Foot attachment

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a foot attachment that allows a wearer to effectively perceive that acupressure points for drowsiness are stimulated as compared with a conventional foot attachment.SOLUTION: The foot wearing tool 100 is a wearing tool for covering at least a human foot, and includes a heel covering part 120 and a raised part 125. There is at least one raised portion. The raised portion is raised toward at least one of the medial side and the lateral side in the heel covering portion. The raised portion has an angle CN and has a cross shape in a perspective plan view. In addition, the foot mounting tool has a cylindrical shape with both sides opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to foot wearable devices that can be worn at least on the feet, such as socks (socks, knee-high socks, etc.), leg warmers, stockings, tights, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, "socks with raised areas on the heel pouch at locations near acupressure points on the soles of the feet known to cause insomnia" have been proposed (see, for example, Registered Utility Model No. 3210355). When worn, these socks are said to stimulate the acupressure points that cause insomnia, calming excited nerves and inducing sleepiness, thereby improving poor concentration and other problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3210355 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, through careful investigations by the inventors, it has been found that depending on the shape of the protrusion, it may be difficult for the wearer to perceive that the acupressure point for insomnia is being stimulated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a foot attachment that allows the wearer to more effectively sense that the acupressure points that cause insomnia are being stimulated, compared to conventional foot attachments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The foot attachment according to a first aspect of the present invention is a foot attachment for covering at least a human foot, and includes a heel covering and a raised portion. The foot attachment is cylindrical with openings on both sides. The foot attachment may also include a leg covering for covering the human leg. The heel covering is a portion for covering part or all of the heel. At least one raised portion is present. This raised portion is raised toward at least one of the inside and outside of the heel covering portion. The raised portion has a corner. The term "corner" as used herein includes not only corners formed by the intersection of straight lines, but also corners formed by the combination of straight lines and curves (such as arcs), i.e., rounded corners. However, from the perspective of effectively stimulating acupressure points for insomnia, the radius of the rounded corner is preferably 15 mm or less. The lower limit of the radius of the rounded corner is not particularly specified, but is, for example, 0.1 mm. Furthermore, when the wearer's weight is applied during exercise such as walking, the corners of this raised portion reduce the area over which the weight is applied, increasing the pressure on the acupressure point that causes insomnia. Furthermore, this raised portion appears cross-shaped when viewed from above. Here, "planar view" refers to a view from directly above when the foot attachment is laid flat with the heel covering portion facing downwards.

[0007] As described above, in this foot attachment, the raised portion has a cross shape in plan view and multiple corners. A wearer of a foot attachment is more likely to sense contact with a cornered object than with a gently sloping or curved surface. Therefore, by wearing this foot attachment before going to bed or by walking lightly before going to bed, the wearer can more effectively sense that the acupressure points for insomnia are being stimulated than with conventional foot attachments. Furthermore, when the raised portion protrudes toward the outside of the heel covering portion, at least light exercise such as walking is required to stimulate the acupressure points for insomnia. Furthermore, in this foot attachment, each raised portion has two relatively sharp corners on each side. Therefore, this foot attachment can stimulate the acupressure point for insomnia from all four directions, thereby allowing the wearer to more effectively perceive that the acupressure point is being stimulated than with conventional foot attachments. Furthermore, even if the position of the protuberance is slightly misaligned from the acupressure point when wearing the foot attachment, the acupressure point can still be stimulated. Furthermore, as described above, this foot attachment is tubular with openings on both sides. Therefore, this foot attachment can expose the vascular area (e.g., the AVA vascular area) on the toe side of the wearer's foot. Therefore, this foot attachment can sufficiently lower the wearer's core body temperature, ultimately providing the wearer with quality sleep.

[0008] A foot attachment according to a second aspect of the present invention is the foot attachment according to the first aspect, wherein the raised portion has a rectangular portion, a first wing portion, and a second wing portion. The rectangular portion has a rectangular shape in a planar perspective. The first wing portion extends from the rectangular portion to both sides in the width direction. The second wing portion extends from the rectangular portion to both sides in a direction perpendicular to the width direction in a planar perspective. The upper end surface of the rectangular portion is located higher than the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion and the second wing portion. In other words, the rectangular portion is thicker than the first wing portion and the second wing portion.

[0009] This allows the foot attachment to have a corner in the central rectangular section, so that when the foot attachment is properly attached, the center of the acupressure point for insomnia can be effectively stimulated.

[0010] A foot wearing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the foot wearing device according to the first aspect, wherein the heel covering part is formed of an inner knitted fabric layer and an outer knitted fabric layer, and the raised part is located between the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer.

[0011] Therefore, this foot attachment can prevent the protrusions from wearing or deteriorating.

