Pants-type compression garment

Abstract

It is comfortable to wear and can enhance the lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and groin area (genitals). [Solution] The pants-type elastic garment 1 comprises a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 continuing from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted together on a seamless flat knitting machine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to pants-type elastic garments such as girdles and shorts that are knitted by a seamless flat knitting machine having at least a pair of opposing front and rear needle beds, for example, a WHOLEGARMENT (registered trademark) flat knitting machine, and in particular to pants-type elastic garments such as girdles and shorts that are easy to put on and comfortable to wear, and that are effective in preventing, alleviating, suppressing the worsening of, inhibiting the worsening of, or treating lymphedema (lymphorrhea and cellulitis) of the lower abdomen and genitals. [Background technology]

[0002] Lymphedema can occur when lymphatic flow is impaired due to lymph node removal or radiation therapy during cancer treatment or surgery. Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph stagnation occurs due to compression, narrowing, or obstruction of lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels for some reason, resulting in excess fluid (containing proteins, lymphocytes, etc.) accumulating in the spaces between tissues and cells, causing swelling. For example, when lymph nodes around the abdomen or groin (pelvic lymph nodes, inguinal lymph nodes, etc.) are removed during treatment for gynecological or urological cancers (uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, etc.), lymphedema can occur in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and genitals (groin). There are no effective medications or surgical procedures for treating lymphedema, and currently treatment relies on physical therapy such as compression therapy, which stimulates lymphatic flow by applying pressure to the affected area. One known treatment method involves wearing elastic garments that apply pressure to the affected area.

[0003] For example, medical elastic clothing includes pantyhose-type medical elastic stockings (pantyhose) that reach the navel. One example of such medical stockings is described in Patent Document 1, which describes medical stockings in which at least the leg portion is formed of an elastic knit fabric knitted using a ground yarn and an inserting yarn having a stronger compressive force than the ground yarn. The ground yarn is a covering yarn with a total fineness of 75 to 135 decitex, while the inserting yarn is an elastic yarn containing a polyurethane yarn with a recovery stress of 13 to 28 cN at 200% elongation. The medical stockings disclosed have a pressure of 45 to 61 hPa in the ankle region from the ankle to the bottom of the calf, 23 to 44 hPa in the lower leg region from the bottom of the calf to the knee, and 8 to 25 hPa in the thigh region from the knee to the base of the leg, with the pressure gradually weakening in the order of the ankle region, the lower leg region, and the thigh region, so that the pressure gradually weakens in the order of the ankle region from the ankle to the bottom of the calf, the lower leg region from the bottom of the calf to the knee, and the thigh region from the knee to the base of the leg. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-115571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional pantyhose-type medical compression stockings, including those described in Patent Document 1, are formed by cutting and sewing a high-gauge, thin knit fabric knitted on a circular knitting machine using a relatively fine yarn. This results in sewn sections in the panty section covering the buttocks and abdomen and in the crotch area. These sewn sections are stiff and inelastic when worn, causing discomfort and a poor feel against the skin and wearing comfort. Furthermore, because the knit fabric is thin, when pulled up to prevent wrinkles, the sewn sections may not stretch. This makes the knit fabric even thinner and stretchier in the critical areas of the affected area (genitals and lower abdomen), causing it to lift and not contact the affected area, making it difficult to apply appropriate pressure. In particular, circular knit compression stockings, whose circumference is adjusted by the size of the stitches (loops) and whose elastic yarns are continuously inserted into the stitches, are soft and stretchy, resulting in low stretch stiffness and making it difficult to suppress the expanding force of the affected area. On the other hand, if the underwear is worn too loosely, wrinkles may form and dig into the skin, obstructing lymph flow and causing edema or inflammation of the skin. As a result, pressure is not applied to the lower abdomen and genitals, making it difficult to prevent or reduce lymphedema in the lower abdomen and genitals.

[0006] Therefore, currently, compression of lymphedema in the lower abdomen and genitals is performed by placing a urethane pad or the like from the lower abdomen to the genitals and wearing elastic stockings on top of it. However, wearing thin elastic stockings on top of pads requires time and effort to put on and take off, and when moving while wearing them, the elastic stockings tend to dig in and the pads tend to slip, making it difficult to maintain appropriate compression, causing discomfort and a poor wearing experience.In particular, because the skin in the delicate zone is soft, lymphedema is likely to occur and worsen when lymphedema develops, so in order to reduce patient pain as much as possible and obtain the benefits of continued wear, there is a need for products that are easy to put on, comfortable to wear, and effective in preventing, alleviating, inhibiting the worsening of, and treating lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) of the lower abdomen and genitals.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide pants-type elastic garments that are comfortable to wear and can enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch area (genitals). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pants-type elastic garment of the invention of claim 1 comprises a pair of left and right small-diameter tubular leg side knitted fabric portions, a crotch side knitted fabric portion connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, and a large-diameter tubular body side knitted fabric portion continuing from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the crotch side knitted fabric portion, and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, the crotch side knitted fabric portion, and the body side knitted fabric portion are knitted together on a seamless flat knitting machine.

[0009] Each of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric parts is formed in a tubular shape with a smaller diameter than the body side knitted fabric, and is the part that the legs of the human body fit into when worn and that mainly covers the leg side of the human body. Its length (crotch length) is not particularly limited, and may be long enough to cover part or all of the thigh, above the knee, below the knee, down to the calf, above or below the ankle, covering the heel, or down to the toes.

[0010] The crotch side knitted fabric portion is knitted continuously in the course direction (a row of loops arranged in the horizontal and width directions of the knitted fabric) from the leg side knitted fabric portion between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and corresponding to the crotch side of the human body when worn.

[0011] The torso-side knitted fabric portion is formed into a tubular shape with a larger diameter than each of the leg-side knitted fabric portions, and is knitted continuously from each of the leg-side knitted fabric portions and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion in the wale direction (a row of loops aligned in the vertical and lengthwise direction of the knitted fabric), and is the portion that covers the abdomen and buttocks of the human body when worn. Its length (waist length) is not particularly limited, and may be below the navel, above the navel and below the waist, or up to a position higher than the waist, or longer than that, down to the bust.

[0012] Claim 1 The pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention are knitted with uneven knitting that forms convex and concave portions that are arranged alternately in a circular direction (circumferential direction) and extend continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction, length direction of the knitted fabric). Examples of the uneven knitting include rib knitting, pique knitting, and waffle knitting. The unevenness may be present on at least one of the front and back surfaces, or on both surfaces. In the case of unevenness on both surfaces, the convex portions on one surface are concave portions on the other surface, and the concave portions on one surface are convex portions on the other surface.

[0013] Claim 2 The pair of left and right leg side knitted portions and the body side knitted portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention are continuously knitted on the crotch side knitted portion side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each of the leg side knitted portions to the body side knitted portion. The crotch side knitted fabric portion is knitted continuously by sequentially decreasing stitches from each of the leg side knitted fabric portions to the body side knitted fabric portion, which means that when the body side knitted fabric portion is knitted continuously from each of the left and right leg side knitted fabric portions in the wale direction, the stitches are gradually decreased on the crotch side knitted fabric portion, i.e., in the connection area between the leg side knitted fabric portion, the body side knitted fabric portion, and the crotch side knitted fabric portion, which corresponds to the inner base of the thighs of the human body when worn, so that the area of ​​each leg side knitted fabric can be made wider in the area corresponding to the area near the inner base of the thighs of the human body when worn.

[0014] Claim 3 In the torso knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, a region covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen of the human body when worn has a low-elasticity region having a lower elongation rate than other regions. The low-stretch area refers to the area of ​​the knit fabric that mainly corresponds to the front body side of the torso knit fabric portion, covering the crotch side of the human body and the lower abdomen, and is a high-hardness area that has lower stretch than other areas and has a higher stretch hardness (broadly speaking, it means the force required to stretch the knit fabric and the force that resists stretching the knit fabric; narrowly, it means the increase in compression pressure when the knit fabric is stretched 1 cm in the horizontal direction, but here it is used in a broad sense).

[0015] Claim 4 The pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the body-side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention are formed by knitting and miss knitting elastic yarn into the loops of ground yarn that form them. The ground yarn is the knitting yarn used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion, that is, the base yarn that forms the overall shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion. The elastic yarn is knitted by intertwining loops with the loops of the ground yarn or by making mistakes, and has higher stretchability (elasticity) than the ground yarn.

[0016] Claim 5 In the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the torso side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the invention, elastic yarn is knitted and miss knitted into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the torso side knitted fabric portion has a low-stretch region that has a lower stretch rate in the area covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen of the human body than in other areas, and the low-stretch region has a lower stretch rate because the proportion of transfer stitches in the part where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops is lower than in the other areas.

[0017] The ground yarn is the knitting yarn used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion, that is, the base yarn that forms the overall shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion. The elastic yarn is knitted by intertwining loops with the loops of the ground yarn or by making mistakes, and has higher stretchability (elasticity) than the ground yarn. The low-stretch region refers to a high-stiffness region in the knit fabric that mainly corresponds to the front body side of the torso knit fabric portion, covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen, which has lower stretch than other regions and has a higher stretch hardness (broadly speaking, this means the force required to stretch the knit fabric or the force that resists stretching the knit fabric; narrowly, it means the increase in compression pressure when the knit fabric is stretched 1 cm in the horizontal direction, but here it is used in a broad sense). In this low-stretch region, no transfer stitches are required and no transfer stitches are formed; even if transfer stitches are formed, the proportion of transfer stitches is smaller than in other regions. Transfer stitches include those made by openwork knitting and tuck knitting.

[0018] Claim 6 In the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the body knitted fabric portion has a shorter length at the front side than at the back side. The front and back sides of the torso knitted fabric portion refer to the front side, which corresponds to the front body side that covers the abdominal side of the human body when worn, and the back side, which corresponds to the back body side that covers the buttocks side of the human body when worn.

[0019] Claim 7 In the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of this invention, elastic yarn is knitted and miss knitted into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the front side of the body side knitted fabric portion has a smaller proportion of transfer stitches in the part where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops than the back side, making the length of the front side shorter than the back side.

[0020] The ground yarn is the knitting yarn used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion, that is, the base yarn that forms the overall shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion. The elastic yarn is knitted by intertwining loops with the loops of the ground yarn or by making mistakes, and has higher stretchability (elasticity) than the ground yarn. The front side of the torso side knitted fabric portion has a smaller proportion of transfer stitches than the back side, making the length of the front side shorter than that of the back side. The front side of this torso side knitted fabric portion does not need to be transferred and no transfer stitches need to be formed, and even if transfer stitches are formed by transferring, the proportion of transfer stitches is smaller than that of the back side. Note that the front side and back side of the torso side knitted fabric portion refer to the front side as the knit fabric corresponding to the front body side that covers the abdominal side of the human body when worn, and the back side as the knit fabric corresponding to the back body side that covers the buttocks side of the human body when worn.

[0021] Claim 8 The pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion, and the body-side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of this invention are formed of ground yarns of preferably 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier. The ground yarn is the knitting yarn used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, the crotch side knitted fabric portion, and the body side knitted fabric portion, i.e., the base yarn that forms the overall shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, the crotch side knitted fabric portion, and the body side knitted fabric portion.

[0022] Claim 9 The uneven knitting of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention is rib knitting. In the rib knitting, unevenness is formed on both the front and back surfaces, and a convex part on one surface becomes a concave part on the other surface, and a concave part on one surface becomes a convex part on the other surface.

[0023] Claim 10 In the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of this invention, elastic yarn is knitted and miss knitted into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the elastic yarn is miss knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear convex on the inner side of the uneven knitting and concave on the outer side, and is knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear concave on the inner side of the uneven knitting and convex on the outer side. The ground yarn is the knitting yarn used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion, that is, the base yarn that forms the overall shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion. The elastic yarn is knitted by intertwining loops with the loops of the ground yarn or by making mistakes, and has higher stretchability (elasticity) than the ground yarn. The inner and outer sides of the uneven knitting are the inner side (rear side) which comes into contact with the skin when worn, and the opposite side with a design is the outer side (surface side).

[0024] Claim 11 In the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion is a discontinuous region in which the convex portions and the concave portions are not continuous with each other. The discontinuous region is a region where the unevenness caused by ribbing or the like is not continuous, but is interrupted.

[0025] Claim 12 The crotch side knitted fabric portion of the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention is 11 In the structure of (1), an elastic yarn is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn that form the structure. The ground yarn is a knitting yarn (base yarn) with which the crotch side knitted fabric portion is knitted. The elastic yarn is knitted with loops entangled with the loops of the ground yarn. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the pants-type elastic garment of the invention of claim 1, a pair of small-diameter tubular leg-side knitted fabric sections, a crotch-side knitted fabric section connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric sections, and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric section continuing from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric sections are knitted together using a seamless flat knitting machine. This results in no seams, resulting in a comfortable feel against the skin. Furthermore, the lack of seams prevents the knitted fabric from lifting due to tension during wear, making it easier to apply appropriate pressure to the crotch (genitals) and lower abdomen (including the groin). Furthermore, flat knitting allows for the use of thick yarns to create a thick, stiff knitted fabric (high elongation stiffness), which allows for muscle pumping and massaging effects through body movement. Furthermore, the ability to create a thick, stiff knitted fabric reduces wrinkles in the knitted fabric, preventing lymphatic flow obstruction due to partial wrinkles, resulting in a comfortable fit. This allows for comfortable wearing and enhances the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and groin (genitals) of the human body.

[0027] Claim 1 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the torso-side knitted fabric portion are knitted with a concave-convex knitting pattern that forms convex and concave portions alternately arranged in a circular direction and continuously extending in the wale direction. The alternating horizontal arrangement of concave and convex portions and the presence of concave portions (grooves) between the convex portions allows the concave portions between the convex portions to accommodate changes in shape in response to the shape of the body when worn, and this can be accommodated by changing the spacing between the convex portions. This not only achieves the effect described in claim 1, but also reduces the occurrence of wrinkles and the resulting obstruction of lymph flow due to wrinkles, and allows the convex portions on the inner surface to constantly adhere to body parts and apply (press) pressure, making it easier to apply pressure to the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). Furthermore, the alternating arrangement of convex and concave portions creates varying levels of pressure, resulting in a massage effect and improved skin flexibility, thereby improving lymph flow.

[0028] Claim 2According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted portions and the body-side knitted portion are knitted continuously on the crotch-side knitted portion side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each leg-side knitted portion to the body-side knitted portion, which allows each leg-side knitted portion to have a large area in the area corresponding to the base of the inner thighs of the human body when worn, prevents the knitted fabric from floating up even in the three-dimensional curved shape from the thighs to the crotch, and allows the garment to fit easily from the thighs to the crotch. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it can enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0029] Claim 3 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the torso knitted fabric portion has a low-elasticity region in which the region covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen has a lower elongation rate than the other regions, thereby increasing the elongation rigidity in the region covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping effect and massaging effect, while making the region other than the crotch side to the lower abdomen more stretchable, making it easy to put on and take off, not restrictive when worn, and preventing slipping down, sagging, and wrinkling. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to achieve both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch region (genitals).

[0030] Claim 4 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the body-side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting elastic yarn into the ground yarn loops that form them. Therefore, stretching can be restricted in the portions where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops, while the miss portions are prone to stretching but do not expose the elastic yarn on the inner side, reducing contact with the skin. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to achieve both comfortable compression and prevention of skin damage caused by the elastic yarn.

[0031] Claim 5According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the torso-side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting elastic yarn into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the torso-side knitted fabric portion has a low-stretch region that covers the area from the crotch side of the human body to the lower abdomen, with a lower stretch rate than other areas, and the low-stretch region has a lower stretch rate because the proportion of transfer stitches in the part where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops is smaller than in the other areas.

[0032] Therefore, in the area covering the crotch and lower abdomen, the proportion of transfer stitches in the knitted elastic yarn relative to the ground yarn loops is smaller than in other areas, suppressing the stretch of the elastic yarn and resulting in a low elongation rate and high elongation hardness, enhancing muscle pumping and massaging effects. Meanwhile, in areas other than the area covering the crotch and lower abdomen, the proportion of transfer stitches in the knitted elastic yarn relative to the ground yarn loops is higher than in the low-stretch area, making it more stretchable. This makes it easy to put on and take off, comfortable to wear, and prevents slipping, loosening, and wrinkling. Thus, in addition to the effect described in claim 1, it achieves both comfort when worn and promotes lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). Furthermore, the stretch of the knitted elastic yarn relative to the ground yarn loops is limited, while the stretch of the knitted elastic yarn is easily increased in the miss-knitted areas, preventing the elastic yarn from being exposed on the inner surface, achieving both comfortable compression and prevention of skin damage caused by the elastic yarn. In particular, the low-stretch area has a lower stretch rate in the area where the elastic yarn is knitted relative to the ground yarn loops by reducing the proportion of transfer stitches compared to other areas, and the stretch rate is not changed by changing the type of ground yarn, so the stitches are more likely to be stable and costs can be reduced.

