Supporter

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a supporter that can apply effective force around a joint without excessive tightening. [Solution] A supporter comprising: a covering portion that covers at least one of a first portion connected to one side via the wearer's joint and a second portion connected to the other side via the joint; and a locking portion configured to lock onto a portion different from the covering portion of the covering portion, wherein the covering portion is capable of covering the covering portion in the circumferential direction, the covering portion extends from the locking portion with circumferential twisting, and is configured to exert a restoring force on the covering portion that causes it to return to a twisted state from its shape when worn.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, supporters have been used for purposes such as improving symptoms around joints.

[0003] For example, a taping supporter is used by being wound around an affected area in order to fix around a joint. However, wearing a taping supporter is troublesome.

[0004] Therefore, in order to facilitate wearing, a supporter formed of a stretchable fabric has been proposed that is deformed into a cylindrical shape corresponding to the application site of the wearer. Further, the supporter of Patent Document 1 has a low-stretch fabric arranged in a specific region not only for ease of wearing but also to apply an effective force around the joint. Specifically, the supporter of Patent Document 1 includes an engagement portion that engages with a knee or elbow joint, an annular anchor portion that is fixed to a site on at least one side of the joint so as to tighten the site, and a connecting portion that connects the anchor portion and the engagement portion so as to suppress displacement of the knee or elbow toward the trunk side. And these parts are formed of a low-stretch fabric.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventional foot supports can cause discomfort to the wearer due to excessive constriction, which can restrict movement and impair blood flow. For example, in treatment to correct inverted feet, it is believed that continuously applying an eversion force to the foot is effective. However, the continuous constriction provided by conventional foot supports can cause excessive strain on the wearer.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a supporter that can apply effective force around a joint without excessive tightening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The supporter according to the present invention is as follows: [1] A covering portion that covers at least one of a first portion connected to one side via the wearer's joint and a second portion connected to the other side via the joint, The covering portion comprises a locking portion configured to engage with a portion different from the covering portion of the covering portion, The covering portion is capable of covering the covering portion in the circumferential direction, The covering portion extends from the locking portion with circumferential twisting, and the supporter is configured to exert a restoring force on the covering portion that causes it to return to its twisted state from the shape when worn.

[0009] [2] The supporter according to [1] above, wherein the locking portion includes a first locking portion extending from one end of the covering portion and a second locking portion extending from the other end of the covering portion.

[0010] [3] It is equipped with a warning section to encourage proper wearing, The aforementioned warning portion includes a shape-deforming portion that deforms due to the twisting, The supporter according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the shape-deformable portion is configured to be recognizable by at least one of the wearer's sight and touch.

[0011] [4] The covering part is made of knitted or woven fabric, When in a flat state when not in use, the covering part forms paired first side edge parts and second side edge parts, When drawing a first line segment connecting the base ends of the twists of each of the first side edge part and the second side edge part, and a second line segment connecting the terminal ends of the twists of each of the first side edge part and the second side edge part, The covering part has a twist in which the first line segment and the second line segment form an angle of 30° or more, and the supporter according to any one of [1] to [3] above.

[0012] [5] The inner surface of the covering part contains ultra-fine fibers with a single fiber diameter of 1 μm or less, and the supporter according to any one of [1] to [4] above.

[0013] [6] The locking part has an inner surface that can be in close contact with the locking site of the wearer, The inner surface of the locking part contains ultra-fine fibers with a single filament fineness of 1 μm or less, and the supporter according to any one of [1] to [5] above.