[0012] A foot wearing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the foot wearing device according to the third aspect, and the raised portion is composed of a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion protrudes from the inner knitted fabric layer toward the outer knitted fabric layer. The second protrusion protrudes from the outer knitted fabric layer toward the inner knitted fabric layer. The second protrusion is positioned to face the first protrusion.

[0013] Therefore, in this foot attachment, a raised portion of sufficient height can be formed using a relatively simple knitting structure.

[0014] A foot attachment according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the foot attachment according to the first aspect, and is used to promote sleep.

[0015] This makes it easier for the person wearing the footwear to fall asleep. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a sleep-promoting leg warmer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a sleep-promoting leg warmer according to an embodiment of the present invention when laid flat. [Figure 3] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first clamping portion of the sleep-promoting leg warmers according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view of the raised portion of the sleep-promoting leg warmers according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5]10A to 10C are diagrams showing a method of knitting the protrusions of the sleep-promoting leg warmers according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the shape of the raised portions of the sleep-promoting leg warmers according to modification (N). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] <Configuration of the foot attachment according to the embodiment of the present invention> The foot attachment according to the embodiment of the present invention is an attachment to be attached to a human foot, such as a sock (foot cover, sock, knee-high sock), leg warmer, stocking, tights, etc. The "foot" here refers to the part from the ankle to the toes. The foot attachment may cover only a part of the human foot, or may cover the entire human foot. The foot attachment may also have a leg covering part for covering the human leg, such as a sock, knee-high sock, leg warmer, stocking, tights, etc.

[0018] An example of a foot attachment according to an embodiment of the present invention is a sleep-promoting leg warmer 100 shown in Figure 1. The sleep-promoting leg warmer 100 was invented to realize the following three concepts: a), b), and c). a) By warming the feet except for the toes, it prevents the inconvenience of not being able to sleep due to cold feet. b) The toe side is open, lowering the wearer's core body temperature and inducing drowsiness. c) By stimulating the insomnia acupressure point located on the heel, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and relaxes the wearer's body.

[0019] The sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 will be described in detail below, along with a description of the configurations that are acceptable for the present invention.

[0020] The sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention are knitted fabrics in a roughly V-shaped tube with both ends open, and as shown in Figure 1, are mainly composed of a partial foot covering section 110, a first clamping section 120, a connecting section 130, an ankle covering section 140, a second clamping section 150, and a shin covering section 160. These constituent parts will be described in detail below.

[0021] (1) Partial foot covering The partial foot-covering portion 110 is a tubular portion having a double-knit structure and is intended to cover the middle portion of the wearer's foot, i.e., an area corresponding to, for example, approximately 50% of the foot length (the distance from the heel end of the foot to the end of the longest toe). As described above, the partial foot-covering portion 110 has a double-knit structure, and therefore has a heat-retaining function due to the air layer present between the layers. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one end of the partial foot-covering portion 110 forms the tip of the sleep-promoting leg warmer 100, and the other end is connected to the first clamping portion 120. In other words, when the sleep-promoting leg warmer 100 is worn, the toe-side portion of the wearer's foot is exposed. The partial foot-covering portion 110 is designed for people with average foot shapes and a foot length ranging from 22 cm to 25 cm. Furthermore, the length of the partial foot covering portion 110 is designed to be no longer than the base of the little toe or the head of the fifth metatarsal bone for a person with an average foot shape and a foot length of 22 cm. This is intended to a) promote a drop in the wearer's core body temperature and promote sleep by not covering areas where blood vessels are concentrated (e.g., the AVA blood vessels), and b) prevent sleep disturbance due to cold feet by covering areas other than those where blood vessels are concentrated, thereby slowing the rate at which the foot temperature drops. In this case, when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn, the partial foot covering portion 110 covers a region ranging from 63.3% to 83.1% of the foot length from the heel side. To achieve a gentle tightening effect without causing discomfort, the partial foot covering portion 110 is preferably knitted using a zock knitting technique without using a backing yarn (FTY). For the same reason, it is also preferable to insert a rubber yarn into the zock knitting technique. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the stretchability in the axial direction of this knitted fabric is in the range of 140% to 160% and the stretchability in the width direction is in the range of 270% to 290%. The perimeter of this partial leg-covering portion 110 is determined so as to be approximately the same as the foot circumference of a person with an average foot shape and a foot length of 23.5 cm.Furthermore, because this sleep-promoting leg warmer 100 is knitted on a knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of approximately 5 inches, the circumference of the partial leg-covering portion 110 is longer than that of a knitting machine with a cylinder diameter of approximately 3.5 inches, reducing tightness around the mid-leg. The pressure of this partial leg-covering portion 110 is preferably within the range of 9.50±0.49 hPa, and more preferably within the range of 9.50±0.16 hPa. This pressure was measured at room temperature of 20°C and relative humidity of 65% using a pressure converter AMI3037-10, a round air pack, and an HQL adult female average foot shape (average human body size dummy MSX-20 manufactured by Torso Co., Ltd., Nanasai Co., Ltd.). Specifically, a round air pack was attached to the average foot shape of an HQL adult female, and the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 were worn on that foot shape. The measured pressure value displayed on the PRESSURE CONVERTER AMI3037-10 was read one minute after the measurement. This measurement was performed three times, and the average value was used as the pressure. This not only provides a firm fabric feel, but also suppresses vertical stretch and prevents misalignment. This allows the partial leg covering portion 110 to fit the mid-foot region of the wearer without excessively constricting the mid-foot region, providing comfort to the wearer. Furthermore, the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100, thanks to their structure, can also prevent misalignment.