[0033] Claim 6In the pants-type elastic garment according to the invention, the front of the torso knitted fabric portion is shorter than the back, which prevents the knitted fabric from lifting or wrinkling at the front side covering the abdomen, making it easier to apply pressure to the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals), while making it less likely that tightness will occur due to movement at the buttocks side. Thus, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to achieve both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0034] Claim 7 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the torso-side knitted fabric portion have elastic yarn knitted and miss-knitted into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the front of the torso-side knitted fabric portion has a smaller proportion of transfer stitches in the portions where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops than in the back, so that the front side is shorter than the back side, which limits stretch in the portions where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops, while the miss-knit portions are more stretchable but do not expose the elastic yarn on the inner side, reducing discomfort against the skin. Furthermore, because the front side of the torso-side knitted fabric portion is shorter than the back side, when worn, the front side that covers the abdomen of the body is prevented from lifting or wrinkling, making it easier to apply pressure to the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals) of the body, while making it less likely for tightness to occur due to movement around the buttocks. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 1, it is possible to achieve both comfort when worn, prevention of skin damage caused by the elastic yarn, and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). In particular, the length is made different between the front and back by reducing the ratio of transfer stitches in the part where the elastic yarn is knitted to the loops of the ground yarn in the front compared to the back, and the length is not changed by changing the type of ground yarn, so the knitting is more stable and costs can be reduced.

[0035] Claim 8According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion, and the torso-side knitted fabric portion are formed using ground yarns of preferably 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier. This stiffens the knitted fabric, increasing its elongation stiffness and enhancing the muscle pumping action and massage action caused by body movement. Furthermore, the knitted fabric is less likely to wrinkle, preventing lymphatic flow obstruction due to partial wrinkles digging in, improving comfort. Therefore, in addition to the effects of claim 1, the garment offers a more comfortable fit and is more effective at promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0036] Claim 9 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the invention of claim 1, since the uneven knitting is rib knitting, the spacing between the convex portions is easily changed, and even when the body moves, the convex portions on the inner side can adhere closely to and press against parts of the body. 1 In addition to the effects described above, it is possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymph flow.

[0037] Claim 10 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the body-side knitted fabric portion have elastic yarn knitted and miss-knitted into the ground yarn loops that form them, and the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear concave on the inner surface of the uneven knitting and convex on the outer surface, and is miss-knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear convex on the inner surface of the uneven knitting and concave on the outer surface.This limits stretching in the areas where the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops, while making it easier to stretch in the miss-knit areas, but by not exposing the elastic yarn in the convex areas on the inner surface, it is possible to prevent the elastic yarn from coming into contact with the skin and make it less likely for the elastic yarn to cause damage to the skin. 1In addition to the effects described above, the elastic yarn does not irritate the wearer due to its material, stretch, friction, etc., and does not cause skin inflammation due to the elastic yarn even when worn for long periods of time, allowing for comfortable wearing.Furthermore, by combining appropriate stretchability and elongation hardness, it is possible to achieve both comfortable wearing and the lymphatic promotion effect due to the muscle pumping action and massage action.

[0038] Claim 11 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the present invention, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion is a discontinuous region in which the convex portions and concave portions are not continuous. Therefore, even when the lower limbs move, the change in shape can be absorbed by the discontinuous region in which the concave and convex portions are not continuous, making it difficult for the knitted fabric to become taut, pull, or rub, and making it easier for the knitted fabric around the discontinuous region to fit to the crotch side of the human body. 1 In addition to the effects described above, it is less likely to cause discomfort or a foreign body sensation in the crotch area, and it is possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin area) and crotch area (genitals).

[0039] Claim 12 According to the pants-type elastic garment of the invention, the crotch side knitted fabric portion has an elastic yarn knitted into the ground yarn loops that form the crotch side knitted fabric portion, which increases stretchability, and allows the discontinuous region to better absorb shape changes even when the lower limbs move, making it easier for the knitted fabric around the discontinuous region to fit the crotch side of the human body. 11 In addition to the effects described above, it is possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin area) and groin area (pubic area). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the outer surface (surface side) of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the outer surface (surface side) of the pants-type elastic garment according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the inner side (rear side) of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the inner surface (rear surface) of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front (front side) when worn. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear (back side) while being worn. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the left side while being worn. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is an enlarged view of part (I) shown in FIG. 1 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 8(b) is an enlarged view of part (II) shown in FIG. 1 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged view of part (III) shown in FIG. 1 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view of part (IV) shown in FIG. 1 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is an enlarged view of part (V) shown in FIG. 1 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 10(b) is an enlarged view of part (VI) shown in FIG. 2 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is an enlarged view of part (VII) shown in FIG. 2 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 11(b) is an enlarged view of part (VIII) shown in FIG. 2 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is an enlarged view of part (IX) shown in FIG. 3 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 12(b) is an enlarged view of part (X) shown in FIG. 3 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(a) is an enlarged view of part (XI) shown in FIG. 5 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 13(b) is an enlarged view of part (XII) shown in FIG. 5 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(a) is an enlarged view of part (XIII) shown in FIG. 5 and a photograph of the actual product, and FIG. 14(b) is an enlarged view of part (XIV) shown in FIG. 6 and a photograph of the actual product. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory view of the outer surface (surface side) of the crotch knitted fabric portion and its surrounding area of ​​a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a photograph of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged explanatory view of the inner side (rear side) of a pants-type elastic garment according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the crotch knitted fabric portion and its surrounding area in a developed form. [Figure 17] Figure 17(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the unevenness of the torso-side knitted fabric portion when the pants-type elastic garment according to the embodiment of the present invention is being worn, and Figure 17(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the unevenness of the leg-side knitted fabric portion when the pants-type elastic garment according to the embodiment of the present invention is being worn. [Figure 18] Figure 18(a) is an explanatory diagram of ground yarns and elastic yarns to explain rib knitting of the leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portions of pants-type elastic garments according to embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 18(b) is a schematic diagram showing knitting courses to explain rib knitting of the leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portions of pants-type elastic garments according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same symbols and the same reference numerals mean the same or corresponding functional parts in the embodiments, and therefore, redundant detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0042] [Embodiment Mode] First, pants-type elastic garments according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 18. The embodiments of the present invention exemplify a girdle-type elastic garment (girdle-type elastic garment) as pants-type elastic garments.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is a seamless garment made by continuously knitting a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L (the right leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R and the left leg-side knitted fabric portion 10L), a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L (between the right leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R and the left leg-side knitted fabric portion 10L), and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 continuing from the left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and is worn on the lower body of a person by passing the toes from the upper opening 31 side of the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 toward the lower openings 11R, 11L of the leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and covering the abdomen, buttocks, crotch, thighs, etc.

[0044] That is, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is knitted starting from the lower end side of a pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L by a seamless flat knitting machine, which is a weft knitting machine that continuously knits yarn in the horizontal direction, and when a predetermined length has been knitted, a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is knitted laterally between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L by the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and further a body side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted continuously in the vertical direction from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20. The garment comprises a pair of small-diameter cylindrical leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L that cover the thigh side of the human body, a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 that connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and covers the crotch side including the pubic area of ​​the human body, and a large-diameter cylindrical torso side knitted fabric portion 30 that is continuous in the vertical direction from the left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 and covers from the crotch side to the abdomen and buttocks side of the human body, and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted together in a continuous manner and knitted seamlessly as a single unit.

[0045] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 is tubular with a large diameter and is open at its upper end (upper opening 31), and the pair of bifurcated left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are tubular with a smaller diameter than the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 and are open at their lower end (lower openings 11R, 11L). At the center where the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are bifurcated below the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30, i.e., the bifurcated right leg-side knitted fabric portion 1 A crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 of a predetermined width is formed between the left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R and 10L, and the girdle-type garment is sized to cover the thighs, crotch, abdomen, and buttocks of a person by inserting the toes through the opening at the upper opening 31 of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30, passing through the inside of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 and leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and coming out through the lower openings 11R, 11L of the leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and wearing it on the lower half of the body. That is, the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 covers the crotch side, abdomen, and buttocks of the person, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 covers the crotch side including the pubic region of the person, and the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L branching off from the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 cover the thigh side of the person.

[0046] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, a pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and a body side knitted fabric portion 30 are continuously knitted by a seamless flat knitting machine that knits yarns by a horizontal reciprocating motion. That is, first, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are each knitted into a tubular shape, then the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is knitted between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are connected by the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and then the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are knitted into a tubular shape. The torso side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted in a tubular shape continuously from the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 and the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 covering the crotch side of the human body, from the abdomen and buttocks side, and the left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L covering the left and right thigh sides of the human body are formed in a tubular shape, the tubular diameter of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 is larger than that of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, in other words, the tubular diameter of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L is smaller than that of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is formed at the bottom of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L.

[0047] The pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is a knit in which a pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and a body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted together in a continuous manner, i.e., the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted together using a continuous ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52. The horizontal loops (stitches) of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are courses, and the vertical loops (stitches) are wales. In other words, a course is a row of stitches along the yarn feeding direction of the ground yarn 51, and a wale is a row of stitches perpendicular to the course. The number of courses is the number of loop rows counted in the vertical direction of the knitted fabric (the Y-axis direction of the XY axis), and the number of wales (gauges) is the number of loop columns counted in the horizontal direction of the knitted fabric (the X-axis direction of the XY axis).

[0048] Here, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment are knitted in a ribbed pattern on the front and back using rib knitting (also called rib knitting, rib knitting, or rib knitting) which is a type of uneven knitting, and on the front and back (inner and outer sides) thereof, multiple convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 which extend continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction, length direction) are formed alternately in a circular direction. That is, in this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 have alternating concave and convex portions formed in the course direction (horizontal direction, width direction) by rib knitting the ground yarn (base yarn) 51, and these convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction).

[0049] Rib knitting is performed by alternately knitting knit stitches (knits) and purl knit stitches (purl knits) at a predetermined cycle in which stitches are formed in the course direction (horizontal direction) (see Figure 18). The course direction stitches that are continuous in the yarn feeding direction alternately consist of knit stitches and purl stitches, thereby forming convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 on the front and back sides. In this case, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 on the front and back sides (inner and outer sides) formed by rib knitting of the ground yarn 51 are such that stitches that appear convex on one side of the front or back of the knitted fabric appear concave on the opposite side, and stitches that appear concave on one side of the front or back side appear convex on the opposite side. In the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and body side knitted fabric portion 30 in this embodiment, knit stitches and purl stitches are continuously knitted in the wale direction (vertical direction), which is perpendicular to the yarn feeding direction, so that the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction) on the front and back of the knitted fabric.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 have convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are formed alternately in the circumferential direction (annular direction) and extend continuously parallel to each other in the wale direction (vertical direction). In this embodiment, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 on the front and back (inner and outer sides) of the pair of left and right leg side knitted portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted portion 30 are formed by knitting knit stitches and purl stitches alternately in the course direction (horizontal direction), and by knitting knit stitches and purl stitches in the course direction so that they are continuous in the wale direction (vertical direction), so that they are formed alternately all around the circumference and each extends continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction).

[0051] That is, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the convex portions 31, 32 and the concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction from the lower end side (lower opening 11R, 11L side) of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the lower side of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 to the upper end side (upper opening 31 side) of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30. In this embodiment, due to changes in the number of wales and reductions (narrowing of stitches), the extension of some of the convex portions 31, 32 and some of the concave portions 41, 42 terminates midway toward the upper end side (upper opening 31 side) of the body side knitted fabric portion 30. That is, the majority of the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 formed by rib knitting extend continuously from the lower openings 11R, 11L side toward the upper opening 31 side in a direction approximately perpendicular to the knitting width, and also extend continuously from the lower part of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 on the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 side toward the upper opening 31 side, but due to an increase or decrease in the number of stitches, the extension of some of the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 terminates midway toward the upper opening 31 side on both the left and right sides of the front and back knitted fabric portions.

[0052] In this way, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment are formed with rib knitting, which is an uneven knitting of the ground yarn 51, so that convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 are formed alternately in the course direction (horizontal direction) on the front and back, and are knitted in a ribbed pattern in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical shape of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30, and the multiple convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 formed alternately in the course direction (horizontal direction) extend continuously and parallel in the wale direction (vertical direction).

[0053] 1 and 2 show the outer surface (front side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1, and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the inner surface (back side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1. With regard to the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that appear convex on the outer surface (front side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1 shown in Fig. 1 and 2 and that appear concave on the inner surface (back side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1 shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the outer surface (front side) is designated as an outer convex portion 31, and the inner surface (back side) is designated as an inner concave portion 42 (see Fig. 8 to Fig. 11). Also, with regard to the stitches that appear concave on the outer surface (front side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1 shown in Fig. 1 and 2 and that appear convex on the inner surface (back side) of the pant-type elastic garment 1 shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the outer surface (front side) is designated as an outer concave portion 41, and the inner surface (back side) is designated as an inner convex portion 32 (see Fig. 12).

[0054] In other words, on the outer surface (surface side) of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1, multiple outer convex portions 31 and outer concave portions 41 are formed alternately throughout the entire course direction (horizontal direction, circumferential direction), and each extends continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction, length direction), while on the opposite inner surface (back side), multiple inner convex portions 32 and inner concave portions 42 are formed alternately throughout the entire course direction, and each extends continuously in the wale direction. In this way, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment are ribbed with the ground yarn 51 as uneven knitting, and the outer surface (front surface) and inner surface (back surface) are ridged with repeated unevenness over the entire circumferential direction, and each unevenness extends continuously in the wale direction.

[0055] Therefore, in the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction on both the outer and inner surfaces, and concave portions (grooves) 41, 42 are present between adjacent convex portions 31, 32 and convex portions 31, 32, so that when the inner side (back side) of the knitted fabric is worn with the side that comes into contact with the human body, the inner convex portions 32 come into close contact with the body and are pressed (pressured) by the inner convex portions 32. In particular, the presence of recesses (grooves) 42 between adjacent protrusions 32 allows the recesses 42 between the protrusions 32 to accommodate changes in shape in response to the body shape, and the ability to accommodate changes in the spacing between the protrusions 32 makes it less likely for cuts or wrinkles to dig into the skin, even at bending or crooked areas on the crotch or groin side of the body, and therefore less likely for lymph flow to be impeded by digging in wrinkles. Furthermore, because the inner protrusions 32 are always in close contact with the body and apply pressure (pressure), pressure is more likely to be applied to the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). Furthermore, the protrusions 31, 32 extending in the wale direction and the recesses 41, 42 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, creating varying degrees of pressure between the inner protrusions 32 that are in close contact with the body and the inner recesses 42 that are less likely to touch the body. The multiple inner protrusions 32 partially press against the skin, creating a massage effect and improving lymph flow. In particular, since the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction, they follow the direction of lymph flow from the crotch side of the body upward (towards the collarbone), so they do not obstruct the lymph flow, and rather, when worn, a pulling force is more likely to be generated in the vertical direction from the crotch side upward (towards the collarbone), thereby promoting the lymph flow.

[0056] Furthermore, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment are formed by interknitting a ground yarn 51 and an elastic yarn 52. That is, in this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted using the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 which has higher elasticity (stretchability) than the ground yarn 51.

[0057] Examples of the ground yarn (base yarn) 51 constituting the base knit fabric include cotton yarn, nylon yarn, polyester yarn, polyurethane yarn, rayon yarn, silk-acrylic yarn, silk yarn, linen yarn, cotton-acrylic blended yarn, linen-acrylic blended yarn, wool yarn, wool-acrylic blended yarn, and other wool-blend yarns; hygroscopic yarns obtained by block copolymerizing hydrophobic synthetic fibers with hydrophilic groups or by making the surface porous; and ceramic yarns that generate far infrared rays. These yarns may be either inelastic or elastic. Yarns made from various materials can be used, and multiple types may be combined and bundled together. In particular, using cotton yarn for the ground yarn 51 provides excellent hygroscopicity, breathability, and cushioning properties, providing a comfortable feel and resistance to skin irritation. For example, cotton yarn (single-covered or double-covered yarn) manufactured by wrapping cotton around a core yarn is preferably used. As raw materials for the yarn, it is possible to use yarns made from chemical materials, yarns made from metals, yarns made from plants, twisted yarns made from a combination of two or more of these, etc. Usually, spun yarns are used as the ground yarn 51, but it is also possible to use yarns such as filament yarns, monofilament yarns, bulky yarns, hollow yarns, covered yarns, core yarns, composite yarns, flat yarns, modified cross-section yarns, split yarns, lacquered yarns, etc. It is not limited to one single yarn, and a twisted yarn made by twisting two or more single yarns together may also be used, and a plurality of single yarns or twisted yarns may be combined to be used as one ground yarn 51.

