Support member and socks and shoes equipped with the support member

Abstract

To provide a support member, socks and shoes which increase the difference in twisting between the waist and shoulders during a swing, obtain an appropriate floor reaction force, and thereby improve the stability of the swing, stabilize the direction of a hit ball and increase the flying distance. [Solution] The support member is arranged so as to contact the foot directly or via fabric, and is characterized in that it has a side portion that contacts the outer side of the foot directly or via fabric, and the side portion contacts the outer side of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bone directly or via fabric.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member and to socks and shoes equipped with this support member. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of people enjoying various sports has been increasing, and golf in particular has become increasingly popular among people of all ages and genders.

[0003] Tools for improving golf skills are in high demand in the market. For example, socks are proposed as such tools, as described in Patent Document 1. The socks described in Patent Document 1 have an adhesive mixed with titanium powder attached to the part that comes into contact with the arch of the foot to enable accurate shots. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-97122 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the socks of Patent Document 1, the titanium powder in the adhesive promotes blood circulation in the arch of the foot, which increases the strength of the foot and enables accurate shots, but promoting blood circulation in the arch of the foot does not necessarily contribute to accurate shots. Also, the socks of Patent Document 1 focus on anti-slip properties and cushioning properties.

[0006] While anti-slip properties and cushioning are important, the present invention has a different perspective and aims to provide a support member, as well as socks and shoes equipped with this support member, that is designed to obtain an appropriate floor reaction force, stabilize the direction of the ball, and increase the flight distance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A support member according to one aspect of the present invention is a support member that is arranged so as to contact the foot directly or via fabric, and is characterized in that it has a side portion that contacts the outer side of the foot directly or via fabric, and that the side portion contacts directly or via fabric so as to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the ball of the foot.

[0008] According to this configuration, a support member is used that is arranged to contact the foot directly or through a cloth such as a sock, and the side of the support member contacts the outer side directly or through a cloth so as to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the little toe of the foot, so that the side becomes a wall of the outer side of the foot during a swing, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the hit ball, and increasing the distance. In particular, by creating a solid wall on the outer side of the part corresponding to the little toe of the foot, the stability of the swing is improved, the direction of the hit ball is stabilized, and the distance can be increased.

[0009] The support member is also characterized in that the side portion contacts the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot directly or via a fabric.

[0010] According to this configuration, the side of the support member comes into contact with the outer side of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bone, either directly or through a piece of fabric, thereby forming a stronger wall and being more effective. Here, the part that corresponds to the metatarsal bone is the part called the lateral arch of the foot.

[0011] The support member is also characterized in that the side edge portion comes into contact directly or via a material so as to include the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot.

[0012] With this configuration, the side edge of the support member contacts, either directly or through fabric, the outer side of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal head and metatarsal bone, so that the side edge becomes a wall of the outer side of the foot during a swing, further increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance.

[0013] The support member may be configured so that the side portion is in contact directly or via a material so as to include the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot.

[0014] With this configuration, since the side edge portion contacts directly or through the fabric so as to include the outer side surfaces of the parts corresponding to the cuboid and metatarsal bones of the foot, the side edge portion becomes a wall on the outer side surface of the foot during a swing, further increasing the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance.

[0015] The side portion of the support member may be configured to contact the heel of the foot directly or via a fabric so as to include the outer side surface of the heel.

[0016] The support member is also characterized in that the side portion has a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0017] Here, the predetermined height and length refer to the height and length that form a wall on the outer side of the foot. With this configuration, the side portion has a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot, so that the side portion can form a wall on the outer side of the foot during a swing.

[0018] This support member is further characterized in that the side edge portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end.

[0019] With this configuration, the side portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end, so that the side portion reliably forms a wall on the outer side of the foot when swinging.

[0020] In addition, the side portion of this support member has a length from the lower end to the uppermost end of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot, and a length from the front end to the rear end of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0021] With this configuration, the side portion has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end, so that the side portion more reliably forms a wall on the outer side of the foot when swinging.

[0022] The support member further comprises a sole portion, which is in contact directly or via a material so as to include the outer sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the little toe.

[0023] With this configuration, the sole of the foot comes into contact directly or through fabric so as to include the outer sole of the lower part corresponding to the ball of the little toe, so that it is possible to prevent the outer sole of the part corresponding to the ball of the little toe from tilting downward outward. In other words, by positioning the little toe side on the outside of the foot horizontally or slightly higher, a stable swing can be achieved.