[0014] [7] The second part is a part distal to the joint including the instep and the sole of the foot, The covering part is configured to apply the restoring force in the everted direction to the second part, and the supporter according to any one of [1] to [6] above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a supporter that can apply an effective force around a joint without accompanying excessive tightening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a front view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a bottom view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a right side view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a left side view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a rear view of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the degree of twist of a supporter according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a supporter for improving symptoms of the ankle joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is not relaxed. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a supporter for improving symptoms of the ankle joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is relaxed. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the wrist joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is not relaxed. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the wrist joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is relaxed and a restoring force to the twisted state is acting. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the elbow joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is not relaxed. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the elbow joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is relaxed and a restoring force to the twisted state is acting. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the shoulder joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is not relaxed. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the shoulder joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is relaxed and a restoring force to the twisted state is acting. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of a supporter for improving symptoms of the knee joint, showing a wearing state in which the twist of the covering part is not relaxed. [Figure 17]This is a schematic diagram of a knee joint support designed to improve knee joint symptoms, showing the state of wear where the twisting of the covering portion is alleviated and a restorative force against the twisted state is acting. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of a supporter designed to improve symptoms of the lumbar joint, showing the worn state where the twisting of the covering portion is not relieved. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of a supporter designed to improve symptoms of the lumbar joint, showing the state in which the twisting of the covering part is alleviated and a restorative force is acting to correct the twisted state when worn. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of a supporter designed to improve hip joint symptoms, showing the worn state where the twisting of the covering portion is not alleviated. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of a supporter designed to improve hip joint symptoms, showing the wearing state where the twisting of the covering part is alleviated and a restorative force is acting to correct the twisted state. [Figure 22] This photograph compares the right foot wearing the supporter in the example with the left foot without it. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The following description will explain a supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its implementation in a sock, with reference to the drawings.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the supporter 1a according to this embodiment is formed to cover from a first portion connected to one side (proximal side) via the wearer's joint to a second portion connected to the opposite side (distal side) via the same joint. In other words, the supporter 1a is applied to the first portion and the second portion which are interconnected by the joint. Hereinafter, the portion extending from the first portion to the second portion may be referred to as the application area.

[0019] The supporter 1a is incorporated into a sock 100a as clothing. In this case, the joint is the ankle joint. The first part is located on the lower leg side (proximal side via the ankle joint), including the ankle. The second part is located on the foot side (distal side via the ankle joint), including the top and bottom of the foot.

[0020] Socks 100a are typically used so that their inner surface is in close contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, the supporter 1a has an inner surface that is in close contact with the wearer's skin. The supporter 1a of this embodiment is configured such that its inner surface can be in close contact with the skin at the application site.

[0021] More specifically, the supporter 1a is made of an elastic fabric. The fabric is usually knitted or woven. The supporter 1a stretches from a flat first state before wearing (a natural state with no tension applied) to a second state in which it is tubular, corresponding to the surface shape of the application area (a state inflated by tension applied to the application area). In other words, the supporter 1a has elasticity that allows it to stretch and deform between the first and second states.

[0022] The supporter 1a has an opening at least at one end (proximal end) in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) through which one of the wearer's limbs can be inserted. In this embodiment, the opening is the insertion opening 101a of the sock 100a. The supporter 1a is then positioned at the application site as one of the wearer's limbs is inserted through the opening (insertion opening 101a) and pulled along the longitudinal direction. In other words, when worn, the supporter 1a is positioned at the application site while tension is applied along the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The supporter 1a comprises a covering portion 11 that covers the second portion, and a locking portion 12 that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and is configured to lock onto the joint and the first portion. The covering portion may have a length sufficient to cover the joint.

[0024] The covering portion 11 extends from the locking portion 12 with a circumferential twist. In other words, the covering portion 11 extends from the locking portion 12 with a twist relative to the insertion direction. The covering portion 11 is configured to deform from its twisted state when not worn into a cylindrical shape that can cover the second portion circumferentially when worn. As described above, when worn, the covering portion 11 is positioned on the second portion while tension is applied along the length direction (insertion direction). At this time, the covering portion 11 is stretched in the length direction and circumferential direction from its flat first state (twisted cylindrical state) before wearing, and deforms into a cylindrical second state corresponding to the surface shape of the second portion. In this second state, the twist of the covering portion 11 is relieved or eliminated. When worn, the covering portion 11 exerts a restoring force on the second portion that tries to return it from the second state to the original twisted state, which is the first state. In other words, the covering portion 11 positioned on the second part is configured to exert a restorative force on the second part that attempts to return it to its twisted state. When worn, the tubular covering portion 11 has an inner surface that can adhere closely to the surface of the second part. That is, when worn, the covering portion 11 becomes tubular, corresponding to the surface shape of the second part, so that its entire inner surface can come into contact with the surface of the second part. In other words, a circumferential restorative force can be exerted on the entire surface of the second part through this inner surface. By utilizing this restorative force, the supporter 1a can continuously exert an effective restorative force on the second part without requiring excessive tightening. Furthermore, since the twisting is relieved when worn, the supporter 1a has the advantage of not impairing the wearer's appearance.