[0058] The number and thickness of the ground yarns 51 are not limited, but are preferably 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier. Using ground yarns 51 within this range allows the thickness of the knitted fabric to be preferably 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm, more preferably 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and even more preferably 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm, as measured with a micrometer, making the knitted fabric thick and stiff. This increases the elongation stiffness, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping and massaging effects caused by body movement. Furthermore, the knitted fabric is less likely to wrinkle when worn, even in the delicate crotch area and surrounding bends and kinks. This prevents lymphatic flow from being obstructed by partial wrinkles, resulting in a comfortable fit. Note that the above thickness is the thickness of the knitted fabric made from the ground yarns 51.

[0059] The elastic yarn 52 is a stretchable yarn with higher elasticity (stretchability) than the ground yarn 51, and examples thereof include polyurethane (including spandex) and rubber yarns. Covered yarns or covered yarns may be used, such as those in which polyamide or cotton is wrapped around a stretchable core such as latex or elastane, or those in which a highly elastic core such as polyurethane is wrapped (covered) with another thread (e.g., a stretchy thread such as wooly nylon). The elastic yarn 52 is not limited to a single single yarn, and may be a twisted yarn in which two or more single yarns are twisted together, or a combination of multiple single yarns or twisted yarns may be used as a single elastic yarn 52. Preferably, the elastic yarn 52 is 100 to 2000 denier, more preferably 200 to 1800 denier, and even more preferably 300 to 1600 denier. By using an elastic yarn 52 within this range, a predetermined elasticity can be obtained even with a thin yarn. Furthermore, by making the elastic yarn 52 thinner than the ground yarn 51, even in the areas where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted to the ground yarn 51, the elastic yarn 52 is less likely to come into contact with the skin on the inner surfaces of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30, thereby reducing friction with the skin due to the material and elasticity of the elastic yarn 52 and preventing the onset of allergies, eczema, etc. due to contact or rubbing with the elastic yarn 52.

[0060] In particular, in the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51, which is the ground yarn, is knitted into the stitches that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 of the rib knitting base knitting structure of the ground yarn 51, i.e., entangled with the loops of the ground yarn 51, and miss-knitted into the stitches that form the outer concave portions 41 / inner convex portions 32, i.e., forming a floating yarn on the outer surface side, and is interwoven with the rib knitting base knitting structure of the ground yarn 51 by alternately repeating knitting and miss in the course direction.

[0061] As a result, the elastic yarn 52 misses the stitches that form the outer recessed portion 41 / inner protruding portion 32 of the uneven base knitting structure of the rib knitting made by the ground yarn 51, and becomes a floating yarn on the outer surface side (front surface side) of the knitted fabric. Therefore, the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed at the inner protruding portion 32 on the inner surface side (back surface side) of the knitted fabric. That is, on the outer surface side of the knitted fabric of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric sections 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric section 30, there is a floating thread due to a mistake of the elastic yarn 52 on the stitches of the outer recess 41 of the base knitting structure consisting of rib knitting with the ground yarn 51, and the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed at the inner convex section 32 on the inner side of the knitted fabric. Therefore, when the knitted fabric is worn with the inner side facing the wearer's skin, the inner convex portions 32 of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 come into contact with the wearer's skin, but the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed to the surface of the inner convex portions 32, which reduces friction with the skin due to the material and elasticity of the elastic yarn 52, making it less likely that allergies or eczema will occur due to contact or rubbing with the elastic yarn 52.

[0062] Furthermore, as described above, even if the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 of the rib knit base knitting structure of the ground yarn 51, by making the elastic yarn 52 a thread thinner than the ground yarn 51, it is possible to reduce contact between the elastic yarn 52 and the skin in the inner concave portion 42 on the inner surface side (back surface side) of the knitted fabric. Also, even if the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the jersey knit base knitting structure of the ground yarn 51 in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, by making the elastic yarn 52 a thread thinner than the ground yarn 51, it is possible to reduce contact between the elastic yarn 52 and the skin on the inner surface side (back surface side) of the knitted fabric.

[0063] The elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 of the base knitting structure made of rib knitting of the ground yarn 51, and the elastic yarn 52 is not knitted into the stitches that form the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32 of the base knitting structure made of rib knitting of the ground yarn 51, so that the knitted fabric forms a wavy shape in the circumferential direction (see Figure 17). In other words, the tension of the elastic yarn 52 increases the volume of the convex portion of the inner convex portion 32, making it easier for the inner convex portion 32 to fit closely to the skin.

[0064] Thus, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 of the uneven base knitting structure made of rib knitting formed with the ground yarn 51, and thus the stitches of the elastic yarn 52 are formed by entangling loops of the elastic yarn 52 with loops of the ground yarn 51. Thus, the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 are formed by the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52. On the other hand, the elastic yarn 52 is not used in the stitches that form the outer concave portions 41 / inner convex portions 32, so that the outer concave portions 41 / inner convex portions 32 are formed by the ground yarn 51, and the elastic yarn 52 serves as a floating yarn on the outer concave portion 41 side.

[0065] Elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 of the uneven base knit structure made of rib knitting formed with ground yarn 51, while elastic yarn 52 is not used in the stitches that form the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32. As a result, in the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, stitches of ground yarn 51 and stitches of elastic yarn 52 are formed alternately in the wale direction, and compared to the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32, stretch in the course direction (horizontal, widthwise, circumferential) and surface direction is suppressed, making it stiffer. On the other hand, in the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32 formed between adjacent outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42, the elastic yarn 52 is not used, so it is more likely to stretch in the course direction (horizontal, widthwise, circumferential). When worn, the annular tension of the elastic yarn 52 acts, making it more likely to generate compression pressure towards the center of the circumference. Furthermore, the inner convex portion 32 is not stiffer than the outer convex portion 31, improving cushioning and feel against the skin.

[0066] Furthermore, where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 of the uneven base knitting structure consisting of rib knitting formed with the ground yarn 51, stretching in the course direction (horizontal, widthwise, circumferential) and surface direction is suppressed compared to where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted past the stitches that form the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32 to form a floating yarn. Therefore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, stretch in the course direction and the surface direction is restricted in the areas where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted with respect to the loops of the ground yarn 51, compared to areas where there is no knitting. On the other hand, the areas where there is no knitting of the elastic yarn 52 are more likely to stretch in the course direction and the surface direction, but the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed on the inner surface, making the garment feel better against the skin. Therefore, the outer recesses 41 / inner protrusions 32, which are formed by the elastic thread 52 relative to the ground thread 51, allow the garment to stretch moderately in the course directions (horizontally, widthwise, circumferentially), making it easy to put on, and also change the spacing between the protrusions 31, 32 and make it easier for the protrusions 31, 32 to move relative to each other, so that changes in shape that accompany body movement when worn are absorbed by the movement of the inner protrusions 32 and the inner recesses 42 between adjacent inner protrusions 32, so that even when the body moves, or even in parts of the body that bend or flex, such as the crotch area and its surroundings, the inner protrusions 32 are always in close contact with the body, making it easy to apply moderate pressure and promoting lymphatic flow. Meanwhile, the outer convex portions 31 and inner concave portions 42, in which the elastic yarn 52 is knitted against the ground yarn 51, moderately suppress stretch in the course directions (horizontal, widthwise, and circumferential directions) and the surface direction of the knitted fabric, thereby reducing the feeling of tightness and facilitating the formation of a hard wall (rigidity) of the knitted fabric, which facilitates muscle pumping and massaging effects and promotes lymphatic flow. Therefore, the garment is easy to put on and provides comfortable compression that does not cause tightness when worn, while facilitating the formation of a wall of the knitted fabric, which facilitates muscle pumping and massaging effects and promotes lymphatic flow. Furthermore, the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed to the inner surface of the knitted fabric because it is not exposed to the outer concave portions 41 and inner convex portions 32, making it less likely to cause skin damage due to the elastic yarn 52.

[0067] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, as will be described later, the knitting method of the ground yarn 51 is changed for each course, for example, by partially transferring the knit stitches in the portions where the ground yarn 51 forms the outer convex portions 31 and the inner concave portions 42, thereby partially changing the elasticity (stretchability) and elongation hardness, and changing the length of the body-side knitted fabric portion 30. Furthermore, the partial transfer of stitches forms openwork stitches, thereby improving breathability.

[0068] Here, the knitting of the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail. The pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is knitted using a seamless flat knitting machine equipped with at least a pair of opposing needle beds, front and back. For example, by using a WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine (WHOLEGARMENT is a registered trademark of Shima Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.) manufactured by Shima Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd., a pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and a body-side knitted fabric portion 30, which are knitted together continuously and seamlessly, it is possible to knit the leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and a body-side knitted fabric portion 30 together continuously and seamlessly. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which pants-type elastic garment 1 is knitted seamlessly using a WHOLEGARMENT (registered trademark) flat knitting machine having a pair of front and rear needle beds facing each other.

[0069] In this embodiment, a Whole Garment (registered trademark) flat knitting machine having at least a pair of front and rear needle beds, which are configured so that the front and rear needle beds can be racked relative to one another, more specifically, a Whole Garment (registered trademark) flat knitting machine having needle beds in which two knitting needles are slidably inserted into a gauge, and which has a carriage that slides over the top surface of each needle bed, which moves the knitting needles back and forth, and which is configured so that the front and rear needle beds can be moved (racked) relative to one another, was used to knit a fabric using ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52 as ground yarns fed from the side by a yarn feeder. That is, using a WHOLEGARMENT® flat knitting machine with at least a pair of front and rear needle beds, a ground yarn 51 is fed circumferentially across the front and rear needle beds to knit the front portion (front knitted fabric) of the pants-type elastic garment 1 on one of the front and rear needle beds and the back portion (back knitted fabric) of the pants-type elastic garment 1 on the other needle bed, thereby knitting a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 in a continuous girdle shape. In this case, for example, 1 to 10 strands of 20-count cotton yarn / 2-ply twist can be used as the ground yarn 51, and two strands of double-covering yarn, each consisting of a polyurethane core yarn (260 denier) wrapped around a polyester yarn (75 denier), can be used as the elastic yarn 52.

[0070] When knitting pants-type elastic garment 1 using such a flat knitting machine having a pair of front and rear needle beds facing each other, ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52 are fed circumferentially to the knitting needles of the front and rear needle beds to knit a tubular garment. First, knitting begins from the lower end side of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L. When the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, have been knitted to a predetermined length using ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are knitted to a predetermined length using ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52. Between 0R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is started to be knitted continuously in the lateral direction (course direction) of the pair of leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L with the ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52, the pair of leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are connected at the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and further the body side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted continuously in the wale direction from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 with the ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52, and knitting ends at the upper end side of the body side knitted fabric portion 30. In this way, the pair of small diameter tubular left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and the large diameter tubular body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted. The yarn feeding position when knitting starts from each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L is, for example, the side portion corresponding to the inner thigh side of the leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R or the leg-side knitted fabric portion 10L. Furthermore, the opening (upper opening 31) side of the upper end of the body-side knitted fabric portion 30, i.e., the knitting end side, is usually prevented from unraveling by bind-off knitting (bind-off treatment).

[0071] In this way, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the present embodiment, which is knitted integrally by a seamless flat knitting machine from a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 continuing from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, has no sewn parts and is comfortable against the skin. Furthermore, the lack of sewn parts makes it less likely for the knitted fabric to lift when worn, making it easier to apply appropriate pressure to the crotch region (pubic area) and lower abdomen (including the groin), improving microcirculation and promoting lymphatic flow. Furthermore, compared to circular knitting fabrics knitted on circular knitting machines, flat knitting fabrics knitted on such seamless flat knitting machines can be knitted using thicker yarns with fewer needles per inch, allowing for coarser stitches and improved breathability. Furthermore, the use of thicker yarns results in a stiffer, thicker knitted fabric, which makes it less likely for wrinkles or cuts to form at bending or flexing points of the body when worn, such as the crotch area and surrounding areas, preventing lymphatic flow from being obstructed by wrinkles digging in. Furthermore, by making the knitted fabric stiffer and thicker, the stretch of the knitted fabric can be suppressed and the stretch hardness can be increased, which allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow through muscle pumping and massaging effects.

[0072] In pants-type elastic garment 1 knitted using a seamless flat knitting machine, the number of wales is equal in the front and back knitted fabrics. The front knitted fabric of pants-type elastic garment 1, which consists of a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting them, and a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 formed continuously in the wale direction (lengthwise) from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, is symmetrical (line symmetrical about the center line of the left and right widths) with equal knitting widths, and the back knitted fabric is also symmetrical (line symmetrical about the center line of the left and right widths) with equal knitting widths. In pants-type elastic garment 1 knitted using a seamless flat knitting machine, the front and back sides are knitted overlapping each other. In the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the front side (front side, corresponding to the front bodice side) and the back side (back side, corresponding to the back bodice side) of the knitted fabric are connected and closed, and when knitting with such a seamless flat knitting machine, the linear stitch surfaces at the points where the yarn feeding direction is reversed (the left and right ends of the front and back needle beds) become the left and right side sides where the front side (front side) and back side (back side) are connected.

[0073] To explain an example of knitting using a seamless flat knitting machine, first, at the start of knitting a pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, as the yarn feeder carried by the carriage moves from left to right, the ground yarn 51 is fed in a zigzag manner to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and the knitting needles of the rear needle bed in a needle-off state, a stitch is formed, and then the stitch on the knitting needle on the rear needle bed is transferred to the opposing knitting needle on the front needle bed, so that one of the front or rear fabrics can be knitted with rib. Next, as the carriage reverses and the yarn feeder carried by it moves from right to left, the ground yarn 51 is fed in a zigzag manner to the knitting needle on the rear needle bed that was vacant, and the knitting needle on the front needle bed, so that a stitch is formed on the knitting needle, and then the stitch on the knitting needle on the front needle bed is transferred to the opposing knitting needle on the back needle bed, so that the other of the front or rear fabrics can be knitted with rib.

[0074] Then, to prevent the rib knitting of the set-up portion from unraveling, the stitches transferred to the front needle bed are transferred back to the knitting needles of the back needle bed, yarn is fed to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and the knitting needles on the same side as the knitting needles of the back needle bed to perform circular knitting, and the stitches formed on the knitting needles of the back needle bed are transferred to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and deposited thereon, and in the same way, ground yarn 51 is fed to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and the knitting needles on the same side as the knitting needles of the back needle bed to perform circular knitting, thereby sealing to prevent unraveling.

[0075] Once the stitches have been sealed, the yarn is fed in a zigzag manner to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and the knitting needles of the back needle bed in a needle-off state to form a stitch of knitting yarn 51, and then the stitch on the knitting needle on the back needle bed is transferred to the opposing knitting needle on the front needle bed, and then the yarn is fed to the knitting needles of the back needle bed and the knitting needle on the front needle bed, and then the stitch on the knitting needle on the front needle bed is transferred to the opposing knitting needle on the back needle bed.By repeating these knitting courses, a rib knit is formed with the ground yarn 51.

[0076] In other words, in rib knitting, on the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric, the knitted stitches that appear as knit stitches (outer convex portions 31) are held on the knitting needles of the front needle bed, and the knitted stitches that appear as purl stitches (outer concave portions 41) are transferred to the knitting needles of the opposing back needle bed, and then the ground yarn 51 is supplied in a zigzag pattern across the knitting needles of the front and back needle beds to knit one of the front or back knitted fabrics in the horizontal direction (course side), and after that horizontal knitting, the knitted stitches that were transferred to the back needle bed to form the purl stitches are transferred back to the original knitting needles of the front needle bed, thereby holding (attaching) the entire knitted fabric of one of the front or back knitted fabrics to the front needle bed. Then, when knitting the other of the subsequent front and rear knitted fabrics, the stitches that appear as face stitches (outer convex portions 31) on the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric are retained as they are on the knitting needles of the back needle bed, and the stitches that appear as purl stitches (outer concave portions 41) are transferred to the opposing front needle bed, and then the ground yarn 51 is supplied in a zigzag pattern across the knitting needles of the front and rear needle beds to knit the other of the front and rear knitted fabrics, and after that knitting, the stitches that had been transferred to the front needle bed to form the purl stitches are transferred back to the original back needle bed, so that the entire other of the front and rear knitted fabrics is retained (attached) to the back needle bed. At this time, the yarn is fed circumferentially to form a tubular shape for the front and rear knitted fabrics. This results in a rib knit structure using the ground yarn 51, with face knitting and purl knitting alternately formed.

[0077] To explain the knitting patterns of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 in this embodiment, a base rib knitting structure of 3 x 3 knit stitches and purl stitches is knitted using ground yarn 51, and elastic yarn 52 is interwoven with the rib knitting structure of 3 x 3 knit stitches and purl stitches made of knitting yarn 51 every other course (row). In other words, ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52 are knitted alternately in the wale direction (see Figure 18). Specifically, as described above, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 that appear convex on the outer side (front side) of the knitted fabric and concave on the inner side (back side), i.e., the stitches that are knit (front knit) on the outer side of the knitted fabric and purl (purl) on the inner side, and is missed into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 of the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32 that appear concave on the outer side of the knitted fabric and convex on the inner side, i.e., the purl (purl) on the outer side of the knitted fabric and the knit (front knit) on the inner side, so that the knits and purl stitches made by the ground yarn 51 are knitted and missed alternately into the 3x3 rib knit base knit structure.

