Supporter and belt loop

Abstract

We offer a support brace that stabilizes the pelvis while reducing the burden on the sacrum. [Solution] The supporter 1 is made of a band-like body and comprises a main body 10 that is wrapped around the wearer with the front side of the band facing the wearer, a pair of belt parts 20 and 21 disposed on the back side of the main body 10, and a perforated part 30 through which the pair of belt parts 20 and 21 can be inserted. The pair of belt parts 20 and 21 are fixed at one end each on the back side of the main body 10 at a distance greater than the insertion interval of the perforated part 30, and are pulled out through the perforated part 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporter capable of stabilizing the pelvis while suppressing the burden on the sacrum, and a belt loop used for the supporter.

Background Art

[0002] When the pelvis is distorted, it causes low back pain, neuralgia, joint pain, etc. In particular, in recent years, with the increase in telecommuting, the burden on the pelvis due to long hours of desk work while sitting has increased, which has become one of the major factors causing the distortion of the pelvis.

[0003] On the other hand, the pelvis is the base of the spine. In order for the spine to form an S-shaped curve with a normal arrangement, it is ideal for the sacrum that forms this base to be in a standing state (forward-tilted state) without the pelvis being distorted.

[0004] For example, a conventional lumbar support belt device includes a lumbar contact portion applied to the portion from the waist to the buttocks of the human body, and a belt piece integrally formed with the lumbar contact portion, extending from the lumbar contact portion to both left and right sides, winding around the ventral side of the body, and locking the tip sides to each other. The belt piece branches into a plurality of strands from the lumbar contact portion to form split belt pieces on the left and right respectively. The lumbar contact portion constitutes a common base by connecting the respective split belt pieces. The left and right split belt pieces are formed of a material that is stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and at least the lumbar contact portion is formed of a material that does not stretch in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the belt piece (see Patent Document 1). This lumbar contact portion presses the lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra to correct the posture of the wearer.

[0005] Furthermore, the conventional belt is a belt for correcting the pelvis, and comprises a right pressure pad protruding from a position that contacts the anterior and / or posterior end of the right ilium, a non-stretchable or stretchable right inward-wrapping member to which the right pressure pad is attached or connected, a left pressure pad protruding from a position that contacts the anterior and / or posterior end of the left ilium, a non-stretchable or stretchable left inward-wrapping member to which the left pressure pad is attached or connected, a right strap-like member folding device connected to the rear end of the right inward-wrapping member or the inner end of the rear right pressure pad, and a left strap connected to the rear end of the left inward-wrapping member or the inner end of the rear left pressure pad. The device comprises a band-shaped member folding device, a middle band-shaped member folding device disposed between the right band-shaped member folding device and the left band-shaped member folding device in the left-right direction, and an outer wrap-around member that can wrap around the outside of the right inward-wrapping member and the left inward-wrapping member, wherein the front end of the right inward-wrapping member and the front end of the left inward-wrapping member can be connected on the front side of the body, and the outer wrap-around member can be fixed at the left and right front ends on the side or front of the body by passing through the right side of the middle band-shaped member folding device, the left side of the right band-shaped member folding device, the right side of the left band-shaped member folding device, and the left side of the middle band-shaped member folding device (see Patent Document 2). This belt works by pulling the left and right ends of the outer wrapping member in opposite directions, applying a tightening force to the right and left inner wrapping members that is approximately twice the force applied to the outer wrapping member. This applies approximately twice the pressure to the pressure pads, effectively narrowing the space between the sacroiliac joints, correcting pelvic distortion and displacement, and correcting pelvic alignment abnormalities.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional pelvic belts include a main belt that is wrapped around the user's waist and tightens the user's pelvis, and an auxiliary belt provided on the surface side of the main belt to assist in the tightening by the main belt, wherein the main belt has a first portion that is positioned on the user's back, and a pair of second portions provided on both sides of the main belt in the longitudinal direction, flanking the first portion, and covering portions are formed at both ends of the first portion in the longitudinal direction, covering a vertical range including the iliac crest of the pelvis and the trochanter of the femur, wherein the elasticity of the first portion in the longitudinal direction is smaller than that of the second portion (see Patent Document 3). This pelvic belt is designed to support the wearer's pelvis in a stable state by making the elasticity of the first part in the longitudinal direction of the belt smaller than that of the second part, thereby reliably supporting the vertical range from the iliac crest to the trochanter on both the left and right sides of the pelvis without changing the position (spacing) of each covering part in the longitudinal direction of the belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-095686 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-108369 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7123461 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the lumbar support belt device described in Patent Document 1 tightens by pulling belt pieces that extend from the lumbar support portion to both the left and right sides, which places a large burden on the sacrum due to the lumbar support portion. Similarly, the pelvic belt described in Patent Document 3 also places a burden on the sacrum when the auxiliary belt is pulled, because the auxiliary belt is attached via a twill tape provided in the center of the main belt. Furthermore, the belt described in Patent Document 2 places a burden on the sacrum when the outer wrapping member is pulled due to the pressure from the folding mechanism of the central strap-like member and the tensile force applied to the outer wrapping member between the right and left strap-like member folding mechanisms.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a supporter or the like that can stabilize the pelvis while reducing the burden on the sacrum. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The supporter according to the present invention is made of a band-shaped body and comprises a main body portion that is wrapped around the wearer with the front side of the band facing the wearer, a pair of belt portions disposed on the back side of the main body portion, and a perforated portion through which the pair of belt portions can be inserted, wherein one end of each of the pair of belt portions is fixed to the back side of the main body portion at a distance greater than the insertion distance of the perforated portion, and the belt portions are pulled out through the perforated portion.

[0011] Thus, in the present invention, the main body is provided with a pair of belt portions arranged on the back side and a perforated portion having holes through which the pair of belt portions can be inserted. When the pair of belt portions are fixed at one end each on the back side of the main body at a distance greater than the insertion distance of the perforated portion and pulled out through the perforated portion, a force acts on the main body in the opposite direction to that of the wearer when the pair of belt portions are pulled, thereby stabilizing the pelvis while suppressing the burden on the sacrum caused by the perforated portion.

[0012] The supporter according to the present invention is characterized in that, if necessary, the main body portion is stretchable in both longitudinal regions from the area where the pair of belt portions are fixed.

[0013] Thus, in the present invention, if the main body has elasticity in both longitudinal regions from the area where the pair of belts are fixed, when the supporter is worn, the elastic region of the main body can be stretched in response to the tension of the pair of belts, preventing excessive constriction of the wearer and allowing the wearer to use it for extended periods.

[0014] The supporter according to the present invention has a main body which is wrapped around the wearer's pelvis as needed, and has a first region which is located in the central part of the band and is elastic in the longitudinal direction, a pair of second regions which are located on both sides of the first region in the longitudinal direction and are less elastic than the first region, and a pair of third regions which are located on both sides of each of the second regions in the longitudinal direction and are elastic, and the pair of belts are fixed at one end to each of the second regions of the main body or in its vicinity and are pulled outwards from the back side of the main body through the perforated portion.

[0015] Thus, in the present invention, the main body portion, a pair of belt portions, each with one end fixed to the second region of the main body portion or its vicinity, and a perforated portion through which the pair of belt portions are inserted, if the elasticity of the pair of belt portions is formed to be less than the elasticity of the first region of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction, when the pair of belt portions are stretched, the elongation of the first region is shortened and the pair of second regions are pulled toward the first region side, which is the central part of the main body portion. As a result, the tightening of the supporter near the central part of the main body portion is loosened, the wearer is not tightened with excessive force and the wearer can use it for a long period of time.

[0016] The supporter according to the present invention is formed such that the perforated portion is non-stretchable, if necessary.

[0017] Thus, in the present invention, when the non-stretchable perforated portion is formed, when the pair of belt portions are pulled to both ends of the main body portion, the perforated portion can be suppressed from stretching in both longitudinal directions. Therefore, the portion of the main body portion where one end of each of the pair of belt portions is fixed or each of the second regions can be more effectively pulled toward the central portion or the first region side of the main body portion.

[0018] The supporter according to the present invention is formed such that, if necessary, the longitudinal stretchability of the pair of belt portions disposed on the back side of the main body portion is smaller than the longitudinal stretchability in the third region of the main body portion.

[0019] Thus, in the present invention, when the longitudinal stretchability of the pair of belt portions disposed on the back side of the main body portion is formed to be smaller than the longitudinal stretchability in the third region of the main body portion, when the pair of belt portions are pulled and then engaged with the main body portion, each of the third regions is likely to stretch in the longitudinal direction, and each of the second regions of the main body portion can be more effectively pulled toward the first region side.

