Elastic belt body and elastic belt equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide an elastic belt body and elastic belt, primarily for use with trousers, that stabilize the lumbar spine, control the trunk, improve athletic performance, and prevent and alleviate lower back pain. [Solution] An elastic belt body for use to tighten around the wearer's waist, comprising a stretchable band-shaped outer and inner fabric, and a band-shaped core material disposed between the outer and inner fabrics and sewn integrally with the outer and inner fabrics, wherein the core material consists of a non-stretchable central part and stretchable left and right parts connected to the left and right of the central part, and an elastic cushioning material is disposed on one side of the central part.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic belt that is used for tightening around the waist of a wearer and is mainly worn on trousers.

Background Art

[0002] The stability of the lumbar spine plays an important role in improving efficient movement performance and preventing low back pain. Also, lumbar spine stabilization improves trunk control, enables more efficient movement patterns, and thereby improves overall motor ability, as is known from various academic papers etc. (see Non-Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 3). Also, excessive movement of the lumbar spine increases the burden on the waist and may lead to chronic low back pain.

[0003] Conventionally, as a belt for sports, a belt whose entire belt body has elasticity is known. According to this belt, although the entire belt can be stretched to tighten the entire abdomen to waist with appropriate elastic force, the stability of the lumbar spine cannot be ensured. Also, a belt having elasticity only in the back is known, but according to this belt, since the waist stretches, it has an adverse effect on ensuring the stability of the lumbar spine.

[0004] On the other hand, Utility Model Registration No. 3212120 (Patent Document 1) discloses a belt that has a non-elastic waist and an elastic part from the side abdomen to around the abdomen. However, this invention enhances the fixing function of the waist position of the trousers at the back of the wearer of the trousers to prevent displacement, and can prevent the belt part from shifting even when the wearer of the trousers takes a sitting posture such as bending the knees and squatting, and makes it impossible to see the underwear etc., but it cannot sufficiently support the lumbar spine.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Movement Performance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain" (Journal of Physical Therapy Science, February 1, 2023) https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC9897033 / [Non-Patent Document 2] "Effects of practice on the ability to perform lumbar stabilization exercises" (Journal of Physical Therapy Science, September 29, 1999) https: / / pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / 10518297 / [Non-Patent Document 3] "The effects of a pelvic belt on trunk and lower extremity muscles in the bridge position" (Journal of Physical Therapy Science, December 27, 2016 https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC5276746 / ) [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a belt body, primarily for use with trousers, that stabilizes the lumbar spine, controls the trunk, and is effective in improving athletic performance, preventing lower back pain, and alleviating lower back pain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the first invention of this application is an elastic belt body for use in tightening around the waist of a wearer, A stretchable strip-shaped outer and inner fabric, It includes a strip-shaped core material that is placed between the outer fabric and the lining and sewn integrally with the outer fabric and the lining, The aforementioned core material is Non-stretchable central section, The central part is connected to the left and right sides and consists of a left side and a right side that are expandable, An elastic cushioning material is placed on one side of the central portion. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the second invention of this application is a belt used for tightening around the waist of the wearer, The elastic belt body described above, and a buckle attached to one end of the elastic belt body, It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The elastic belt body according to the first and second inventions of this application, having the above configuration, and the belt using this elastic belt body, have a non-stretchable cushioning material that contacts and supports the lumbar spine around the wearer's lumbar spine, and the area from the side to the abdomen is stretchable, so it absorbs movement around the lumbar spine and prevents the cushioning material from shifting. The wearer can then tighten and secure the belt with appropriate elastic force using a buckle or the like to stabilize the lumbar spine and control the trunk, thereby improving athletic performance.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic cushioning material that contacts and supports the lumbar spine can help prevent and alleviate lower back pain.

[0012] In addition, since the invention of the present application is mainly used through the belt loop of trousers, it does not shift in position during use like a lumbar support belt, and due to the arrangement of the cushioning material, it can always abut around the lumbar vertebra and support the lumbar vertebra.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] Plan view of the elastic belt according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Side view of the elastic belt according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Exploded view of the components of the elastic belt according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Side view of the cushioning material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the elastic belt 1, FIG. 2 is a side view of the elastic belt 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of each component (member) constituting the elastic belt body 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic belt 1 is composed of an elastic belt body 2 and a buckle 3. The elastic belt body 2 is belt-shaped like an ordinary belt, and is composed of a non-stretchable central belt portion A and stretchable left and right belt portions B1 and B2 arranged on the left and right thereof. The central belt portion A is a region that supports the lumbar vertebra portion on the wearer's back. In the natural state of the elastic belt body 2, it is 5 to 20% of the length of the elastic belt body 2, and 5 to 20 cm in actual length. The left belt portion B1 is on the tip side of the belt, and the right belt portion B2 is on the base side where the buckle 3 is attached to its end. The width of the elastic belt body 2 is about 3 to 5 cm for passing through the belt loop of trousers.