[0078] That is, following the rib knitting process in which 3x3 rib knitting is performed by feeding ground yarn 51, an elastic yarn 52 is fed to knit (knit, face knit) the elastic yarn 52 onto the knitting needles that knitted the three knit stitches that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 of the rib knitting with ground yarn 51, while an elastic yarn knitting process is performed in which the elastic yarn 52 is missed onto the knitting needles that knitted the three purl stitches that form the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32. Then, again by feeding ground yarn 51, the ground yarn 51 is knit (knit, face knit) onto the knitting needles that knitted the elastic yarn 52 in the previous elastic yarn knitting, and the ground yarn 51 is also knitted onto the knitting needles of the missed part to perform the 3x3 rib knitting process, after which the elastic yarn knitting process is performed again, knitting the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 alternately for each course.

[0079] As a result, as described above, in the knitted fabric of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30, on the outer surface side (front surface side), floating yarns due to mistakes in the elastic yarn 52 are overlapped on stitches made of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer recess 41, and the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed (front-faced) in the inner protrusion 32 on the inner surface side (back surface side). In addition, because the elastic yarn 52 is thinner than the ground yarn 51, the exposure (front-faced) of the elastic yarn 52 is also small in the inner recess 42 on the inner surface side (back surface side) of the knitted fabric. Therefore, when the knitted fabric is worn with the inner surface (back surface) in contact with the wearer's body, the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed at the inner convex portion 32 that comes into close contact with the wearer's body, and also at the inner concave portion 42, there is almost no exposure of the elastic yarn 52, which prevents the elastic yarn 52 from coming into contact with the wearer's skin and reduces irritation to the skin due to the material, stretchability, friction, etc. of the elastic yarn 52.As a result, even though the elastic yarn 52 is used, the feel on the skin is not adversely affected, and allergies, eczema, etc. caused by the elastic yarn 52 can be reduced.

[0080] In the knitted fabric of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 of this embodiment, the 3x3 rib knitting with the ground yarn 51 is knitted circularly by connecting three front knit stitches to three front knit stitches in the previous course, and by connecting three purl knit stitches to three purl knit stitches in the previous course. As a result, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 formed on the front and back sides by the rib knitting extend continuously in the wale direction (vertical direction). At this time, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches forming the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 made by the ground yarn 51, and therefore the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 are formed by the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52.

[0081] In this way, in the knitted fabric of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 in this embodiment, the knitted fabric is knitted with uneven rib knitting to form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in the annular direction and extend continuously in the wale direction. At this time, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 made by the ground yarn 51, and the elastic yarn 52 is miss knitted into the stitches that form the outer concave portions 41 / inner convex portions 32 made by the ground yarn 51.

[0082] On the other hand, in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 of this embodiment, at the start of knitting, when the yarn feeder carried by the carriage moves from left to right, the ground yarn 51 is fed in a zigzag manner to the knitting needles of the front needle bed and the knitting needles of the rear needle bed in a needle-out state, and then, when the carriage reverses and the yarn feeder carried by it moves from right to left, the ground yarn 51 is fed in a zigzag manner to the knitting needles of the rear needle bed that were left vacant and the knitting needles of the front needle bed, thereby performing plain knitting (flat knitting, stockinette knitting). In addition, an elastic yarn 52 is knitted with the ground yarn 51. In particular, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 of this embodiment is formed only with knit stitches and knitting when viewed from the front side (outer side) of the knitted fabric, and is formed only with purl stitches and knitting when viewed from the back side (inner side) of the knitted fabric, resulting in a non-convex / concave region that does not form alternating concave / convex patterns in the course direction like rib knitting.

[0083] At this time, in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 which are formed only with knit stitches and face knitting when viewed from the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric and formed only with purl stitches and purl knitting when viewed from the back side (inner surface side) of the knitted fabric, and the knitted fabric is knitted with a course of stitches of the ground yarn 51 which are formed only with knit stitches and face knitting when viewed from the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric and formed only with purl stitches and purl knitting when viewed from the back side (inner surface side) of the knitted fabric, and a course of stitches of the elastic yarn 52 which are formed only with knit stitches and face knitting when viewed from the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric and formed only with purl stitches and purl knitting when viewed from the back side (inner surface side) of the knitted fabric. In other words, the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 are knitted together and the knitted fabric is formed with only knit stitches and face knitting when viewed from the front side (outer surface side) of the knitted fabric and formed with only purl stitches and purl knitting when viewed from the back side (inner surface side) of the knitted fabric.

[0084] Thereafter, the knitted stitches on the knitting needles on the rear needle bed are transferred to the opposing knitting needles on the front needle bed, and subsequently, one of the front and rear knitted fabrics in the body side knitted fabric section 30 is ready for rib knitting, and the knitted stitches on the knitting needles on the front needle bed are transferred to the opposing knitting needles on the rear needle bed, and subsequently, the other of the front and rear knitted fabrics in the body side knitted fabric section 30 is ready for rib knitting.

[0085] Here, the knitting patterns of the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 of this embodiment will be described in more detail. In the knitting patterns of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 in this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into all three face stitches of the knitted fabric that form the outer convex portion 31 that appears convex on the outer surface (surface side) of the knitted fabric in a 3x3 rib knit formed with the ground yarn 51, and is missed into all three purl stitches of the knitted fabric that form the outer concave portion 41 that appears concave on the outer surface (surface side) of the knitted fabric, and by alternately knitting and missing every third stitch in one course, the elastic yarn 52 is interwoven with the 3x3 rib knitted with the ground yarn 51 (see Figure 18).

[0086] Furthermore, in some areas, the middle stitch of three rib knit stitches that make up outer convex portion 31, which is made up of three knit stitches that appear convex on the outer surface (surface side) of the knitted fabric, is transferred (overlapped) to the adjacent left or right stitch. That is, the middle stitch of the three knit stitches (surface stitches) that make up outer convex portion 31 that appears convex on the outer surface (surface side) is transferred to either the adjacent left or right stitch, and the middle stitch of the three knit stitches (surface stitches) that make up outer convex portion 31 is transferred to either the right or left stitch on the opposite side from the previous transfer, and these knitting operations are repeated as appropriate in the wale direction.

[0087] In this way, in the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appears convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side), by transferring a stitch to the left or right in a predetermined course, the knitting becomes mesh-like and the stitches become coarse, forming openwork stitches (see Figure 13(b) and Figures 14(a) and 14(b)). As a result, when the knitted fabric stretches, holes with large openings in the stitches are formed in the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appears convex on the outer surface and concave on the inner surface. This makes it possible to improve the breathability of the knitted fabric. A similar effect can be obtained by tuck knitting, etc.

[0088] In this embodiment, the stretching of the knitted fabric is controlled by changing the cycle of transferring the stitches. Specifically, in the front part of the torso knitted fabric portion 30 that covers the crotch and lower abdomen of the human body when worn, the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 that appear convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side) is made relatively fine without being transferred to the adjacent left or right stitch (see Figure 13(a)). This forms a low-stretch region (lightly stretchable region) 71 where the stretch of the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 is suppressed.

[0089] On the other hand, the periphery of the low stretch area 71 in which the stretch of the elastic yarn 52 is suppressed by not transferring the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 that appears convex on the outer surface side (front side) and concave on the inner surface side (back side) to the adjacent left or right stitch is The stitches are transferred to the stitches on the outer side of the garment, and the middle stitch of three stitches (front stitches) constituting the outer convex portion 31 is transferred to either the right or left stitch on the opposite side from the previous transfer. This process is repeated alternately at predetermined intervals, forming a transfer stitch (coarse stitch) in the middle of the three stitches (front stitches) constituting the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 that appear convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side) at predetermined intervals (see Figure 14(a)). As a result, the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 around the low stretch region 71 is made relatively more stretchable than in the low stretch region 71, forming a medium stretch region (moderate stretch region) 72 that is more stretchable than the low stretch region 71 but less stretchable than a high stretch region 73 described below. The medium stretch region 72 is also formed partially on the back of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, i.e., in areas near the crotch side and on the left and right sides of the buttocks and in areas corresponding to the concave portions when worn.

[0090] In addition, in the area corresponding to the buttocks and waist when worn on the back of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, and in the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appears convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side), is transferred to either the adjacent left or right stitch, and the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 is transferred to either the right or left stitch opposite the previous transfer, and this is repeated alternately for each course, so that a transfer stitch (coarse stitch) is formed in the middle of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appears convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side) for each course (see Figures 13(b) and 14(b)). This makes the elastic yarn 52 woven into the ground yarn 51 more stretchable than in the medium stretch region 72, resulting in a highly stretchable region 73 that is more stretchable than the medium stretch region 72.

[0091] In other words, in this embodiment, the lower side of the center of the front knitted fabric in the torso knitted fabric portion 30, which corresponds to the area that covers the crotch and lower abdominal side of the human body when worn, is a low-elasticity area 71 in which the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appear convex on the outer side (front surface side) and concave on the inner side (back surface side), are made into a relatively fine stitch without being transferred, thereby reducing the stretch of the elastic yarn 52 that is knitted into the ground yarn 51.

[0092] In addition, around the low stretch region 71 of the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric portion 30, at the lower side on the left and right end sides and upper side of the center, and at the lower side, upper side and left and right sides of the center of the back knitted fabric, at every predetermined course, the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 that appears convex on the outer side (front side) and concave on the inner side (back side) is transferred to either the adjacent left or right stitch to form a transferred stitch (coarse stitch), making the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 relatively more stretchable than in the low stretch region 71, resulting in a medium stretch region 72 that is more stretchy than the low stretch region 71 but less stretchy than the high stretch region 73.

[0093] Furthermore, in the central and upper end sides of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric sections 10R, 10L and the back knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric section 30, for each course, the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) that make up the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appears convex on the outer side (front surface side) and concave on the inner side (back surface side), is transferred to either the adjacent left or right stitch to form a transferred stitch (coarse stitch), making the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 more stretchable than in the medium stretch region 72, resulting in a high stretch region 73 that is more stretchable than the medium stretch region 72.

[0094] In this way, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, in the area covering the crotch and lower abdomen of the lower center of the front knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 when worn, the three surface stitches that form the outer convex portion 31 that appears convex on the outer surface are not all transferred and are relatively fine knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52, and the stretch of the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 is restricted, resulting in a low stretch region 71. On the other hand, in areas other than the area covering the crotch and lower abdomen of the human body when the front knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 is worn, the middle stitch of the third surface stitch of the rib knit that forms the outer convex portion 31 consisting of three surface stitches that appears convex on the outer surface is transferred (overlapped) to the adjacent left or right stitch, resulting in coarse knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52 and the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 being more stretchable, resulting in a medium stretch region 72 or a high stretch region 73.

[0095] In other words, in the torso knitted fabric portion 30, in areas other than the area that covers the crotch and lower abdominal side of the body when worn, the stitches are transferred, making the elastic yarn 52 more likely to stretch, whereas in the area that covers the crotch and lower abdominal side of the body when worn, the stitches are not transferred, so the stretch of the elastic yarn 52 is suppressed.

[0096] Thus, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 corresponds to the region covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen side of the human body when worn, and the middle stitch of the three stitches (front stitches) constituting the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, which appear convex on the outer surface (front side) and concave on the inner surface (back side), is made relatively fine without being transferred to the adjacent left or right stitch, thereby suppressing the elongation of the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 and forming a low-stretch region 71 with a lower elongation rate than the rest. Therefore, the region covering the lower abdomen and crotch side of the human body has a lower elongation rate than the rest, resulting in a higher elongation stiffness, which enhances the muscle pumping action and massage action and makes it easier to guide lymph flow from the crotch to the lower abdomen.

[0097] On the other hand, in the regions of the torso knitted fabric portion 30 other than those covering the crotch and lower abdomen of the human body, the middle stitch of three stitches (face stitches) constituting the outer convex portion 31 that appears convex on the outer surface (front side) every predetermined course or every course is transferred to either the left or right adjacent stitch to form a transfer stitch (coarse stitch), thereby forming a medium stretch region 72 and a high stretch region 73 in which the elastic yarn 52 knitted into the ground yarn 51 is more stretchable than in the low stretch region 71. Therefore, by making the elastic yarn 52 more stretchable in regions other than those covering the crotch and lower abdomen when worn, the garment is easy to put on and take off, does not feel tight when worn, and further prevents slipping down, sagging, and wrinkling. In other words, the stretch is relatively good on the thigh, buttocks, flank, and waist sides of the human body, making it less likely to feel tight or constricted even when sitting or moving. Therefore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment can promote lymphatic flow in the crotch and lower abdomen of the human body while providing comfort when worn.

[0098] That is, when the torso knitted fabric portion 30 is worn, the region covering the crotch and lower abdominal side of the body is the low-elasticity region 71, while the other regions are the medium-elasticity region 72 and the high-elasticity region 73, which have higher elasticity. The elasticity of the medium-elasticity region 72 and the high-elasticity region 73 ensures ease of wear, ease of movement, and a comfortable fit without a feeling of tightness, while the low-elasticity region 71 has increased elasticity to enhance the muscle pumping action and massaging effect. This ensures a comfortable fit without a feeling of tightness, while promoting lymphatic flow from the crotch side upward. In this way, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, with its varying elasticity and elasticity, achieves both a comfortable fit and the lymphatic flow-promoting effect achieved by the muscle pumping action and massaging effect.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the low-elasticity region 71 is surrounded by a medium-elasticity region 72, which has a higher elongation rate than the low-elasticity region 71, and the medium-elasticity region 72 is adjacent to the high-elasticity region 73. This gradual change in elasticity reduces the load on the ground yarns 51 caused by the difference in elasticity rate, making the garment less likely to wear out. Therefore, even after repeated washing, the garment is less likely to lose its shape or stretch, and is more durable.

[0100] In Figures 1 to 7, the low-elasticity region 71 of the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 appears as a shape that gradually widens left and right from the width of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 side (crotch width) upward toward the center in the longitudinal direction by gradually increasing the number of outer convex portions 31 that do not undergo transfer when knitting the body side knitted fabric 30 in the wale direction from the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L side in the width direction from the center side in the width direction toward the center side in the upper part, and then appears as a shape that gradually narrows left and right from the center side in the longitudinal direction upward by gradually decreasing the number of outer convex portions 31 that do not undergo transfer when knitting in the wale direction from the center side in the width direction toward the center side in the upper part. That is, in Figures 1 to 7, the low-elasticity region 71, which is the area that covers the crotch and lower abdomen of the human body when worn, is formed in the front knit of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 so that it is wide from the bottom of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 towards the center in the longitudinal direction, and narrow from the center in the longitudinal direction towards the top, and is formed over a length from the bottom of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 to approximately 3 / 4 of the length of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, and over a width from the width of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 to approximately 3 / 5 of the width of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30.

[0101] This low-elasticity region 71 covers the area from the crotch side to the lower abdomen of the wearer, and for example, the knitting width (crotch width) of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is preferably in the range of 5 to 10 cm, more preferably 6 to 10 cm, so that the minimum width is, for example, about 5 to 10 cm, the maximum width is, for example, about 22 to 27 cm, and the length from the lower end of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 upward is, for example, about 10 to 25 cm. The vertical length of the low stretch region 71, which is the region covering the crotch region and lower abdomen side of the human body, is preferably 1 / 3 to 4 / 5, and more preferably about 1 / 3 to 3 / 4, of the number of courses in the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric 30. The horizontal width of the low stretch region 71, in the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric 30, is preferably equal to or greater than the number of wales (knitting width) of the crotch side knitted fabric 20 and equal to or less than the maximum number of wales (knitting width) of the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric 30, and more preferably equal to or greater than the number of wales of the crotch side knitted fabric 20 and equal to or less than 4 / 5 of the maximum number of wales of the front knitted fabric of the body side knitted fabric 30.

[0102] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, in the low-elasticity region 71 that covers the crotch and lower abdominal side of the human body when worn, the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 that forms the inner recess 42 / outer protrusion 31 and the interwoven elastic yarn 52 are tightly knitted without forming transfer stitches. On the other hand, in the medium-elasticity region 72 formed around the low-elasticity region 71, the formation of transfer stitches results in an increase in coarser knit stitches in that area than in the low-elasticity region 71, and furthermore, in the high-elasticity region 73 adjacent to the medium-elasticity region 72, the proportion of transfer stitches is higher than in the medium-elasticity region 72, resulting in an increase in coarser knit stitches than in the medium-elasticity region 72. In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the knitted fabric on both the front and back sides of the left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L is a high-elasticity region 73, and the front knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 has a large proportion of low-elasticity regions 71 and medium-elasticity regions 72 in its length direction, while the back knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 has a large proportion of high-elasticity regions 73 in its length direction.