[0020] The supporter according to the present invention is formed such that, if necessary, the perforated portion slidably supports the pair of belt portions in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Thus, in the present invention, when the perforated portion that slidably supports the pair of belt portions in the longitudinal direction is provided, without changing the contact points (positions in the longitudinal direction) of the pair of belt portions by the perforated portion, it becomes easier to pull the pair of belt portions to both ends of the main body portion, and it can assist in pulling the main body portion toward the portion where one end of each of the pair of belt portions is fixed, or pulling each of the second regions toward the central portion or the first region side of the main body portion.

[0022] The supporter according to the present invention is formed such that, if necessary, the perforated portion is formed of an annular frame body and slidably supports the pair of belt portions in the lateral direction.

[0023] Thus, in the present invention, when the pair of belt portions are provided with the perforated portions that support them slidably in the short direction, the contact points of the pair of belt portions with respect to the perforated portions can move in either direction in the short direction. Therefore, the pair of belt portions can move in the short direction (either the up-and-down direction) following movements such as the twisting movement of the wearer's waist, and can assist in stabilizing the pelvis during daily movements or walking without impairing the wearing comfort (without feeling an excessive tightening feeling).

[0024] The supporter according to the present invention, if necessary, has a first belt-like body wound around a portion corresponding to the upper part of the wearer's pelvis, and a second belt-like body wound around the wearer's pelvis below the first belt-like body. The second belt-like body is formed longer than the first belt-like body, and both ends of the first belt-like body and the second belt-like body are fixed in an overlapping manner, and the first belt-like body and the second belt-like body are integrally fixed in a pair of second regions of the main body portion so as to have a gap therebetween.

[0025] Thus, in the present invention, when the main body portion has the first belt-like body and the second belt-like body that is longer than the first belt-like body, and the first belt-like body and the second belt-like body are arranged so as to have the gap therebetween, the longer second belt-like body will be wound around the wearer's buttocks, and it becomes easier to wear the supporter without displacement in accordance with the wearer's hip line. Also, when the second belt-like body is arranged with the gap interposed between it and the first belt-like body, the first belt-like body and the second belt-like body can individually change the degree of expansion and contraction. Without excessively restricting the movement of the wearer, the supporter can change following movements such as the twisting movement of the wearer's waist, and can alleviate the hindrance to wearing during daily movements or walking.

[0026] The supporter according to the present invention is formed from a single symmetrical piece of fabric having, if necessary, a first strip-shaped body, a second strip-shaped body, and a pair of belt portions, a substantially rectangular main body, a pair of first branch portions extending in a strip-like manner from the upper part of the main body to both the left and right sides, a second branch portion extending in a strip-like manner from the center of the main body to both the left and right sides and spaced apart from the first branch portions, and a pair of third branch portions extending in a strip-like manner from the lower part of the main body to both the left and right sides and spaced apart from the second branch portions. The first strip-shaped body is formed by folding the first remaining area of ​​the main body, which corresponds to the gap between the first branch and the second branch, into the portion of the main body corresponding to the second branch. The second strip-shaped body is formed by folding the second remaining area of ​​the main body, which corresponds to the gap between the second branch and the third branch, into the portion of the main body corresponding to the second branch. The pair of belt sections are formed by folding the tip of each of the second branch sections into the portion corresponding to the second branch of the main section.

[0027] Thus, in the present invention, in a symmetrical piece of fabric having a substantially rectangular main portion and strip-shaped first to third branches extending from the main portion, the first remaining area and the second remaining area are folded onto the portion of the main portion corresponding to the second branch to form the first strip-shaped body and the second strip-shaped body, and the tip of each second branch is folded onto the portion of the main portion corresponding to the second branch to form the pair of belt portions. In this case, the first strip-shaped body, the second strip-shaped body, and the pair of belt portions can be formed from a single piece of fabric, thereby reducing the number of components and lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, although the first strip-shaped body, the second strip-shaped body, and the pair of belt portions are formed from a single piece of fabric, the partial overlap of the fabric allows for different elasticity between the overlapping and non-overlapping portions, thereby enabling variations in functionality between the overlapping and non-overlapping portions.

[0028] The supporter according to the present invention optionally comprises a pair of belt portions, each consisting of a strip-shaped body, with one end of each belt portion fixed to the main body and inserted through the perforated portion, and a pair of second belt portions, each consisting of a strip-shaped body and connected to each of the first belt portions via other perforated portions.

[0029] Thus, in the present invention, if, in addition to the perforated portion, there are two other perforated portions that connect the pair of first belt portions and the pair of second belt portions, the force required by the wearer to pull the second belt portion is reduced, and the elongation of the main body portion is shortened when the second belt portion is pulled, thereby assisting in pulling it towards the central portion.

[0030] The supporter according to the present invention optionally comprises a pair of belt portions, each consisting of a pair of first belt portions made of a strip-like body, with one end of each being fixed to or near each second region of the main body and inserted through the perforated portion, and a pair of second belt portions made of a strip-like body and connected to each of the first belt portions via other perforated portions, wherein the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of first belt portions and the pair of second belt portions is formed to be less than the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of third regions of the main body.

[0031] Thus, in the present invention, if the pair of belt portions has a first belt portion and a second belt portion whose longitudinal elasticity is less than that of the third region of the main body portion, the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of belt portions as a whole can be made smaller, which can further help stabilize the pelvis.

[0032] The supporter according to the present invention is provided with belt loops that are elastic in the tensile direction of the pair of belts, and which are fixed at both ends to the other ends of the pair of belts as needed, to support the pair of belts that have been folded and overlapped, and which are elastic in the tensile direction of the pair of belts.

[0033] Thus, in the present invention, if the belt loop supports the folded and overlapping pair of belt portions and is elastic in the tensile direction of the pair of belt portions, the pair of belt portions will hang down in front of or to the side of the wearer when the ends of the main body are attached to each other, which is the step before the other ends of the pair of belt portions are attached to the main body. This makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the pair of belt portions and improves wearability. Furthermore, because the belt loop is elastic in the tensile direction, even if both ends are fixed to the other ends of the pair of belt portions, it does not hinder the stretching of the pair of belt portions.

[0034] The supporter according to the present invention optionally includes, in the other perforated portion, a belt insertion portion for inserting the second belt portion and a belt fixing portion for fixing the first belt portion.

[0035] Thus, in the present invention, when the other perforated portion includes a belt insertion portion through which the second belt portion is inserted and a belt fixing portion for fixing the first belt portion, the tip of the first belt portion is fixed along the shorter direction, preventing it from being biased to either the shorter side. This suppresses the rotation of the other perforated portion caused by both the first and second belt portions being biased to the same side, thereby improving wearability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a method for manufacturing the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 5]This figure shows a method for manufacturing the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 6] This is an unfolded diagram showing the state of the fabric constituting the main body and belt portion of the supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention before cutting. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing a method for attaching a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a method for attaching a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the difference in wearing position between the belt portion of a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional lumbar corset. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the tightening force acting on the main body and belt portion before the belt portion is attached to the main body portion in the supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the tightening force acting on the main body and belt portion after the belt portion of the supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been attached to the main body portion. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the difference between a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional supporter. [Figure 13] This is a front view of a supporter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a rear view of a supporter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an exploded view of the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows a method for manufacturing the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 17] This figure shows a method for manufacturing the main body and belt portion of a supporter according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 18]This is a rear view of a supporter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is an enlarged bottom view of the belt loop in a supporter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing how to use the belt loop in a supporter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a rear view of a supporter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is an enlarged end view of the main part of line AA. [Figure 23] This is a front view showing another example of a perforated portion in a supporter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] <Pelvis and surrounding area> In this invention, "pelvis" refers to the structure located at the lower part of the spine, consisting of the sacrum, ischium, pubis, both hip bones, and various ligaments and muscles connecting them. Furthermore, "pelvic area" refers to the region from the lumbar region (upper pelvis) to the buttocks and the base of the thighs (lower pelvis).

[0038] <Stretchability> In this invention, "stretchability" refers to the value obtained by preparing a test piece of a predetermined width (e.g., 5.0 cm), grasping its entire width in the width direction, setting it in a tensile testing machine (EZ-TEST EZ-L, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), marking it at predetermined intervals (L0, e.g., 10.0 cm), applying a load of 5 kg, and dividing the length between the marks (L1) after holding for 10 seconds by L0. A larger measured value indicates greater stretchability and lower stretch resistance.

