight distance.

[0015] The support member may be configured so that the side edge portion contacts the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the heel of the foot directly or via a fabric.

[0016] The support member is also characterized in that the side portions have a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0017] Here, the predetermined height and length refer to the height and length that form a wall on the lateral side of the foot. With this configuration, the side edge portion has a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot, so that the side edge portion can form a wall on the lateral side of the foot during a swing.

[0018] This support member is also characterized in that the side edge portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end.

[0019] With this configuration, the side edge portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the bottom end to the top end, and a length of 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end, so that the side edge portion reliably forms a wall on the outer side of the foot when swinging.

[0020] In addition, the side portion of this support member has a length from the lower end to the uppermost end of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot, and a length from the front end to the rear end of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0021] With this configuration, the side edge portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the bottom end to the top end, and a length of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end, so that the side edge portion more reliably forms a wall on the outer side of the foot when swinging.

[0022] The support member further comprises a sole portion, which is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or via a fabric, including the part corresponding to the ball of the foot.

[0023] With this configuration, the sole of the foot is in contact with the outer sole of the lower part of the foot corresponding to the ball of the little toe, either directly or via fabric, so that the outer sole of the part corresponding to the ball of the little toe is prevented from tilting downward and outward. In other words, the little toe on the outside of the foot is positioned horizontally or slightly higher, allowing for a firm and stable swing.

[0024] The support member is characterized in that it comes into contact with the sole of the foot directly or via a fabric so as to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot.

[0025] With this configuration, the sole of the foot contacts the lateral sole of the lower part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bones directly or via fabric, thereby preventing the lateral downward tilt of the lateral sole of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0026] The support member is also characterized in that the sole portion does not come into contact with the sole of the foot at the part corresponding to the ball of the foot, either directly or via a fabric.

[0027] According to this configuration, the sole of the foot does not come into contact with the sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the ball of the foot, either directly or through fabric, thereby reliably preventing the outer sole of the foot from tilting downward toward the little toe.

[0028] The support member may be configured so that the sole of the foot comes into contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or via a fabric, including the area corresponding to the distal phalanx of the foot.

[0029] This support member is also characterized in that the sole portion has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm, and a length from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot of 40 mm or more.

[0030] According to this configuration, the width of the sole is 15 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the length from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot is 40 mm or more, so that the outward tilt of the lateral sole of the foot in the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones can be reliably suppressed.

[0031] The support member is characterized in that the sole portion and the side portion are integrally formed.

[0032] This configuration reduces the number of parts compared to when the sole and side sections are formed separately, and because the side sections and sole sections are connected, the foot is wrapped around from the sides and bottom. It also makes it easier to attach to socks or shoes.

[0033] The support member is made of a flexible material and is formed into a plate shape of a predetermined thickness.

[0034] With this configuration, the support member is made of a flexible material and is formed into a plate shape of a predetermined thickness, so it can fit the shape of the foot and create a reliable wall. In addition, the flexibility reduces the burden on the foot.

[0035] The support member has a thickness of 1 to 5 mm.

[0036] According to this configuration, if the support member is too thick, it will be uncomfortable to wear and the fit will be reduced, and if the support member is too thin, it will be difficult to achieve the effect of stabilizing the direction of the ball and increasing the flight distance.However, by making the thickness of the support member 1 to 5 mm, the direction of the ball can be stabilized and the flight distance can be increased, and the wearer can wear it without feeling any discomfort due to the thickness.

[0037] The support member is also characterized in that the thickness of the sole portion has an inclined surface that gradually becomes thinner from the outer portion toward the inner portion.

[0038] This configuration prevents the sole of the foot from tilting downward to the outside. In other words, the little toe on the outside of the foot is positioned horizontally or slightly higher, allowing for a firm and stable swing.

[0039] The support member is characterized in that the material is sponge.

[0040] The sponge material is flexible and easily deforms elastically. The thickness of the material allows the wearer to wear the mask without feeling uncomfortable.

[0041] The support member is also characterized in that the front end of the sole portion is located forward of the front ends of the side edges, and the sole portion is located forward of the side edges.

[0042] The part of the side of the foot that is to be used as a wall and the part where the bottom of the foot is to be kept horizontal or the outside is to be kept high are located slightly behind the bottom of the foot, so by configuring it in this way, the effects of stability in the direction of the ball and an increase in flight distance are further improved.

[0043] The support member is also characterized in that the rear end of the sole portion is located forward of the rear ends of the side portions.

[0044] According to this configuration, similar to the above, effects such as stability of the hitting direction of the ball and extension of the flying distance are further improved.