[0016] As shown in the side view of FIG. 2, the non-stretchable central belt portion A abuts on the lumbar portion of the wearer and is configured such that one side protrudes in the thickness direction by a cushioning material 7 (described in detail later) for supporting around the lumbar vertebra. The cushioning material 7 is made of an elastic material. When the wearer tightens and fixes the elastic belt 1 with an appropriate elastic force using the buckle 3, the cushioning material 7 maintains a state of abutting (adhering) to the lumbar vertebra and its surroundings. In the belt of the above-described conventional technology (Patent Document 3), when the wearer takes a hunched posture, the belt lifts off from the lumbar portion. However, in the present invention, even when the wearer takes a hunched posture, it is possible to stably support the lumbar vertebra.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a development view of each component (member) constituting the elastic belt body 2, and the surface material 4, the core material 6, the cushioning material 7, and the back material 5 are sewn together in this order. The surface material 4 and the back material 5 of the present embodiment are made of the same stretchable material. Specifically, a mixed resin material of 55% polyester and 45% polyurethane is used, but any stretchable belt material can be appropriately selected without particular limitation.

[0018] The core material 6 is belt-shaped and is composed of a non-stretchable central portion 8 disposed in the central belt portion A, and stretchable left and right side portions 9-1 and 9-2 disposed in the left and right belt portions B1 and B2 and joined (sewn or adhered) to the left and right of the central portion 8. The non-stretchable central portion 8 is made of leather, synthetic leather, nylon, polyester, hemp, cotton, etc., but any non-stretchable material can be appropriately selected without particular limitation.

[0019] Further, the stretchable left and right side portions 9-1 and 9-2 are composed of a belt-shaped cloth tape knitted with stretchable fibers, or a belt-shaped rubber tape, etc. Any stretchable material can be used and can be appropriately selected without particular limitation.

[0020] The length of the non-stretchable central section 8 is approximately the same as the length of the central band A, and is 5-20% of the length of the elastic belt body 2, with an actual length of 5-20 cm. The lengths of the stretchable left side section 9-1 and right side section 9-2 are approximately the same as the lengths of the left side band section B1 and right side band section B2. While the length of the non-stretchable central section 8 must be approximately the same as the length of the central band A, the lengths of the stretchable left side section 9-1 and right side section 9-2 may be shorter than the lengths of the left side band section B1 and right side band section B2. For example, even if the lengths of the left side section 9-1 and right side section 9-2 are about half the lengths of the left side band section B1 and right side band section B2, the stretchability of the outer fabric 4 and lining 5 will not significantly affect the stretchability of the left side band section B1 and right side band section B2 of the elastic belt body 2. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to give the left side band section B1 and right side band section B2 two different types of elasticity.

[0021] The cushioning material 7 is positioned (fixed) on one side of the central part 8 of the core material 6 so as to come into contact with the area around the wearer's lumbar spine when the belt is worn. When the wearer fastens the belt to an appropriate degree using the buckle 3, the cushioning material 7 comes into contact with the area around the wearer's lumbar spine and has elastic force that applies appropriate pressure. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(a), if the cushioning material has a curved surface 10 that conforms to the wearer's lumbar spine, it can provide even more stable support for lower back pain. The specific material of the cushioning material 7 is not particularly limited, although rubber, polyether polyol, and organic isocyanate are preferred. The thickness of the cushioning material is not particularly limited, and can be as long as it is about 5 to 15 mm.

[0022] Figure 4 is a side view of the cushioning material 7. As mentioned above, Figure 4(a) is an example in which the curved surface 10 supports the wearer's lumbar spine and surrounding area, and Figure 4(b) is an example in which the projections 11 allow pressure on acupressure points around the wearer's lumbar spine. With this configuration, it is possible to not only have the effect of a sports belt, but also to prevent and improve lower back pain. Note that the projections 11 for pressing on acupressure points may be provided on the curved surface 10 in Figure 4(a).