[0039] <Contact resistance> In this invention, "contact resistance" is defined in accordance with JIS K 7125:1999, where the object being rubbed is a stainless steel plate, the weight mass is 1 kg, the tensile speed is 10 mm / min, and the contact area is 60 cm². 2 This refers to the static friction coefficient measured at [location / point]. A smaller static friction coefficient means lower contact resistance.

[0040] (First embodiment of the present invention) Hereinafter, a supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Throughout this embodiment, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0041] The supporter 1 according to this embodiment is worn by being placed against and wrapped around the pelvis, and comprises a main body portion 10 which is roughly in the shape of a band, a pair of belt portions 20 and 21 which are in the shape of a band and are disposed on the back side of the main body portion 10 (the side opposite to the wearer when worn), and a perforated portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "central perforated portion") 30 through which the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are slidably inserted.

[0042] The main body 10 comprises a first region 10a located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped body, a pair of second regions 10b located on both sides of the first region 10a in the longitudinal direction, a pair of third regions 10c located on both sides of the second region 10b in the longitudinal direction, an engagement portion 10d located on one side of the third region 10c in the longitudinal direction and at one end of the strip-shaped body, and a retained portion 10e located on the other side of the third region 10c in the longitudinal direction and at the other end of the strip-shaped body.

[0043] The main body portion 10 is composed of two elastic bands, a first band 11 and a second band 12, from the first region 10a to the attachment portion 10d and the attached portion 10e. The bands 11 and 12 are overlapped and sewn together at the attachment portion 10d and the attached portion 10e, which are the ends of the main body portion 10.

[0044] The fabrics that make up the main body 10 (the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12) can be warp-knitted fabrics such as tricot, raschel knit, or chain knit, or weft-knitted fabrics such as plain knit or rib knit. Furthermore, the fabric of the main body 10 is not limited to knitted fabrics; woven fabrics may also be used, and the yarn used for these fabrics can be made from any material, such as natural fibers or synthetic fibers.

[0045] The first band-like body 11 is wrapped around the wearer near their waist (upper pelvis), and the second band-like body 12 is wrapped around the wearer near their buttocks (lower pelvis). Therefore, while the first band-like body 11 extends linearly in the horizontal direction, the second band-like body 12 has a central portion that curves downward and is formed to be longer than the first band-like body 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12 are integrally sewn together in a pair of second regions 10b of the main body 10, with a gap between them. Specifically, the first strip-shaped body 11 is sewn together with the pressing portion 13 at the upper part of the second region 10b, and the second strip-shaped body 12 is sewn together with the pressing portion 13 at the lower part of the second region 10b, with a gap between it and the first strip-shaped body 11.

[0047] The first region 10a is located in the central part of the main body 10 and is positioned to correspond to the wearer's sacrum. The longitudinal length of the first region 10a is preferably 2 to 15 cm, more preferably 4 to 10 cm, and particularly preferably 5 to 7 cm. The first region 10a, as will be described in detail later, is composed of multiple layers of stretchable fabric in some areas, and is formed to have less elasticity (higher stretch resistance) than the third region 10c and the pair of belt sections 20 and 21. Furthermore, the first region 10a is formed to have greater elasticity (lower stretch resistance) than the second region 10b.

[0048] The second region 10b is located on both sides of the first region 10a in the longitudinal direction, and on the front side (the side facing the wearer when the support is attached), there is a pair of pressure parts 13 with a mesh structure that have almost no elasticity. The second region 10b is positioned to correspond to the wearer's ilium before and after the supporter 1 is attached. The longitudinal length of the second region 10b is preferably 3 to 15 cm, more preferably 5 to 11 cm, and particularly preferably 7 to 9 cm. As for the ratio of the longitudinal lengths of the first region 10a and the second region 10b, from the viewpoint of more effectively pulling the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body 10 (the first region 10a side) when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are tensed, it is preferable that the length of the second region 10b is 0.5 to 3, more preferably 1 to 2, and particularly preferably 1.4 to 1.6, when the length of the first region 10a is 1.

[0049] The thickness of the pressing portion 13 is formed to be the same in the longitudinal direction, but it is not limited to this. As will be described later, from the viewpoint of bringing the wearer's ilium towards the sacrum via the sacroiliac joint, the thickness may be made to increase towards both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 10. The thickness of the pressure portion 13 is preferably 0.5 to 6 mm, more preferably 1 to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 2 to 4 mm, from the viewpoint of suppressing pressure on the sacrum area when worn.

[0050] As described above, when the pressing portion 13 protruding from the back side is arranged in a pair of second regions 10b, the pressing portion 13 can reliably grasp the wearer's left and right ilium and move the ilium toward the sacrum, thereby further assisting in stabilizing the pelvis.

[0051] Furthermore, if the main body 10 is provided with a pressing portion 13 that is thickened from the central part toward both ends in the longitudinal direction, the thickened portion of the pressing portion 13 can apply strong pressure to the wearer's ilium from the outside toward the inside of the body, thereby pulling the ilium toward the sacrum and further helping to stabilize the pelvis.

[0052] Furthermore, if the pressing portion 13 is formed with a mesh structure that protrudes toward the wearer, a gap is created between the main body 10 and the wearer, and steam can escape from the mesh structure of the pressing portion 13, thereby eliminating stuffiness caused by wearing the supporter 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the second region 10b can be formed with a higher contact resistance than the first region 10a. Specifically, a fabric with high contact resistance may be sewn to the second region 10b. In this case, the pressing portion 13 is not necessarily an essential component, but these can be used in combination. Examples of fabrics with high contact resistance include double raschel, cardboard knit, cushion knit tape, spacer fabric, 3D mesh fabric, and three-dimensional knit fabric.

[0054] The static friction coefficient of the second region 10b is preferably 0.1 to 1, more preferably 0.15 to 0.5, and particularly preferably 0.2 to 0.3, from the viewpoint of more effectively pulling the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body 10 (towards the first region 10a) when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are tensed.

[0055] As described above, when there is a pair of second regions 10b with greater contact resistance than the first region 10a, when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are pulled, the pair of second regions 10b become less likely to slip toward the first region 10a, and the effect of pulling the wearer's ilium toward the sacrum by the second regions 10b can be exerted.

[0056] The third region 10c is located on both sides of the second region 10b in the longitudinal direction. In this third region 10c, gaps 14 are formed between the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12, penetrating from the front side to the back side of the supporter 1. The gaps 14 become smaller from the second region 10b side toward the engaging portion 10d and the engaged portion 10e.

[0057] As described above, when the main body 10 has a first band-shaped body 11 and a second band-shaped body 12 that is longer than the first band-shaped body 11, and the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 are arranged with a gap 14 between them, the longer second band-shaped body 12 will wrap around the wearer's buttocks, making it easier to put on the supporter 1 without it shifting position, in accordance with the wearer's hip line. Furthermore, when the second band-shaped body 12 is positioned with a gap 14 between it and the first band-shaped body 11, the degree of stretching and contracting of the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 can be individually changed. This allows the supporter 1 to adapt to the wearer's movements, such as twisting of the waist, without excessively restricting the wearer's movements, thus mitigating any difficulties in wearing it during daily activities or walking.

[0058] The longitudinal length of the third region 10c is preferably 12 to 23 cm, more preferably 13 to 21 cm, and particularly preferably 15 to 19 cm. The ratio of the longitudinal lengths of the second region 10b and the third region 10c is such that, when the length of the second region 10b is 1, the length of the third region 10c is preferably 1.3 to 4, more preferably 1.5 to 3, and particularly preferably 2 to 2.5.

[0059] As for the ratio of the elasticity of the first region 10a to the second region 10b, from the viewpoint of more effectively shortening the first region 10a when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are tensed, if the elasticity of the second region 10b is set to 1, the elasticity of the first region 10a is preferably 1.05 to 2, more preferably 1.1 to 1.5, and particularly preferably 1.15 to 1.3. As for the ratio of the elasticity of the first region 10a to the third region 10c, from the viewpoint of more effectively shortening the first region 10a when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are tensed, if the elasticity of the third region 10c is set to 1, the elasticity of the first region 10a is preferably 1.01 to 2, more preferably 1.02 to 1.5, and particularly preferably 1.03 to 1.2. As for the ratio of the elasticity of the second region 10b and the third region 10c, from the viewpoint of more effectively pulling the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body 10 (towards the first region 10a) when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are stretched, if the elasticity of the second region 10b is set to 1, then the elasticity of the third region 10c is preferably 1.03 to 1.5, more preferably 1.05 to 1.3, and particularly preferably 1.1 to 1.2.