[0045] The support member is also characterized in that the side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end.

[0046] According to this configuration, the side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, so that the support member easily fits to the outer side of the foot by contacting it along the outer side of the foot.

[0047] Furthermore, this support member is characterized in that the side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape upward from the front end to the rear end, and the side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape upward from the front end of the sole portion to the front end of the side edge portion.

[0048] According to this configuration, the support member is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end of the sole to the front end of the side edge, so that it fits easily to the contours of the outer sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0049] Furthermore, this support member is characterized in that the sole portion extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight or curved line toward the lower end of the side edge portion from there toward the rear.

[0050] With this configuration, the support member can be reliably fitted to a predetermined position on the foot.

[0051] Furthermore, this support member is characterized in that the sole portion and the side portion are formed as separate bodies.

[0052] With this configuration, the support member can be reliably brought into contact with the sole of the foot on the outer sole of the foot at the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones, and with the side edge part on the outer side surface of the foot at the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0053] Furthermore, a sock according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the support member according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or outside so that the side edge portion is located on the outer side of the foot when the sock is worn.

[0054] According to this configuration, by providing the support member in the sock, the stability of the swing is increased, the direction of the hit ball is stabilized, and the flight distance can be increased.

[0055] Furthermore, the socks are characterized in that the support member is provided only on the sock on the dominant foot out of a pair of socks.

[0056] According to this configuration, by providing a support member only on the sock on the dominant foot out of a pair of socks, that is, by providing a support member on the foot that is positioned behind during the swing, a wall can be created only at the rear, which increases the stability of the swing, stabilizes the direction of the ball, and increases the flight distance.

[0057] Furthermore, a shoe according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the support member described in any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or interior of the upper so that the side edge portion is located on the outer side of the foot when the shoe is worn.

[0058] In this way, a certain degree of effect can be expected by providing the support member not only in socks but also in shoes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0059] The support member of the present invention increases the difference in twisting between the hips and shoulders during a swing, allowing for an appropriate floor reaction force to be obtained, thereby increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance, and it is possible to provide a support member as well as socks and shoes equipped with this support member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole showing the outer shape of the support member together with the sole. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the side of the foot showing the outer shape of the support member on both sides of the foot. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the support member attached to a sock in use. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the support member attached to a shoe in use. [Figure 6] 10 is an image showing a club in a top position in a test of the effectiveness of a support member. [Figure 7] This is an image of the club when the face is level in a test of the effectiveness of the support member. [Figure 8] These are the results of a support member effectiveness test using an iron trajectory measurement device. [Figure 9] These are the results of a driver test using a ballistic measuring device to test the effectiveness of support materials. [Figure 10] Measurement results for irons in support member effectiveness tests [Figure 11] Driver measurement results in support material effectiveness test [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the side of the foot, showing the outer shape of a support member according to another embodiment, along with the side of the foot. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the sole of the foot, showing the outer shape of a support member according to another embodiment together with the sole of the foot. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] <Support member structure> A support member according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a support member 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the sole of the foot, showing the outer shape of the support member together with the sole. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the side of the foot, showing the outer shape of the support member together with the side of the foot. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the support member attached to a sock in use. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the support member attached to a shoe in use.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 1, the support member 1 includes a side portion 2 and a sole portion 3. The support member 1 of this embodiment will be described using the support member 1 for the right foot of a right-handed person as an example, but the support member for the left foot of a left-handed person has a shape symmetrical to that for the right foot, and therefore will not be shown or described here.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable that the side portion 2 contacts the outer side surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones, and the sole portion 3 contacts the outer sole surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones. In this state, the support member 1 is fixed by a sock or the like. Figure 4 shows the sock with the support member 1 attached to the sock.

[0065] By attaching the support member 1 to the foot in this manner, when swinging, the side portion 2 comes into contact with the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones of the foot, i.e., the outer side surface of the lateral arch of the foot, and the sole portion 3 comes into contact with the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones of the foot, i.e., the outer sole surface of the lateral arch of the foot.

[0066] This maintains the position where the side part 2 contacts the outer side surface of the outer arch part and the sole part 3 contacts the outer sole of the foot at the outer arch part, which increases the difference in twisting between the waist and shoulders during the swing, allowing for an appropriate floor reaction force to be obtained, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the support member 1 is attached and fixed to the outer side surface and the inside of the sock by sewing or the like to the outer side surface and the inside of the sock. The support member 1 is provided on the inside of the sock so that the side edge 2 is located on the outer side of the foot when the sock is worn.