[0022] (2) First clamping part The first clamping portion 120 is a tubular portion having a double knitted structure that covers the toe side of the wearer's heel and prevents the partial foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 140 from shifting position (slipping down, rolling up, etc.) when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn. As described above, the first clamping portion 120 has a double knitted structure, and therefore has a heat-retaining function due to the air layer that exists between the layers. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one end of the first clamping portion 120 is connected to the partial foot covering portion 110, and the other end is connected to the connecting portion 130. In order to prevent the above-mentioned shifting position, it is preferable that the knitted fabric used to knit the first clamping portion 120 be tighter than the knitted fabrics used to knit the partial foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 140. For this reason, the first clamping portion 120 is preferably knitted using a plain knitting technique with a backing yarn (FTY). From a similar perspective, it is also preferable to insert a rubber yarn or a patterned yarn into the plain knitting. From a similar perspective, it is also preferable that the knitted fabric have an axial elongation rate of 240% to 260% and a transverse elongation rate of 190% to 210%. The pressure applied by the first clamping portion 120 is preferably within the range of 33.20±3.56 hPa, and more preferably within the range of 33.20±1.19 hPa. This makes it difficult for the partial foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 140 to shift positions, allowing the partial foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 140 to fully function.

[0023] 1 and 2, a cross-shaped protrusion 125 is formed on the sole-covering side of the first clamping portion 120 at a position corresponding to the acupressure point for insomnia. As described above, the first clamping portion 120 has a double knit structure, which is composed of an inner knitted layer 120a and an outer knitted layer 120b as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 125 is composed of a first protrusion 125a that protrudes from the inner knitted layer 120a toward the outer knitted layer, and a second protrusion 125b that protrudes from the outer knitted layer 120b toward the inner knitted layer. As shown in FIG. 3, the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b are arranged opposite each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b are composed of a rectangular portion RG, a first wing portion W1, and a second wing portion W2. The rectangular portion RG is a rectangular parallelepiped portion composed of a knitted fabric. As shown in FIG. 3, the first protrusion 125a is designed so that the lower end surface of the rectangular portion RG is lower than the lower end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2, and the second protrusion 125b is designed so that the upper end surface of the rectangular portion RG is higher than the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2. In other words, the rectangular portion RG of the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b is designed to be thicker than the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2. The first wing portion W1 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion extending from the rectangular portion RG to both sides of the rectangular portion RG along the width direction Dw, as shown in FIG. 4. 3, in first protrusion 125a and second protrusion 125b, the lower end surface or upper end surface of first wing portion W1 is at the same height as the lower end surface or upper end surface of second wing portion W2. Also, as described above, first protrusion 125a is designed so that the lower end surface of first wing portion W1 is higher than the lower end surface of rectangular portion RG, and second protrusion 125b is designed so that the upper end surface of first wing portion W1 is lower than the upper end surface of rectangular portion RG. In other words, first protrusion 125a and second protrusion 125b are designed so that first wing portion W1 is thinner than rectangular portion RG.As shown in FIG. 4, the second wing portion W2 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion extending from the rectangular portion RG in a direction Dl perpendicular to the width direction Dw, i.e., in the depth direction (the direction passing through the heel and toe), on both sides of the rectangular portion RG. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower or upper end surface of the second wing portion W2 in the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b is at the same height as the lower or upper end surface of the second wing portion W2. As described above, the lower end surface of the first wing portion W1 in the first protrusion 125a is designed to be higher than the lower end surface of the rectangular portion RG, and the upper end surface of the first wing portion W1 in the second protrusion 125b is designed to be lower than the upper end surface of the rectangular portion RG. In other words, the second wing portion W2 in the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b is designed to be thinner than the rectangular portion RG. By forming the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b as described above, twelve corners CN are formed on each of the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b, of which four corners CN are formed by the rectangular portion RG and eight corners CN are formed by the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2.

