Stretch fabric with tubular section

Abstract

To provide a stretch fabric with a cylindrical part, which is easy to wear on the body and provides desired compression to respective parts.SOLUTION: The stretch fabric has a cylindrical part constituted of an overlap side fabric 12A overlapped by folding, and a body side fabric 12B which is not folded. The stretch fabric can be worn with force smaller than force which is originally required for wearing to obtain desired compression in a non-folded state. When the stretch fabric is worn with the overlap side fabric 12A folded, the cylindrical part allows for obtaining desired compression which is previously set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stretch fabric having a tubular portion, such as a supporter, stocking, tights, etc., to be worn on the body such as the hands, legs, or abdomen, and a method for wearing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Knitted and woven fabrics are widely used in clothing. Although the size of the body, particularly the waist, neck, wrists, and ankles, varies from person to person, it is reasonable to accommodate a given size of clothing to some extent by increasing the circumferential stretch rate of the opening through which a part of the body passes. In addition, there are cases where it is preferable for clothing to exert an appropriate pressure when worn on the body, and there is an increasing demand for warp knitted fabrics that stretch well and also have excellent properties of returning to their original shape (stretch elastic recovery, stretchability).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a double supporter in which, at least at one location in the circumferential direction of the supporter body consisting of an upper cylinder and a lower cylinder knitted into a cylindrical shape, there is provided a woven section into which elastic reinforcing yarn is woven and an allowance section into which the reinforcing yarn is not woven, and the lower cylinder is overlapped within the upper cylinder.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes in its abstract: "A multi-layer compression stocking or bandage made of a plurality of layers including a lower layer and at least one upper layer, each layer having a compression force of a predetermined strength at an individual position. In one embodiment, the lower layer is provided with one or more alignment marks, which are positioned at different positions on the lower layer to facilitate alignment with individual compression points on the lower leg. In another embodiment, each layer is provided with one or more alignment marks, which are positioned at different positions on the layer, and each alignment mark on a layer corresponds to each different alignment mark on each layer. By aligning the alignment marks on each layer with the corresponding marks on each layer, the individual compression portions of the predetermined strength on each layer are properly aligned, so that high pressure can be accurately applied to specific anatomical positions and graduated pressure changes can be properly applied along the length of the leg."

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes in its (Claim 1) "tights characterized in that a waist part, a panty part, a pair of leg parts, and a pair of sock parts are knitted continuously and integrally from fabric having a stretch rate." Also, paragraph 0017 describes that "The fabric of each of these parts is formed with a different knitting structure so that it fits the corresponding lower body part and can stretch according to the movement of the lower body. The fabric of the waist part 5 is preferably knitted so that the knitting course is in the longitudinal direction of the tights, since a stretch rate is required, especially in the circumferential direction, when stretched to the body. Also, since the tights as a whole need to have a tightening force so that they do not slip down, it is preferable that the fabric is folded over and doubled."

[0006] In addition, as for items that the applicant has already disclosed, Patent Document 4 describes a high-quality warp knitted fabric that is durable, stretches well, and shrinks well by combining yarns of different materials, and Patent Document 5 describes a highly stretchable garment that combines two or more types of fabric, providing a soft feel on the body when worn and reducing stress between the different fabrics, and describes a manufacturing method for circular knitted fabric that can consistently produce fabrics with a circumferential stretch rate of up to 200%, and a circular knitted fabric with a circumferential stretch rate of up to 200%. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-37133 [Patent Document 2] Special table 2003-No. 503105 [Patent Document 3] JP 2000-248401 A [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 5340464 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 6198236 DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Taking stockings worn on the legs as an example, stretch fabrics that claim to have a beautiful leg effect are said to have appropriate elasticity depending on the part of the body (ankles, calves, thighs, waist, etc.), but if they are worn improperly, the fabric stretches too much and the expected compression is not obtained after wearing. In particular, since the toes are larger than the ankles, the fabric stretches too much at that point, and the set elasticity is exerted, resulting in a situation. It is said that the most troublesome thing about existing elastic stockings that apply pressure to the legs is the burden placed on the heel. When used on the wrist, the palm is larger (wider) than the wrist, so the fabric stretches too much at that point when stretched to the body. Washing can also cause the specified elasticity and compression to be lost. Stretch fabrics are also being developed and used for medical purposes. For example, they are widely used as compression garments to prevent postoperative thrombosis and to treat arteriosclerosis obliterans and lymphedema. However, because the pre-set pressure required for application is high, the force required for application is proportional to the pressure required, and excessive effort and time costs are required to apply the garment to the body. Furthermore, even if the stretch fabric is designed to apply a preset pressure to the part of the body where it is worn, it is constructed with a low rate of stretch, so when putting it on, it is necessary to pull and stretch the fabric with a considerable amount of force, which leads to a poor fit on the body (an uncomfortable feeling of pressure). As described above, in the fields of medicine, sports, beauty, etc., there is a demand for a combination of desired compression and ease of wearing.

