Waist support

Abstract

To provide a waist supporter capable of appropriately supporting the pelvis.SOLUTION: There is provided a waist supporter which is made of a cloth and is put on a human body, in which a sponge is disposed at a central portion of the waist supporter. The sponge is located at a position corresponding to the sacrum when the waist supporter is worn on the human body. On the outer side of the sponge in the lateral direction from the central portion toward a lateral end portion of the waist supporter, a bone made of a resin or a metal is disposed from the upper end portion to a lower end portion of the waist supporter. The bone is located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint when the waist supporter is worn on the human body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lumbar supporter. [Background technology]

[0002] Lumbar supporters that are wrapped around the waist of a human body to relieve or prevent lower back pain are already well known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3226796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional lumbar supports have low pelvic support capability, and wearers of such lumbar supports are prone to experiencing lower back pain, etc. Therefore, there has been a demand for lumbar supports with high pelvic support capability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its main object is to provide a lumbar supporter that can properly support the pelvis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention is a lumbar support made of cloth to be worn on a human body, in which a sponge is provided in the center of the lumbar support, and when the lumbar support is worn on a human body, the sponge is located at a position corresponding to the sacrum, and a resin or metal bone is provided on the outside of the sponge in the horizontal direction from the center to the horizontal ends of the lumbar support, spanning from the upper end to the lower end of the lumbar support, and the bone is located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint when the lumbar support is worn on a human body. On the outer side of the bone in the lateral direction, a first portion is provided which is located at a position that does not correspond to a muscle belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on a human body, and a second portion is provided which is located at a position that corresponds to the muscle belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on a human body and applies a tightening force that is smaller than that of the first portion, and a plurality of holes are provided in the second portion, and the number of holes at the lower end is greater than the number of holes at the upper end, and the holes are provided in the second portion so that the number of holes gradually increases from the upper end to the lower end.This is a waist supporter characterized by the following.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a lumbar supporter that can properly support the pelvis can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a schematic back view and a schematic top view showing a waist supporter 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view showing a waist supporter 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram corresponding to the lower diagram of FIG. 1 and is an explanatory diagram for explaining each area of ​​the waist supporter 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 and is an explanatory diagram for explaining each area of ​​the waist supporter 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state in which the waist supporter 1 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is worn on a human body, showing the rear side (dorsal side) of the human body. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state in which the waist supporter 1 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is worn on a human body, showing the front side (ventral side) of the human body. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a human pelvis 100. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the gluteus maximus muscle 110 of the human body. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a human hip joint 120, a femoral head 122, and a greater trochanter 130. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make at least the following clear. A cloth waist supporter to be worn on the human body, A sponge is provided in the center of the lower back support, and when the lower back support is worn on a human body, the sponge is located at a position corresponding to the sacrum, A lumbar support characterized in that a resin or metal bone is provided on the outside of the sponge in the horizontal direction from the center of the lumbar support to the lateral end thereof, from the upper end of the lumbar support to the lower end thereof, and the bone is located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint when the lumbar support is worn on a human body.

[0011] Such a lumbar supporter can provide proper support for the pelvis, particularly the sacrum and sacroiliac joint.

[0012] Such a waist supporter comprises: On the outer side of the bone in the lateral direction, a first portion located at a position corresponding to a portion other than the belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on a human body; It is desirable that a second portion be provided which is located at a position corresponding to the muscle belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on the human body and which applies a tightening force smaller than that of the first portion.

[0013] Such a waist supporter can provide proper support for the gluteus maximus muscle while not impeding smooth hip joint movement.

[0014] Such a waist supporter comprises: the bone is a first bone, It is desirable that a second bone be provided between the first part and the second part, extending from the upper end to the lower end, and that the first part and the second part be adjacent to each other with the second bone sandwiched therebetween.

[0015] Such a waist supporter can reinforce the tightening force of the first portion adjacent to the second bone.