[0024] Furthermore, by forming raised portion 125 as described above, when the wearer wears it and walks, etc., raised portion 125 formed by first protrusion 125a and second protrusion 125b protrudes inward (toward the skin) (at this time, the upper end surface of the rectangular portion formed by rectangular portion RG of first protrusion 125a and rectangular portion RG of second protrusion 125b is higher than the upper end surface of the first wing portion formed by first wing portion W1 of first protrusion 125a and first wing portion W1 of second protrusion 125b, and the upper end surface of the second wing portion formed by second wing portion W2 of first protrusion 125a and second wing portion W2 of second protrusion 125b). At the same time, 12 corners are formed on the raised portion at positions corresponding to the corners CN of first protrusion 125a and second protrusion 125b, and these corners can efficiently stimulate the acupressure points for insomnia.

[0025] When forming the protrusions 125a, 125b from the knitted fabric, it is preferable to form the protrusions 125a, 125b as follows. Specifically, the protrusions 125a, 125b are knitted by combining a knitting method such as terry knitting and a change in yarn such as a thick yarn. This allows the first protrusions 125a to be integrated with the inner knitted fabric layer 120a, and the second protrusions 125b to be integrated with the outer knitted fabric layer 120b. This prevents misalignment of the protrusions 125a, 125b due to poor adhesion or the like without increasing the number of steps for forming the protrusions 125a, 125b.

[0026] A more specific knitting method is shown in Figure 5. The areas indicated by circles and triangles in Figure 5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first areas") are plain knit areas, knitted with face yarn, back yarn, and rubber yarn. Rubber yarn is inserted in the areas indicated by triangles.

[0027] The area indicated by row numbers 3-11 and column numbers 1-4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "21st area"), the area indicated by row numbers 12-22 and column numbers 5-8 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "22nd area"), the area indicated by row numbers 23-31 and column numbers 1-4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "23rd area"), the area indicated by row numbers 3-11 and column numbers 129-132 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "24th area"), the area indicated by row numbers 12-22 and column numbers 125-128 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "25th area"), and the area indicated by row numbers 23-31 and column numbers 129-132 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "26th area") are knitted with face yarn, back yarn, elastic yarn, and pseudo-pile yarn. In these areas, pseudo-pile yarn is knitted in the gray areas but not in the black areas. The black areas have no artificial pile yarn woven in, giving the fabric a pile-like texture and thickness. Also, since no rubber yarn is woven in these areas, the rubber yarn lies on top of them. Because the rubber yarn is not woven in this way, it is not crushed, and the area becomes thicker.

[0028] The area indicated by row numbers 12-22 / column numbers 1-4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "area 31") and the area indicated by row numbers 12-22 / column numbers 129-132 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "area 32") are knitted with face yarn, back yarn, elastic yarn, and pseudo-pile yarn. In these areas, pseudo-pile yarn is knitted in the light gray areas but not in the dark gray areas. This is the same as the above-mentioned areas 21-26, but these areas have also been changed from plain knitting to pile knitting. As a result, these areas are thicker than areas 21-26. In other words, the thickness relationships of the above-mentioned areas are as follows:

[0029] 31st area = 32nd area> 21st area = 22nd area = 23rd area = 24th area = 25th area = 26th area> 1st area.

[0030] Furthermore, since the rubber thread is not woven into the 31st and 32nd regions, as in the regions 21 to 26, the rubber thread lies on top of these regions. As the rubber thread is not woven into these regions, it is not crushed, and the thickness increases in those areas.

[0031] (3) Connection The connecting portion 130 is a ring-shaped portion having a single knit structure, and serves to connect the first clamping portion 120 and the ankle covering portion 140. To avoid disturbing the wearer's sleep, it is preferable that the connecting portion 130 be smooth and not constrict the wearer. Specific examples of the connecting portion 130 include a heat-sealed portion and a sewn portion. It is preferable that the connecting portion 130 be located closer to the wearer's toes than the heel when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn. To avoid discomfort to the wearer, it is preferable that the connecting portion 130 be located in a less sensitive area of ​​the wearer's feet when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn.

[0032] (4) Ankle covering part The ankle covering part 140 is a tubular part having a single knit structure and is a part for covering the wearer's ankle and part of the heel. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ankle covering part 140 is connected to the first compression part 120 via a connecting part 130, and the opposite end is connected to the second compression part 150. From the viewpoint of providing appropriate heat retention, the ankle covering part 140 is preferably knitted using terry knitting or the like. From the viewpoint of aligning the raised part 125 of the first compression part 120, the ankle covering part 140 is preferably bent to fit the shape of the ankle and heel during sleep. The ankle covering part 140 preferably has a narrowed knitting region between the full-circumference knitting regions of the ankle covering part 140, and a widened knitting region may be provided following the narrowed knitting region. The pressure applied by the ankle covering part 140 is preferably within the range of 8.17±2.62 hPa or less, and more preferably within the range of 8.17±0.87 hPa or less.