[0009] However, there has been no stretch fabric with a tubular portion that provides a preset compression after being worn on the body while also being easy to put on, and in particular, there has been no fabric in either the medical or sports medicine field that provides appropriate compression for each part of the body. In addition, in the past, most products that could achieve a preset compression involved placing a separate piece of fabric with high compression on specific parts of the body, such as the thighs and calves.This meant that even if strong compression was achieved in that area, the influence of that area was also felt overall, making it impossible to achieve appropriate overall compression.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a stretch fabric having a tubular portion which is easy to put on the body, prevents the loss of elasticity when put on the body, and provides appropriate pressure according to the part of the body, as well as a method of wearing the same and a pressure structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The stretch fabric having a tubular portion of the present invention is a stretch fabric having a tubular portion such as supports, stockings, tights, etc. worn on the body such as the hands, legs, or abdomen, wherein the tubular portion comprises a body side fabric that fits closely to the body, and an overlapping side fabric that is folded over and worn over the body side fabric after donning, and wherein a difference is set in the pressure applied to the body by each fabric, and by folding the overlapping side fabric over the body side fabric after donning, the pressure obtained from both fabrics applies a predetermined desired pressure, and further wherein the fabric can be put on with a smaller circumferential pulling force than would be required to obtain the predetermined desired pressure using only the body side fabric without the overlapping side fabric. According to the present invention, compared to stockings or supports made of stretch fabric that is not designed to be folded over (has no overlapping fabric), the stockings or supports can be put on smoothly with less force than the force required to pull on the fabric when putting them on, allowing the person putting them on to do so with less time and effort than before.

[0012] In addition, the stretch fabric having a tubular portion is characterized in that the stretch rate of the tubular portion in the vertical direction, the direction in which the garment is worn on the body, is set to be smaller than the stretch rate in the circumferential direction, and that the stretch rate in the vertical direction, the direction in which the garment is worn on the body, is set to be less than half of the stretch rate in the circumferential direction. Unnecessary stretching (expansion) of the tubular part in the vertical direction when worn not only prevents it from being worn in the correct position, but if stretch fabric is worn in a stretched state, the density of the tissue that makes up the fabric remains thin, causing the problem that the originally intended compression that would be obtained by wearing it in the correct position is not obtained. However, the present invention makes it possible to solve this problem. Furthermore, by setting the rate of stretch in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the garment is pulled when put on the body, to less than half the rate of stretch in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion, the thinning of the fabric density caused by vertical stretching when put on is eliminated after putting on, and the desired predetermined wearing pressure can be obtained with a high frequency.

[0013] Furthermore, the stretch fabric having a tubular portion of the present invention is characterized in that the inner diameter of the overlapping side fabric of the tubular portion is formed so as to gradually increase from the body side fabric side to the opening on the other lower end side. By using the shape of the present invention, when worn, the lower end of the overlapping fabric does not stick closely to the body, and there is "play" between the fabric and the body, making it easier to grasp the overlapping fabric and contributing to smooth folding.