[0060] As described above, the device comprises a main body 10, a pair of belt portions 20 and 21, each with one end fixed to the second region 10b of the main body 10 or its vicinity, and a perforated portion 30 through which the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are inserted. When the elasticity of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be smaller than the elasticity of the first region 10a of the main body 10, when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are stretched, the elongation of the first region 10a is shortened, and the pair of second regions 10b are pulled toward the first region 10a side, which is the central part of the main body 10. As a result, without applying pressure only to the sacrum and tilting the sacrum forward, the wearer's left and right ilium are brought toward the sacrum via the sacroiliac joint, thereby inducing sacral flexion (nutation), which stabilizes the pelvis and helps to form an ideal S-curve of the spine.

[0061] On both sides of the third region 10c in the longitudinal direction, that is, on both sides of the main body 10, there are attachment portions 10d and attached portions 10e. As described above, at these attachment portions 10d and attached portions 10e, both ends of the two upper and lower band-shaped bodies 11 and 12 are overlapped and sewn together.

[0062] The attachment portion 10d has a loop surface 15 of a hook-and-loop fastener on its back side for attaching and detaching a pair of belt portions 20 and 21, which will be described later. On the front side of the attachment portion 10d, there is a hook surface 16 of a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching to the loop surface 17 of the attachment portion 10e, which will be described later. The loop surface 15 of the hook-and-loop fastener straddles the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12, with one end folded back from the back side to the front side. At the attachment portion 10d, the loop surface 15 of the hook-and-loop fastener, the two upper and lower strip-shaped bodies 11 and 12, the folded loop surface 15 of the hook-and-loop fastener, and the hook surface 16 of the hook-and-loop fastener are sequentially sewn together from the back side. The outer edge of the attachment portion 10d can be finished with bias tape or the like.

[0063] The attachment portion 10e has a loop surface 17 of a hook-and-loop fastener on its back side for attaching and detaching the hook surface 16 of the attachment portion 10d and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21. The loop surface 17 of the hook-and-loop fastener straddles the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12, with one end folded back from the back side to the front side. In the attachment portion 10e, the loop surface 17 of the hook-and-loop fastener, the two upper and lower strip-shaped bodies 11 and 12, and the folded-back loop surface 17 of the hook-and-loop fastener are sequentially sewn together from the back side. The outer edge of the attachment portion 10e can be finished with bias tape or the like.

[0064] As described above, both ends of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction are thicker than other parts, making it easier to grip both ends when putting on the supporter 1.

[0065] The pair of belt sections 20 and 21 are made up of strip-shaped bodies that extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the main body section 10, and are fixed to the main body section 10 by sewing one end of each belt to it. The sewing position of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 to the main body portion 10 may be any of the first region 10a, the second region 10b, or the third region 10c, but from the viewpoint of maximizing the elasticity of the first region 10a and the third region 10c, and the pulling effect of the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body portion 10, it is preferable that they be sewn within the region of the second region 10b. In the example shown in Figure 1, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are sewn at least at the boundary between the second region 10b and the third region 10c. Furthermore, the sewing position of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 to the main body portion 10 is fixed by sewing one end of each belt portion 20 and 21 at a distance greater than the distance between the parts of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 that contact the perforated portion 30 when they are inserted into the perforated portion 30 (insertion distance). For example, if a round ring as shown in Figure 1 is used as the perforated portion 30, the distance between the sewing positions of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 to the main body portion 10 will vary depending on the width of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 and the stiffness of the fabric, but will be formed to be at least larger than the inner diameter of the round ring. While methods of fixation are not limited to sewing, and include adhesives (such as hot melt), ultrasonic welding, and heat fusion, sewing is preferred from the viewpoint of manufacturability.

[0066] As will be described later, when the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 and the main body section 10 are integrally constructed from a single piece of fabric, the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 are constructed by layering two pieces of fabric having the same elasticity as the third region 10c, and their elasticity is configured to be smaller than that of the third region 10c in the main body section 10. Furthermore, the first region 10a has three layers of fabric in the central part in the shorter direction, and is configured to be more elastic than the third region 10c and the belt sections 20 and 21. As described above, by making the elasticity of the first region 10a greater than that of the third region 10c and the belt portions 20 and 21, when the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 pull the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body 10 by tension, the tightening force of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 is assisted, thereby enhancing the pulling effect of the second region 10b.

[0067] Furthermore, the supporter 1 can also be constructed integrally by sewing together the main body portion 10 (first band-shaped body 11 and second band-shaped body 12) and a pair of belt portions 20 and 21, each made of different fabrics. In addition, the belt portion 20 and belt portion 21 may be made of different fabrics to create differences in elasticity. Moreover, each region 10a to 10e of the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 of the main body portion 10 can also be constructed by sewing together different fabrics. In this case, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are made of either an elastic or non-elastic fabric. If the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are elastic, their elasticity is made to be less than that of the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 in the main body portion 10. As described above, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 may have their elasticity reduced by layering multiple fabrics of the same material, or by using a single fabric with low elasticity.

[0068] Furthermore, if the main body 10 (the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12) and the pair of belt parts 20 and 21 are made of different fabrics, the elasticity of the first region 10a can be made greater or less than the elasticity of the pair of belt parts 20 and 21. If the elasticity is made greater than that of the pair of belt parts 20 and 21, the pelvis can be stabilized more effectively, as described above. If the elasticity is made less than that of the pair of belt parts 20 and 21, the ability of the supporter 1 to follow the wearer's movements can be further enhanced.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are made of a single strip-like body, and at least one point in its intermediate portion is sewn to the boundary between the second region 10b and the third region 10c. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can also be made of two separate strip-like bodies. In this case, one end of each strip-like body would be sewn to the left and right second regions 10b, respectively.

[0070] The pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are provided separately from the main body portion 10 and are slidably supported in the longitudinal direction of the supporter 1 by a perforated portion 30 having through holes through which the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can be inserted. The other ends of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are guided from the sewing portion to the main body portion 10 toward the central portion of the main body portion 10, pulled out from the main body portion 10 side toward the outside of the supporter 1 by the perforated portion 30, folded back in the perforated portion 30, and can be pulled toward both ends of the main body portion 10. As described above, when a perforated portion 30 is provided to support a pair of belt portions 20 and 21 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can be pulled toward both ends of the main body portion 10 without changing the contact point (position in the longitudinal direction) of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 by the perforated portion 30, and each second region 10b of the main body portion 10 can be pulled toward the central part of the main body portion 10. Furthermore, by pulling each second region 10b of the main body portion 10 toward the central part of the main body portion 10, the wearer's left and right ilium can be brought toward the sacrum without applying pressure only to the sacrum and tilting the sacrum forward, and as a result induces sacral flexion (nutation), thereby stabilizing the pelvis and helping to form an ideal S-curve of the spine.

[0071] Furthermore, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are slidably supported in the perforated portion 30 in the short-side direction of the supporter 1. As described above, when a perforated portion 30 is provided to support a pair of belt portions 20 and 21 so as to be slidable in the short direction, the contact points of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 with respect to the perforated portion 30 become movable in either the short direction. As a result, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can move in the short direction (up and down direction) in accordance with the wearer's movements such as twisting of the waist, allowing for daily activities without compromising comfort (without feeling excessively tight).

[0072] The perforated portion 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material through which a pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can be inserted and does not change shape against the load received by the tension of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21, or hardly changes shape at all, but it is preferable that it be a non-stretchable material that does not change shape. In particular, from the viewpoint of more effectively pulling the second region 10b toward the central part of the main body portion 10, it is more preferable to use a non-stretchable fabric or ring (square ring, Japanese character ring, round ring made of an annular frame, etc.) having through holes, and a round ring made of an annular frame is particularly preferable. As the raw material for the perforated portion 30, for example, POM (polyacetal), PA (nylon), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene), alloy (stainless steel, zinc, brass, etc.) can be used. In particular, from the viewpoint of manufacturability, it is preferable to use POM or PA.

[0073] Each of the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 has hook surfaces 22 of hook-and-loop fasteners on the front side at both of its longitudinal ends, for attaching the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 to the loop surfaces 15 and 17 of the main body section 10. Furthermore, the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 have hook-and-loop fastener loop surfaces 23 on the back side at both of their longitudinal ends. The hook surface 22 is appropriately attached to the loop surfaces 15, 17 of the main body 10, or the loop surfaces 23 of the pair of belt sections 20, 21, depending on the wearer's body shape.