[0025] The wearer's feet may develop symptoms of inversion (where the sole of the foot faces the trunk) due to paralysis or other reasons. For such feet, treatment is performed to suppress inversion by applying force in the eversion direction. To achieve this treatment, the covering portion 11 is configured to apply an eversion-direction restorative force from the instep to the sole of the foot, which is the second area.

[0026] Furthermore, the wearer's feet may develop valgus (a condition where the sole of the foot turns outward). For such feet, treatment is performed to suppress valgus by applying force in the inversion direction. To achieve this treatment, the covering portion 11 is configured to apply a restorative force in the inversion direction from the instep to the sole of the foot, which is the second area.

[0027] The degree of twisting will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 7. As shown in Figure 1, the flattened covering portion 11 in the first state has a pair of first and second side edge portions 111 and 112. Each of the first and second side edge portions 111 and 112 is in the shape of an arc that is recessed inward in the width direction due to twisting. As shown in Figure 7, when a first line segment L1 is drawn connecting the base ends of the twists of the first and second side edge portions 111 and 112, and a second line segment L2 is drawn connecting the ends of the twists of the first and second side edge portions 111 and 112, the covering portion 11 is connected to the locking portion 12a in a twisted state where the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 form an angle α. The angle α may be 30° or more, or 45° or more. The angle α is, for example, 90° or less. This allows for effective force application to the application area while reducing discomfort caused by close contact. The angle α can be measured by gripping the upper end of the covering portion 11 in the first state, suspending it so that the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 are arranged vertically, and applying no external force other than the gripping force on the upper end.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the flattened covering portion 11 in the first state is narrowest in width at the center in the longitudinal direction, gradually widening from the center towards the base end (proximal end) in the longitudinal direction, and gradually widening from the center towards the tip end (distal end) in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the covering portion 11 is formed such that its width gradually decreases from the base end and tip end in the longitudinal direction towards the center. The base end and tip end, respectively, are the portions that include the start and end points of the twist.

[0029] More specifically, when the length of the first line segment L1 is s1, the length of the second line segment L2 is s2, and the width of the most narrowed part of the covering portion 11 is s3, then s3 / s1 is less than 1, preferably 0.9 or less, and more preferably 0.8 or less. Also, s2 / s1 is less than 1, preferably 0.9 or less, and more preferably 0.8 or less. Each of s3 / s1 and s2 / s1 is preferably 0.5 or more, and more preferably 0.6 or more. This reduces discomfort caused by tight fit.

[0030] The locking portion 12 in this embodiment is configured to be cylindrical in shape so as to be able to cover at least one of the joint and the first portion (the locking portion) in the circumferential direction. The locking portion 12 is stretched radially from a flat first state before wearing to a second state with a shape (cylindrical) corresponding to the surface shape of the locking portion. When worn, the locking portion 12 can lock onto the locking portion by applying a radial contraction force to the locking portion that attempts to return it from the second state to the first state. Preferably, the locking portion 12 is configured to be able to adhere closely to at least one of the joint and the first portion in the circumferential direction. That is, the locking portion 12 has an inner surface that can adhere closely to at least one of the joint and the first portion in the circumferential direction. More preferably, the locking portion 12 has an inner surface that can adhere closely to both the joint and the first portion in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The covering portion 11 includes an elastic yarn having elastic fibers. Examples of the elastic fibers include polyurethane-based elastic fibers and polyester-based elastic fibers. An example of the elastic yarn is an elastic yarn called FTY (Filament Twisted Yarn), which has a core portion formed of polyurethane-based elastic fibers and a sheath portion formed of polyamide-based fibers or polyester-based fibers. Preferably, the proportion of the elastic fibers to the total mass of the fibers forming the covering portion 11 is 2% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

[0032] Similarly, the locking portion 12 includes the elastic yarn. Preferably, the proportion of the elastic fibers to the total mass of the fibers forming the locking portion 12 is 2% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

[0033] Preferably, at least the inner surface of the covering portion 11 contains ultrafine fibers with a single fiber diameter of 1 μm or less. Preferably, the single fiber diameter is 10 to 800 nm. The inner surface of such a covering portion 11 has increased contact with the epidermis of the second portion, and the frictional force (grip force) against the epidermis is increased. Therefore, the covering portion 11 makes it easier to apply restorative force to the second portion. Preferably, the ratio of the ultrafine fibers to the total mass of the fibers forming the covering portion 11 is 50% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less. The single fiber diameter can be determined by selecting 20 single fibers facing forward in a microscope observation such as an SEM, measuring the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the selected single fibers, and averaging them.