[0103] Therefore, the front knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric section 30 is occupied by low-elasticity regions 71 and medium-elasticity regions 72 in its lengthwise direction, while the back knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric section 30 is occupied by high-elasticity regions 73 in its lengthwise direction, so that the front knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric section 30 is shorter in length than the back knitted fabric. That is, in the torso side knitted fabric section 30 of this embodiment, the front side covering the abdomen of the human body is shorter in length because it shrinks more than the back side covering the buttocks of the human body. As a result, when worn, the buttocks side of the human body does not feel tight, while the front side covering the abdomen of the human body prevents the knitted fabric from floating, making it easier to fit the abdomen side of the human body and to apply pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch side. This makes it possible to achieve both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch side.

[0104] Incidentally, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, knitting is started from the bottom of the pair of left and right tubular leg side knitted fabric parts 10R, 10L, and when the pair of left and right tubular leg side knitted fabric parts 10R, 10L have been knitted to a predetermined length, stitches are gradually decreased (decreased) at the inner parts (inner thigh sides) of the right leg side knitted fabric part 10R and the left leg side knitted fabric part 10L that face each other, and then the knit fabric of the body side knitted fabric part 30 is knitted between the right leg side knitted fabric part 10R and the left leg side knitted fabric part 10R.

[0105] That is, in this embodiment, in the process of knitting the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 continuously from a pair of left and right tubular leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, decrease stitches (decreases) are made on the inner thigh side, and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted continuously on the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 side by sequential decrease stitches from each leg side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L to the body side knitted fabric portion 30.

[0106] This allows for more room in the knitted fabric area on the thigh side, so that when worn, the knitted fabric is less likely to lift or wrinkle due to tension around the base of the inner thighs and crotch of the body, and the knitted fabric fits more easily to the three-dimensional curved shape of the area that bends from the crotch to the thighs of the body, i.e., the curved and bent inner crotch and thighs, making it easier to apply pressure to the crotch of the body, particularly the genitals where lymph flows from the legs, lower abdomen and buttocks, and the groin where lymph gathers. Moreover, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, at the front center of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, the outer recessed portion 41 / internal protrusion 32 extending in the wale direction extend in a substantially straight line from the crotch side toward the upper side of the lower abdomen when worn, and at the back center of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, the outer recessed portion 41 / internal protrusion 32 extending in the wale direction extend in a substantially straight line from the anus side toward the pubic region when worn, while on both sides of the left and right side of the front center of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, the outer recessed portion 41 / internal protrusion 32 extend upward from the inside of the left and right thighs (inner thigh side), allowing them to follow the flow of lymph from the feet and buttocks toward the groin region, making it easier to guide the flow of lymph from the legs and buttocks toward the groin region, and from the crotch side toward the lower abdomen. That is, the lymph is guided from the leg and buttocks to the lymph nodes in the groin, and then further to the left and right pelvic areas, inducing a flow toward the lymph return port under the collarbone. This makes it easier to guide lymph flow from the groin side of the human body toward the lower abdomen side, enabling effective lymph flow promotion and preventing or reducing lymph accumulation and lymphedema (swelling) that can occur due to lymph accumulation.

[0107] In addition, when the number of wales of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 and the number of wales of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are connected to the knitting of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 by adding together without reducing the number of wales, the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the front and rear knitted fabrics of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are overlapped, and the inner end portions of the upper parts of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L do not protrude inward beyond the end portions on both the left and right sides of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20. In contrast, when the number of wales in the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L is reduced and connected to the knitting of the body side knitted fabric portion 30, the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the front and rear knitted fabrics of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are overlapped to form an approximately three-dimensional shape, with the inner ends of the upper parts of the leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L protruding inward beyond the ends on both the left and right sides of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 (see Figures 9(b) and 12(b)).

[0108] When knitting the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, the ground yarn 51 etc. is also fed to the knitting needles in the middle on the needle beds which were at rest while the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L were being knitted. That is, in addition to the knitting needles on the left and right end sides on the front and back needle beds which were used to knit the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the knitting yarn etc. is also fed circumferentially to the knitting needles in the middle on the front and back needle beds which were at rest while the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L were being knitted, so that the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted continuously. When knitting the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, for example, at the beginning of knitting with the knitting needles in the middle on the front and back needle beds that had been at rest until now, ground yarn 51 is knitted, and elastic yarn 52 is knitted thereto. Furthermore, the rear needle bed is racked to one of the left and right, the stitches on the knitting needles of the rear needle bed are overlapped with the stitches on the knitting needles of the front needle bed, and the rear needle bed is returned to its original position, and then the rear needle bed is racked to the other of the left and right, and the stitches on the knitting needles of the rear needle bed are overlapped with the stitches on the knitting needles of the front needle bed, and then the stitches are transferred. Then, the rear needle bed is returned to its original position. The stitch transfer on the front needle bed is performed in the same manner. In this way, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is knitted, in which the front knitted fabric and the back knitted fabric are connected between a pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 20L, 20. Next, the ground yarn is fed circularly to the knitting needles on the left and right end sides of the front and back needle beds used to knit the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and to the knitting needles in the middle on the front and back needle beds used to start knitting the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and by alternately knitting rib knitting courses with the ground yarn 51 and knitting courses with the elastic yarn 52, the body side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted continuously from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20.

[0109] The crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 in this embodiment is made of jersey knitting, and is formed only with knit stitches and knitwear when viewed from the front side (outer side) of the knitted fabric, and is formed only with purl stitches and knitwear when viewed from the back side (inner side) of the knitted fabric, making it a non-convex / concave region that does not form alternating concave / convex patterns in the course direction like rib knitting. In other words, in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, no uneven portions are formed by ribbing, and the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 in the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are interrupted, forming discontinuous areas where the unevenness is not continuous. In particular, in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 of this embodiment, the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 are knitted, and when viewed from the front side (outer side) of the knitted fabric, only knit stitches and knitwear are formed, and when viewed from the back side (inner side) of the knitted fabric, only purl stitches and purl knitwear are formed.

[0110] Thus, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted using rib knitting (uneven knitting) to form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in a circular direction and extend continuously in the wale direction, while the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 is knitted using jersey knitting and is a non-uneven region that does not have convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42, i.e., a discontinuous region where the concave portions and convex portions are not continuous with each other. That is, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that extend continuously in the wale direction, while the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 that connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and is applied to the crotch (genital) side of the human body does not form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42, so that the concave portions and convex portions are discontinuous regions that are not continuous with each other.

[0111] As a result, even when the lower limbs of the human body move while wearing the garment, the change in shape can be absorbed by the discontinuous areas in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 where the uneven portions are not continuous; in other words, the presence of the discontinuous areas where the uneven portions are not continuous makes it less likely for the knitted fabric to become taut, pulled, or rubbed, and allows the knitted fabric around the discontinuous areas, i.e., the knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 and the pair of leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L to move in the width direction, making it easier for the inner convex portion 32 to fit and adhere closely to the crotch side of the human body even when the lower limbs of the human body move. Therefore, the knitted fabric is unlikely to cause tension, tightness or chafing even in the delicate crotch area (genitals), and is therefore unlikely to cause discomfort or a foreign body sensation. Furthermore, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 of the front and back knitted fabrics of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 guide the flow of lymph in the front and back areas around the crotch (genitals) to discontinuous areas, enabling the lymph around the crotch (genitals) to flow toward the left and right inguinal regions. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymph flow in the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals), and effectively prevent and reduce lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and genitals.

[0112] In particular, the discontinuous region of the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 is jersey knitted, and the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form it, making it easy to stretch and less likely to become taut or cramping even when the lower limbs move, making it easier for the knitted fabrics around the discontinuous region, i.e., the knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 and the knitted fabrics of the pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, to fit and adhere closely to the crotch side of the body. Therefore, because tautness and cramping are less likely to occur in the delicate parts of the crotch (genitals), discomfort or a foreign body sensation is less likely to occur, and this also makes it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0113] In this embodiment, the ratio of the number of wales x corresponding to the maximum knitting width of each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L to the number of wales y corresponding to the knitting width (crotch width) of the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 is preferably 2:8≦x:y≦4:6, more preferably 2.5:7.5≦x:y≦3.5:5.5. This also provides a margin in the knitted fabric area on the thigh side, making it less likely for the knitted fabric to lift or wrinkle due to cramping around the base of the inner thighs and crotch when worn. This also makes it easier for the knitted fabric to fit the three-dimensional curved shape of the bending portion from the crotch to the thighs, i.e., the curved and bent inner crotch and thighs, making it easier to apply pressure to the crotch and groin sides of the body where lymphatics gather. It also makes it easier to apply pressure to lymphatics flowing from the legs and from the lower abdomen and buttocks to the crotch (genitals). This makes it easier to guide the flow of lymph from the groin area toward the lower abdomen, thereby enabling effective promotion of lymph flow.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted with a gradually decreasing number of wales from approximately the middle portion in the longitudinal direction toward the upper side (toward the upper opening 31). This allows the fabric to fit easily to the waistline of the human body, prevents the knitted fabric from lifting or slipping off, and makes it easier to apply appropriate pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch area. This can enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow.

[0115] That is, in this embodiment, the stitches are narrowed upward on the front and back sides of the body side knitted fabric portion 30. As a result, the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 on both the left and right sides of the front and back sides of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are inclined slightly inward toward the top from approximately the middle portion in the length direction upward. In addition, the extension of some of the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 ends midway toward the upper opening 31 side.

[0116] In this embodiment, a seamless flat knitting machine that knits stitches continuously in the horizontal direction (circumferential direction) is used to integrally knit together a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch knitted fabric portion 20 that connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and a large-diameter tubular body side knitted fabric portion 30 that continues in the wale direction from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch knitted fabric portion 20, thereby manufacturing the pants-type elastic garment 1.

[0117] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is integrally knitted on a seamless flat knitting machine: a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L that cover the thigh sides of the legs of the body when worn; a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 that connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and covers the crotch side of the body when worn; and a large-diameter tubular body side knitted fabric portion 30 that covers from the crotch side to the abdomen and buttocks side of the body. Therefore, since there are no sewn parts that are hard and do not stretch, the knitted fabric feels good against the skin when worn and is comfortable to wear. Also, since there are no sewn parts, it is possible to prevent the knitted fabric from stretching thinly and being tight when worn, which can cause parts of the knitted fabric to lift up from the skin. In particular, compared to circular knitting, flat knitting allows for the creation of a thick, stiff knit fabric using thicker knitting yarn, which forms a stiff wall against the skin when worn. Therefore, when muscles contract and expand with body movement, the stiff wall of the knit fabric presses against the lymphatic vessels, making it easier for accumulated lymph to flow.

[0118] Furthermore, the types of ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52 are not switched between the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric sections 10R, 10L, the crotch knitted fabric section 20, and the torso side knitted fabric section 30, and furthermore, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric sections 10R, 10L and the torso side knitted fabric section 30 are knitted continuously without switching the rib knitting structure to another knitting structure, so there is no risk of the knitting fabric digging into the skin at the switching parts, and no obstruction of lymphatic flow due to this digging in.

[0119] Preferably, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 use ground yarns 51 that are 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier, so that the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 become thick, stiff knitted fabrics that are preferably in the range of 2.0mm to 10.0mm, more preferably 2.0mm to 8.0mm, and even more preferably 2.5mm to 5.0mm, and can have low stretch and increased stretch stiffness, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping action and massage action and further promoting lymphatic flow.

[0120] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is not knitted in the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 of the outer recessed portion 41 / inner recessed portion 32, which are formed by ribbing as uneven knitting and appear convex on the inner surface and concave on the outer surface, so that the floating yarn of the elastic yarn 52 due to the miss is exposed in the recessed portion on the outer surface (outer recessed portion 41) but the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed in the convex portion on the inner surface (inner convex portion 32), thereby eliminating contact (contact with the skin) of the elastic yarn 52 and ensuring appropriate stretch in the lateral direction, while at the same time, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted in the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 of the outer recessed portion 31 / inner recessed portion 42, which are formed by ribbing as uneven knitting and appear convex on the outer surface and concave on the inner surface, thereby suppressing stretch in the lateral and planar directions of the knitted fabric and increasing stretch hardness. This allows for both moderate lateral elasticity and stretch hardness, making it easy to put on and take off, comfortable to wear, and promoting lymphatic flow through muscle pumping and massaging effects.

[0121] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted with rib knitting, which is an uneven knitting method that forms convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in the annular direction and extend in the wale direction. Therefore, the convex portions extending in the wale direction are arranged alternately in the annular direction, and the concave portions 41, 42 exist between adjacent convex portions 31, 32. This allows the concave portions 41, 42 between the convex portions 31, 32 to absorb changes in shape and movement in response to the shape and movement of the body when worn, and responds by changing the spacing between the convex portions 31, 32. As a result, the inner convex portions 32 always apply pressure in close contact with the body, making it easier to apply pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch region (genitals). The alternating arrangement of the convex portions 31, 32 and the concave portions 41, 42 in the annular direction also produces varying levels of pressure when worn, which can produce a massage effect and further promote lymphatic flow. In particular, because the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction, they are less likely to obstruct the flow of lymph along the lymphatic vessels in the lower abdominal and crotch areas of the body when worn; rather, they are more likely to generate a pulling force in the vertical direction from the crotch side toward the upper abdomen when worn, which makes it easier for lymph to flow from the groin side toward the lymph return port located under the collarbone of the human body.

[0122] Furthermore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment stretches moderately due to the lateral elasticity of the rib knitting and the elasticity of the elastic yarns 52, allowing the inner convex portions 32 to fit snugly against the skin, adapting to the shape and movement of the body. The wide surface area of ​​the inner convex portions 32 allows for easy contact with the skin even during body movement. In particular, the uneven knitting is rib knitting, which allows the spacing between adjacent inner convex portions 32 to vary easily, allowing the inner convex portions 32 to constantly apply pressure to body parts even during body movement. Furthermore, the weft knitting allows for the formation of a stiff, thick knitted fabric, which is thin and resistant to stretching and tension. This prevents the knitted fabric from wrinkling or lifting from the skin due to tension, even during body movement, ensuring that the inner convex portions 32 always fit snugly against the skin. Therefore, the inner convex portions 32 always fit snugly against the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals), allowing for stable application of pressure, thereby enhancing the lymphatic flow promotion effect. Furthermore, the rib knitting provides stretchability in the horizontal direction, and the elastic yarn 52 provides stretchability in the horizontal and circumferential directions, making it easy to put on and take off.

[0123] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment forms a stiff, thick knitted fabric by flat knitting, and while the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the ground yarn 51, in the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30, the elastic yarn 52 is interwoven with the loops of the ground yarn 51 using knit and miss knitting, ensuring lateral stretch at the miss knit portions of the elastic yarn 52 but suppressing lateral and planar stretch at the knit portions. This allows for moderate lateral stretch to make putting on and taking off easy, while suppressing planar stretch to increase stretch hardness, thereby promoting lymph flow by enhancing muscle pumping and massage effects. Therefore, lymph flow is promoted without applying high compression forces that cause a tight or restrictive feeling, and lymph flow can be promoted by enhancing muscle pumping and massage effects with a comfortable compression force. Furthermore, the comfortable fit allows for continuous wearing over long periods of time, which has the effect of preventing, reducing, suppressing the worsening of, and inhibiting the progression of lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and groin (genitals).

[0124] Furthermore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is weft-knitted, which allows for the formation of a thick, stiff knitted fabric, making it less likely to wrinkle, even in areas where the body bends when worn. Furthermore, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 are knitted using rib knitting as uneven knitting and extend in the wale direction, creating tension in the direction of the concave portions extending in the wale direction when worn, making it less likely to wrinkle. This prevents wrinkles from digging into the skin and impeding lymph flow. Rather, because the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend in the wale direction, the inner convex portions 32 that apply pressure to the crotch region and lower abdomen when worn align with the flow direction of the lymphatic vessels, thereby guiding lymph flow in the direction of lymph flow and promoting lymph flow without impeding it.

[0125] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted continuously on the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each leg side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L to the body side knitted fabric portion 30. This allows for a wide area for each leg side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L near the base of the inner thighs when worn, preventing the knitted fabric from floating even in the three-dimensional curved shape from the thighs to the crotch, and making it easier for the inner convex portions 32 of the knitted fabric to press down from the thighs to the crotch, where the inguinal lymph nodes are located. Furthermore, when worn, at the front center of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30, the outer recessed portion 41 / internal protruding portion 32 extending in the wale direction extend in an approximately straight line from the crotch side toward the upper side of the lower abdomen, while on both the left and right sides of the center, the outer recessed portion 41 / internal protruding portion 32 extend upward from the inside of the left and right thighs (inner thigh side), allowing them to follow the flow of lymph toward the inguinal region, making it easier to induce lymph flow from the leg side and crotch side toward the groin region, and also lymph flow from the groin side toward the lymph return port located below the collarbone, and since lymph flow can be induced two-dimensionally, it becomes possible to improve the effectiveness of preventing and reducing lymphedema in the groin region.