[0016] Such a waist supporter comprises: a third bone, a fourth bone, and a third portion defined by the third bone and the fourth bone are provided on the outer side of the second portion in the lateral direction; the third bone is provided from the upper end to the lower end, and is located at the rear side of the human body when the waist supporter is worn on the human body; the fourth bone is provided from the upper end to the lower end and is located in front of the human body when the waist supporter is worn on the human body; It is desirable that the width of the third portion at the lower end be smaller than the width of the third portion at the upper end.

[0017] This type of waist support makes it possible to create a waist support that suppresses movement of the femoral head, reducing the risk of hip dislocation, while not restricting free movement in areas away from the hip joint.

[0018] Such a waist supporter comprises: The second portion is preferably provided with a plurality of holes, and the number of holes at the lower end is preferably greater than the number of holes at the upper end.

[0019] Such a lumbar supporter can realize a lumbar supporter that allows smoother movement of the hip joints.

[0020] Such a waist supporter comprises: The lumbar supporter is characterized in that the number of holes is gradually increased from the upper end to the lower end in the second portion.

[0021] Such a lumbar supporter can realize a lumbar supporter that allows smoother movement of the hip joints.

[0022] ===Regarding the Waist Supporter 1 According to the Present Embodiment=== A lumbar supporter 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a schematic back view and a schematic top view showing the lumbar supporter 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the lumbar supporter 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to the bottom view of FIG. 1 and is an explanatory view for explaining each region of the lumbar supporter 1. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 and is an explanatory view for explaining each region of the lumbar supporter 1. FIG. 5 is a view showing the lumbar supporter 1 of FIG. 3 worn on a human body, showing the rear side (dorsal side) of the human body. FIG. 6 is a view showing the lumbar supporter 1 of FIG. 3 worn on a human body, showing the front side (ventral side) of the human body. FIG. 7 is a view showing a pelvis 100 of a human body. FIG. 8 is a view showing a gluteus maximus muscle 110 of a human body. FIG. 9 is a view showing a hip joint 120, a femoral head 122, and a greater trochanter 130 of a human body.

[0023] The upper view (schematic top view) of Fig. 1 is a view of the lower view (schematic front view) of Fig. 1 when viewed from the direction of the white arrow in the lower view. Also, Figs. 1 to 4 are views showing the waist supporter 1 in an unfolded state, and Figs. 5 and 6 are views showing the waist supporter 1 in a worn state (attached state).

[0024] Lumbar support 1 is a cloth support that is wrapped around the waist of a human body to relieve or prevent lower back pain. Lumbar support 1 is made of multiple layers of cloth (three layers in this embodiment, but two, four, or more layers are also acceptable), and these multiple layers of cloth form support body 10 of lumbar support 1. That is, each piece of cloth is cut into a horizontally elongated shape (the same shape) as shown in FIG. 1 and sewn together with thread (not shown) while overlapping each other. More specifically, a reinforcing cloth (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as outer edge reinforcing cloth 12) is further provided (attached) around the outer edge of the overlapping multiple layers of cloth, folded back from the front side to the back side, and support body 10 (multilayer cloth) is sewn together with outer edge reinforcing cloth 12 located on the front and back sides of support body 10 with thread (not shown). Therefore, the lumbar support 1 can be divided into an outer edge region (region F) where the outer edge reinforcing cloth 12 is provided, and an inner region (regions A to E and regions W to Z described below) surrounded by the outer edge region (where the outer edge reinforcing cloth 12 is not provided) (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0025] The lower back support 1 is also provided with a plurality of (eight) bones 20. The bones 20 are thin, rectangular, long, flat plates made of metal or resin (in this embodiment, made of resin (polypropylene)). Because the bones 20 are made of a material that gives them a lower degree of stretch (elasticity) than cloth, the tightening force (in other words, pressure) applied to the human body by the bones 20 when the lower back support 1 is worn by the human body is greater (stronger) than the tightening force applied to the human body by the cloth. In other words, the bones 20 are provided in the lower back support 1 in order to apply a stronger tightening force to the human body than the cloth (parts where the bones 20 are not provided).