[0034] Similarly, it is preferable that at least the inner surface of the locking portion 12 contains the ultrafine fibers. The inner surface of the locking portion 12 has increased contact with the epidermis of at least one of the joint and the first part, thereby increasing the locking force on the surface. It is preferable that the proportion of the ultrafine fibers to the total mass of the fibers forming the locking portion 12 is 50% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less.

[0035] In this embodiment, the supporter 1a is constructed by continuously knitting or weaving the covering portion 11 from the locking portion 12. That is, the covering portion 11 and the locking portion 12 are formed from the same type of yarn. This has the advantage of being able to be manufactured efficiently. In addition, discomfort when worn is reduced.

[0036] The weight of the covering portion 11 and the locking portion 12 is 400-800 g / m². 2 This is preferable. The basis weight can be measured by the method specified in JIS L1096.

[0037] The sock 100a according to this embodiment includes a finger covering portion 102. The finger covering portion 102 extends from the covering portion 11. The finger covering portion 102 is branched into two or more portions to cover one or more fingers separately. Such finger covering portions 102 can be locked onto the fingers, which are the third part of the wearer's body. Thus, the supporter 1a of this embodiment includes a first locking portion 12a extending from one end on the proximal side of the covering portion 11, and a second locking portion 12b extending from the other end on the distal side of the covering portion 11. The inner surface of the second locking portion 12b is preferably configured in the same way as the first locking portion 12a. Since the covering portion 11 is supported by the locking portions 12 on both sides in the longitudinal direction, the restoring force can be applied even more effectively. The finger covering portion may be configured to cover all five fingers together.

[0038] The supporter 1a of this embodiment is equipped with a warning section 13 to encourage proper wearing. The warning section 13 is configured to appeal to at least one of the wearer's sight and touch. The warning section 13 may have a shape-deformable section associated with the twisted shape and the relaxed shape of the covering section 11. The shape-deformable section is preferably provided on the covering section 11 which undergoes a large change in shape. For example, the shape-deformable section may be configured to change shape between a proper wearing state and an improper wearing state. The shape change of the shape-deformable section is configured to be recognizable by at least one of sight and touch. More specifically, the shape-deformable section is configured to change from a curved shape associated with the twisted shape of the covering section 11 to a straight shape associated with the relaxed shape of the covering section 11 when the foot is properly inserted. In other words, the shape-deformable section is configured to change from a curved shape associated with the twisted shape of the covering section 11 to a sharper curved shape associated with a further twisted shape of the covering section 11 when the foot is improperly inserted. The warning portion 13 shown in Figure 1 has a shape-deformable portion that extends linearly along the length (insertion direction) of the covering portion 11. This warning portion 13 is recognizable visually due to the difference in color from the surrounding part, and also recognizable tactilely due to the difference in texture from the surrounding part. Such a warning portion 13 is formed, for example, by stitching that has a different color from the base fabric color of the covering portion 11. The warning portion 13 indicates the wearer how to wear the garment properly by utilizing the fact that the angle of the warning portion 13 with respect to the length direction differs in the direction of twisting of the covering portion 11 and in the direction in which the twisting is relieved. This makes it possible to prevent the worsening of symptoms caused by improper wear. For example, if the sock 100a is designed to improve symptoms of bunion, it is possible to prevent the application of restorative force in the bunion direction, which could worsen the symptoms.

[0039] The aforementioned warning portion may also be the finger covering portion 102. Finger covering portions that cover one or more fingers separately can encourage proper wearing methods based on their appearance. Furthermore, if the wearer attempts to wear the glove improperly, discomfort will be felt in the finger, thus prompting proper wearing methods.

[0040] Since the supporter 1a of this embodiment is incorporated into the sock 100a, it can provide the wearer with an appearance similar to that of a healthy person.

[0041] In an exemplary method for forming the covering portion 11, first, a first locking portion 12a is formed, and then a cylindrical portion extending from the first locking portion 12a is formed in a manner that prevents twisting. The cylindrical portion has an annular connecting edge portion with the first locking portion 12a, and an annular tip edge portion located on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction from the connecting edge portion. The cylindrical portion also has a first region that covers one side in the circumferential direction of the second portion, a second region that covers the other side, and a pair of boundary portions between these regions. In the case of a sock, the first region is the region that covers the instep of the foot, and the second region is the region that covers the sole of the foot. In the manufacture of a typical sock, the toe covering portion is formed so that the toes are aligned along a first imaginary line connecting the base ends of the pair of boundary portions. In contrast, when forming a twisted covering portion 11, a second virtual line (corresponding to the second line segment L2) is assumed to form an angle α with respect to the first virtual line (corresponding to the first line segment L1), and the second locking portion is joined to the tip edge along the second virtual line. In the case of a sock 100a, the toe covering portion 102 is joined to the tip edge so that the toes are aligned along the second virtual line.