[0068] In addition to socks, the support member 1 can also be attached to shoes to achieve a certain effect. The means for attaching and fixing the support member 1 is not particularly limited, and various known means can be used, such as fixing with an adhesive or fixing by heat fusing the underside of the support member. The support member 1 may also be fixed with a supporter or the like so that it comes into direct contact with the foot.

[0069] The support member 1 is formed into a plate shape with a predetermined thickness and is made of a flexible material. Because the support member 1 is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate shape with a predetermined thickness, it can fit the shape of the foot. In addition, its flexibility can reduce the burden on the foot.

[0070] The thickness of the support member 1 can be adjusted appropriately depending on the size and shape of the wearer's foot, but is, for example, 0.5 to 7 mm, and preferably 1 to 5 mm. By setting the thickness within this range, the support member 1 can function as a solid wall, stabilizing the direction of the hit ball and increasing the flight distance, while allowing the wearer to wear the support member without feeling uncomfortable due to the thickness.

[0071] The thickness of the sole 3 may be tapered so that it gradually becomes thinner from the outer part to the inner part. By doing so, the sole can be made more horizontal to match the shape of the foot and the shape of the shoe, which increases stability and is expected to improve the stability of the hitting direction and the distance.

[0072] Furthermore, the support member 1 of this embodiment is formed of a flexible elastic body such as a sponge.

[0073] Examples of sponges include chloroprene rubber sponge, ethylene propylene rubber sponge, nitrile rubber sponge, polyurethane sponge (e.g., ether-based polyurethane sponge, ester-based polyurethane sponge, and polyether / ester-based polyurethane sponge), and polyethylene sponge (e.g., polyethylene sponge).

[0074] 3, the side edge portion 2 of the support member 1 is disposed so as to contact the lateral side of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones of the foot. It is preferable that the side edge portion 2 contact the lateral side of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal heads of the foot, or the lateral side of the portion corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot.

[0075] It is particularly important that the front end of the side edge 2 contacts the outer side of the part of the foot that corresponds to the ball of the little toe. The side edge 2 of the support member 1 contacts the outer side of the part that includes the ball of the little toe and corresponds to the metatarsal, so that the side edge 2 acts as a wall on the outer side of the foot during a swing, increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance.

[0076] The side portions 2 have a predetermined height in the foot height direction and a predetermined length in the foot length direction, and preferably have a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the foot height direction from the bottom to the top end and 50 mm or more in the foot length direction from the front end to the rear end.More preferably, the side portions 2 have a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the foot height direction from the bottom to the top end and 80 mm or more in the foot length direction from the front end to the rear end.

[0077] By setting the range in this way, the side portion 2 can come into contact with the outer side surface of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bone, and the side portion 2 can reliably become a wall of the outer side surface of the foot during a swing.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, the sole portion 3 of the support member 1 is arranged so as to contact the lateral sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the metatarsals. It is also configured so as not to contact the sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the ball of the foot. This allows the sole portion 3 to contact the lateral sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the metatarsals, thereby preventing the lateral downward tilt of the lateral sole of the area corresponding to the metatarsals. This allows the lateral side of the foot to be positioned horizontally or slightly elevated, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the distance traveled.

[0079] The sole 3 has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm, and a length of 40 mm or more from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot. By setting the width within this range, it is possible to reliably prevent the lateral sole of the foot from tilting outward in the area corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0080] As shown in Figure 1, the support member 1 has a sole portion 3 whose front end is located forward of the side portions 2, and the sole portion 3 is located forward of the side portions 2. The rear end of the sole portion 3 is located forward of the rear end of the side portions 2.

[0081] The side portion 2 is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, and in this embodiment, is formed in a substantially semi-elliptical arc shape so as to fit along the outer side surface of the foot.

[0082] The upper part is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end of the sole part 3 to the front end of the side part 2. In this embodiment, it is formed in a roughly quarter arc shape so as to follow the contour of the lateral sole of the foot in the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0083] The sole 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight line behind it to the lower end of the side edge 2, from which the side edge 2 also extends in a straight line toward the rear. This allows the support member 1 to fit securely at a predetermined position on the foot.

[0084] In addition, the sock 4 of this embodiment shown in Figure 4 is provided on the inside of the sock 4 so that the side edge portion 2 is located on the outer side of the foot when worn, but it may also be provided on the outside of the sock 4.

[0085] Furthermore, of the pair of socks 4, only the sock 4 on the dominant foot is provided with the support member 1. This allows the support member 1 to form a wall on the outer side of the foot that is behind during the swing, thereby increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance. Note that in this embodiment, the support member 1 is provided only on the sock 4 on the dominant foot, but the support member 1 may also be provided on both of the pair of socks 4.