[0074] The loop side 23 of the hook-and-loop fastener is folded back from the back to the front at one end, spanning the strip-like bodies of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21. At the other ends of the pair of belt portions 20 and 21, the loop side 23 of the hook-and-loop fastener, the strip-like body, the folded loop side 23 of the hook-and-loop fastener, and the hook side 22 of the hook-and-loop fastener are sequentially sewn together from the back. As described above, the other ends of the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 are thicker than the other parts, making it easier to grip the other ends when putting on the supporter 1.

[0075] Next, the fabrics constituting the main body 10 (the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12) and the pair of belt parts 20 and 21 will be described.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the fabric 40 that constitutes the main body 10 and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 is located in the central part and has a roughly rectangular main portion 41 and first branch portions 42 to third branch portions 44 that extend in a comb-like manner from the main portion 41 on both sides in the longitudinal direction. That is, the fabric 40 is made up of a single piece of fabric that is symmetrical with respect to the main portion 41. The first branch portions 42 and third branch portions 44 are located at both ends in the short direction of the fabric 40, and the second branch portion 43 is located in the middle part in the short direction of the fabric 40, sandwiched between the first branch portions 42 and third branch portions 44 with a gap between them.

[0077] Of the first branch portion 42 to the third branch portion 44, the second branch portion 43, which becomes a pair of belt portions 20 and 21, is formed to be the longest in the longitudinal direction. Next, the third branch portion 44, which becomes the second band-like body 12, is long, and the first branch portion 42, which becomes the first band-like body 11, is formed to be the shortest.

[0078] To produce the main body portion 10 and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 from this fabric 40, as shown in Figure 4, first, the first remaining area 45 of the main portion 41, which corresponds to the gap between the first branch portion 42 and the second branch portion 43, is folded toward the portion of the main portion 41 corresponding to the second branch portion 43, and the second remaining area 46 of the main portion 41, which corresponds to the gap between the second branch portion 43 and the third branch portion 44, is folded toward the portion of the main portion 41 corresponding to the second branch portion 43. The first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46 are areas in the main portion 41 where the first branch portion 42 to the third branch portion 44 are not formed, and the portion of the main portion 41 corresponding to the second branch portion 43 is the area in the main portion 41 between the first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46. In this case, the first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46 are folded to the same side as the second branch 43. Furthermore, when the first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46 are folded, the lower end of the first branch 42 and the upper end of the third branch 44 are folded so as not to come into contact with or overlap, thereby forming a gap 14 between the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12 of the main body 10.

[0079] In this state, as shown in Figure 5, the tip of each second branch portion 43 is inserted into the internal space formed between the first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46, which are folded and correspond to the second branch portion 43 of the main portion 41. Next, the main body portion 10 (first strip-shaped body 11 and second strip-shaped body 12) and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are formed by sewing both ends of the main portion 41 in the short direction. After this, the pressing portion 13, each hook surface, loop surface, etc. are sewn on as appropriate to create the supporter 1.

[0080] As described above, in a symmetrical piece of fabric having a roughly rectangular main portion 41 and strip-shaped first to third branch portions 42 to 44 extending from the main portion 41, if the first remaining area 45 and the second remaining area 46 are folded onto the portion corresponding to the second branch portion 43 of the main portion 41 to form the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12, and the tips of each second branch portion 43 are folded onto the portion corresponding to the second branch portion 43 of the main portion 41 to form a pair of belt portions 20 and 21, then the first strip-shaped body 11, the second strip-shaped body 12 and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 can be formed from a single piece of fabric, thereby reducing the number of components and lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, although the first band-shaped body 11, the second band-shaped body 12, and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 are formed from a single piece of fabric, the partial overlap of the fabric 40 allows for different elasticity between the overlapping and non-overlapping portions, thereby enabling variations in functionality between the overlapping and non-overlapping portions. For example, the overlapping first region 10a of the fabric 40 can have greater stretch resistance compared to the non-overlapping third region of the fabric 40.

[0081] Next, the method for attaching the supporter 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0082] First, the wearer grasps both ends of the main body 10 with the first band-like body 11 on the waist side and the second band-like body 12 on the buttock side, and with the first region 10a of the main body 10 close to the center of the posterior pelvis. At this time, the pressing portion 13 of the second region 10b is on the wearer's side.

[0083] Next, the wearer wraps the main body 10 around their pelvis, extending the first region 10a and the third region 10c, and attaches the hook surface 16 of the attachment portion 10d to the loop surface 17 of the attachment portion 10e in front of the wearer's pelvis, thereby maintaining the main body 10 in a state of being tightened around the pelvis (see Figure 7).

[0084] Here, the preferred wrapping height for supporter 1 is either above or below the sacroiliac joint, which connects the sacrum and ilium that make up the pelvis; in other words, between the first and third sacral vertebrae, but it is even more preferable to wrap it between the second and third sacral vertebrae, where sacroiliac joint pain is more likely to occur. Conventional supporters, such as lumbar corsets, are wrapped around the waist, spanning from the first lumbar vertebra L1 to the fifth lumbar vertebra L5, as shown in Figure 9(a), to protect the wearer's waist. In contrast, the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 in the supporter 1 according to this embodiment are wrapped around the pelvis at the sacroiliac joint, that is, between the first sacral vertebra S1 and the third sacral vertebra S3, preferably between the second sacral vertebra S2 and the third sacral vertebra S3, as shown in Figure 9(b), to stabilize the pelvis.

[0085] Finally, the wearer grasps both ends of the belt sections 20 and 21, pulls these ends across the sides of the waist and towards the front, and attaches the hook surfaces 22 of the belt sections 20 and 21 to the loop surfaces 15 and 17 of the main body section 10, or the loop surfaces 23 of the belt sections 20 and 21, respectively, to complete the attachment of the supporter 1 (see Figure 8).

[0086] Next, the functions of the supporter 1 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 show the movement of the supporter 1 when the belt portions 20 and 21 are attached to the loop surface 15 of the main body portion 10. In Figures 10 and 11, the dashed line in the first region 10a is to show the difference in the amount of expansion and contraction in the longitudinal direction of the first region 10a.

[0087] The state shown in Figure 10 represents a condition where only the first region 10a and the third region 10c of the main body 10 are stretched by a tightening force F1, and the main body 10 tightly tightens around the wearer's pelvis, firmly fixing the pelvis in place.

[0088] From this state, as shown in Figure 11, when the belt portions 20 and 21 are pulled with a tightening force F2 towards the front of the wearer through the perforated portion 30, the perforated portion 30 functions as a pulley, and the tightening force F2 acts similarly near the belt portions 20 and 21 sewn to the main body portion 10. In other words, the tightening forces F1 and F2 act in roughly opposite directions with respect to the sewing line TL1 where the belt portions 20 and 21 are attached to the main body portion 10. Here, since the elasticity of the belt portions 20 and 21 is less than that of the third region 10c in the main body portion 10, if the force pulling the belt portions 20 and 21 (tightening force F2) is equal to or greater than the force pulling the main body portion 10 (tightening force F1), the stitching line TL1 between the belt portions 20 and 21 and the main body portion 10, i.e., the second region 10b (pressure portion 13), is pulled towards the center of the wearer's back, and the stretch of the first region 10a of the main body portion 10 is loosened. In this way, as the second region 10b is drawn towards the central part of the wearer's body, the left and right iliac bones that protrude posteriorly beyond the sacrum are pressed toward the sacrum via the sacroiliac joint, pushing the sacrum forward. As a result of the sacrum being pushed forward, it is given a moderate forward tilt, which helps to form the ideal S-curve of the spine.

[0089] Furthermore, because the sacrum is not directly pressed, obstruction of skin blood flow in the sacrum can be minimized, thus alleviating pain caused by impaired blood flow.

[0090] Next, the differences between the supporter 1 according to this embodiment and a conventional supporter will be explained using Figure 12.

[0091] In the supporter 100 shown in Figure 12(a), which is represented by the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, the belt portions 120 and 121 are sewn to the belt fixing portion 130 in the central part of the main body portion 110, respectively. When the main body portion 110 and the belt portions 120 and 121 are tightened around the wearer's pelvis, tightening forces F100 and F101 are applied to the main body portion 110 and the belt portions 120 and 121 in the diagonal forward direction to the left and diagonal forward direction to the right, respectively, starting from the central part of the supporter 100. The resultant force RF100 of the left and right tightening forces F100 and the resultant force RF101 of the left and right tightening forces F101 both act toward the sacrum from the center of the supporter 100, thus placing a great burden on the sacrum.