[0024] The support member is characterized in that it comes into contact with the sole of the foot directly or through a material so as to include the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot.

[0025] With this configuration, the sole portion contacts the lateral sole of the lower part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bones directly or via fabric, thereby preventing the lateral downward tilt of the lateral sole of the part of the foot corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0026] Further, this support member is characterized in that the sole portion does not come into contact, either directly or via a material, with the sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot.

[0027] According to this configuration, by configuring the sole portion not to come into contact, either directly or through fabric, with the sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the ball of the foot, it is possible to reliably prevent the outer sole of the foot from tilting downward toward the little toe.

[0028] The support member may be configured so that the sole portion comes into contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a fabric, including the portion corresponding to the distal phalanx of the foot.

[0029] This support member is also characterized in that the sole portion has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm, and a length from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot of 40 mm or more.

[0030] With this configuration, the width of the sole is between 15 mm and 40 mm, and the length from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot is at least 40 mm, thereby reliably suppressing the outward tilt of the lateral sole of the foot in the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0031] The support member is also characterized in that the sole portion and the side portion are integrally formed.

[0032] This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of parts compared to when the sole and side sections are formed separately, and because the side sections and sole sections are connected in shape, it is possible to encase the foot from the sides and below, and also makes it easier to attach to socks or shoes.

[0033] The support member is also characterized in that it is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate of a predetermined thickness.

[0034] According to this configuration, the support member is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate of a predetermined thickness, so that it can be made to fit the shape of the foot and the wall can be reliably formed. In addition, the flexibility of the support member can reduce the burden on the foot.

[0035] Moreover, the support member has a thickness of 1 to 5 mm.

[0036] According to this configuration, if the support member is too thick, it will be uncomfortable to wear and the fit will be reduced, and if the support member is too thin, it will be difficult to achieve the effect of stabilizing the ball's direction and increasing the flight distance. However, by making the support member 1 to 5 mm thick, the ball's direction can be stabilized and the flight distance can be increased, and the wearer can wear the shoe without feeling uncomfortable due to the thickness.

[0037] The support member is also characterized in that the thickness of the sole portion has an inclined surface that gradually becomes thinner from the outer portion toward the inner portion.

[0038] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the sole of the foot from tilting downward outward. In other words, the little toe on the outside of the foot is positioned horizontally or slightly higher, enabling a firm and stable swing.

[0039] The support member is characterized in that the material is sponge.

[0040] Since the material is sponge, it is flexible and easily deforms elastically. In addition, the wearer can wear it without feeling uncomfortable due to its thickness.

[0041] The support member is also characterized in that the front end of the sole portion is located forward of the front ends of the side portions, and the sole portion is located forward of the side portions.

[0042] The part of the side of the foot that is to be used as a wall and the part of the bottom of the foot that is to be kept horizontal or the outside high is located a little behind the bottom of the foot, so by configuring it in this way, effects such as stability of the hitting direction and extension of the flight distance are further improved.

[0043] The support member is also characterized in that the rear end of the sole portion is located forward of the rear ends of the side portions.

[0044] According to this configuration, similarly to the above, effects such as stability of the hitting direction and extension of the flying distance are further improved.

[0045] The support member is also characterized in that the side edge portion is formed in an upwardly convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end.

[0046] According to this configuration, the side portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, so that the support member easily fits to the outer side of the foot by fitting in contact with the outer side of the foot.

[0047] Furthermore, this support member is characterized in that the upper portion of the side edge portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, and the upper portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end of the sole portion to the front end of the side edge portion.

[0048] According to this configuration, the support member is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end of the sole portion to the front end of the side portion, so that it fits easily to the contour of the outer sole surface of the foot in the area corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0049] This support member is also characterized in that the sole portion extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight or curved line toward the lower end of the side portion, from which the side portion extends in a straight line toward the rear.

[0050] According to this configuration, the support member can be reliably fitted to a predetermined location on the foot.

[0051] Moreover, this support member is characterized in that the sole portion and the side portion are formed as separate bodies.

[0052] With this configuration, the support member can be reliably brought into contact with the sole portion against the outer sole of the foot at the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones, and with the side portion against the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0053] In addition, a sock according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the support member described in any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or outside so that the side edge portion is located on the outside part of the side of the foot when the sock is worn.

[0054] According to this configuration, by providing the support member in the sock, the stability of the swing is increased, the direction of the hit ball is stabilized, and the flight distance can be increased.

[0055] Moreover, the socks are characterized in that the support member is provided only in the sock on the dominant foot out of a pair of socks.