[0033] (5) Second clamping section The second clamping portion 150 is a tubular portion having a single knit fabric that covers the portion above the wearer's ankle and prevents the ankle covering portion 140 and the shin covering portion 160 from shifting position (slipping down, rolling up, etc.) when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, one end of the second clamping portion 150 is connected to the ankle covering portion 140, and the other end is connected to the shin covering portion 160. The pressure applied by the second clamping portion 150 is preferably within the range of 5.63 ± 0.51 hPa or less, and more preferably within the range of 5.63 ± 0.17 hPa or less.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an acupoint stimulating portion 155 is formed on the side of the second clamping portion 150 at a position corresponding to the Sanyinjiao acupoint.

[0035] (6) Shin covering The shin covering portion 160 is a tubular portion having a double knit structure and is intended to cover the wearer's shins. As described above, the shin covering portion 160 has a double knit structure, and therefore has a heat-retaining function due to the air layer present between the layers. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one end of the shin covering portion 160 is connected to the second compression portion 150, and the other end forms the base end of the sleep-promoting leg warmer 100. Furthermore, from the perspective of preventing the shin covering portion 160 from shifting out of position (such as slipping down or rolling up) when the sleep-promoting leg warmer 100 is worn, the pressure applied by the shin covering portion 160 is preferably within the range of 4.80±3.13 hPa or less, and more preferably within the range of 4.80±1.04 hPa or less.

[0036] <Compression ratio of each part> As mentioned above, the preferred pressure levels are specified for each part, and the ratios of these, i.e., pressure of shin covering part 160: pressure of ankle covering part 140: pressure of partial foot covering part 110: pressure of second clamping part 150: pressure of first clamping part 120, are preferably 4.80±3.13hPa:8.17±2.62hPa:9.50±0.49hPa:5.63±0.51hPa:33.20±3.56hPa, and more preferably 4.80±1.04hPa:8.17±0.87hPa:9.50±0.16hPa:5.63±0.17hPa:33.20±1.19hPa. That is, it is preferable that the pressure of the first clamping portion 120 is higher than the pressure of the partial foot covering portion 110, that the pressure of the first clamping portion 120 is higher than the pressure of the ankle covering portion 140, that the pressure of the ankle covering portion 140 is higher than the pressure of the second clamping portion 150, and that the pressure of the second clamping portion 150 is higher than the pressure of the shin covering portion 160.

[0037] <Specific Method of Forming Sleep-Promoting Leg Warmers According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention> The partial foot covering portion 110 and the first clamping portion 120 can be formed, for example, as follows: (i) knitting from the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the connection portion side to the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the partial foot covering portion side to form the outer knitted fabric layer 120b of the first clamping portion 120, then switching yarns and knitting from the end of the partial foot covering portion 110 on the first clamping portion side to the tip of the partial foot covering portion 110 to form the outer knitted fabric layer of the partial foot covering portion 110, and then knitting the outer knitted fabric layer of the partial foot covering portion 110 as is. The inner knitted fabric layer of the partial foot covering portion 110 is knitted from the tip of the covering portion 110 to the end of the partial foot covering portion 110 on the first clamping portion side, and then the yarn is switched and knitted from the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the partial foot covering portion side to the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the connecting portion side to knit the inner knitted fabric layer 120a of the first clamping portion 120. The inner knitted fabric layers of the partial foot covering portion 110 and the first clamping portion 120 are knitted together with the outer knitted fabric layers of the partial foot covering portion 110 and the first clamping portion 120. (ii) knitting the inner knitted fabric layer 120a of the first clamping portion 120 from the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the connection portion side to the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the partial foot covering portion side, and then switching the yarn and knitting the inner knitted fabric layer of the partial foot covering portion 110 from the end of the partial foot covering portion 110 on the first clamping portion side to the tip of the partial foot covering portion 110, and then knitting the inner knitted fabric layer of the partial foot covering portion 110 from the tip of the partial foot covering portion 110. Examples of methods include knitting the outer knitted layer of the partial foot covering portion 110 up to the end on the first clamping portion side, then switching yarn and knitting from the end of the first clamping portion 120 on the partial foot covering portion side to the end on the connection portion side of the first clamping portion 120 to knit the outer knitted layer 120b of the first clamping portion 120, and pushing the inner knitted layers of the partial foot covering portion 110 and the first clamping portion 120 into the outer knitted layers of the partial foot covering portion 110 and the first clamping portion 120.