[0014] In the present invention, the tubular portion is provided with a folded-back portion that connects the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric, and the folded-back portion is made of fabric that is continuous with the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric, and has a thinner structure than the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric, or is made of threads that are continuous with the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric, and is inelastic and does not easily stretch in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which it is worn on the body. According to the present invention, the folded-over portion is constructed to be easy to fold, and has a property of being difficult to stretch in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the garment is worn on the body. When attempting to fold the overlapping side fabric over the body side fabric, it is difficult to fold over other parts of the tubular portion, no misalignment occurs, and the garment is securely folded over at the folded-over portion. In addition, the folded portion is visually and tactilely different from the other parts of the tubular portion, and therefore can be easily recognized by the person putting it on, which contributes to smooth putting on. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the garment can be put on with a force smaller than the pulling force required for fabric to obtain a preset pressure when put on, making it possible to achieve both the preset pressure and ease of putting on.Furthermore, because the fabric is inhibited from stretching in the vertical direction of the tubular part, which is the direction in which the garment is put on the body, positioning when put on is easy, and in the case of elastic fabric, the density of the tissue that makes up the fabric becomes thinner when it stretches, solving the problem that the preset pressure cannot be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a stretch fabric having a tubular portion according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the stretch fabric having a tubular portion of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a reference diagram showing the fold-back of the overlapping side fabric in the above embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is another reference diagram showing the fold-back of the overlapping side fabric in the above embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a reference diagram showing a warp knitted fabric applied to the above embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a reference diagram showing a circular knitted fabric applied to the above embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is an image showing the state of the dough before it is molded into a cylindrical portion, which is applied to the above embodiment. [Figure 8]2A and 2B are front and bottom views of the stretch fabric having a tubular portion of the above embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the elongation rate of the stretch fabric having a tubular portion of the above embodiment. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing another method of wearing the embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing the force required for stretching and the contracting force (wearing pressure) of each fabric applied to the above embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the pressure applied to the body in the embodiment. [Figure 13] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing the shape of the stretch fabric of the tubular portion of another embodiment of the present invention and the pressure applied to the body when worn. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a measurement situation of the pressure applied by the stretch fabric having a tubular portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stretch fabric having a tubular portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stretch fabric having a tubular portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stretch fabric having a tubular portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment of the present invention) Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the application of the stretch fabric 11 having a portable tubular portion C of this embodiment to the lower leg area, with Figure 1 showing the fabric not in use and Figure 2 showing the fabric being worn, before the overlapping side fabric 12A described below is folded over. Furthermore, Figures 3 and 4 show examples in which the present invention is applied to stockings worn on the legs (Figure 3(a)), an example in which the present invention is applied to socks (Figure 3(b)), an example in which the present invention is applied to a stretch fabric having a medical tubular portion C worn on the forearm (Figure 4(a)), and an example in which the present invention is applied to gloves (Figure 4(b)). The stretch fabric 11 in this embodiment is a warp knitted fabric 1 (see FIG. 5), and can also be manufactured by circular knitting 1e (see FIG. 6). Its characteristics are that it requires less force to stretch and shrinks more gently than the conventional fabrics shown in the comparative examples in Tables 1 to 4, and it is clear that it is a fabric with excellent elasticity. The stretch fabric 11 of the present invention is not limited to these knitted fabrics, but is a suitable example when applied to the present invention. Like the warp knitted fabric 1 and circular knitted fabric 1e described later, it was originally developed as a fabric that combines the previously contradictory characteristics of "not constricting" and "not slipping" as elastic tapes used for cuffs and waists (see Patent Documents 4 and 5). Conventional products up to that point had the problem that trying to prevent slipping would result in too much constriction, and loosening the constriction would result in slipping. It is characterized by its ability to provide compression while stretching softly, making it difficult to feel cramped. In the present invention, the garment is provided with an overlapping fabric 12A that is folded over and an overlapping body side fabric 12B that is not folded over, and the overlapping fabric 12A is worn without being folded over, and the body side fabric 12B is placed in a predetermined position, and then the overlapping fabric 12A is folded over for use. These two fabrics 12A and 12B may have different stretch properties, knitting structures, materials, etc., or may be made of the same materials. By providing the warp knitted fabric 1 with a folded-back section 13 to create a folded-back structure, the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B can be easily pulled and stretched individually when worn on the body, and by folding the overlapping side fabric 12A over the body side fabric 12B after wearing, it is possible to obtain a greater wearing pressure than that obtained by each of the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B individually. Here, when applying to the legs (lower legs) and arms (forearms) shown in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 4(a), in order to strongly compress the wrists and ankles, the overlapping fabric 12A is folded over the wrists and ankles to create a double compression state. It is also possible to arrange a separate elastic fabric only on the calf portion 12Be of the leg (see Fig. 12(a)). In the example of application to gloves and socks shown in Figures 3(b) and 4(b), after putting it on the foot or hand, the overlapping fabric 12A may be folded back to provide double pressure, or may be folded further and overlapped up to the wrist or ankle. It is also possible to increase the pressure by folding the overlapping fabric 12A back and overlapping it around the wrist or ankle.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a stretch fabric 11 (flat fabric) having a tubular portion C of the present invention produced by a knitting machine, which is sewn to form the tubular portion C. As described above, it is possible to adjust the pressure obtained by folding back the overlapping side fabric 12A at the fold-back portion 13 to a preset pressure depending on the difference in the properties of the fabrics used for the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B, but it is also possible to adjust the pressure to a preset pressure by adjusting the shapes of the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12 by sewing. In other words, by appropriately changing the properties and shapes of the fabrics constituting the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B, it is possible to achieve both the desired pressure and ease of donning.