[0086] <Effectiveness test> Next, an effectiveness test was conducted using socks equipped with the support member of this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, right-handed players were asked to serve as test subjects, and they performed golf swings while wearing regular socks without a support member, socks with the support member of this embodiment attached to only the right foot, and socks with the support member of this embodiment attached to both feet.

[0087] Then, for the three states mentioned above, the X-factor at the top of the golf swing, the X-factor when the club is horizontal during the golf swing, the floor reaction force of the right foot, the floor reaction force of the left foot, and the flying distance were measured using a golf simulator.Motion capture was also used to capture the subjects' movements during the swing and the trajectory of the golf club head (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0088] The "X factor" indicates the difference in rotation between the upper and lower body. Furthermore, the top indicates the X factor at the position where the golf club is at its highest point during the swing, and the club level indicates the X factor when the club is level during the swing. Furthermore, ground reaction force, as the name suggests, is the reaction force received from the floor, or in other words, the force transmitted by the feet to the floor. The higher this value, the greater the force applied, which leads to greater driving distance.

[0089] The X-factor has a significant effect on the power and distance of a swing. Specifically, the difference between the rotation of the shoulders and the rotation of the hips during the backswing is the X-factor. The greater this difference, the greater the force generated during the swing, and as a result, the greater the energy transferred to the ball.

[0090] In relation to ground reaction force, the reaction force that the player's body receives from the ground during the golf swing is important, and by effectively utilizing this ground reaction force, more power can be transferred to the swing. Obtaining an appropriate ground reaction force during the swing, especially during the downswing, helps to increase swing speed and distance.

[0091] By combining X-factor with ground reaction force, golfers can achieve higher performance. A swing with a high X-factor requires a high ground reaction force, and properly managing this is key to creating an efficient and powerful swing.

[0092] In addition, the support member used in this test had a length of 45 mm from the bottom to the top of the side portion 2 in the height direction of the foot, a length of 120 mm from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot, a sole portion 3 of 30 mm, and a length of 100 mm from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0093] The results of the above-mentioned tests are shown in Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 shows the results for irons measured using a trajectory measurement device, and Figure 9 shows the results for drivers. The images in Figures 8 and 9 show the results of three swings for each case, with the top row showing socks without support members, the middle row showing socks with support members attached only to the dominant right foot, and the bottom row showing socks with support members attached to both feet. Figures 10 and 11 show tables summarizing the measurement results for irons and drivers.

[0094] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, in the case of irons, when the support member 1 was attached to the sock only on the dominant foot side, the X-factor value was the largest, the ground reaction force was the largest on both the right and left feet, and the distance was the longest. In the case of drivers, the X-factor value varied, but the ground reaction force was the largest on both the right and left feet, and the distance was the longest.

[0095] Furthermore, it was found that when support members 1 were provided on both feet of the socks, the ground reaction force on both the right and left feet increased, resulting in a certain degree of increased flying distance, compared to normal socks that did not use support members 1.

[0096] From the above test results, it was found that by providing support member 1 in the sock, the X factor during the swing increases, a large ground reaction force can be appropriately obtained, and therefore the distance can be increased. It was also found that when providing a support member, it is optimal to provide it only on the foot that is at the rear during the swing.

[0097] This is thought to be because by providing a support member on the rear foot side, the side of the support member acts as a wall, and the bottom surface approaches horizontal, allowing the force to be transmitted sufficiently to the floor.Furthermore, by wrapping around the foot together with the side surface, the position of the foot during the subject's swing is stabilized, allowing the force to be transmitted sufficiently to the ball.

[0098] <Other embodiments> As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the support member 1 is provided on the inside of the sock 4, but the support member 1 may be fixed to a shoe as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the support member 1 may be attached to the inside of the upper of the shoe 5 so that the side edge 2 is located on the outer side of the foot when the shoe is worn, or may be provided inside the upper of the shoe 5.

[0100] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight line behind it toward the lower end of the side portion 2, from which the side portion 2 extends in a straight line toward the rear. However, as shown in Figure 12, the support member 10 may also be such that the sole portion 12 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a curved line behind it toward the lower end of the side portion 11, from which the side portion 11 extends in a straight line toward the rear.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight line toward the lower end of the side portion 2, from which the side portion 2 extends in a straight line toward the rear. However, as shown in Figure 13, the support member 20 may also be such that the sole portion 22 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight line toward the side portion 21, from which the side portion 21 extends in a straight line toward the rear.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front end of the sole 3 is located forward of the front end of the side edge 2, the sole 3 is located forward of the side edge 2, and the rear end of the sole 3 is located forward of the rear end of the side edge 2, but as shown in Figure 14, the support member 30 may also be one in which the front end of the sole 32 is located forward of the front end of the side edge 31 and the rear end of the sole 32 is at the same position as the rear end of the side edge 31.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, the side portion 2 is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot, but as shown in Figure 15, the support member 40 may also be provided with a side portion 41 and a sole portion 42 that are in contact so as to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the heel of the foot.