[0038] The ankle covering part 140, the second clamping part 150 and the shin covering part 160 can be formed, for example, as follows: (i) After knitting the ankle covering part 140 by knitting from the end of the ankle covering part 140 on the connection part side to the end of the ankle covering part 140 on the second clamping part side, the yarn is switched and knitting is performed from the end of the second clamping part 150 on the ankle covering part side to the end of the second clamping part 150 on the shin covering part side, and then the yarn is switched and knitting is performed from the end of the second clamping part 150 on the ankle covering part side to the end of the second clamping part 150 on the shin covering part side. Then, knit from the end of the shin covering part 160 on the second pressing section side to the base end of the shin covering part 160 to knit the outer knitted fabric layer of the shin covering part 160, knit from the base end of the shin covering part 160 to the end of the shin covering part 160 on the second pressing section side to knit the inner knitted fabric layer of the shin covering part 160, push the inner knitted fabric layer of the shin covering part 160 into the outer knitted fabric layer of the shin covering part 160, and knit the inner knitted fabric at the end on the second pressing section side. and (ii) knitting the inner knitted layer of the shin covering part 160 from the end of the shin covering part 160 on the second pressing part side to the base end of the shin covering part 160, then knitting the outer knitted layer of the shin covering part 160 by continuing to knit from the base end of the shin covering part 160 to the end of the shin covering part 160 on the second pressing part side to knit the outer knitted layer of the shin covering part 160, then switching yarn and knitting from the end of the second pressing part 150 on the shin covering part side to the end of the second pressing part 150 on the ankle covering part side to knit the second pressing part 150, then switching yarn and knitting from the end of the ankle covering part 140 on the second pressing part side to the end of the ankle covering part 140 on the connection part side to knit the ankle covering part 140, and then pushing the inner knitted layer of the shin covering part 160 into the outer knitted layer of the shin covering part 160 and connecting the inner knitted layer and outer knitted layer at the end on the second pressing part side.

[0039] The method for connecting the first clamping part 120 and the ankle covering part 140 is as explained above in the section "(3) Connection part."

[0040] <Features of the sleep-promoting leg warmer according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) The sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention have raised portions 125 at positions on the first clamping portions 120 that correspond to the acupressure points that cause insomnia, and the raised portions 125 have corners. Therefore, when the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are worn before going to bed or when the wearer takes a light walk before going to bed, the wearer can more effectively sense that the acupressure points that cause insomnia are being stimulated than with conventional leg warmers.

[0041] (2) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the raised portions 125 are composed of first protrusions 125a that protrude from the inner knitted fabric layer 120a toward the outer knitted fabric layer and second protrusions 125b that protrude from the outer knitted fabric layer 120b toward the inner knitted fabric layer. Therefore, even if the yarn comes loose during knitting of the protrusions 125a and 125b, the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 can prevent the yarn from being exposed to the skin or the ground. Therefore, the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 can prevent the yarn knitting the protrusions 125a and 125b from getting caught on the wearer's nails or fingers, or on the floor. Therefore, the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are easy to wear and the yarn is less likely to come undone.

[0042] (3) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ratios of the shin covering portion 160, the ankle covering portion 140, the partial foot covering portion 110, the second compression portion 150, and the first compression portion 120 were 4.80±3.13 hPa, 8.17±2.62 hPa, 9.50±0.49 hPa, 5.63±0.51 hPa, and 33.20±3.56 hPa. As a result of extensive research by the present inventors, it was found that sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 with such a compression ratio do not compress the wearer's feet, ankles, upper ankle regions, or shins to an uncomfortable degree, and are unlikely to slip off the wearer's feet, ankles, upper ankle regions, or shins while falling asleep or staying asleep. Therefore, the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 are unlikely to slip off from the feet, ankles, upper ankle areas, and shins while falling asleep or staying asleep, and can provide the wearer with comfortable falling asleep and sleeping.

[0043] (4) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is no region of stronger pressure than the partial leg covering portion 110 on the side opposite the first clamping portion of the partial leg covering portion 110. On the other hand, conventional foot attachments often have a region of stronger pressure than the part corresponding to the partial leg covering portion at the tip side of the part corresponding to the partial leg covering portion to prevent slippage when worn.

[0044] <Modification> (A) Although the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the above embodiment were designed to accommodate wearers with a foot length in the range of 22 cm to 25 cm, the size range may be designed in 1 cm increments. That is, for example, three sizes may be designed for wearers with a foot length in the range of 22 cm to 23 cm, 23 cm to 24 cm, and 24 cm to 25 cm.