[0019] Here, Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the stretch fabric 11a of this embodiment applied to stockings used for the lower leg, and Fig. 8(b) is a bottom view of the fabric 11a of the present invention. In this embodiment, the diameter (inner diameter 15a) of the overlapping side fabric 12A can be gradually increased toward the lower end from the inner diameter of the body side fabric 12B. In this shape, when worn, the lower end of the overlapping side fabric 12A does not stick to the body, making it easy to grasp the overlapping side fabric 12A and realizing smooth folding and overlapping, and contributing to the application of appropriate pressure after folding. In addition, since the shape allows the heel and hand to easily pass through, the overlapping side fabric 12A can set an appropriate and harmonious pressure for the body side fabric 12B.

[0020] In addition, the stretch fabric 11 having the tubular portion C in this embodiment has an uneven surface, which not only prevents misalignment when the overlapping side fabric 12A is overlapped on the body side fabric 12B, but also makes it possible to see the stretch direction F1 by looking at the surface of the stretch fabric 11 (not shown).

[0021] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the tubular portion C composed of the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B has the property of being less stretchable (non-stretchable) in the vertical direction F2, which is the direction in which the tubular portion is worn on the body, compared to the circumferential direction F1 of the tubular portion. Here, the term "non-stretchable" refers to a fabric that is made of non-stretchable yarns and has limited stretchability in a specific direction. When an adult woman puts on the stretch fabric (stockings) of the present invention, it is designed not to stretch even if pulled with normal force in the vertical direction F2. Specifically, the rate of expansion and contraction in the vertical direction F2, which is the direction in which the garment is pulled when worn on the body, is set to less than half the rate of expansion and contraction in the circumferential direction F1 of the tubular portion. It was found that by setting the stretch rate in the vertical direction F2, which is the direction in which the garment is pulled when put on the body, to less than half the stretch rate in the circumferential direction F1 of the tubular portion, the stretch in the vertical direction F2 when put on is eliminated when worn, preventing the density of the fabric from becoming thin, and allowing the predetermined desired wearing pressure to be obtained with a high frequency. If the stretch rate in the vertical direction F2, which is the pulling direction when putting it on the body, is set to more than half the stretch rate in the circumferential direction F1 of the tubular part, the stretch in the vertical direction F2 when putting it on does not disappear even when worn, and the density of the fabric structure becomes thin, so the desired predetermined wearing pressure cannot be obtained. The most notable difference in stretch rate was the measured values ​​of the tubular part using the warp knitted fabric of this embodiment in the experiment, in which the stretch rate in the circumferential direction F1 was 200% and the stretch rate in the longitudinal direction F2 was 20%, which meant that the stretch rate in the circumferential direction F1 was set to about 1 / 10, preventing the density of the fabric structure from being diluted. This solves the problem that, in cases such as medical use, the pressure applied to each part of the body where the stretch fabric having the tubular portion C is worn is predetermined and it is required to wear the stretch fabric in an appropriate position, but if the stretch fabric has elasticity in the vertical direction F2, it becomes difficult to wear it in the appropriate position, and that as the fabric stretches, the density of the tissue that makes up the fabric becomes thinner, and the pressure applied to the stretch fabric does not reach the originally expected pressure. On the other hand, since the circumferential direction F1 of the cylindrical portion is stretchable, the wide portion (heel or hand) T can be easily passed through, and an appropriate compression effect can be obtained after wearing. That is, when it is desired to obtain appropriate compression on the wrist or ankle, when the wide portion T of the hand (palm) or heel (heel) is passed through beforehand, the diaper stretches in the lateral direction F1, making it easy to wear on the body and allowing the wrist or ankle to be appropriately tightened. Even if the strength of the legs and arms is weak, the diaper is easy to wear and comfortable to wear. The overlapping side fabric 12A is folded back at the folded back portion 13 when used. By using the warp knitted fabric 1 or the circular knitted fabric 1e, etc., it is possible to control the direction of the stretch rate not only in the vertical and horizontal directions but also in the diagonal and spiral directions and to control the wearing pressure.

[0022] In order to make the folded-back portion 13 easy to fold, a thin fabric is arranged to connect the overlapping side fabric 12A and the body side fabric 12B. The folded-back portion 13 may be connected by a thread that is difficult to stretch in the vertical direction F2, which is the direction in which the garment is worn on the body, or by a fabric made of a non-stretchable thread. This makes it difficult to fold back at another portion, prevents misalignment, and ensures that the folding back is performed at the folding back portion 13. Marks (two-line markers) 13m are provided on both sides of the folded-back portion 13 (FIG. 7). That is, the folded-back portion 13 is made of a thin fabric, and two colored portions are provided around the circumferential direction to make its position stand out. The number of folded-back portions 13 is not limited to one, and two or more may be provided (see FIGS. 7, 8, etc.). Providing two or more folded-back portions 13 in this way not only makes it possible to accommodate differences in the length of the wearing area due to gender, age, and individual differences, but also allows for use in a multi-layered folded-back configuration. Furthermore, the folding can be performed in such a way that the elasticity of one layer is not affected by the elasticity of the other layers. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of folding the stretch fabric 11 in three layers. When the overlapping side fabric 12A is folded back to form a double layer, this portion can be further folded back to control the multi-layer pressure of the triple-folded fabric. When the fabric is in the double layered state (symbol 12AB), it is also possible to fold the two pieces back at the same time to create a four-folded state (symbol 12BAAB).