[0056] According to this configuration, by providing a support member only on the sock of the dominant foot out of a pair of socks, in other words, by providing a support member on the side of the foot that is located behind during the swing, a wall can be created only at the rear, which increases the stability of the swing, stabilizes the direction of the ball, and increases the flight distance.

[0057] In addition, a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the support member described in any one of claims 1 to 25 is provided on the inside or interior of the upper so that the side edge portion is located on the outer side of the foot when the shoe is worn.

[0058] In this way, a certain degree of effectiveness can be expected by providing the support member not only in socks but also in shoes. Effect of the Invention

[0059] The support member of the present invention increases the difference in twisting between the hips and shoulders during a swing, allowing an appropriate floor reaction force to be obtained, thereby improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance, and it is possible to provide a support member and socks and shoes equipped with this support member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a support member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole of the foot showing the outer shape of the support member together with the sole of the foot. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the side of the foot showing the outer shape of the support member on both sides of the foot. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the support member is attached to a sock when in use. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the support member is attached to a shoe and in use. [Figure 6] 13 is an image of a club in a top position in a test of the effectiveness of a support member. [Figure 7] This is an image of the club when the face is horizontal in a test of the effectiveness of the support member. [Figure 8] These are the results of testing the effectiveness of support materials on irons using a trajectory measuring device. [Figure 9] These are the results of a driver test using a ballistic measuring device to test the effectiveness of support materials. [Figure 10] Measurement results of irons in support member effectiveness tests [Figure 11] Driver measurement results in testing the effectiveness of support materials [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the side of the foot, showing the outer shape of a support member according to another embodiment on the side of the foot. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the sole of the foot, showing the outer shape of a support member according to another embodiment together with the sole of the foot. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a support member according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] <Support member structure> A support member according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described below can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the support member 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the sole of the foot, showing the outer shape of the support member together with the sole. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the side of the foot, showing the outer shape of the support member together with the side of the foot. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the support member in use, attached to a sock. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the support member in use, attached to a shoe.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 1, the support member 1 includes a side portion 2 and a sole portion 3. The support member 1 of this embodiment will be described using an example of the support member 1 for the right foot of a right-handed person, but the support member 1 for the left foot of a left-handed person has a symmetrical shape to that for the right foot, so illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable that the side portion 2 contacts the outer side surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones, and the sole portion 3 contacts the outer sole surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bones. In this state, the support member 1 is fixed by a sock or the like. Figure 4 shows the sock with the support member 1 attached to the sock side.

[0065] By attaching the support member 1 to the foot in this manner, during a swing, the side portion 2 comes into contact with the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones of the foot, i.e., the outer side surface of the lateral arch of the foot, and the sole portion 3 comes into contact with the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones of the foot, i.e., the outer sole surface of the lateral arch of the foot.

[0066] This maintains the position where the side part 2 contacts the outer side surface of the outer arch part and the sole part 3 contacts the outer sole of the foot at the outer arch part, increasing the difference in twisting of the hips and shoulders during the swing, providing an appropriate floor reaction force, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the distance it can fly.

[0067] In this embodiment, the support member 1 is attached and fixed to the outer side surface and the inside of the bottom surface of the sock by sewing or the like, as shown in Fig. 4. The support member 1 is provided on the inside of the sock so that the side edge portion 2 is located on the outer side surface of the foot when the sock is worn.

[0068] In addition to socks, the support member 1 can also be attached to shoes to obtain a certain effect. The means for attaching and fixing the support member 1 is not particularly limited, and various known means can be used, such as fixing with an adhesive or fixing by heat fusing the lower surface of the support member. The support member 1 may also be fixed with a supporter or the like so that it comes into direct contact with the foot.

[0069] The support member 1 is formed into a plate shape having a predetermined thickness and is made of a flexible material. Because the support member 1 is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, it can fit the shape of the foot. In addition, the flexibility of the support member 1 can reduce the burden on the foot.

[0070] The thickness of the support member 1 can be adjusted appropriately according to the size and shape of the wearer's foot, but is, for example, 0.5 to 7 mm, and preferably 1 to 5 mm. By setting the thickness within this range, it can firmly function as a wall, stabilize the direction of the hit ball, increase the flight distance, and the wearer can wear it without feeling uncomfortable due to the thickness.

[0071] The thickness of the sole 3 may be gradually reduced from the outer side to the inner side. By doing so, the sole can be made closer to horizontal to match the shape of the foot and the shape of the shoe, which increases stability, and is expected to improve the stability of the hitting direction and the flight distance.