[0126] Therefore, simply by wearing the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals), thereby eliminating the need to wear separate pads and preventing skin inflammation caused by stuffiness caused by wearing pads. In particular, the weft knitting creates a stiff, thick knit fabric, and the uneven rib knitting reduces wrinkles and prevents the knit fabric from digging into the skin. Furthermore, partial transfer stitches are made at the points where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted (knitted) into the ground yarn 51 to form coarse stitches, improving breathability. The use of cotton for the ground yarn 51 also reduces stuffiness. Additionally, the elastic yarn 52 is not placed in the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 of the outer recess 41 / inner protrusion 32, which appear convex on the inner surface and concave on the outer surface, formed by the uneven rib knitting. This causes the floating elastic yarn 52 to be exposed in the outer recess (outer recess 41) and not in the inner protrusion (inner protrusion 32), eliminating contact with the skin (skin contact) by the elastic yarn 52. This reduces skin inflammation, damage, etc. In other words, it has a high preventative and protective effect against pain, skin damage, skin tears, and skin tears.

[0127] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is integrally knitted on a seamless flat knitting machine from a large-diameter tubular torso side knitted fabric portion 30 that covers the crotch side of the human body and the area around the abdomen and buttocks, a pair of small-diameter tubular leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L that branch off from the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 and cover the thigh sides of the legs of the human body, and a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 that connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and covers the crotch side of the human body. Therefore, the lack of sewn parts provides a comfortable feel against the skin, prevents lifting due to tension in the knitted fabric around the crotch and inner thighs, where the body bends when worn, and makes it easier to fit the knitted fabric to the body, making it easier to apply pressure to areas where edema needs to be suppressed, such as the lower abdomen and crotch. In particular, flat knitting using a seamless flat knitting machine allows for the formation of a stiff, thick knitted fabric, which makes it less likely for the knitted fabric to wrinkle, preventing wrinkles from digging into the delicate crotch and inner thighs, and improving comfort. Therefore, it is easier to apply appropriate pressure to the crotch and inner thighs, which have curves and bends. Furthermore, flat knitting using a seamless flat knitting machine allows for the formation of a stiff, thick knitted fabric, which forms a hard wall of the knitted fabric against the skin of the human body, facilitating muscle pumping and massaging effects and promoting lymphatic flow.

[0128] Therefore, it is possible to promote lymph flow with a moderate compression pressure without increasing the compression pressure, and it feels good against the skin.In addition, not increasing the compression pressure makes it comfortable to wear, and the comfortable fit allows it to be worn continuously for long periods of time, which has the effect of preventing, alleviating, suppressing the worsening, and inhibiting the progression of lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and groin (genitals).In particular, lymphedema in the genitals (including the pubic area) causes great physical and mental pain, so preventing and alleviating lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the genitals can greatly alleviate the pain of patients.

[0129] In addition, the fabric is less likely to lose its shape even after repeated washing. Furthermore, by using cotton for the ground yarn 51, stuffiness can be prevented, the feel and sensation on the skin are improved, and the fabric is highly effective in preventing and protecting against pain, skin damage, skin tears, and skin tears.

[0130] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted using rib knitting as uneven knitting, and unevenness (protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42) is formed alternately all around the circumference of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30. In other words, the unevenness is formed in the shape of alternating continuous ridges in the circumferential direction of the tube, and each unevenness extends continuously in the vertical direction (the length direction of the human body), i.e., in the wale direction. In other words, the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 have a plurality of unevenness (protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42) that extend in the wale direction and are alternately arranged in parallel all around the circumference.

[0131] Thus, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted with rib knitting, which is an uneven knitting method that forms convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in a circular direction and extend in the wale direction. Therefore, the convex portions 31, 32 and the concave portions 41, 42 are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction (circumferential direction) on both the outer and inner peripheral surfaces, and the presence of concave portions (grooves) 41, 42 between the convex portions 31, 32 allows the concave portions 41, 42 between the convex portions 31, 32 to absorb shape changes in accordance with the shape of the body when worn, and this can be accommodated by changing the spacing between the convex portions 31, 32, making it less likely for wrinkles to dig in and thereby obstruct lymph flow, and since the inner convex portions 32 are always in close contact with the body and apply pressure (hold down), it is easier for pressure to be applied to the lower abdomen and crotch area (genitals). Furthermore, the alternating arrangement of the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 creates varying degrees of compression pressure, which produces a massage effect and improves lymphatic flow. In particular, because the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 extend continuously in the wale direction, they align with the lymphatic flow direction from the crotch side upward (toward the collarbone), so they do not impede lymphatic flow. Rather, when worn, they tend to generate a vertical pulling force from the crotch side toward the upper abdomen, facilitating lymphatic flow from the crotch side toward the lymphatic return port located below the collarbone. Furthermore, the ribbed knitting allows for high elasticity in the horizontal and circumferential directions, making it easy to put on and take off.

[0132] Furthermore, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, which connects the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and is applied to the crotch (genital) side of the human body, does not form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42, but rather forms discontinuous areas where the concave and convex portions are each interrupted.As a result, even when the human lower limbs move while wearing the garment, the change in shape can be absorbed by the discontinuous areas in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 where the convex and concave portions are not continuous, making it less likely for the knitted fabric to become tight, pull, or rub, and making it easier for the knitted fabric around the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, especially the inner convex portion 32, to fit to the crotch side of the human body.

[0133] Therefore, the knitted fabric is less likely to cause tension, tightness, or chafing even in the delicate crotch area (genitals), and is less likely to cause discomfort or a foreign body sensation. Furthermore, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 of the front and back knitted fabrics of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 guide the flow of lymph in the front and back areas around the crotch (genitals) to discontinuous areas, enabling the lymph around the crotch (genitals) to flow toward the left and right inguinal regions. This increases the effect of promoting lymph flow in the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals) of the human body, and makes it possible to effectively prevent and reduce lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and genitals.

[0134] In particular, in the discontinuous region of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 where there are no jersey-knitted uneven portions, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form it, making it easy to stretch, and even when the lower limbs move, the knitted fabric is less likely to become taut, cramp, or chafed, making it easier for the knitted fabric around the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, especially the inner convex portion 32, to fit the crotch side of the human body. Therefore, even in the delicate part of the crotch region (genitals), tautness and cramping are less likely to occur, making it less likely to cause discomfort or a foreign body sensation, and also making it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch region (genitals).

[0135] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10, crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are made by interweaving ground yarn 51 and elastic yarn 52, and the elastic yarn 52 is alternately knitted and missed in the course direction relative to the ground yarn 51, thereby achieving both appropriate stretchability and appropriate stiffness of the knitted fabric. This makes the garment easy to put on and take off, provides appropriate compression without causing a tight feeling, and increases the stretch stiffness of the knitted fabric to enhance muscle pumping and massaging effects, thereby enhancing the lymphatic flow promotion effect.

[0136] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portions 31 and the inner concave portions 42, which appear convex on the outer surface of the rib knit as uneven knitting and concave on the inner surface, to form knit stitches of the elastic yarn 52, while the elastic yarn 52 is not knitted into the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the inner convex portions 32 and the outer concave portions 41, which appear concave on the outer surface and convex on the inner surface, to form floating threads of the elastic yarn 52 on the outer concave portions 41 side. Therefore, when the garment is worn with the inner side facing the body, the floating threads of the elastic yarn 52 are exposed on the outer surface, but the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed on the inner side of the inner convex portions 32. As a result, even when the inner convex portions 32 press against the skin, the elastic yarn 52 does not come into contact with the skin. This makes it less likely for skin inflammation caused by the elastic yarn 52 to occur, even in the delicate crotch area, and prevents irritation to the skin due to the material, stretchability, friction, etc. of the elastic yarn 52.

[0137] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, in the stitches that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, in which the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51, by changing the knitting method by providing areas where the stitches are transferred and areas where the stitches are not transferred for each course or at predetermined intervals, the stretch rate of the knitted fabric is partially changed, and the elongation hardness is also changed.

[0138] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the torso knitted fabric portion 30 has a low-elasticity region 71 in which the region covering the lower abdomen and crotch region of the human body when worn has a lower elongation rate than the other regions, thereby increasing the elongation hardness in the region covering the lower abdomen and crotch region when worn, thereby enabling an enhanced muscle pumping effect and massaging effect, while allowing the regions other than the crotch and lower abdomen to be more stretchy, making it easy to put on and take off and comfortable to wear without feeling tight when worn. This makes it possible to achieve both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch region.

[0139] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the low-elasticity region 71 is surrounded by a medium-elasticity region 72 with a higher elongation rate than the low-elasticity region 71, and the high-elasticity region 73 with a higher elongation rate than the medium-elasticity region 72 is adjacent to the medium-elasticity region 72. This gradual change in elasticity reduces the load on the ground yarns 51 caused by the difference in elongation rate, making the garment less likely to wear out. Therefore, the garment is less likely to lose its shape or stretch even after repeated washing, and is more durable.

[0140] Additionally, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L are highly elastic regions 73 with a high proportion of transition stitches where the stitch density is low, and the front knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 is largely composed of low-elastic regions 71 with no transition stitches where the stitch density is low and medium-elastic regions 72 with transition stitches where the stitch density is low but at a lower proportion than the high-elastic regions 73, while the back knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 is largely composed of high-elastic regions 73 with a high proportion of transition stitches where the stitch density is low, so that the front knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 is shorter in length than the back knitted fabric. This prevents tightness around the buttocks of the wearer when worn, while preventing the knitted fabric from floating on the front side that covers the abdomen, making it easier to fit the abdomen side and apply pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch side. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and groin area.

[0141] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted continuously on the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L to the body-side knitted fabric portion 30, and since the area of ​​each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L is wide, the knitted fabric does not float around the base of the inner thighs of the human body when worn, i.e., even when the knitted fabric is worn along the three-dimensional curve from the thighs to the crotch, and is therefore easy to press down from the thighs to the crotch, where the inguinal lymph nodes are located. This can further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals).

[0142] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment easily applies pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals) of the human body, and furthermore, by increasing the elongation hardness, it is possible to enhance the muscle pumping action and massaging action, thereby promoting lymph flow in the lower abdomen and crotch of the human body without the need for a separate pad. That is, the effort of attaching a separate pad is eliminated, and simply by wearing the pants-type elastic garment 1, the knitted fabric adheres closely to the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals) of the human body and applies pressure without the need for a separate pad, and the thick and stiff knitted fabric enhances the muscle pumping action and massaging action, promoting lymph flow.

[0143] The pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment prevents the knitted fabric from sticking or lifting against the lower abdomen and crotch (genital) side of the human body, making it easier to fit the knitted fabric and apply pressure through the multiple inner convex portions 32. Furthermore, even without increasing the compression pressure, the elongation stiffness is increased, enhancing the muscle pumping action and massaging action, thereby promoting lymph flow. Not increasing the compression pressure makes it possible to wear it comfortably, and the good fit and comfortable feel allow it to be worn continuously for long periods of time, thereby achieving the effects of preventing, alleviating, suppressing the worsening, and inhibiting the progression of lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and crotch (genital) side of the human body. For example, it is expected to be effective in treating and preventing localized lymphatic (hyperplasia, lymph node dissection, lymphangitis, etc.) edema in the lower abdomen, groin (genitals), etc., and venous (varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, sequelae of venous thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, etc.) edema in the lower abdomen, etc. Furthermore, it is expected to be effective in treating and preventing localized edema in the lower abdomen, groin (genitals), etc., caused by inflammatory (various inflammations, etc.), allergic (due to drugs, plants, insect bites, etc.), vasculoneurotic (Quincke's edema, etc.), disuse (prolonged bedriddenness, paralysis, etc.), trauma, general surgery sequelae, etc.

[0144] The pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is a compression garment that is stretchable as a whole and is used in a compression method to compress a part of the human body, and is sometimes treated as a medical device for treating lymphedema. The compression force can be set arbitrarily (for example, within a range of 3 to 70 mmHg) by setting the number of stitches of the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52, the elasticity of the elastic yarn 52, the way the elastic yarn 52 is woven into the ground yarn 51, the diameter of the loops of the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52, etc., and the desired compression pressure can be easily designed by changing the number of stitches, etc.

[0145] In particular, applying high pressure to delicate areas such as the crotch area can result in, for example, skin damage, skin lacerations, and skin tears, and if the pressure is too high, it can actually hinder the promotion of lymphatic circulation. However, with the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the knitted fabric is made thick and stiff to enhance the muscle pumping action and massage action, thereby achieving the lymphatic flow promotion effect without increasing the compression pressure. In addition, because the knitted fabric is thick and stiff, it does not dig into the skin, so there is little risk of skin damage, skin lacerations, and skin tears, and the lymphatic flow promotion effect can be achieved with a comfortable fit.

[0146] The pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is made of stretchable knitted fabric knitted integrally by a seamless flat knitting machine. Specifically, the pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and body-side knitted fabric portion 30, all knitted integrally by a seamless flat knitting machine, are stretchable due to their knitted nature. The elasticity (stretchability) provided by the use of elastic yarn 52 and the stretch provided by the ribbing make the garment easy to put on and take off. The pants-type elastic garment 1 is put on by simply resisting the elasticity in the diametrical direction perpendicular to the length (vertical direction) of the pants-type elastic garment 1. Therefore, even non-experts can easily put on and take off the garment by applying pressure in the diametrical or longitudinal directions. The garment is easy to put on and take off, is easy to handle, and requires no excessive force when putting on or taking off, resulting in good durability. Even elderly people and women with weaker strength can easily put on and take off the pants-type elastic garment 1 by applying a weak force in the diametrical or longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when worn, the garment fits the wearer's body shape and provides an appropriate amount of pressure.

[0147] In particular, even though the area covering the crotch to lower abdomen of the human body is made low-elasticity area 71 to increase the stretch hardness, the surrounding area is made highly stretchable, so that it does not require much force to put on, making it easy for elderly people and women with weak strength to put on. Furthermore, after putting on, the area covering the crotch to lower abdomen of the human body has a muscle pumping effect and a massaging effect due to the high stretch hardness caused by the low stretch of low-elasticity area 71, making it possible to promote lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch of the human body.

[0148] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted with a ground yarn 51 and an elastic yarn 52 interwoven in each course. In the inner convex portion 32 / outer concave portion 41 formed by rib knitting, the elastic yarn 52 is not knitted relative to the loops of the ground yarn 51, ensuring stretchability in the lateral (radial) direction. Meanwhile, in the inner concave portion 42 / outer convex portion 31, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted relative to the loops of the ground yarn 51, reducing stretchability in the longitudinal and planar directions compared to the lateral direction. This makes the garment easy to put on and take off, and after wearing, it has a moderate elongation hardness, providing a muscle-pumping effect and a massaging effect. Furthermore, the garment is resistant to slippage and movement even when the wearer moves, ensuring a comfortable fit that is less likely to shift position due to the wearer's movements.

[0149] Furthermore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment has no seams, resulting in a comfortable fit. Specifically, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is constructed by first knitting a pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L into a seamless tubular shape using a seamless knitting flat knitting machine, knitting them to a predetermined length in the wale direction, continuously knitting a crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 between the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L in the course direction using a seamless knitting flat knitting machine, and then knitting a predetermined length of the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 from the leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 in the wale direction using a seamless knitting flat knitting machine into a seamless tubular shape. The absence of seams reduces stress on the skin caused by seams and makes the garment less likely to lose its shape due to washing. Furthermore, the absence of seams reduces stress on the seams caused by stretching, and the absence of sewn seams distributes tension, resulting in good durability. Furthermore, the seamless construction also makes it easy to manage the entire knitting yarn end.

[0150] Furthermore, since the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is flat knitted, thicker yarn can be used to make the stitches coarser than in circular knitting, thereby improving breathability. Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, when knitted with a seamless flat knitting machine, transfer stitches are formed by transferring (overlapping) loops of the ground yarn 51 or elastic yarn 52 to adjacent needles at predetermined locations, which forms large holes (open stitches) in the stitches when the knitted fabric stretches, improving breathability. In other words, the presence of transfer stitches formed by transferring loops of the ground yarn 51 or elastic yarn 52 improves breathability. Preferably, the ground threads 51 are made of thick cotton threads that are wrinkle-resistant, which makes the garment less likely to get stuffy and more comfortable to wear.

[0151] That is, with garments knitted on conventional circular knitting machines, the stitches are fine and prone to wrinkling, resulting in poor breathability where the stitch density is high, and nylon knitted fabrics are particularly prone to allergic reactions to the skin, but with the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the stitches can be coarse and thick and stiff using thick yarn in weft knitting, improving breathability and preventing wrinkles from forming and the obstruction of lymphatic flow due to wrinkles digging in. Preferably, the ground yarn 51 is made of cotton, which has good moisture absorption and is less likely to cause stuffiness, resulting in a more comfortable fit. Therefore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment can achieve both the lymph flow promoting effect and breathability.