[0092] Furthermore, the supporter 200 shown in Figure 12(b), which is represented by the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, has a left main body portion 210a and a right main body portion 210b connected by a single belt portion 220. When the left main body portion 210a, the right main body portion 210b and the belt portion 220 are fastened around the wearer's pelvis, a tightening force F200 is applied to the belt portion 220, which is positioned between the left main body portion 210a and the right main body portion 210b, starting from the central part of the supporter 200, in the diagonal forward left direction and the diagonal forward right direction, respectively. In addition, a tightening force F201 is applied to the belt portions 220 extending to the left and right from the folded member 230, in the diagonal forward left direction and the diagonal forward right direction, respectively. The combined force RF200 of the left and right tightening forces F200, and the combined force RF201 of the left and right tightening forces F201, both act from the center of the supporter 200 toward the sacrum. Therefore, similar to the supporter 100 described above, a large burden is placed on the sacrum.

[0093] In contrast, when the supporter 1 according to this embodiment is fastened around the wearer's pelvis, a pair of belt portions 20 and 21 extending from the perforated portion 30 to the left and right, starting from the central part of the supporter 1, are subjected to tightening forces F3 in the diagonal forward direction to the left and diagonal forward direction to the right, respectively. The resultant force RF3 acts toward the sacrum. On the other hand, the central part of the main body portion 10, located between the sewing positions of the belt portions 20 and 21, is subjected to tightening forces F4 in the diagonal backward direction to the right and diagonal backward direction to the left, respectively. The resultant force RF4 acts toward the outside from the center of the supporter 1 toward the side opposite to the sacrum, and this resultant force RF4 works to cancel out the resultant force RF3, thus reducing the burden on the sacrum.

[0094] Thus, the main body 10 is equipped with a pair of belt sections 20 and 21 arranged on the back side, and a perforated section 30 having holes through which the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 can be inserted. When the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 are fixed at one end each on the back side of the main body 10 at a distance greater than the insertion distance of the perforated section 30, and are pulled out through the perforated section 30, when the pair of belt sections 20 and 21 are pulled, a force acts on the main body 10 in the opposite direction to that of the wearer, thereby stabilizing the pelvis while reducing the burden on the sacrum caused by the perforated section 30.

[0095] Furthermore, if the main body 10 has elasticity in both longitudinal regions from the area where the pair of belts 20 and 21 are fixed, when the supporter 1 is worn, the elastic region of the main body 10 can be stretched in response to the tension of the pair of belts 20 and 21, preventing excessive constriction of the wearer and allowing for prolonged use by the wearer.

[0096] (Second embodiment of the present invention) In the supporter according to the first embodiment described above, the pair of belt portions were formed from a strip-shaped body made of an elastic or non-elastic fabric. However, the supporter is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in Figures 13 to 17, the pair of belt portions may also be configured to have a first belt portion made of an elastic fabric and a second belt portion made of a fabric that has little or no elasticity or is non-elastic. In the following description, any configurations that overlap with the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

[0097] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the pair of belt portions 50 in the supporter 2 are composed of a pair of left and right first belt portions 51a and 51b, which are elastic and made of a strip-shaped material extending in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 10, and a pair of left and right second belt portions 52 and 53, which are made of a strip-shaped material that has little or no elasticity and extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 10. The first belt portions 51a and 51b and the second belt portions 52 and 53 are connected via a perforated portion 60. The main body 10 and the pair of belt portions 50 may be integrally constructed from a single fabric, similar to the main body 10 and the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 in the first embodiment described above, or they may be integrally constructed by sewing together the main body 10 (first strip-shaped body 11 and second strip-shaped body 12) and the pair of belt portions 50 from different fabrics. In the following description, the case in which the main body 10 and the pair of belt portions 50 are integrally constructed from a single fabric will be used as an example.

[0098] The first belt portions 51a and 51b are each sewn at one end to the boundary between the second region 10b and the third region 10c of the main body portion 10. These first belt portions 51a and 51b correspond to the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 in the first embodiment described above, but differ in that they are formed to be shorter than the pair of belt portions 20 and 21. Both ends of these first belt portions 51a and 51b are inserted through the central perforated portion 30 and slidably attached to the other perforated portions 60 and 61. That is, the other ends of the first belt portions 51a and 51b are guided from the sewn portion to the main body portion 10 to the central portion of the main body portion 10, pulled out from the main body portion 10 side to the outside of the supporter 2 in the central perforated portion 30, folded back in the central perforated portion 30, and slidably attached to the other perforated portions 60 and 61, respectively.

[0099] The pair of first belt portions 51a and 51b are formed to have less elasticity in the longitudinal direction than the elasticity in the longitudinal direction of the third region 10c of the main body portion 10.

[0100] The second belt portion 52 is sewn at one end to the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 together with the loop surface 15 of the engagement portion 10d on the main body portion 10, and the other end is slidably inserted through the perforated portion 60 and folded back and pulled out on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the supporter 2. Similarly, the second belt portion 53 is sewn at one end to the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12, respectively, together with the loop surface 17 of the attachment portion 10e on the main body portion 10, and the other end is slidably inserted through the perforated portion 61 and folded back and pulled out on both longitudinal sides of the supporter 2. The second belt sections 52 and 53 are each provided with hook-and-loop fastener hook surfaces 54 on the front side at both of their longitudinal ends, for attaching the pair of belt sections 50 (second belt sections 52 and 53) to the loop surfaces 15 and 17 of the main body section 10. Additionally, the pair of belt sections 50 are provided with hook-and-loop fastener loop surfaces 55 on the back side at both of their longitudinal ends.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first belt portions 51a and 51b are formed to be shorter than the pair of belt portions 20 and 21 in the first embodiment, resulting in a shorter stretchable length. Furthermore, since the first belt portions 51a and 51b are connected to the second belt portions 52 and 53, which have little or no elasticity, via other perforated portions 60 and 61, the pulling effect of the second region 10b toward the central part of the wearer's back, that is, the pulling effect of the wearer's ilium toward the sacrum, is increased, improving pelvic stability. As described above, by having two other perforated sections 60 and 61 connecting the pair of first belt sections 51a and 51b and the second belt sections 52 and 53, in addition to the central perforated section 30, the function of the perforated sections 30, 60 and 61 as pulleys can be further enhanced, and the force required for the wearer to pull the second belt sections 52 and 53 can be reduced. Therefore, by shortening the elongation of the main body section 10 when the second belt sections 52 and 53 are pulled, the pulling effect toward the central part can be enhanced.

[0102] As the ratio of the stretchability of the second belt portions 52 and 53 to that of the first region 10a, from the viewpoint of more effectively shortening the elongation of the first region 10a when the second belt portions 52 and 53 are tensioned, when the stretchability of the second belt portions 52 and 53 is set to 1, the stretchability of the first region 10a is preferably 1.05 to 2, more preferably 1.1 to 1.4, and particularly preferably 1.15 to 1.3. As the ratio of the stretchability of the second belt portions 52 and 53 to that of the third region 10c, from the viewpoint of more effectively shortening the elongation of the first region 10a when the second belt portions 52 and 53 are tensioned, when the stretchability of the second belt portions 52 and 53 is set to 1, the stretchability of the third region 10c is preferably 1.03 to 1.5, more preferably 1.05 to 1.3, and particularly preferably 1.1 to 1.2.

[0103] The perforated portions 60 and 61 are not particularly limited as long as they can insert the first belt portions 51a and 51b and the second belt portions 52 and 53 and do not change in shape or hardly change in shape against the load received by the tension of the first belt portions 51a and 51b and the second belt portions 52 and 53. For example, a Japanese character-shaped ring made of POM and having two long holes that are through holes along the short side direction can be used. In addition, as the perforated portions 60 and 61, a non-stretchable fabric having a through hole for inserting the pair of belt portions 50, PA (nylon), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene), an alloy (stainless steel, zinc, brass, etc.), etc. can also be used. When using a Japanese character-shaped ring as the perforated portions 60 and 61, the first belt portions 51a and 51b are respectively inserted into the long holes 60a and 61a of the perforated portions 60 and 61 disposed on the central side of the main body portion 10, and the second belt portions 52 and 53 are respectively inserted into the long holes 60b and 61b of the perforated portions 60 and 61 disposed on both longitudinal ends of the main body portion 10.