[0072] Moreover, the support member 1 of this embodiment is formed of a flexible elastic body such as a sponge.

[0073] Examples of sponges include chloroprene rubber sponge, ethylene propylene rubber sponge, nitrile rubber sponge, polyurethane sponges (e.g., ether-based polyurethane sponge, ester-based polyurethane sponge, and polyether / ester-based polyurethane sponge), and polyethylene sponges (e.g., polyethylene sponge).

[0074] 3, the side portion 2 of the support member 1 is disposed so as to contact the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot. It is preferable that the side portion 2 of the support member 1 contacts the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot, or contacts the outer side surface of the portion corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot.

[0075] It is particularly important that the front end of the side portion 2 contacts the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the ball of the foot. The side portion 2 of the support member 1 contacts the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone, including the ball of the foot, so that the side portion 2 becomes a wall of the outer side surface of the foot during a swing, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance.

[0076] The side portion 2 has a predetermined height in the height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the foot, but it is preferable that the length from the bottom end to the top end is 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot and the length from the front end to the rear end is 50 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot.More preferably, the length from the bottom end to the top end is 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot and the length from the front end to the rear end is 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0077] By setting the range as described above, the side portion 2 can come into contact with the outer side surface of the part of the foot that corresponds to the metatarsal bone, and the side portion 2 can reliably become a wall of the outer side surface of the foot during a swing.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, the sole part 3 of the support member 1 is arranged so as to contact the lateral sole of the foot at the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones. Also, it is configured so as not to contact the sole of the foot at the portion corresponding to the ball of the foot. In this way, the sole part 3 contacts the lateral sole of the foot at the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones, so that it is possible to suppress the lateral downward inclination of the lateral sole of the portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones. As a result, the lateral side of the foot is horizontal or slightly elevated, which increases the stability of the swing, stabilizes the direction of the hit ball, and increases the flight distance.

[0079] The sole 3 has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm and a length of 40 mm or more from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot. By setting the length in this range, it is possible to reliably prevent the lateral sole of the foot from tilting outward in the area corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0080] 1, the support member 1 has a front end of the sole portion 3 located forward of the front end of the side portion 2, and the sole portion 3 is located forward of the side portion 2. In addition, the rear end of the sole portion 3 is located forward of the rear end of the side portion 2.

[0081] The side portion 2 is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end. In this embodiment, the side portion 2 is formed in a substantially semi-elliptical arc shape so as to fit along the outer side surface of the foot.

[0082] The upper part is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end of the sole part 3 to the front end of the side part 2. In this embodiment, it is formed in a substantially quadrant arc shape so as to follow the contour of the lateral sole surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0083] The sole portion 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and the rear portion extends in a straight line toward the lower end of the side portion 2, from which the side portion 2 extends in a straight line toward the rear. This allows the support member 1 to fit reliably at a predetermined location on the foot.

[0084] In addition, the sock 4 of this embodiment shown in Figure 4 is provided on the inside of the sock 4 so that the side portion 2 is located on the outer side of the foot when worn, but it may also be provided on the outside of the sock 4.

[0085] Furthermore, of the pair of socks 4, the support member 1 is provided only on the sock 4 on the dominant foot. This allows the support member 1 to form a wall on the outer side of the foot that is behind during a swing, improving the stability of the swing, stabilizing the direction of the ball, and increasing the flight distance. Note that, although the support member 1 is provided only on the sock 4 on the dominant foot in this embodiment, the support member 1 may be provided on both of the pair of socks 4.

[0086] <Effectiveness test> Next, an effectiveness test was carried out using socks equipped with the support member of this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, right-handed players served as subjects and performed golf swings while wearing regular socks with no support member attached, socks with the support member of this embodiment attached to only the right foot, and socks with the support member of this embodiment attached to both feet.

[0087] And, for the above three conditions, the X-factor at the top of the golf swing, the X-factor when the club is horizontal during the golf swing, the floor reaction force of the right foot, the floor reaction force of the left foot, and the flying distance were measured using a golf simulator. In addition, the subject's movements during the swing and the trajectory of the golf club head were captured by motion capture (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0088] The "X-factor" indicates the difference in rotation between the upper and lower body. The top is the X-factor at the position where the golf club is at its highest during the swing, and the club level is the X-factor when the club is horizontal during the swing. The floor reaction force is the reaction force received from the floor, or in other words, the force transmitted by the foot to the floor. The higher this value, the greater the force you step on, which leads to greater distance.