[0023] Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the pulling force required to put on five types of stretch fabrics and the pressure applied when worn, and is used to illustrate the relationship between the pulling force (circumferentially) required to put on the stretch fabric 11 having the tubular portion C of this embodiment and the pressure applied after putting on when worn. Figure 11 shows five types of fabrics (first fabric 1 to fifth fabric 5) with different hysteresis curves (also called SS curves), which will be described later, in a power test during extension (force required to put on) and contraction (compression when worn). Of these, first fabric A1, second fabric A2, and third fabric A3 are used. The hysteresis curves (SS curves) for each fabric show that as the test force (force pulling the fabric) increases, the displacement (extension) also increases, and when the displacement reaches 100%, the test force is relaxed, showing the force at which the fabric contracts. This shows that the force at which the fabric contracts is smaller than the force displacing the fabric, and it can be seen that the force required for the displacement of the five types of fabric to reach 100% is different, and similarly, the contraction forces are also different. Here, for example, in this embodiment, the fabric that can obtain the desired pressure PS is the third fabric A3, the fabric that constitutes the overlapping side fabric 12A is the second fabric A2, and the fabric that constitutes the body side fabric 12B is the first fabric A1. For convenience, it is assumed that the desired pressure is obtained at a displacement rate of 60%. Essentially, the pulling force required for putting on the garment to obtain the desired wearing pressure PS is P3. Therefore, in the stretch fabric 11 having the tubular portion C of this embodiment using the overlapping side fabric 12A (second fabric A2) and the body side fabric 12B (first fabric A1), if the shape of the stretch fabric 11 can be changed so that the wearing pressure obtained by folding the overlapping side fabric 12A over the body side fabric 12B becomes the desired wearing pressure PS, the maximum value of the force required for putting on the garment is the force P2 pulling the second fabric A2 in the figure, which is smaller than the force required for pulling the first fabric A1.

[0024] Figures 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating an example of the pressure state at each part of the fabric 11 of the present invention before and after it is worn on the body, and explain that the desired pressure can be obtained by folding the overlapping side fabric 12A over the body side fabric 12B. In the example of Figure 12, the central portion 12C of the body side fabric 12B is the corresponding (overlapping) position when the overlapping side fabric 12A is folded back, and the portion corresponding to the lower end portion of the overlapping side fabric 12A is indicated by the symbol 14 in the figure. If the preset pressure applied to each part when worn is 3 / 3, the pressure applied by only this central portion 12C is 1 / 3, and by forming the tubular portion C through the folded portion 13, and folding and overlapping the overlapping fabric 12A alone, the preset pressure becomes 3 / 3. In the example of Figure 11, in the unfolded state before folding, the overlapping side fabric 12A and the non-folded body side fabric 12B have the same shape and are formed symmetrically with the folded portion 13 as the axis of symmetry, the overlapping side fabric 12A has a pressure of 2 / 3 and the body side fabric 12B has a pressure of 1 / 3, and when these are overlapped, the pressure becomes 3 / 3, which is the preset pressure.

[0025] (Warp knit fabric) FIG. 5 is a diagram of a warp knitted fabric 1 to be applied to the present invention. The stretch fabric 1 having a cylindrical portion of this embodiment is a flat belt-shaped fabric sewn into a cylindrical shape, and exhibits high elasticity in the lateral direction, which is the circumferential direction, and exhibits non-elasticity in the longitudinal direction. Reference numeral 2 (21, 22, 23) denotes elastic warp yarns forming stitches, reference numeral 3 (31, 32, 33) denotes elastic insert yarns woven in the warp direction, and reference numeral 4 denotes non-elastic weft yarns woven in the course direction, and a belt-shaped warp knitted structure is formed by these yarns. In this embodiment, the warp yarns 2 and the insert yarns 3 are elastic yarns, and are made of elastic yarns using one or more of polyurethane, latex, elastomer, and natural rubber. The weft yarns 4 are non-elastic yarns, and for example, rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylic, natural fibers, etc. are used. The elasticity of the warp yarns 2 and the insert yarns 3 is set to 200% or more and less than 500%, and they are knitted by a crochet warp knitting machine. This allows the warp knitted fabric 1 to stretch uniformly in the longitudinal direction, resulting in a fabric with a highly stretchable tubular portion C that is less likely to fray. The overlapping side fabric 12A of this embodiment is used so that the non-stretchability of the warp knitted fabric causes the stretch direction to be vertical when worn on the body of the hands and feet. A warp knitted fabric 1 was produced using commercially available polyurethane yarn as the warp yarn 2 and the insert yarn 3, and using commercially available polyester yarn as the weft yarn 4. Power tests were carried out on the product of the present invention and a conventional product made of the same type of yarn material during extension and contraction. The power test was carried out at the Takamatsu Testing Laboratory of the Japan Transition Product Quality and Technology Center, a general incorporated foundation, using a constant speed extension tensile tester with a gripping distance of 10 cm over the entire width at a tensile speed of 30 cm / min. The results are shown in Table 1 below. Here, the positional relationship between the inserting yarn 3 and the weft yarn 4 is not limited to the embodiment. The warp knitting method is not limited to the above embodiment, and so-called single Dempy, Van Dyke, and single cord can be applied.