[0023] As described above, the elastic belt body 2 is constructed by sewing together three components: an elastic outer fabric 4, an elastic inner fabric 5, and a core material 6. As a result, the central band A is non-elastic, while the left band B1 and right band B2 located to its left and right are elastic. The core material 6 could be attached to the outer fabric 4 and inner fabric 5 using adhesive, but since the adhesive would peel off due to deterioration from use or aging, in this embodiment the three components are firmly joined by sewing.

[0024] Furthermore, the buckle 3 is not limited to the method shown in Figure 1, where a pin is inserted into one of several holes drilled at a fixed distance from each other. It may also be a stepped ratchet type or a stepless type buckle that allows for length adjustment. Alternatively, the belt body 2 may be fastened steplessly by providing hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides without using the buckle 3.

[0025] The following describes how to use the elastic belt 1 according to the present invention. Elastic belt 1 is prepared with pre-set sizes, such as S, M, and L, according to the wearer's waist circumference. The wearer selects the size that fits their waist circumference, sets the center of the cushioning material 7 to rest against the lumbar spine, and fastens the elastic left side belt B1 and right side belt B2 with buckles to achieve appropriate elasticity.

[0026] If the belt is too long and cannot be secured with adequate elasticity, remove buckle 3, cut off the buckle-attached end of the right-side strap B2 with scissors or similar, and reattach buckle 3. If you feel the tightening pressure is too weak, tighten the left-side strap B1 and right-side strap B2 further and re-secure with buckle 3. If you feel the tightening pressure is too strong, loosen the left-side strap B1 and right-side strap B2 and re-secure with buckle 3.

[0027] Baseball and golf are prime examples of sports in which a belt is worn through the belt loops of trousers. By using the elastic belt 1 according to the present invention with baseball uniform trousers or golf trousers, the wearer can increase abdominal pressure, stabilize their waist, and become less prone to losing their balance under heavy loads, thereby improving athletic performance for both professionals and amateurs.

[0028] Furthermore, the elastic belt 1 according to the present invention can be used not only with sports trousers, but also with business trousers and casual trousers that have belt loops, and can provide a back pain relief (including prevention) effect for people who suffer from back pain due to office work.

[0029] Furthermore, the elastic belt 1 according to the present invention can be fastened around the wearer's waist over trousers that do not have belt loops, and its use is at the wearer's discretion.

[0030] As described above, the elastic belt body and elastic belt of the present invention firmly fix the wearer's lumbar spine and surrounding area with a cushioning material provided in the non-stretchable central band, increasing abdominal pressure and simultaneously increasing the stability of the torso. As the waist area is stabilized, the wearer's posture becomes less likely to collapse under heavy load, and athletic performance is improved.

[0031] Furthermore, while the elastic belt body and elastic belt of the present invention are expected to prevent or improve lower back pain, the effect can be further enhanced by providing protrusions on the cushioning material that can press on acupressure points around the lumbar spine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 1 Elastic belt 2. Elastic belt body 3 buckles 4 Outer fabric 5. Lining 6 Core material 7. Cushioning material 8 Central part 9-1 Left side 9-2 Right side 10 Curved surface 11 Protrusions A Central band B1 Left side band B2 Right side band

Claims

1. The elastic belt body of a belt used to tighten around the wearer's waist, A stretchable strip-shaped outer and inner fabric, It includes a strip-shaped core material that is placed between the outer fabric and the lining and sewn integrally with the outer fabric and the lining, The aforementioned core material is Non-stretchable central section, The central part is connected to the left and right sides and consists of a left side and a right side that are expandable, An elastic cushioning material is placed on one side of the central portion. An elastic belt body characterized by the following features.

2. The cushioning material has a curved surface to conform to the lumbar spine. The elastic belt body according to feature 1.

3. The cushioning material has protrusions for pressing on acupressure points around the lumbar vertebrae. The elastic belt body according to feature 1.

4. The length of the central portion is 5 to 20% of the length of the belt body in its natural state, or 5 to 20 cm. The elastic belt body according to feature 1.

5. A belt used to tighten around the wearer's waist, An elastic belt body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and a buckle provided at one end of the elastic belt body, or hook-and-loop fasteners provided at both ends of the elastic belt body. An elastic belt characterized by the following features.

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