[0152] In particular, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is formed by flat knitting, and the ground yarn 51 is 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier. The thickness of the knitted fabric of the pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 is preferably 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm, more preferably 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and even more preferably 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm. Furthermore, elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the ground yarn 51. Therefore, compared with circular knitting, the garment is thicker and harder, making it less stretchable and having a high stretch hardness. However, even though the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the ground yarn 51, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, and the elastic yarn 52 misses the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32, so that the miss parts of the elastic yarn 52 have relatively high elasticity and the knit parts of the elastic yarn 52 have relatively low elasticity, thereby ensuring ease of putting on and taking off while increasing the elongation hardness.

[0153] When the pants-type elastic garment 1 is worn, the circumference (muscle volume, hardness, etc.) and volume of the area where it is worn change depending on the wearer's movements, such as walking, exercise, and changes in position between sitting, standing, and lying down. However, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is knitted thicker and harder than flat knitting, and the knitted portion of the elastic yarn 52 has reduced elongation of the elastic yarn 52, thereby increasing its elongation hardness (the strength of the knitted fabric to resist stretching). High elongation hardness results in a large increase in compression pressure when stretched, and the garment is relatively weak in its ability to follow changes in the circumference (muscle volume) of the area where it is worn and does not stretch sufficiently in response to changes. As a result, when the circumference is large (when the muscle is contracted), the compression pressure increases significantly, and when the circumference is small (when the muscle is relaxed), the compression pressure decreases, resulting in changes in compression pressure. Therefore, the difference between the rising and falling compression pressure (the difference between contraction and relaxation pressure) creates a milking effect on lymph, making it possible to enhance the muscle pumping and massage effects. In other words, when the elongation hardness is high, the increase in compression pressure becomes greater when the muscle volume (circumference, dimension) increases during muscle contraction (muscle swelling), but when the muscle volume decreases during muscle relaxation, the knitted fabric does not follow, causing the compression pressure to decrease. This increases the difference in compression pressure between muscle contraction and relaxation, and the repeated rise and fall in compression pressure due to the movement of the human body makes it possible to enhance the muscle pumping and massage effects. This can promote lymph flow. Furthermore, because of its high elongation hardness, the compression pressure decreases when lying down (when the muscles are relaxed), so it does not cause a tight feeling due to strong compression pressure even when sleeping at night, making it comfortable to wear and safe to use.In other words, it can be used safely as it does not cause strong compression pressure even when the muscles are relaxed.

[0154] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the portion of the front knit fabric of the torso knit fabric portion 30 that covers the lower abdomen and crotch side when worn is designated as a low-elasticity region 71, while the remaining portions are designated as medium-elasticity regions 72 and high-elasticity regions 73. This relatively increases the stretch hardness of the lower abdomen and crotch side when worn, thereby relatively enhancing the muscle pumping action and massaging action, and also prevents wrinkling and reduces digging into the skin, while the stretch hardness of the remaining portions is relatively lower, ensuring appropriate stretchability and improving comfort, preventing slipping down and making it easy to put on and take off.

[0155] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment provides a comfortable feeling of compression without excessively increasing compression pressure, and increases the stretch stiffness to enhance the muscle pumping and massaging effects, thereby promoting lymph flow and improving the lymphedema alleviation effect. That is, compression prevents lymph from leaking or stagnating from capillaries, and pressure is applied in the direction that promotes lymph flow, guiding lymph to lymph nodes. Furthermore, increasing the stretch stiffness enhances the muscle pumping and massaging effects, thereby promoting lymph flow.

[0156] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portions 31 and the inner concave portions 42 by rib knitting, and the elastic yarn 52 is missed into the stitches of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer concave portions 41 and the inner convex portions 32, thereby interknitting the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52. The missed portions of the elastic yarn 52 improve the stretch in the radial direction of the tube, while the knitted portions of the elastic yarn 52 suppress stretch in the longitudinal direction and the planar direction perpendicular to the radial direction, thereby increasing the stretch rigidity and enhancing the effect of promoting lymph flow through muscle pumping action and massage action, while ensuring stretchability that makes it easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, even if the elastic yarn 52 breaks, the impact of a decrease in tension is minimal.

[0157] In the pant-type elastic garment 1 of the present embodiment, the Young's modulus (E) in the lateral direction is set to E > E0 as compared with the Young's modulus (E0) in the longitudinal direction perpendicular thereto. If the Young's modulus (E) in the lateral direction and the Young's modulus (E0) in the longitudinal direction are the same, both elongations will be the same. Also, if E < E0, it is easy to be pulled in the direction of attachment to the human body, but difficult to be pulled in the direction of expansion of the diameter of the tubular shape for inserting the legs or the like of the human body. Conversely, when E > E0, it is easy to be pulled in the direction of expansion of the diameter of the tubular shape for inserting the legs or the like of the human body, the pull becomes elongation and changes, and the resistance when inserting the body is small and it is easy to handle. Therefore, it is preferable that the Young's modulus (E0) in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the Young's modulus (E) in the lateral direction. Thereby, when wearing or removing the pant-type elastic garment is small, it becomes easy to be pulled in the direction of moving in the length direction while being worn on the human body, and arbitrary movement becomes possible with the pressing force in the direction of attachment to the human body. That is, when an external force is applied to the pant-type elastic garment 1 to wear or remove it, even if the elastic deformation in the direction of attachment to the human body is small and the elongation in the direction of trying to move is small, arbitrary movement becomes possible with the pressing force in the direction of attachment to the human body. Since the resistance at the time of insertion is determined by the Young's modulus (E) in the lateral direction, it is easy for even an inexperienced person to wear. In addition, after wearing, it becomes difficult to shift and difficult to extend in the longitudinal direction and the plane direction, so the elongation hardness can be increased.

[0158] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted with the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portions 31 and inner concave portions 42, which appear convex on the outer surface of the uneven rib knitting and concave on the inner surface, and is knitted with the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form the inner convex portions 32 and outer concave portions 41, which appear concave on the inner surface of the uneven rib knitting and convex on the outer surface, so that on the outer surface of the outer concave portions 41, floating yarns due to floating yarns of the elastic yarn 52 appear to be overlapping with the knitted loops of the ground yarn 51, and the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed at the inner convex portions 32 on the opposite surface. Therefore, when the garment is worn with the inner side in contact with the skin, floating yarns due to floating yarns of the elastic yarn 52 are exposed at the outer surface, and the elastic yarn 52 is not exposed at the inner surface of the inner convex portions 32 that come into contact with the skin, thereby preventing the elastic yarn 52 from coming into contact with the skin. Furthermore, if the elastic thread 52 is thinner than the ground thread 51, the elastic thread 52 will be less exposed even in the inner recess 42. This reduces irritation to the wearer caused by the material, stretch, friction, etc. of the elastic thread 52. In other words, it is possible to make the garment more comfortable to wear. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a cotton material for the ground thread 51, which improves water absorption, feel on the skin, and texture, and prevents stuffiness.

[0159] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the region covering the crotch to lower abdomen of the human body is made into a lower-elasticity region 71 than other regions, and the higher elongation stiffness in this region enhances the effects of the muscle pumping action and massage action from the crotch to lower abdomen of the human body, thereby promoting lymphatic flow.

[0160] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 has vertically extending unevenness (protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42), while the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 does not have the protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42, and instead forms discontinuous regions where the recesses and protrusions are interrupted. As a result, even when the lower limbs of the human body move while wearing the garment, the change in shape can be absorbed by the discontinuous areas in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 where the uneven portions are not continuous.In other words, the presence of the discontinuous areas where the uneven portions are not continuous makes it less likely that the knitted fabric will become taut, pulled, or rubbed, and allows for widthwise movement of the knitted fabric around the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, which is the discontinuous area, i.e., the knitted fabric of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 and the knitted fabric of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, making it easier for the inner convex portion 32 to fit and adhere closely to the crotch side of the human body even when the lower limbs of the human body move. Therefore, even in the delicate area of ​​the crotch (genitals), there is little tension or cramping, and therefore no discomfort or foreign body sensation is likely to occur.

[0161] Furthermore, the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 of the front and back knitted fabrics of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 guide the flow of lymph in the front and back areas around the crotch (genitals) to the non-convex and concave region 61, making it easier to guide lymph fluid around the crotch (genitals) toward the left and right groin areas and promoting it to flow into normal lymph nodes. This increases the effect of promoting lymph flow in the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals) of the human body, making it possible to effectively prevent and reduce lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen and genitals. Furthermore, in the front knitted fabric of the torso knitted fabric portion 30, the region that covers from the lower abdomen side to the crotch side (the pubic area and pubic region side) when worn is made into the low-elasticity region 71, and the low-elasticity region 71 covers from the crotch side to the left and right groin sides and the pelvis side, which also makes it easier to guide lymph fluid from the crotch side to the left and right groin sides and the pelvis side. Therefore, lymph flow can be effectively promoted even in patients with severe deformation in the lower abdomen or crotch due to lymphedema, etc.

[0162] Furthermore, the discontinuous region of the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 is jersey knitted, and the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form it, making it easy to stretch, which also makes the knitted fabric less likely to become taut, cramp, or chafed, and makes it easier for the knitted fabrics around the discontinuous region, i.e., the knitted fabric of the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 and the knitted fabrics of the pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, to fit and adhere closely to the crotch side of the body. Therefore, tautness and cramping are less likely to occur in the delicate parts of the crotch (genitals), making it less likely to cause discomfort or a foreign body sensation, and also makes it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). As a result, even when the lower limbs of the human body move while wearing the garment, the change in shape can be absorbed by the discontinuous region where the uneven portions in the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 are not continuous, making it easier for the knitted fabric to adhere closely to the crotch side of the human body.

[0163] At this time, even in the low-elasticity region 71 of the body side knitted fabric portion 30, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 that appear convex on the front side of the rib knitting as uneven knitting and concave on the back side, and the stitches that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 are made up of knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52, while the elastic yarn 52 is missed from the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form the inner convex portions 32 / outer concave portions 41 that appear concave on the back side of the rib knitting as uneven knitting and convex on the front side, and the knitting of the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 and the missing of the elastic yarn 52 from the knit stitches of the ground yarn 51 are repeated in the course direction, achieving both appropriate stretch stiffness and stretchability, increasing stretch stiffness without causing a feeling of tightness, and enabling the promotion of lymph flow through muscle pump action and massage action. Therefore, it is possible to improve the effect of promoting lymph flow from the crotch region to the lower abdomen of the human body while ensuring a comfortable fit.

[0164] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the low stretch region 71 is surrounded by a medium stretch region 72 which has a higher stretch rate than the low stretch region 71, and further, a high stretch region 73 which has a higher stretch rate than the medium stretch region 72 is adjacent to the medium stretch region 72. As a result of this gradual change in stretch, the load on the ground yarns 51 and elastic yarns 52 caused by the difference in stretch rate is reduced, and the knitted fabric is less likely to sag.

[0165] In particular, in the medium stretch region 72 and the high stretch region 73, by forming transition stitches at the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42, the stretchability of the elastic yarn 52 is more easily exerted, making it less likely to feel tight, and also improving breathability. In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment, the ease of stretch of the elastic yarn 52 is changed by changing the knitting method in this way, and the stretchability is not changed by switching between many yarns, which reduces costs and improves productivity.

[0166] Furthermore, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment is flat-knitted, and the shape can be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of stitches, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design. By varying the number of wales in the longitudinal direction in response to changes in the cross-section of the human body at the wearing site, it is possible to accommodate differences in the dimensions and shape of the cross-section relative to the length of the human body. By changing (increasing or decreasing) the number of stitches in response to changes in the cross-section of the human body, the degree of freedom in expressing the dimensions and shape is high, the circumference can be freely adjusted, and it is easy to design an optimal diameter corresponding to the dimensions and shape of the cross-section of the human body.

[0167] Thus, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of this embodiment is knitted using a seamless flat knitting machine without any integral sewn portions, and has concave and convex portions (convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42) that are alternately arranged in the annular direction and extend in the wale direction. This facilitates the knitted fabric's adhesion to the lower abdomen and crotch (genital) region, facilitating the application of pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch (genital) region. This induces lymph flow from capillaries to lymphatic vessels, guiding lymph from the anal, thigh, and genital areas of the buttocks to the groin region, and then further guiding lymph toward the pelvic region, thereby assisting lymph flow to normally functioning lymph nodes. Furthermore, by forming the knitted fabric thick and stiff, the elongation stiffness is increased, enhancing the muscle pumping action and massaging effect, thereby promoting lymphatic flow. This results in a comfortable, sustained wear without excessive compression pressure, and prolonged wear can prevent and alleviate lymphedema.

[0168] As explained above, the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment comprises a pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, a crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and a large-diameter tubular body side knitted fabric portion 30 continuing from the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted together on a seamless flat knitting machine.

[0169] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of small-diameter tubular left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 connecting the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, and the large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion 30 continuing from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 are knitted together using a seamless flat knitting machine, so there are no sewn parts (seamed locations) and it feels good against the skin. Furthermore, because there are no sewn parts that would cause the knitted fabric to tense, the knitted fabric can be held in close contact with the body, making it easier to apply pressure to the crotch region and surrounding bends and kinks. Furthermore, in weft knitting, in which the stitches are knitted continuously in the horizontal direction, thicker yarn can be used compared to circular knitting to form a thick, stiff knitted fabric, so wrinkles and cuts in the knitted fabric are less likely to dig into the crotch area of ​​the body or the surrounding bends and curves, and partial obstruction of lymphatic flow due to digging into the skin is less likely to occur, making the garment more comfortable to wear. In other words, because there are no sewn parts, the knitted fabric is less likely to lift up due to tension when worn, and it is easier to apply appropriate pressure to areas of the body that are bent or folded, such as the crotch (genitals) and lower abdomen (including the groin).In addition, because it is knitted flat, thicker yarn can be used to form a thick, stiff knitted fabric, which increases its stretch and stiffness.When worn, the knitted fabric overlaps the skin, creating a wall that allows for muscle pumping and massaging effects to occur as the body moves. Therefore, it can be worn comfortably and can facilitate the flow of lymph in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and groin (genitals) of the human body. In particular, the seamless construction makes it comfortable against the skin, and weft knitting allows for the use of thick yarns to form a thick and stiff (highly stretchable) knitted fabric, which promotes lymph flow through the muscle pumping and massaging effects of body movement without the need for high compression pressure. This reduces discomfort when worn and allows for comfortable compression, making it possible to wear the garment for long periods of time, thereby preventing, alleviating, suppressing the worsening of, and preventing the progression of lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and genitals (crotch).

[0170] Furthermore, with the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, simply wearing it can promote lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and genitals (crotch area) of the human body without the need to go through the trouble of attaching a separate pad, and since it is a knitted fabric knitted integrally using a seamless flat knitting machine and is stretchable, it can be easily put on and taken off.

[0171] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are formed of ground yarns 51 preferably of 1000 to 3000 denier, more preferably 1200 to 3000 denier, and even more preferably 1500 to 3000 denier. This stiffens the knitted fabric and increases its elongation stiffness, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping action and massage action caused by body movement. This also reduces the likelihood of wrinkles forming in the knitted fabric, preventing lymphatic flow obstruction due to partial wrinkles and improving comfort. This results in a more comfortable fit and enhances the lymphatic flow promotion effect in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0172] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 preferably have thicknesses within the range of 2 mm to 15 mm, more preferably within the range of 2.5 mm to 14 mm, and even more preferably within the range of 2.5 mm to 13 mm. This stiffens the knitted fabric and increases its elongation stiffness, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping action and massaging effect caused by body movement. Furthermore, the knitted fabric is less likely to wrinkle, preventing lymphatic flow obstruction due to partial wrinkles digging in, and improving comfort. This results in a more comfortable fit and a more effective promotion of lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals). The above thicknesses are the thicknesses of the fabrics knitted with the ground yarn 51 used to knit the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30.

[0173] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted with rib knitting, which forms convex and concave portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are alternately arranged in the annular direction and continuously extend in the wale direction. Therefore, convex and concave portions are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction on both the outer and inner circumferential surfaces. The presence of inner concave portions (grooves) 42 between the inner convex portions 32 allows the inner concave portions 42 between the inner convex portions 32 to accommodate changes in shape in response to the shape of the body when worn. This allows for changes in the spacing between the inner convex portions 32, making it less likely for wrinkles to dig in and thereby impede lymph flow. Furthermore, the inner convex portions 32 are constantly in close contact with the body, applying pressure (holding down), thereby more easily applying pressure to the lower abdomen and crotch (genitals). Furthermore, the alternating arrangement of the convex portions 31, 32 and the concave portions 41, 42 creates varying levels of pressure, providing a massage effect and improving lymph flow. In particular, the recesses (grooves) 41, 42 extending continuously in the wale direction between the protrusions 31, 32 are aligned with the direction of lymph flow from the crotch side of the human body upward (towards the collarbone), so the lymph flow is not obstructed, and rather, when worn, a pulling force in the vertical direction from the crotch side to the upward direction is more likely to be generated, making it easier for lymph to flow.