[0026] [Table 1]

[0027] From Table 1, the tubular portion C of this embodiment uses a warp knitted fabric that stretches better than the conventional product. For example, the power required for elongation when the stretch rate is 60% is 11.59 [N] for the conventional product, while it is 4.93 [N] for the product of the present invention, which is less than 1 / 3 of the power required. For example, when stretched with the same power as the conventional product, the stretch rate of the conventional product is 60%, while the stretch rate of the product of the present invention is about 140%, and it was found that it stretches more than 2.3 times with the same power. For example, the power required for elongation when the stretch rate is 80% is 22.37 [N] for the conventional product, while it is 5.94 [N] for the product of the present invention, which is less than 1 / 3 of the power required. For example, when stretched with the same power as the conventional product, the stretch rate of the conventional product is 80%, while the stretch rate of the product of the present invention is more than 190%, and it was found that it stretches more than 2.3 times with the same power.

[0028] [Table 2]

[0029] Table 2 is a graph showing a comparison of the relationship between the stretch rate and power of the warp knitted fabric 1 used in the present embodiment and a conventional product. The horizontal axis of the graph is the stretch rate [%], and the vertical axis of the graph is the power [N]. The hysteresis curve in the graph is divided into two parts, with the peak point as the boundary, and the upper line is the elongation curve, and the lower line is the shrinkage curve (recovery curve). According to Table 1, for example, the power required for the product of the present invention when the stretch rate (longitudinal stretch rate) is 40% is 3.87 [N], and when the stretch rate is 80%, the power is 5.94 [N], so the power required to double the stretch rate is about 1.5 times smaller. Also, for example, the power required for the product of the present invention when the stretch rate (longitudinal stretch rate) is 30% is 3.44 [N], and when the stretch rate is 60%, the power is 4.93 [N], so the power required to double the stretch rate is about 1.5 times smaller.

[0030] (Circular knit fabric) FIG. 6 is a structure diagram illustrating the knitting structure of a circular knit fabric 1e to which the present invention is applied. The circular knit fabric 1e used in the cylindrical portion C of this embodiment shows a high stretch rate in its circumferential direction F1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a knitting yarn forming stitches, and reference numeral 3 denotes an inserting yarn knitted in the course direction, and these yarns form a cylindrical circular knit structure. Here, either or both of the knitting yarn 2 and the inserting yarn 3 are elastic yarns, more specifically, made of elastic yarns using any one or more of polyurethane, latex, elastomer, and natural rubber, and are knitted by a circular knitting machine after appropriately setting the knitting structure and / or knitting density. The circular knitting machine is any one of a flow circular knitting machine (circular knit jersey machine), a molded circular knitting machine (garment length machine), and a small circular machine (sock knitting machine). As a result, the circular knitted fabric 1 is uniformly stretched in the circumferential direction, resulting in a circular knitted fabric 1e that is less likely to fray and has high stretchability.

[0031] A circular knit fabric 1 was produced using a commercially available polyurethane yarn as the knitting yarn 2 and the insert yarn 3. A power test was carried out on the product of the present invention and a conventional product made of the same type of yarn material, during extension and contraction. The power test was carried out using a constant-speed extension tensile tester, with a gripping distance of 10 cm over the entire width, and a pulling speed of 30 cm / min. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0032] [Table 3]

[0033] As shown in Table 3, the fabric used for the tubular portion C of this embodiment is a circular knitted fabric that stretches better than conventional fabrics. For example, the power required for elongation when the stretch rate is 80% is 26.32 [N] for the conventional fabric, while it is 11.18 [N] for the circular knitted fabric 1e(1), which is less than half the power. For example, when stretched with the same power as the conventional fabric, the stretch rate of the conventional fabric is 80%, while the stretch rate of the fabric used for the tubular portion C of this embodiment is 190%, which means it stretches more than twice as much with the same power. Table 4 is a graph showing a comparison of the relationship between the stretch rate and power of the circular knitted fabric applied to the product of the present invention and a conventional product. The horizontal axis of the graph is the stretch rate [%], and the vertical axis of the graph is the power [N]. In the graph, the hysteresis curve (also called the SS curve) is divided into two parts, with the upper line being the elongation curve and the lower line being the shrinkage curve (recovery curve).