[0042] As described above, one embodiment has been shown as an example, but the supporter according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the supporter according to the present invention is not limited by the above-described effects. The supporter according to the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ankle supporter 1b, which improves symptoms of the ankle joint, has a first insertion opening 101a formed on one end in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) and a second insertion opening 101b formed on the other end, which exposes the distal side of the second part and the third part (toes). Due to the formation of the second insertion opening 101b, the second locking part 12b of the supporter 1b is configured to expand and contract from a first cylindrical shape when not worn to a second cylindrical shape that is wider than the first cylindrical shape when worn. Furthermore, the supporter 1b has an opening 110 that exposes the wearer's heel.

[0044] Furthermore, the support of the present invention is not limited to application to the joints of the foot, but can also be applied to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, and hip joints. These embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 21. Components having the same function as those in the above embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Also, the visible surfaces of these supports are plain.

[0045] Figures 10 and 11 show a supporter 1c for improving symptoms in the wrist joint. The supporter 1c comprises a covering portion 11 that covers a part of the distal side of the forearm (first part), the wrist joint, and a part of the proximal side of the palm or back of the hand (second part); a first locking portion 12a that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the forearm; and a second locking portion 12b that extends from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the palm or back of the hand. The first locking portion 12a and the second locking portion 12b of the supporter 1c are configured to expand and contract from a first cylindrical shape when not worn to a second cylindrical shape that is wider than the first cylindrical shape when worn. Furthermore, the supporter 1c has a first insertion opening 101a formed at one end (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) and a second insertion opening 101b formed at the other end (distal side) that exposes the fingers (third part). A modified version of the supporter 1c may include a finger covering portion that covers up to the fingers (third part). That is, the wrist supporter may also include a second locking portion that locks onto the fingers.

[0046] Figures 12 and 13 show a supporter 1d for improving symptoms in the elbow joint. The supporter 1d comprises a covering portion 11 that covers a part of the distal side of the upper arm (first part), the elbow joint, and a part of the proximal side of the forearm (second part), a first locking portion 12a that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the upper arm, and a second locking portion 12b that extends from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the forearm. The first locking portion 12a and the second locking portion 12b of the supporter 1d are configured to expand and contract from a first cylindrical shape when not worn to a second cylindrical shape that is wider than the first cylindrical shape when worn. Furthermore, the supporter 1d has a first insertion opening 101a formed at one end (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) and a second insertion opening 101b formed at the other end (distal side) to expose the forearm or hand. A modified version of the supporter 1d may include a finger covering portion that covers the wearer's fingers (third part). That is, the elbow joint supporter may also include a second locking portion that locks onto the fingers.

[0047] Figures 14 and 15 show a supporter 1e for improving symptoms in the shoulder joint. The supporter 1e includes a covering portion 11 that covers the distal side of the shoulder joint and the proximal side of the upper arm (second part), a first locking portion 12a that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto the proximal side of the shoulder joint and the chest (first part), and a second locking portion 12b that extends from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto the distal side of the upper arm. The supporter 1e also has a first insertion opening 101a formed on one end (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) and a second insertion opening 101b formed on the other end (distal side) that exposes the elbow joint to the fingers. A modified version of the supporter 1e may include a finger covering portion that covers the wearer's fingers. In other words, the shoulder joint support may also have a second locking part that locks onto the fingers.

[0048] Figures 16 and 17 show a supporter 1f for improving symptoms in the knee joint. The supporter 1f includes a covering portion 11 that covers the knee joint, a part of the distal side of the thigh (first portion), and a part of the proximal side of the lower leg (second portion), a first locking portion 12a that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the thigh, and a second locking portion 12b that extends from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto at least a part of the lower leg. The first locking portion 12a and the second locking portion 12b of the supporter 1f are configured to expand and contract from a first cylindrical shape when not worn to a second cylindrical shape that is wider than the first cylindrical shape when worn. Furthermore, the supporter 1f has a first insertion opening 101a formed at one end (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction (insertion direction) and a second insertion opening 101b formed at the other end (distal side) to expose the foot. A modified version of the supporter 1f may include a toe covering portion that covers the wearer's toes. That is, the knee joint supporter may also include a second locking portion that locks onto the toes.