[0104] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 contacts the lateral sole of the foot at the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones, but as shown in Figure 16, the support member 50 may also be provided with a side portion 51 and a sole portion 52 that contacts the lateral sole of the foot including the portion corresponding to the distal phalanx of the foot.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support member 1 is formed integrally with the side portion 2 and the sole portion 3, but a certain degree of effect can also be obtained with a support member 60 formed with the side portion 61 and the sole portion 62 as separate bodies, as shown in Figure 17. In this case, the side portion 61 and the sole portion 62 are formed as separate bodies, and are attached to the foot so that the side portion 61 is on the outer side surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones, and the sole portion 62 is on the outer sole of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support member 1 includes the side portion 2 and the sole portion 3, but as shown in Fig. 18, it is also possible to use a support member 70 that includes only the side portion 2 that contacts the lateral side of the foot. The side portion 2 is positioned on the lateral side of the arch of the foot, forming a wall on the lateral side of the foot, and it is thought that the presence of the sole portion 3 is more effective, but certain effects can be obtained, such as stability in swings and hitting, and increased distance.

[0107] Furthermore, the support member of the above embodiment has been described using a golf swing as an example, but it can also be applied to sports other than golf, such as baseball, softball, tennis, and table tennis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Support member 2 Side part 3 Sole of the foot 4 socks 5. Shoes 10 Support member 11 Side part 12 Sole of the foot 20 Support material 21 Side part 22 Sole of the foot 30 Support member 31 Side part 32 Sole of the foot 40 Support member 41 Side part 42 Sole of the foot 50 Support material 51 Side part 52 Sole of the foot 60 Support member 61 Side part 62 Sole of the foot 70 Support material

Claims

1. A support member that is arranged to contact the foot directly or via a fabric, The shoe has a side portion that contacts the outer side of the foot directly or through a fabric, The side edge portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the ball of the foot directly or through a fabric. Support material.

2. The side edge portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 1 .

3. The side edge portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 1 .

4. The side edge portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 1 .

5. The side edge portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the heel of the foot directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 1 .

6. The side portion has a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

7. The side portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end. The support member of claim 6.

8. The side portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end. The support member of claim 6.

9. The support member further comprises a sole portion; The sole portion is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a fabric so as to include the outer sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

10. The sole portion is in direct contact with the outer sole of the foot at a portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones or via a fabric. The support member of claim 9.

11. The sole part is in contact with the outer side of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 9.

12. The sole part does not come into contact with the sole of the foot at the part corresponding to the ball of the foot, either directly or through a fabric. The support member of claim 9.

13. The sole part is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a fabric so as to include the part corresponding to the distal phalanx of the foot. The support member of claim 9.

14. The sole has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm and a length of 40 mm or more from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The support member of claim 9.

15. The sole and the side are integrally formed. The support member of claim 9.

16. It is characterized in that it is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate shape of a predetermined thickness. The support member of claim 15.

17. The thickness of the support member is 1 to 5 mm.

17. The support member of claim 16.

18. The thickness of the sole of the foot has an inclined surface that gradually becomes thinner from the outer part to the inner part. The support member of claim 9.

19. The material is a sponge. The support member of claim 15.

20. The front end of the sole is located forward of the front ends of the side parts, The sole is located forward of the side edge.

17. The support member of claim 16.

21. The rear end of the sole is located forward of the rear ends of the side edges.

21. The support member of claim 20.

22. The side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end. The support member of claim 1 .

23. The side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, The upper part is formed in a convex curve shape from the front end of the sole part to the front end of the side part.

17. The support member of claim 16.

24. The sole portion extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and the rear portion extends in a straight line or curved line toward the lower end of the side edge portion, and the side edge portion extends in a straight line toward the rear from there.

24. The support member of claim 23.

25. The sole and the side are formed as separate pieces. The support member of claim 9.

26. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or outside so that the side edge portion is located on the outside part of the side surface of the foot when the support member is worn on the foot. socks.

27. The support member is provided only in the sock on the dominant foot out of a pair of left and right socks.

27. The sock of claim 26.

28. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or interior of the upper so that the side edge portion is located on the outer side of the foot when the shoe is worn. shoes.

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