[0034] [Table 4]

[0035] According to Table 3, the product of the present invention requires 6.93 [N] of power when the stretch rate (circumferential elongation rate) is 40%, and 11.18 [N] when the stretch rate is 80%, so the power required to double the stretch rate is approximately 1.6 times higher.On the other hand, the conventional product requires 9.12 [N] of power when the stretch rate (circumferential elongation rate) is 40%, and 26.32 [N] when the stretch rate is 80%, so the power required to double the stretch rate is approximately 2.9 times higher. In addition, the product of the present invention is knitted on a circular knitting machine with the stretch rate of the knitting yarn and the insert yarn set to 200% or more and less than 500%, and the power when the stretch rate (stretch rate in the circumferential direction) is 50% is 7.96 [N], and the power when the stretch rate is 150% is 20.44 [N], so that the power required is about 2.6 times the stretch rate, even though the stretch rate is three times. In other words, when the power when the stretch rate (stretch rate in the circumferential direction) is 50% is N1 and the power when the stretch rate is 150% is N2, N2 is less than three times N1. The fabric used in the present invention has a smaller slope of the hysteresis curve than the comparative example (conventional product). In addition, the fabric used in the present invention requires 28.56 [N] when the stretch rate is 200%, and the power required when the stretch rate of the conventional product is 90% is 35.36 [N]. For this reason, it can be considered that the power required to maximize the stretch rate is smaller for the product of the present invention than for the conventional product. Therefore, for example, when the fabric used in the present invention is pulled with a power of 35 [N], the stretch rate of the product of the present invention exceeds 200%.

[0036] (Example) Next, an example of how stockings made of the stretch fabric 11 having the tubular portion C according to the embodiment of the present invention are worn on the body will be described. Test pieces were manufactured in different sizes (five sizes: SS, S, M, and LL) of the stretch fabric 11 of this embodiment, and pressure measurements were performed. Pressure measurements were performed by attaching a belt-shaped sensor S1 with a fixed measurement position to a foot mold, wearing the test piece on the sensor, and measuring the pressure (compression pressure) applied to each part of the body when worn with a measuring device S2. Details of the foot mold (wooden foot mold), test machine (MST MKV Salzmann), etc. are as shown in FIG. 14. The measurements were taken one minute after the shoe was worn on the body, at three measurement points B, B1, and C. The measurements were taken three times, and after each measurement, the shoe was removed from the foot mold and then put back on. The unit of measurement for pressure is "mmHg" or "hpa," which indicates the magnitude of pressure. In general, for the lower leg, about 10 to 20 mmHg is considered good for mild swelling, about 20 to 30 mmHg is considered good for moderate swelling, and about 30 to 50 mmHg is considered good for severe swelling and lymphedema.

[0037] [Table 5]

[0038] As shown in Table 5, the pressure applied to each measurement point and the ratio of pressures B1 and C are shown, assuming that the pressure measurement value at the position of measurement point B, where the overlapping side fabric 12A is folded over the body side fabric 12B, is 100. In both cases, it can be seen that the pressure decreases from measurement point B toward the knee. It can also be seen that the pressure applied depending on the size of the tubular part C, and the ratio of the pressure applied to measurement point B and the pressure applied to the other measurement points, are stable and fall within a certain range (it can be seen that a stable pressure value is obtained). This indicates that it is possible to accurately achieve the preset (desired) application pressure in the manufacturing and shaping stages of the stretch fabric having the cylindrical portion C of the present embodiment, and it is applicable to the medical field where strict application pressure control is required.