[0104] Belt loops 70 are provided on the second belt sections 52 and 53. The belt loops 70 are sewn to the second belt sections 52 and 53 at any point between the portion where the second belt sections 52 and 53 are sewn to the main body 10 and the perforated portions 60 and 61 through which the second belt sections 52 and 53 are inserted. The folded second belt sections 52 and 53 are inserted through these belt loops 70 via the perforated portions 60 and 61, preventing the second belt sections 52 and 53 from hanging down and making it easier for the wearer to grasp the belt section 50 when wearing it.

[0105] Next, the fabrics constituting the main body 10 and the first belt portions 51a and 51b will be described.

[0106] As shown in Figure 15, the fabric 80 constituting the main body 10 and the first belt portions 51a and 51b is located in the central part and has a roughly rectangular main portion 81 and first branch portions 82 to third branch portions 84 that extend in a comb-like manner from the main portion 81 to both sides in the longitudinal direction. The first branch portions 82 and third branch portions 84 are arranged at both ends in the short direction of the fabric 80, and the second branch portion 83 is arranged in the middle part in the short direction of the fabric 80 so as to be sandwiched between the first branch portions 82 and third branch portions 84.

[0107] Of the first branch portions 82 to the third branch portions 84, the second branch portion 83, which becomes the first belt portions 51a and 51b, is formed to be the shortest in the longitudinal direction. Next, the first branch portion 82, which becomes the first strip-like body 11, is short, and the third branch portion 84, which becomes the second strip-like body 12, is formed to be the longest.

[0108] To produce the main body portion 10 and the first belt portions 51a and 51b from this fabric 80, as shown in Figure 16, first, the left and right second branch portions 83 are inserted into the perforated portions 60 and 61 (the elongated holes 60a and 61a), the first remaining area 85 of the main portion 81 corresponding to the gap between the first branch portion 82 and the second branch portion 83 of the main portion 81 is folded toward the portion corresponding to the second branch portion 83 of the main portion 81, and the second remaining area 86 of the main portion 81 corresponding to the gap between the second branch portion 83 and the third branch portion 84 is folded toward the portion corresponding to the second branch portion 83 of the main portion 81. The first remaining area 85 and the second remaining area 86 are areas in the main portion 81 where the first branch portions 82 to the third branch portions 84 are not formed, and the portion corresponding to the second branch portion 83 of the main portion 81 is the area between the first remaining area 85 and the second remaining area 86 of the main portion 81. In this case, the first remaining area 85 and the second remaining area 86 are folded to the same side as the second branch portion 83. Furthermore, when the first remaining area 85 and the second remaining area 86 are folded, the lower end of the first branch portion 82 and the upper end of the third branch portion 84 are folded so as not to come into contact with or overlap, thereby forming a gap 14 between the first strip-shaped body 11 and the second strip-shaped body 12 of the main body portion 10.

[0109] In this state, as shown in Figure 17, the tip of each second branch portion 83 is inserted into the internal space formed between the first remaining area 85 and the second remaining area 86, which are folded and correspond to the second branch portion 83 of the main portion 81. Next, the main body portion 10 (first strip-shaped body 11 and second strip-shaped body 12) and the first belt portions 51a and 51b are formed by sewing both ends of the main portion 81 in the short direction. At this time, in order to restrict the movement of the perforated portions 60 and 61, the overlapping portions of the first belt portions 51a and 51b near their folded portions may be sewn together. After this, the first belt portions 51a and 51b, the pressing portion 13, each hook surface, loop surface, etc. are sewn together as appropriate to create the supporter 2. This fabric 80 can be knitted in the same manner as the fabric 40 in the first embodiment described above.

[0110] Depending on the size of the central perforated section 30 and the perforated sections 60 and 61, the end of the second branch 83 may be inserted into the central perforated section 30 before inserting it into the perforated sections 60 and 61 (specifically, the elongated holes 60a and 61a).

[0111] Next, the method for attaching the supporter 2 according to this embodiment will be described. The supporter 2 can be attached using the same procedure as the supporter 1 in the first embodiment described above.

[0112] First, the wearer places the first band-like body 11 on the waist side and the second band-like body 12 on the buttock side, and grasps both ends of the main body 10 with the first region 10a of the main body 10 in contact with the center of the posterior pelvis. At this time, the pressing portion 13 of the second region 10b is on the wearer's side.

[0113] In this state, the wearer wraps the main body 10 around their pelvis, extending the first region 10a and the third region 10c, and attaches the hook surface 16 of the attachment portion 10d to the loop surface 17 of the attachment portion 10e in front of the wearer's pelvis, thereby maintaining the main body 10 in a state of being tightened around the pelvis.

[0114] Next, the wearer grasps both ends of the pair of belt sections 50 (second belt sections 52 and 53), pulls these ends across the sides of the waist towards the front, and moves the perforated sections 60 and 61 towards the front like pulleys, while engaging the hook surfaces 54 of the belt section 50 with the loop surfaces 15 and 17 of the main body section 10, or the loop surface 55 of the belt section 50, respectively, thereby completing the attachment of the supporter 2.

[0115] Thus, when the pair of belt portions 50 has first belt portions 51a, 51b and second belt portions 52, 53 whose longitudinal elasticity is smaller than that of the third region 10c of the main body portion 10, the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of belt portions 50 as a whole can be made smaller, which can further stabilize the pelvis and form an ideal S-curve of the spine.

[0116] (Third embodiment of the present invention) In the supporter according to the second embodiment described above, the belt loop that supports the folded and overlapping second belt portion is sewn and fixed to the second belt portion. However, the supporter is not limited to this configuration, and as shown in Figures 18 to 20, the belt loop can also be fixed to the other end of the second belt portion to support the folded and overlapping second belt portion. In the following explanation, we will omit descriptions of configurations that overlap with the embodiments described above.

[0117] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the belt loop 71 is made of a strip and supports the folded and overlapping second belt portions 52 and 53, with both ends sewn to the tensile end sides of the second belt portions 52 and 53. Specifically, it is sewn to the second belt portions 52 and 53 together with the hook surface 54 of the hook-and-loop fastener at the other end sides of the second belt portions 52 and 53. Furthermore, the belt loop 71 is formed to be elastic in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, the belt loop 71 is sewn so that the longitudinal direction near the sewing portion of the belt loop 71 is parallel to the tensile direction of the second belt portions 52 and 53, so that it can be stretched in the tensile direction of the second belt portions 52 and 53. However, from the viewpoint of not putting stress on the material constituting the belt loop 71, it may be sewn at an angle.

[0118] The belt loop 71 may be fixed to the tip of the second belt sections 52 and 53 in a twisted state. In the example shown in Figure 18, the belt loop 71 is always fixed to the second belt sections 52 and 53 with the outer fabric facing outwards and the lining facing inwards. However, by twisting it, the outer fabric and lining can be swapped midway so that the outer fabric is on the inside and the lining is on the outside. This causes the twisted portion of the belt loop 71 to stand upright relative to the second belt sections 52 and 53, reducing the contact resistance between the belt loop 71 and the second belt sections 52 and 53, and allowing the second belt sections 52 and 53 to be pulled smoothly.

[0119] As shown in Figure 20, when the wearer puts on the supporter 2 and pulls the second belt portions 52 and 53, the belt loop 71 moves in the pulling direction together with the second belt portions 52 and 53, and then its movement is restricted at the point where the loop surface 15 of the attachment portion 10d to which one end of the second belt portions 52 and 53 is sewn, and the sewing portion between the first band-shaped body 11 and the second band-shaped body 12 (see Figure 20(a)). If the second belt portions 52 and 53 are pulled further in this state, the belt loop 71 is stretched together with the second belt portions 52 and 53 because it is elastic in the pulling direction of the second belt portions 52 and 53 (see Figure 20(b)), and the pelvis can be tightened with the second belt portions 52 and 53.

[0120] Thus, if the belt loop 71 supports the folded and overlapping pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53) and is elastic in the tensile direction of the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53), then since both ends of the belt loop 71 are fixed to the other end of the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53) that are in front of the body when the supporter 1 is worn, one end of the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53) supported by the belt loop 71 hangs down in front of or to the side of the wearer, making it easier for the wearer to grasp the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53) and improving wearability. Furthermore, because the belt loop 71 is elastic in the tensile direction, even if both ends are fixed to the other end of the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53), it does not easily hinder the stretching of the pair of belt sections (second belt sections 52, 53).

[0121] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) In the supporter according to the second embodiment described above, the other perforated portion is configured to allow the first belt portion and the second belt portion to pass through each of the two elongated holes. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and as shown in Figures 21 to 23, the other perforated portion can also be configured to allow the second belt portion to pass through while fixing the first belt portion. In the following explanation, we will omit descriptions of configurations that overlap with the embodiments described above.