[0174] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the uneven knitting is rib knitting, which makes it easy to change the spacing between the convex portions (inner convex portions 32), and the convex portions on the inner side (inner convex portions 32) can always apply pressure to body parts even when the body moves, making it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow.In addition, the rib knitting allows for high elasticity in the lateral and circumferential directions, making it easier to put on and take off.

[0175] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are continuously knitted on the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L to the body-side knitted fabric portion 30, so that when worn, the area of ​​each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L is wide near the base of the inner thighs of the human body. This prevents the knitted fabric from floating up against the three-dimensional curved shape from the thighs to the crotch, making it easier to hold down the area from the thighs to the crotch. This further enhances the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0176] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the ratio of the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 to the leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L is preferably 2:8≦number of wales in the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20:maximum number of wales in each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L≦4:6, and more preferably 2.5:7.5≦number of wales in the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20:maximum number of wales in each leg-side knitted fabric portion 10R, 10L≦3.5:5.5. This also prevents the knitted fabric from lifting up against the three-dimensional curved shape from the thighs to the crotch of the human body, making it easier to hold down the area from the thighs to the crotch. In other words, lifting due to tension or other factors around the crotch area is less likely to occur, and the inner convex portions 32 of the knitted fabric can be tightly fitted to the crotch area and its surrounding bends and inflections. This further enhances the lymphatic flow promotion effect in the crotch area. The number of wales refers to the number of stitches (stitches connected vertically) in a certain horizontal section.

[0177] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted (interwoven) with the elastic yarn 52 into the loops of the ground yarn 51 by knitting and miss knitting. This limits stretching in the knitted portions of the ground yarn 51, while allowing stretch in the miss knitted portions to be easily stretched but preventing the elastic yarn 52 from being exposed on the inner surface. This achieves both comfortable compression and prevention of skin damage caused by the elastic yarn 52. The increased stretchability provided by the use of the elastic yarn 52 makes it easier to put on and take off, improves fit to the body, and enables stable pressure to be applied when worn. It is also possible to partially change the stretchability and elongation hardness by changing the knitting method of the elastic yarn 52 with respect to the loops of the ground yarn 51.

[0178] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted with the loops of the ground yarn 51, which is the ground yarn forming the stitches of the outer convex portion 31 and the inner convex portion 42, which appear concave on the inner surface of the unevenly knitted rib and convex on the outer surface, while the loops of the ground yarn 51 forming the stitches of the outer convex portion 41 and the inner convex portion 32, which appear convex on the inner surface and concave on the outer surface, are knitted with the elastic yarn 52. This limits stretch in the areas where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted with the loops of the ground yarn 51, while allowing for easy stretch in the areas where the loops of the ground yarn 51 are knitted with the elastic yarn 52. However, by not exposing the elastic yarn 52 to the inner convex portion 32, the elastic yarn 52 does not come into contact with the skin, making it less likely to cause skin damage due to the elastic yarn 52. This reduces irritation to the wearer due to the material, stretch, friction, etc. of the elastic yarn 52, and makes it less likely for the elastic yarn 52 to cause skin inflammation even when worn for long periods of time. This allows for a comfortable fit. Furthermore, by combining appropriate stretchability and elongation hardness, it is possible to achieve both a comfortable wearing feel and the effect of promoting and improving lymphatic flow through muscle pumping action and massaging action.

[0179] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 are knitted with uneven knitting to form convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in the course direction and extend continuously in the wale direction, and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20 is a discontinuous region where the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that are arranged alternately in the course direction are not continuous. Therefore, even when the lower legs move, the shape change can be absorbed by the discontinuous region where the uneven portions are not continuous, making it less likely that the knitted fabric will be stretched, pulled, or rubbed. This makes it easier for the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 around the discontinuous region and the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, particularly the inner convex portion 32, to fit snugly against the crotch side of the body. This makes it less likely that an uncomfortable or foreign body sensation will occur in the delicate area of ​​the crotch (genitals). Furthermore, the front and rear convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 of the torso side knitted fabric portion 30 can guide the flow of lymph around the front and rear of the crotch (pubic area) to non-regions and guide it toward the left and right groin areas. This further enhances the effect of promoting lymph flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and groin (genitals), effectively preventing and reducing lymphedema (lymphorrhea, cellulitis) in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and groin (genitals).

[0180] In particular, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion 20, because the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form it, is easy to stretch when the lower leg moves, and can better absorb shape changes even when the lower leg moves, making it less likely for the knitted fabric to become taut, cramp, or chafed, and making it easier for the body-side knitted fabric portion 30 around the discontinuous region and the knitted fabrics of the pair of leg-side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L, especially the inner convex portion 32, to fit better to the crotch side of the human body, thereby making it possible to further enhance the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0181] In the above embodiment, the discontinuous areas of the crotch side knitted fabric portion 20 where the uneven portions are not continuous are constructed with jersey knitting, but when implementing the present invention, the knitting method is not limited to jersey knitting as long as the uneven portions are not made continuous, and it may also be a knitting method in which jersey knitting and rib knitting are formed alternately in multiple rows (multiple balls) in the wale direction.

[0182] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the front side of the torso knitted fabric portion 30 has a low-elasticity region 71 in which the region covering the crotch to lower abdomen when worn has a lower elongation rate than the rest, thereby increasing the elongation stiffness in the region covering the lower abdomen and crotch, thereby enhancing the muscle pumping effect and massaging effect, while allowing the regions other than the crotch and lower abdomen to be more stretchy, making it easier to put on and take off, not too tight when worn, and preventing slipping down, sagging, and wrinkling. This allows for both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen (including the groin) and crotch (genitals).

[0183] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the low-stretch region 71 has a low elongation rate achieved by reducing the proportion of transfer stitches in the portion where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted relative to the loops of the ground yarn 51 compared to other portions. Since the elongation rate is not changed by changing the ground yarn 51 or the elastic yarn 52, the stitches tend to be stable, productivity is good, and costs can be kept down.

[0184] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the low-elasticity region 71 is surrounded by a medium-elasticity region 72 having a higher elongation rate than the low-elasticity region 71, and the medium-elasticity region 73 having a higher elongation rate than the medium-elasticity region 72 is adjacent to the medium-elasticity region 72. As a result, the gradual change in elasticity reduces the load on the ground yarns 51 and elastic yarns 52 caused by the difference in elongation rate, and the garment is less likely to wear out.

[0185] However, when implementing the present invention, the knitting pattern may be kept constant and the elasticity of the knitted fabric may not be changed, or the elasticity of the knitted fabric may be changed by changing the type of ground yarn 51 or elastic yarn 52, or the elasticity of the knitted fabric may be changed by changing the knitting method other than stitch transfer.

[0186] In the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the torso knitted fabric portion 30 is shorter in length at the front than at the back. This prevents the knitted fabric from lifting or wrinkling at the front, which covers the abdomen when worn, and makes it easier to apply pressure to the abdomen and crotch area, while not causing tightness at the buttocks side, thereby achieving both comfort when worn and the effect of promoting lymphatic flow in the lower abdomen and crotch area.

[0187] In particular, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the length of the torso knitted fabric portion 30 is made shorter at the front than at the back by reducing the proportion of transfer stitches in the area where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted relative to the loops of the ground yarn 51 compared to other areas, and the length is not changed by changing the type of ground yarn 51 or elastic yarn 52, which makes it easier to stabilize the knitting, improves productivity, and reduces costs. Furthermore, according to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the formation of the transition seams increases breathability and prevents the garment from becoming stuffy when worn.

[0188] When implementing the present invention, the knitting patterns on the front and back sides of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 may be constant and the length of the knitted fabric may not be different between the front and back, or the length of the knitted fabric may be different between the front and back by changing the ground yarn 51 or elastic yarn 52, or the length of the knitted fabric may be different between the front and back by changing the knitting method other than stitch transfer.

[0189] Furthermore, in the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the torso-side knitted fabric portion 30 is knitted with a gradually decreasing number of wales from the center of its length toward the upper side. As the width narrows toward the upper side, it conforms to the waistline of the human body, prevents slipping down, and makes it easier to apply pressure to the lower abdominal and crotch areas of the human body. In the above embodiment, the stitches are narrowed upward at corresponding positions on the front and back of the body side knitted fabric portion 30. As a result, the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 on both the left and right sides of the front and back of the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are inclined slightly inward upward from approximately the middle portion in the length direction above, and the extension of some of the convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 ends partway upward. However, when implementing the present invention, narrowing may be performed on the side line sides (left and right side sides) of the front knitted fabric and the back knitted fabric. Furthermore, when implementing the present invention, the body side knitted fabric portion 30 may have a constant number of wales toward the top without decreasing, or the circumference may be changed by changing the knitting method or knitting yarn.

[0190] According to the pants-type elastic garment 1 of the above embodiment, the unevenness formed by the rib knitting as uneven knitting of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 is the linear convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42 that extend in the wale direction, i.e., the vertical direction perpendicular to the knitting width. In other words, the body side knitted fabric portion 30 and the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L of the above embodiment have unevenness (convex portions 31, 32 and concave portions 41, 42) that are alternately arranged in parallel over the entire circumferential direction and extend in the direction perpendicular to the knitting width, forming a ridge-like pattern in which the unevenness is alternately continuous around the periphery of the tube. Each unevenness (protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42) is linear and extends in a direction perpendicular to the knitting width direction, and the end of each unevenness is located at the end of the upper opening 31 on the opening side of the body side knitted fabric part 30, the end of the lower openings 11R, 11L on the leg side knitted fabric parts 10R, 10L, the closed crotch side knitted fabric part 20 side, or the above-mentioned reduced stitch portion. Therefore, when worn, the protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42 are aligned with the direction of lymph flow and are unlikely to obstruct lymph flow, which makes it easy to promote lymph flow from the thighs and crotch (pubic area) of the human body towards the lymph return port under the collarbone.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the rib knitting configuration of the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 was described as 3x3 (3 knit stitches on the wale side and 3 purl stitches on the wale side alternately repeated), but when implementing the present invention, the stitch period of the knit stitches and purl stitches is not particularly limited. For example, the number of knit stitches and purl stitches may be the same, i.e., the number of stitches forming the outer convex portion 31 / inner concave portion 42 may be the same as the number of stitches forming the outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32, and the rib knitting may be 1 (knit) x 1 (purl), 2 (knit) x 2 (purl), 4 (knit) x 4 (purl), 5 (knit) x 5 (purl), 6 (knit) x 6 (purl), 7 (knit) x 7 (purl), 8 (knit) x 8 (purl), etc. Alternatively, the number of knit stitches and purl stitches may be different, such as 2 (knit) x 3 (purl) or 2 (knit) x 4 (purl), or the number of knit stitches and purl stitches may be varied periodically or irregularly in the circumferential direction.

[0192] In the above embodiment, unevenness (protrusions 31, 32 and recesses 41, 42) is formed on both the front and back surfaces (outer and inner surfaces) using uneven rib knitting. However, when implementing the present invention, the uneven knitting is not limited to rib knitting, and unevenness may be formed by knitting, for example, pique knitting, waffle knitting, etc., as long as unevenness can be formed on at least one of the front and back surfaces.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 were knitted alternately every course in the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30, but when practicing the present invention, the knitting pattern of the ground yarn 51 and the elastic yarn 52 is not limited to this and, for example, may be every two courses, every three courses, etc., or may be irregularly inserted in the wale direction. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in order to reduce contact of the elastic yarn 52 with the wearer's skin, the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops that form the outer convex portions 31 / inner concave portions 42 of the rib knitting made of the ground yarn 51, but is knitted so as to miss the loops that form the inner convex portions 32 / outer concave portions 41, but when practicing the present invention, the knitting of the elastic yarn 52 into the ground yarn 51 that forms the rib knitting is not limited to this and, for example, the elastic yarn 52 may be entirely knitted or may be inlay knitted.

[0194] In other words, if the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions 10R, 10L and the body side knitted fabric portion 30 are made by knitting and miss knitting (interweaving) the elastic yarn 52 into the loops of the ground yarn 51 that form them, then the stretching can be restricted in the parts where the elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of the ground yarn 51, while the miss parts are more likely to stretch but the elastic yarn 52 can be prevented from appearing on the inner side, thereby achieving both comfortable compression and prevention of skin damage caused by the elastic yarn 52. Elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of ground yarn 51 that form the stitches of outer convex portion 31 / inner convex portion 42, which appear concave on the inner surface of the uneven rib knitting and convex on the outer surface, and is knitted with a miss on the loops of ground yarn 51 that form the stitches of outer concave portion 41 / inner convex portion 32, which appear convex on the inner surface and concave on the outer surface. This restricts stretching in the areas where elastic yarn 52 is knitted into the loops of ground yarn 51, while allowing easy stretching in the areas where the miss is made with respect to the loops of ground yarn 51. However, by not exposing the elastic yarn to the inner convex portion 32, the elastic yarn 52 does not come into contact with the skin, making it less likely to cause skin damage due to the elastic yarn 52. Therefore, the material, stretch, friction, etc. of the elastic yarn 52 are less likely to irritate the wearer, and the elastic yarn 52 is less likely to cause skin inflammation even when worn for long periods of time. This allows for a comfortable fit. Furthermore, by combining appropriate stretchability and elongation hardness, it is possible to achieve both a comfortable wearing feel and the effect of promoting and improving lymphatic flow through muscle pumping action and massaging action.

[0195] In the above embodiment, by knitting elastic yarn 52 into the base structure of the rib knitting formed by ground yarn 51, in addition to the elastic deformation caused by the rib knitting, the interweaving of elastic yarn 52 increases stretchability and tension, making it easier to put on and enabling the application of a stable compression force. However, when implementing the present invention, it is also possible to increase the compression force and stretchability by using a highly elastic yarn for the ground yarn 51.

[0196] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows an example of a girdle-type pants-type elastic garment, but when implementing the present invention, it may also be applied to stocking-type or pantyhose-type garments.

[0197] In the above embodiment, a Whole Garment (registered trademark) flat knitting machine is used for the explanation, but when implementing the present invention, it is not limited to this, and the seamless flat knitting machine may be computer-controlled, manual, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1. Pants-type compression garment 10R, 10L Leg side knitting part 20 Crotch side knitted fabric part 30 Body knitting part 31 Outer convex part 32 Inner convex part 41 Outer recess 42 Inner recess 51 Ground thread 52 Elastic thread 71 Low stretch area

Claims

1. A pair of left and right small-diameter cylindrical leg side knitted fabric portions; a crotch side knitted fabric portion connecting the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions; a large-diameter tubular body-side knitted fabric portion continuous from the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the crotch-side knitted fabric portion; Equipped with the pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions, the crotch side knitted fabric portion, and the body side knitted fabric portion are knitted integrally by a seamless flat knitting machine, The pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion are knitted with uneven knitting that forms convex and concave portions that are arranged alternately in a circular direction and extend continuously in a wale direction.

2. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right leg side knitted portions and the body side knitted portion are continuously knitted on the crotch side knitted portion side by sequentially decreasing stitches from each of the leg side knitted portions to the body side knitted portion.

3. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the body knitted fabric portion has a low-stretch region in which the region covering the crotch side and lower abdomen of the human body has a lower stretch rate than other regions.

4. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions and the body-side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting elastic yarn into loops of ground yarn that form the leg-side knitted fabric portions.

5. The pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting an elastic yarn into loops of ground yarn that form the same, The torso side knitted fabric portion has a low-stretch region in which the region covering the crotch side to the lower abdomen of the human body has a lower stretch rate than other regions, 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the low-stretch region has a low elongation rate due to a lower ratio of transfer stitches in the portion where the elastic yarn is knitted relative to the loops of the ground yarn than in the other portion.

6. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the body knitted fabric portion has a shorter length at the front side than at the back side.

7. The pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting an elastic yarn into loops of ground yarn that form the same, 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the body knitted fabric portion has a shorter length than the back side by reducing the proportion of transfer stitches in the portion where the elastic yarn is knitted relative to the ground yarn loops at the front side compared to the back side.

8. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of left and right leg-side knitted fabric portions, the crotch-side knitted fabric portion, and the body-side knitted fabric portion are formed using ground yarns of 1000 to 3000 denier.

9. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the uneven knitting is rib knitting.

10. The pair of left and right leg side knitted fabric portions and the body side knitted fabric portion are formed by knitting and miss knitting an elastic yarn into loops of ground yarn that form the same, 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic yarn is knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear concave on the inner surface of the uneven knitting and convex on the outer surface, and is miss-knitted into the ground yarn loops that appear convex on the inner surface of the uneven knitting and concave on the outer surface.

11. 2. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the crotch-side knitted fabric portion is a discontinuous region in which the convex portions and the concave portions are not continuous with each other.

12. 12. The pants-type elastic garment according to claim 11, wherein the crotch-side knitted fabric portion is formed by knitting elastic yarn into loops of ground yarn that form the crotch-side knitted fabric portion.

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