[0039] (Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the stretch fabric 21 having the cylindrical portion C of the second embodiment different from the above-described embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15, the width Ha of the overlapping-side fabric 12A is provided to be the same width Ha = Hb as the width Hb of the body-side fabric 12B. Also, as shown in FIGS. 16(a) and (b), the width Ha of the overlapping-side fabric 12A is provided with a width (Ha < Hb) narrower than the width Hb of the body-side fabric 12B. In this way, by adjusting the shape of the overlapping-side fabric 12A according to the fabric to be used and the degree of desired application pressure, it is possible to flexibly cope with individual differences in the body, the wearing part, and the difference in application pressure. Furthermore, by adjusting the shape of the body-side fabric 12B, the applicable range is greatly expanded. However, even if they are of the same width as described above, since the overlapping-side fabric 12A is folded and overlapped with respect to the body-side fabric 12B, the overlapping-side fabric 12A can obtain an application pressure equal to or stronger than the application pressure obtained by combining with the body-side fabric 12B. Also, even if the width Ha of the overlapping-side fabric 12A is the same as the width Hb of the body-side fabric 12B, it is also possible to adjust the application pressure in each of the space portions 15a and 15b (inside the cylindrical portion C). Depending on the way the fabric is provided in the stretching direction, it is possible to provide the overlapping-side fabric 12A so that its diameter gradually becomes larger than the diameter of the body-side fabric (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0040] (Third Embodiment of the Present Invention) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the folding-back method of the stretch fabric 31 having the tubular portion C of this embodiment, the overlapping side fabric and the body side fabrics 12A, 12B are overlapped in the same size to form stockings, as shown in Fig. 13. The area 12Be corresponding to the position of the calf or forearm is provided as a fabric that generates strong pressure. The stretch direction F1 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the strong pressure areas can be provided not only at the ankles and wrists, but also at the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.

[0041] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) In the folding-back method of the stretch fabric 41 having the tubular portion C of this embodiment, for example, as shown in Fig. 17(a), the portion 12Be may be provided with a stronger pressure than the portion 12Bf (pressure of 12B>pressure of 12Bf). Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17(b), the body side fabric 12B is provided with a edging portion (circumferential tape) fabric 12Bh, which is the portion to be pulled when putting on the stockings, and which is provided as an operating portion when holding it in the hand and performing a pulling operation, and also serves as a stocking fastener.

[0042] The above embodiments of the present invention have been described mainly in terms of a double fold or triple fold overlap structure, but the present invention can also be applied to folds of three or more layers, and can also be applied to fabrics other than the warp knitted fabrics and circular knitted fabrics described above. In addition, although the present invention has been described mainly with respect to examples of supports and stockings, it can also be applied to medical stretch fabrics used in the medical field. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has been described mainly with respect to cylindrical stretch fabrics, but as shown in Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 2(b), the present invention can also be applied to socks and gloves as long as they have a cylindrical portion. In this way, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 warp knitted fabric, 1e circular knitted fabric, 2 warp threads, 3 Insertion thread, 4 weft threads, 11,11a,11b,11c,11d,21,21a,31,31a,41,41a A stretch fabric having a tubular portion; 12A Layered side fabric, 12B Body side fabric, 12C central fabric, 12AB overlapping state (double), 12AAB overlapping state (triple), 12Bf: The shin side of the body fabric, 12Be: Calf side of body fabric, 13 Folded part (thin part of fabric, non-elastic thread), 14. The part of the body side fabric corresponding to the edge of the folded over overlapping side fabric; 15 Space (both a and b are the inner diameters of the cylindrical parts), A Stretch fabric (A1~A5), C cylindrical part, F1 Circumferential expansion (contraction) of a stretch fabric having a tubular portion; F2: Vertical expansion (contraction) of a stretch fabric having a tubular portion; Ha Width of body side fabric, Hb Width of overlapping fabric, P1 the force required to stretch the first fabric, P2 is the force required to stretch the second fabric, P3 the force required to stretch the third fabric, PS Pre-set desired compression, T Hand (palm), heel

Claims

1. A stretch fabric having a tubular portion as a support to be worn on the hands or feet, The tubular portion includes a body side fabric that is in close contact with the body, an overlapping side fabric that is folded back after wearing and overlaps the body side fabric and is formed shorter in the longitudinal direction than the body side fabric, and a folded-back portion that connects the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric and is disposed in a position in the tubular portion that is furthest from the center of the body when worn and is made of a thinner fabric than the body side fabric and the overlapping side fabric, The overlapping side fabric is a stretch fabric having a tubular portion, characterized in that it is easy to grip when folded over, and its inner diameter is gradually increased from the folded over portion toward the opening end so that the pressure applied to the body when worn is highest near the folded over portion.

2. A stretch fabric with a tubular portion as described in claim 1, characterized in that the body side fabric and the overlay side fabric that make up the tubular portion apply a difference in the amount of pressure that each fabric applies to the body, and after being worn in an unfolded state, the overlay side fabric is folded over the body side fabric and worn, thereby applying a predetermined desired pressure to the area where the body side fabric and the overlay side fabric are folded over due to the pressure obtained from both fabrics.

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