[0089] The X-factor has a large effect on the power and distance of a swing. Specifically, the difference between the rotation of the shoulders and the rotation of the hips during the backswing is the X-factor. The greater this difference is, the greater the force generated during the swing, and as a result, the greater the energy transferred to the ball.

[0090] In relation to the ground reaction force, the reaction force that the player's body receives from the ground during the golf swing is important, and by effectively utilizing this ground reaction force, more power can be transferred to the swing. Obtaining an appropriate ground reaction force during the swing, especially during the downswing, helps to increase the swing speed and distance.

[0091] Combining X-factor with ground reaction force allows golfers to perform better. A swing with a large X-factor requires a large amount of ground reaction force, and proper management of this force is the key to creating an efficient and powerful swing.

[0092] In addition, the support member used in this test was 45 mm long from the bottom to the top of the side portion 2 in the height direction of the foot, 120 mm long from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot, and the sole portion 3 was 30 mm long and 100 mm long from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0093] The results of the above-mentioned tests are shown in Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 shows the results for irons measured using a trajectory measuring device, and Figure 9 shows the results for drivers. The images in Figures 8 and 9 show the results of three swings for each case, with socks without support members at the top, socks with support members only attached to the dominant right foot at the middle, and socks with support members attached to both feet at the bottom. Figures 10 and 11 show tables summarizing the measurement results for irons and drivers.

[0094] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, in the case of irons, when the support member 1 was provided on the sock only on the dominant foot side, the X-factor value was the largest, the floor reaction force was the largest on both the right and left feet, and the flight distance was the longest. In the case of drivers, the X-factor value varied, but the floor reaction force was the largest on both the right and left feet, and the flight distance was the longest.

[0095] It was also found that when support members 1 were provided on both feet of the socks, the ground reaction force was larger on both the right and left feet and the flying distance was increased to a certain extent, compared to normal socks that did not use support members 1.

[0096] From the above test results, it was found that by providing the support member 1 in the sock, the X-factor during the swing increases, and a large ground reaction force can be appropriately obtained, thereby increasing the flying distance. In addition, it was found that when providing a support member, it is optimal to provide it only on the foot that is at the rear during the swing.

[0097] This is thought to be because, by providing a support member on the side of the rear foot, the side portion of the support member acts as a wall and the bottom portion approaches horizontal, allowing the force to be fully transmitted to the floor, and by wrapping around the foot together with the side portion, the position of the foot during the subject's swing is stabilized and the force can be fully transmitted to the ball.

[0098] <Other embodiments> As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is of course not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the support member 1 is provided on the inside of the sock 4, but the support member 1 may be fixed to a shoe as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, the support member 1 may be attached to the inside of the upper of the shoe 5 so that the side portion 2 is located on the outer side surface of the foot when the shoe is worn, or may be provided inside the upper of the shoe 5.

[0100] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a straight line toward the lower end of the side portion 2, which then extends in a straight line toward the rear. However, as shown in Figure 12, the support member 10 may also be configured so that the sole portion 12 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and then extends in a curved shape toward the lower end of the side portion 11, which then extends in a straight line toward the rear.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and its rear portion extends in a straight line toward the lower end of the side portion 2, from which the side portion 2 extends in a straight line toward the rear. However, as shown in Figure 13, the support member 20 may also be such that the sole portion 22 extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and its rear portion extends in a straight line toward the side portion 21, from which the side portion 21 extends in a straight line toward the rear.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the front end of the sole portion 3 is located forward of the front end of the side portion 2, the sole portion 3 is located forward of the side portion 2, and the rear end of the sole portion 3 is located forward of the rear end of the side portion 2, but as shown in Figure 14, the support member 30 may also be one in which the front end of the sole portion 32 is located forward of the front end of the side portion 31, and the rear end of the sole portion 32 is at the same position as the rear end of the side portion 31.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, the side portion 2 is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot, but as shown in Figure 15, the support member 40 may also be provided with a side portion 41 and a sole portion 42 that are in contact to include the outer side of the part corresponding to the heel of the foot.