[0026] In this embodiment, the bones 20 include a pair of first bones 22 (left first bone and right first bone) symmetrical with respect to the center line CL, a pair of second bones 24 (left second bone and right second bone) located outside the first bones 22 in the horizontal direction from the central portion 3 of the waist support 1 toward the horizontal end portions 5 and symmetrical with respect to the center line CL, a pair of third bones 26 (left third bone and right third bone) located outside the second bones 24 in the horizontal direction and symmetrical with respect to the center line CL, and a pair of fourth bones 28 (left fourth bone and right fourth bone) located outside the third bones 26 in the horizontal direction and symmetrical with respect to the center line CL. The first bones 22, second bones 24, third bones 26, and fourth bones 28 are all provided from the upper end of the waist support 1 to the lower end of the waist support 1. It should be noted that the upper end (lower end) of the waist supporter 1 does not necessarily mean the uppermost end (lowest end) of the waist supporter 1; that is, the bones 20 do not necessarily need to reach the uppermost end (lowest end) of the waist supporter 1. In this embodiment, too, the bones 20 do not reach the uppermost end (lowest end), and more specifically, they do not reach the outer edge region (region F, outer edge reinforcing fabric 12). That is, the bones 20 are provided continuously from just below the outer edge region of the upper part of the waist supporter 1 to just above the outer edge region of the lower part of the waist supporter 1. However, the bones 20 may reach the outer edge region.

[0027] Here, the region where the first bone 22 is located is called region W, the region where the second bone 24 is located is called region X, the region where the third bone 26 is located is called region Y, and the region where the fourth bone 28 is located is called region Z (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The region of the internal region where no bone 20 exists is divided into nine regions by regions W to Z. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is divided into region A, which is divided by two regions W (and an outer edge region), two regions B, which are divided by region W and region X (and an outer edge region), two regions C, which are divided by region X and region Y (and an outer edge region), two regions D, which are divided by region Y and region Z (and an outer edge region), and two regions E, which are divided by region Z (and an outer edge region). With the exception of region E, each of the two internal regions (regions B to E, region W to Z) is symmetrical with respect to the center line CL. Each internal region will be described in more detail below.

[0028] <<<Regarding Area A and Area W>>> Region A is located in the central portion 3 of the lumbar support and is surrounded (divided) by the two first bones 22 and an outer edge region (region F). A sponge 30 (a polyurethane cushion) is provided in region A (this region is the only one of all regions A to F and W to Z that is provided with the sponge 30). The sponge 30 has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view so as to properly correspond to the sacrum 102, and is provided from the upper end to the lower end of region A. In other words, the width of the sponge 30 at the upper end is smaller than the width of the sponge 30 at the lower end. Furthermore, the length (thickness) in the thickness direction of the sponge 30 is greater than the length (thickness) in the thickness direction of the bones 20 (first bone 22 to fourth bone 28).

[0029] Furthermore, the sponge 30 is inserted into (between) the multi-layered fabric. That is, the sponge 30 is located between the outermost fabric and the innermost fabric in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the innermost fabric in region A is larger than the area of ​​the outermost fabric in region A. This causes the innermost fabric to sag more than the outermost fabric, so the sponge 30 protrudes toward the inner side in the thickness direction (see the upper diagram in Figure 1). In other words, the sponge 30 is located on the inner side in the thickness direction when viewed from the outer edge region (region F) adjacent to region A.

[0030] When the lumbar supporter 1 is worn on the human body (see FIG. 5), the sponge 30 is located at the rear of the human body and at a position corresponding to the sacrum 102 of the pelvis 100 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the position of the sponge 30 in the lumbar supporter 1 is set so as to correspond to the sacrum 102 when the lumbar supporter 1 is worn on the human body. Note that "located at a position corresponding to" the sacrum 102 means that the sacrum 102 is located behind the sponge 30 (inside the human body) when the lumbar supporter 1 is worn on the human body.

[0031] Region W (first bone 22) is adjacent to region A and region B, and is provided between region A and region B (in other words, region A and region B are adjacent to each other with the first bone 22 sandwiched between them). In other words, region W (first bone 22) is provided on the outer side of region A (sponge 30) in the lateral direction, and on the inner side of region B in the lateral direction.