[0122] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the other perforated portion 62 is configured with a belt insertion portion 62a having an elongated hole 62b which is a through hole, and a belt fixing portion 62c that is connected to the belt insertion portion 62a and is shaped like a wing. Similarly, the other perforated portion 63 is configured with a belt insertion portion 63a having an elongated hole 63b which is a through hole, and a belt fixing portion 63c that is connected to the belt insertion portion 63a and is shaped like a wing.

[0123] The first belt portions 51a and 51b, which are inserted through the perforated portion 30 and pulled out, are sewn and fixed to the belt fixing portions 62c and 63c of the other perforated portions 62 and 63 by the stitching line TL2. The first belt portions 51a and 51b may also be inserted through the elongated holes 62b and 63b, respectively, and fixed to the belt fixing portions 62c and 63c by sandwiching them from both sides. On the other hand, the other ends of the second belt portions 52 and 53, one end of which is sewn to the main body portion 10, are inserted into the belt insertion portions 62a and 63a of the other perforated portions 62 and 63 from the main body portion 10 side and pulled out.

[0124] In Figure 21, the elongated holes 62c of the other perforated sections 62 (and similarly for the other perforated sections 63) are shown as an example of a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the short direction (vertical direction) of the second belt section 52. However, as shown in Figure 23, for example, it is also possible to use an elongated hole 62c in which the side 62d that the second belt section 52 contacts and slides against is curved inward. In this other perforated section 62, the upper and lower ends of the elongated hole 62c are formed to be wider, ensuring the sliding properties of the second belt section 52, while the central part of the elongated hole 62c is formed to be narrower than the upper and lower ends, making it less likely for the second belt section 52 to be biased relative to the elongated hole 62c.

[0125] Thus, when the other perforated parts 62 and 63 are provided with belt insertion parts 62a and 63a through which the second belt parts 52 and 53 are inserted, and belt fixing parts 62c and 63c for fixing the first belt parts 51a and 51b, the ends of the first belt parts 51a and 51b are fixed along the shorter side, preventing them from being biased to one side in the shorter direction. This suppresses the rotation (half-rotation) of the other perforated parts 62 and 63 caused by both the first belt parts 51a and 51b and the second belt parts 52 and 53 being biased to the same side, thereby improving ease of attachment.

[0126] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be used in combination as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1, 2 Supporters 10 Main body 10a 1st area 10b 2nd area 10c 3rd area 10d Attachment part 10e Attached part 11. The first zona 12. Second zona 13 Pressing part 14 Gap 15, 17 Loop surface 16 Hook surface 20, 21 Belt section 21 Hook surface 22 Loop surface 30 Perforated part (center perforated part) 40 fabric 41 Main part 42. First branch 43. Second Branch 44 Third Branch 45 1st remaining land area 46 2nd remaining land area 47. First cut branch section 48. Second cut branch section 49a~49d Slit 50 Belt section 51a, 51b First belt section 52, 53 Second belt section 54 Hook surface 55 Loop surface 60, 61 Perforated part 60a, 60b, 61a, 61b long hole 62, 63 Perforated part 62a, 63a Belt insertion section 62b, 63b long hole 62c, 63c belt fixing part 62d, 63d sides 70, 71 belt loops 80 fabric 81 Main part 82. Branch 1 83 Second Branch 84 Third Branch 85 1st remaining land area 86 Second remaining area 100 supporters 110 Main body 120, 121 Belt section 130 Belt fixing part 200 supporters 210a Left main body 210b Right main unit 220 Belt section 230 Folded-over member F1~F4, F100, F101, F200, F201 Tightening force TL1, TL2 sewing line RF3, RF4, RF100, RF101, RF200, RF201 resultant force

Claims

1. It consists of a band-shaped body, with the front side of the band facing the wearer, and a main body that is wrapped around the wearer in close proximity, A pair of belt sections are arranged on the rear side of the main body, It comprises a perforated portion through which the pair of belt portions can be inserted, A supporter characterized in that the pair of belt portions are fixed at one end each to the back side of the main body portion at a distance greater than the insertion interval of the perforated portion, and are pulled out through the perforated portion.

2. In the supporter described in claim 1, The supporter is characterized in that the main body portion has elasticity in both longitudinal regions from the portion where the pair of belt portions are fixed.

3. In the supporter described in claim 1, The main body, which is wrapped around the wearer's pelvis in close proximity, has a first region located in the central part of the band-shaped body and having elasticity in the longitudinal direction, a pair of second regions located on both longitudinal sides of the first region and having less elasticity than the first region, and a pair of third regions located on both longitudinal sides of each of the second regions and having elasticity. A supporter characterized in that the pair of belt portions are fixed at one end to each second region of the main body or its vicinity, and are pulled out from the back side of the main body outward through the perforated portion.

4. In the supporter described in claims 1 to 3, A supporter characterized in that the perforated portion is non-stretchable.

5. In the supporter described in claim 3, A supporter characterized in that the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of belt portions is formed to be less than the longitudinal elasticity of the third region of the main body portion.

6. In the supporter described in claim 3, A supporter characterized in that the perforated portion supports the pair of belt portions so that they can slide in the longitudinal direction.

7. In the supporter described in claim 6, The supporter is characterized in that the perforated portion consists of an annular frame and supports the pair of belt portions so that they can slide in the shorter direction.

8. In the supporter described in claim 1, The main body comprises a first band-shaped body that is wrapped around the portion corresponding to the upper part of the wearer's pelvis, and a second band-shaped body that is wrapped around the wearer's pelvis below the first band-shaped body. The second strip-shaped body is formed to be longer than the first strip-shaped body. A supporter characterized in that the first strip-shaped body and the second strip-shaped body are fixed with their ends overlapping, and the first strip-shaped body and the second strip-shaped body are integrally fixed in a pair of second regions of the main body such that there is a gap between the first strip-shaped body and the second strip-shaped body.

9. In the supporter according to claim 8, The first strip-shaped body, the second strip-shaped body, and the pair of belt portions are formed from a single symmetrical piece of fabric having a substantially rectangular main body, a pair of first branch portions extending in a strip-like manner from the upper part of the main body to both the left and right sides, a second branch portion extending in a strip-like manner from the center of the main body to both the left and right sides and spaced apart from the first branch portions, and a pair of third branch portions extending in a strip-like manner from the lower part of the main body to both the left and right sides and spaced apart from the second branch portions. The first strip-shaped body is formed by folding the first remaining area of ​​the main body, which corresponds to the gap between the first branch and the second branch, into the portion of the main body corresponding to the second branch. The second strip-shaped body is formed by folding the second remaining area of ​​the main body, which corresponds to the gap between the second branch and the third branch, into the portion of the main body corresponding to the second branch. A supporter characterized in that the pair of belt portions are formed by folding the tip of each of the second branch portions into the portion of the main portion corresponding to the second branch portion.

10. In the supporter described in claim 1, The supporter is characterized in that the pair of belt portions comprises a pair of first belt portions made of a strip-like body, each having one end fixed to the main body and inserted through the perforated portion, and a pair of second belt portions made of a strip-like body, each connected to each of the first belt portions via other perforated portions.

11. In the supporter described in claim 3, The supporter is characterized in that the pair of belt portions comprises a pair of first belt portions made of a strip-like body, each having one end fixed to each second region of the main body or its vicinity and inserted through the perforated portion, and a pair of second belt portions made of a strip-like body and connected to each of the first belt portions via other perforated portions, wherein the pair of first belt portions and the pair of second belt portions are formed to have less longitudinal elasticity than the longitudinal elasticity of the pair of third regions of the main body.

12. In the supporter described in claim 1, A supporter characterized by having both ends fixed to the other end of the pair of belt sections, supporting the folded and overlapping pair of belt sections, and having belt loops that are stretchable in the tensile direction of the pair of belt sections.

13. In the supporter according to claim 11, The supporter is characterized in that the other perforated portion comprises a belt insertion portion for inserting the second belt portion and a belt fixing portion for fixing the first belt portion.

14. A belt loop used in an orthotic device comprising a main body that is attached to a predetermined part of the wearer and supports said part, a belt part with one end fixed to the main body, and a perforated part through which the belt part is folded back and inserted, A belt loop characterized in that both ends are fixed to the other end of the belt portion, supporting the folded and overlapping belt portion, and having elasticity in the tensile direction of the belt portion.

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