[0104] In addition, in the above embodiment, the sole portion 3 contacts the outer sole surface of the foot at a portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones, but as shown in Figure 16, the support member 50 may also be provided with a side portion 51 and a sole portion 52 that contacts the outer sole surface of the foot including the portion corresponding to the distal phalanx.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the side portion 2 and the sole portion 3 of the support member 1 are integrally formed, but a certain degree of effect can also be obtained with a support member 60 in which the side portion 61 and the sole portion 62 are formed separately as shown in Fig. 17. In this case, the side portion 61 and the sole portion 62 are formed separately and attached to the foot so that the side portion 61 is on the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones, and the sole portion 62 is on the outer sole surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bones.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the support member 1 includes the side portion 2 and the sole portion 3, but as shown in Fig. 18, a support member 70 including only the side portion 2 that contacts the outer side surface of the foot may also be used. The side portion 2 is located on the outer side surface of the arch of the foot, forming a wall on the outer side of the foot, and it is considered more effective to have the sole portion 3, but certain effects can be obtained, such as stability of the swing and ball hit, and increased distance.

[0107] Furthermore, the support member of the above embodiment has been described with reference to a golf swing as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to sports other than golf, such as baseball, softball, tennis, and table tennis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Support material 2 Side part 3. Sole 4. Socks 5. Shoes 10 Support material 11 Side part 12 Sole of the foot 20 Support material 21 Side part 22 Sole of the foot 30 Support material 31 Side part 32 Sole of the foot 40 Support material 41 Side part 42 Sole of the foot 50 Support material 51 Side part 52 Sole of the foot 60 Support material 61 Side part 62 Sole of the foot 70 Support material

Claims

1. A support member that is arranged to contact the outer side and bottom surface of the foot directly or through a fabric, The shoe has a side portion that contacts the outer side of the foot directly or through a fabric, The side portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the ball of the foot directly or through a fabric, The side portion is in contact with the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal bone of the foot directly or through a fabric, The side portion has a predetermined height in a height direction of the foot and a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the foot, The side portion has a length of 20 mm or more from the lower end to the uppermost end in the height direction of the foot, and a length of 50 mm or more from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot, The support member further comprises a sole portion, The sole portion is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a fabric so as to include the outer sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the little toe, The sole portion is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a piece of fabric, The sole portion does not contact the sole of the foot directly or through a material at a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot. Support material.

2. The side portion is in contact directly or through a material so as to include the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

3. The side portion is in contact directly or through a material so as to include the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the cuboid bone of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

4. The side portion is in contact directly or through a fabric so as to include the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the heel of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

5. The side portion is characterized in that the length from the lower end to the uppermost end is 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

6. The side portion is characterized in that it has a length of 20 mm to 60 mm in the height direction of the foot from the lower end to the uppermost end, and a length of 80 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the foot from the front end to the rear end. The support member of claim 1 .

7. The sole part is in contact directly or through a material so as to include the outer side surface of the part corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

8. The sole portion is in contact with the outer sole of the foot directly or through a fabric so as to include the outer sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the distal phalanges of the foot. The support member of claim 1 .

9. The sole has a width of 15 mm to 40 mm and a length from the front end to the rear end in the longitudinal direction of the foot of 40 mm or more. The support member of claim 1 .

10. The sole and the side are integrally formed. The support member of claim 1 .

11. It is characterized in that it is made of a flexible material and formed into a plate shape of a predetermined thickness. The support member of claim 10.

12. The thickness of the support member is 1 to 5 mm. The support member of claim 11.

13. The thickness of the sole portion has an inclined surface that gradually becomes thinner from the outer portion to the inner portion. The support member of claim 1 .

14. A method for manufacturing a sponge comprising the steps of: The support member of claim 10.

15. The front end of the sole portion is located forward of the front ends of the side portions, The sole portion is located forward of the side portion. The support member of claim 10.

16. The rear end of the sole is located forward of the rear ends of the side portions. The support member of claim 15.

17. The side portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end. The support member of claim 1 .

18. The side portion is formed in a convex curved shape from the front end to the rear end, The upper part is formed in a convex curve shape from the front end of the sole part to the front end of the side part. The support member of claim 10.

19. The sole portion extends downward in a straight line from the front end to the rear, and the rear portion extends in a straight line or curved line toward the lower end of the side portion, and the side portion extends in a straight line toward the rear from there.

20. The support member of claim 18.

20. The sole portion and the side portion are formed separately. The support member of claim 1 .

21. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is provided on the inside or outside so that the side edge portion is located on the outside part of the side surface of the foot when the support member is worn on the foot. socks.

22. The support member is provided only in the sock on the dominant foot out of a pair of socks.

22. The sock of claim 21.

23. The support member according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is provided on the inside or interior of the upper so that the side edge portion is located on the outer side of the foot when the shoe is worn on the foot. shoes.

Images