[0045] (B) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the length of the partial foot-covering portion 110 is set so as not to exceed the base of the little toe of a person with an average foot shape and a foot length between 22 cm and 25 cm, but it may be set so as to cover the tip of the little toe of a person with an average foot shape and a foot length of 22 cm. In this case, when a person with an average foot shape and a foot length of 25 cm wears the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100, the part of the foot up to the base of the little toe will be covered.

[0046] (C) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the partial foot covering portion 110 was designed to cover the entire circumference of the heel side of the wearer's foot, but the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 may also be designed to cover at least a portion of the arch, or at least the entire arch.

[0047] (D) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the first clamping portion 120 is provided between the partial foot covering portion 110 and the connecting portion 130 in order to prevent misalignment of the partial foot covering portion 110 and the ankle covering portion 140. However, the first clamping portion may be provided on the toe side of the partial foot covering portion 110 in order to prevent misalignment of only the partial foot covering portion 110, or may be provided inside the ankle covering portion 140 in order to prevent misalignment of only the ankle covering portion 140. In the former case, a knitting structure similar to that of a typical single-knit open-toe sock is preferable, and in the latter case, a knitting structure similar to that of a double-welt pouch portion as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6,195,139 is preferable.

[0048] (E) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the partial leg-covering portion 110, the first clamping portion 120, and the shin-covering portion 160 have a double knitted structure, but these portions 110, 120, and 160 may have a single knitted structure. In such a case, the partial leg-covering portion 110 is preferably knitted with a highly heat-retaining knitted fabric such as terry knit, knitted with a highly heat-retaining yarn such as acrylic yarn or wool, or knitted with a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating yarn such as EKS (registered trademark).

[0049] (F) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the partial foot-covering portion 110, the first clamping portion 120, and the shin-covering portion 160 have a double knitted structure, but these portions 110, 120, and 160 may have a multi-knitted structure of three or more layers. In such a case, different yarn materials may be used for each knitted layer to adjust the heat retention, etc.

[0050] (G) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the connecting portion 130, the ankle covering portion 140 and the second clamping portion 150 have a single knitted structure, but these portions 130, 140 and 150 may also have a double knitted structure.

[0051] (H) Although not specifically mentioned in the previous embodiment, the heel side region of the partial foot covering part 110 may be knitted into a heat-generating knitted fabric or a heat-retaining knitted fabric, and the knitted fabric may be gradually knitted into a knitted fabric with lower heat-generating or heat-retaining properties toward the tip side of the partial foot covering part 110. By knitting the partial foot covering part 110 in this way, the body temperature of the wearer is increased while preventing the area around the toes, which needs heat dissipation, from becoming too warm, thereby achieving efficient heat dissipation.

[0052] (I) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the raised portions 125 are shaped like cross pillars. However, the shape of the raised portions is not particularly limited as long as they have corners. For example, the raised portions may be polygonal, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or star-shaped, or cylindrical. The corners of the raised portions 125 do not need to be visible only in planar perspective, but may be visible when viewed from all 360° angles. Furthermore, the corners of such shapes may be rounded, but the radius of the rounded corners is preferably 15 mm or less to effectively stimulate acupressure points for insomnia. The lower limit of the radius of the rounded corners is not particularly specified, but is, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0053] (J) Although the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment are provided with only one relatively large protrusion 125, a plurality of relatively small protrusions may be provided.

[0054] (K) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the first protrusion 125a is designed so that the lower end surface of the rectangular portion RG is lower than the lower end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2, and the second protrusion 125b is designed so that the upper end surface of the rectangular portion RG is higher than the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2. However, the lower end surface of the rectangular portion RG in the first protrusion 125a may be at the same height as the lower end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2, and the upper end surface of the rectangular portion RG in the second protrusion 125b may be at the same height as the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2 (i.e., the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b may be at the same height as the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2). The opposing surfaces of the protrusion 125b may be flat. In other words, the rectangular portion RG of the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b may have the same thickness as the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2.) Alternatively, the first protrusion 125a may be designed so that the lower end surface of the rectangular portion RG is higher than the lower end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2, and the second protrusion 125b may be designed so that the upper end surface of the rectangular portion RG is lower than the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2 (i.e., the rectangular portion RG of the first protrusion 125a and the second protrusion 125b may be thinner than the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2).