[0049] Figures 18 and 19 show a supporter 1g for improving symptoms in the lumbar joint. The supporter 1g is incorporated into a T-shirt 100g that can be closely fitted to the wearer. In the supporter 1g, the upper end of the T-shirt 100g is the proximal side, and the lower end is the distal side. The supporter 1g comprises a covering portion 11 that covers the abdomen (first area) and the proximal side of the lumbar joint, a first locking portion 12a that extends from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto the chest, and a second locking portion 12b that extends from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locks onto the distal side of the lumbar joint. The supporter 1g has a first insertion opening 101a, which is the neckline of the T-shirt 100g, and a second insertion opening 101b, which is the opening at the hem of the T-shirt 100g.

[0050] Figures 20 and 21 show a supporter 1h for improving symptoms in the hip joint. The supporter 1h is incorporated into a form-fitting spats 100h. The supporter 1h comprises a covering portion 11 that covers the distal side of the abdomen (first area), the hip joint, and the proximal side of the thigh; a first locking portion 12a extending from the proximal end of the covering portion 11 and locking onto at least a portion of the abdomen; and a second locking portion 12b extending from the distal end of the covering portion 11 and locking onto at least a portion of the thigh. Each of the first locking portion 12a and the second locking portion 12b of the supporter 1h is configured to expand and contract from a first cylindrical shape when not worn to a second cylindrical shape that is wider than the first cylindrical shape when worn. Furthermore, the supporter 1h has a first insertion opening 101a, which is the upper end opening of the spats 100h, and a second insertion opening 101b, which is the lower end opening of the spats 100h. [Examples]

[0051] (Manufacturing example) Using FTY, which has a core made of elastic fibers and a sheath made of ultrafine fibers with a single fiber diameter of 1 μm or less, a sock in the form shown in Figure 1 was knitted using a tubular knitting machine.

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053] As shown in the photograph in Figure 22, it can be observed that the right foot wearing the manufactured sock is subjected to an outward force, as indicated by the arrow, relative to the bare left foot. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1a~1h: Supporter, 11: Covering part, 111: First side edge, 112: Second side edge, 12: Locking part, 12a: First locking part, 12b: Second locking part, 13: Warning part, L1: First line segment, L2: Second line segment, α: Angle, 100a: Sock, 100g: T-shirt, 100h: Spats, 101a: Insertion opening (first insertion opening), 101b: Second insertion opening, 102: Finger covering part

Claims

1. A covering portion that covers at least one of a first portion connected to one side via the wearer's joint and a second portion connected to the other side via the joint, The covering portion comprises a locking portion configured to engage with a portion different from the covering portion of the covering portion, The covering portion is capable of covering the covering portion in the circumferential direction, The covering portion extends from the locking portion with circumferential twisting, and the supporter is configured to exert a restoring force on the covering portion that causes it to return to its twisted state from the shape when worn.

2. The supporter according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion includes a first locking portion extending from one end of the covering portion and a second locking portion extending from the other end of the covering portion.

3. It is equipped with a warning section to encourage proper wearing, The aforementioned warning portion includes a shape-deforming portion that deforms due to the twisting, The supporter according to claim 1, wherein the shape-deformable portion is configured to be recognizable by at least one of the wearer's sight and touch.

4. The covering portion is made of knitted or woven fabric. When the covering portion is flat and not being worn, it has a pair of first and second side edges. When a first line segment is drawn connecting the base ends of the twists of the first and second side edges, and a second line segment is drawn connecting the ends of the twists of the first and second side edges, The supporter according to claim 1, wherein the covering portion has a twist such that the first line segment and the second line segment form an angle of 30° or more.

5. The supporter according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the covering portion contains ultrafine fibers with a single fiber diameter of 1 μm or less.

6. The locking portion has an inner surface that can be in close contact with the locking portion of the wearer, The supporter according to claim 5, wherein the inner surface of the locking portion contains the ultrafine fibers.

7. The second area is the area distal to the joint, including the top and bottom of the foot. The supporter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the covering portion is configured to apply the restoring force in the outward direction to the second portion.

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