[0055] (L) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the first protrusions 125a protrude from the inner knitted fabric layer 120a toward the outer knitted fabric layer, and the second protrusions 125b protrude from the outer knitted fabric layer 120b toward the inner knitted fabric layer, but the first protrusions may protrude inward from the inner knitted fabric layer 120a, i.e., toward the skin side, and the second protrusions may protrude from the outer knitted fabric layer 120b toward the inner knitted fabric layer, or the first protrusions may protrude from the inner knitted fabric layer 120a toward the outer knitted fabric layer, and the second protrusions may protrude from the outer knitted fabric layer 120b toward the outward side, i.e., the opposite side to the skin side, or the first protrusions may protrude inward from the inner knitted fabric layer, i.e., toward the skin side, and the second protrusions 125b may protrude from the outer knitted fabric layer 120b toward the outward side, i.e., the opposite side to the skin side. In any of the above cases, the first protrusions and second protrusions must overlap in a plan view.

[0056] (M) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the first clamping portion 120 has a double knit structure with protrusions 125a, 125b formed therebetween, but the first clamping portion 120 may have a single knit structure with protrusions formed on the inside (skin side) or outside.

[0057] (N) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the angle CN between the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2 of the protrusions 125a and 125b is a right angle. However, instead of the protrusions 125a and 125b, protrusions 225a and 225b may be provided, as shown in FIG. 6, in which the angle CN between the first wing portion W1 and the second wing portion W2 is an acute angle. The angle CN may be an obtuse angle, but if the angle is too large, the effect of the present invention will be diminished, and therefore this is not preferred. The angle CN between the rectangular portion RG of the protrusions 125a and 125b is a right angle. However, the angle CN may be an obtuse angle, but if the angle is too large, the effect of the present invention will be diminished, and therefore this is not preferred.

[0058] (O) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the raised portions 125 are made of knitted fabric, but the raised portions 125 may also be made of, for example, vinyl chloride resin, silicone resin, elastomer resin, rubber, etc. In such cases, the raised portions 125 may be made of resin or rubber containing magnetic particles or magnetic powder to achieve the health benefits of magnetism.

[0059] (P) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the raised portions 125 stimulate the acupressure points for insomnia with pressure, but the raised portions may also stimulate the acupressure points for insomnia with heat, cold, or electricity. The raised portions may also stimulate the acupressure points for insomnia with pressure and heat. To provide the raised portions with a thermal stimulation function, the raised portions must be knitted using heat-generating yarns such as acrylate fibers, wool, cupra (registered trademark), or rayon (registered trademark).

[0060] (Q) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the raised portion 125 is provided at a position corresponding to the acupressure point for insomnia, but the raised portion may also be provided at a position corresponding to the acupressure point such as Sanyinjiao or Yongquan.

[0061] (R) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, a cross-shaped protrusion 125 was formed on the sole-covering side of the first clamping portion 120, but an X-shaped protrusion may also be formed. In an X-shaped protrusion, the first and second wings do not extend along the axial and width directions as shown in Fig. 2, but rather extend in a direction tilted at 45° from those directions, for example. Note that in an X-shaped protrusion, the first and second wings may extend in a direction other than those mentioned above.

[0062] (S) In the sleep-promoting leg warmers 100 according to the previous embodiment, the partial leg covering portion 110 was designed to be suitable for people with average foot shapes and foot lengths in the range of 22 cm to 25 cm, but it may also be designed to be suitable for people with other foot shapes and lengths.

[0063] The above-described modifications may be adopted individually or in appropriate combinations within a range that does not cause any contradictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Sleep-promoting leg warmers (footwear) 120 First clamping part (heel covering part) 120a Inner knitted layer 120b outer knitted fabric layer 125 Ridge 125a 1st protrusion 125b 2nd protrusion CN angle RG rectangular part W1 First wing W2 Second wing

Claims

1. A heel covering portion, at least one raised portion that rises toward at least one of the medial and lateral sides in the heel covering portion; Equipped with The raised portion has corners and is cross-shaped in plan view; It has a cylindrical shape with openings on both sides. Foot brace.

2. The raised portion has a rectangular portion that is rectangular in plan view, a first wing portion that extends from the rectangular portion to both sides along the width direction, and a second wing portion that extends from the rectangular portion to both sides along a direction perpendicular to the width direction in plan view, The upper end surface of the rectangular portion is located at a higher position than the upper end surfaces of the first wing portion and the second wing portion. The foot attachment according to claim 1.

3. The heel covering portion is formed from an inner knitted fabric layer and an outer knitted fabric layer, The raised portion is located between the inner knitted fabric layer and the outer knitted fabric layer. The foot attachment according to claim 1.

4. The raised portion is composed of a first protrusion protruding from the inner knitted fabric layer toward the outer knitted fabric layer side, and a second protrusion protruding from the outer knitted fabric layer toward the inner knitted fabric layer side and disposed so as to face the first protrusion. The foot attachment according to claim 3.

5. It is used to promote sleep. The foot attachment according to claim 1.

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