[0032] The region W (first bone 22) is disposed obliquely at an angle relative to the center line CL in accordance with the direction of the legs of the trapezoidal shape of the sponge 30. That is, the region W (first bone 22) is disposed so that the direction of the first bone 22 is along the direction of the legs of the sponge 30, and that the region W (first bone 22) extends outward as it goes downward.

[0033] The first bone 22 is inserted within (between) the multi-layered fabric. That is, the first bone 22 is located between the topmost fabric and the bottommost fabric in the thickness direction. To prevent the first bone 22 from moving within the fabric, the fabric portions (supporter body 10) on both sides of the first bone 22 in the horizontal direction are sewn together with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) along the long sides of the first bone 22 (the thread serves to prevent the first bone 22 from moving). More specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14 and a bone back-side reinforcing fabric 16, which are slightly larger than the first bone 22 and aligned with the position of the first bone 22, are provided (attached) on the top side of the topmost fabric and the back side of the bottommost fabric, respectively. The supporter body 10 (multi-layered fabric) is sewn together with the bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14 and the bone back-side reinforcing fabric 16 with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0034] 1 and 2, for convenience, the long side of the first bone 22 and the thread are shown overlapping (with a common dotted line), but in reality there is a small gap between them. Also, because the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 and the bone back side reinforcing cloth 16 are set larger in size than the first bone 22, the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 and the bone back side reinforcing cloth 16 slightly protrude from area W into the adjacent areas A and B.

[0035] When the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body (see FIG. 5), the first bone 22 is located at the rear of the human body and at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint 104 (see FIG. 7) of the pelvis 100. In other words, the position of the first bone 22 in the waist supporter 1 is set so as to correspond to the sacroiliac joint 104 when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body.

[0036] As described above, in the lumbar supporter 1 according to this embodiment, the sponge 30 is provided in the central portion 3 of the lumbar supporter 1, and when the lumbar supporter 1 is worn on the human body, the sponge 30 is located at a position corresponding to the sacrum 102, and on the outside of the sponge 30 in the horizontal direction from the central portion 3 to the lateral end portion 5 of the lumbar supporter 1, a resin or metal bone 20 (first bone 22) is provided from the upper end to the lower end of the lumbar supporter 1, and the bone 20 (first bone 22) is located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint 104 when the lumbar supporter 1 is worn on the human body. This provides the following advantages.

[0037] The sacrum 102 is recessed inward in the pelvis 100 compared to the adjacent ilium 106. Therefore, with conventional lower back supporters 1, when the lower back supporter 1 is worn on a human body, a gap is formed between the sacrum 102 and the lower back supporter 1, causing the tightening force (pressure) of the lower back supporter 1 to not be properly applied to the sacrum 102. In contrast, with the lower back supporter 1 according to the present embodiment, when the lower back supporter 1 is worn on a human body, the sponge 30 is positioned at a position corresponding to the sacrum 102, so that the gap can be filled with the sponge 30. This allows the tightening force (pressure) of the lower back supporter 1 to be reliably transmitted to the sacrum 102, thereby providing proper support for the sacrum 102. Note that because the sponge 30 is made of a cushioning and resilient material, it is possible to properly fill the gap according to its size, even if the size of the recess (gap) varies between individuals.

[0038] Furthermore, the sacroiliac joint 104, which is the joint formed by the sacrum 102 and the ilium 106, is a part on which a large amount of weight is applied, which causes friction and makes the area susceptible to damage (often resulting in lower back pain). Therefore, in the lower back supporter 1 according to this embodiment, the first bone 22 (area W) is positioned in a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint 104 when the lower back supporter 1 is worn on the human body. In other words, the position of the first bone 22 (area W), which can apply a greater tightening force (pressure), is set so as to correspond to the sacroiliac joint 104 when the lower back supporter 1 is worn on the human body. This makes it possible to provide even more appropriate support for the sacroiliac joint 104.

[0039] Furthermore, since the sponge 30 and the first bone 22 (the sacrum 102 and the sacroiliac joint 104) are close to each other, the above-mentioned action of the sponge 30 and the above-mentioned action of the first bone 22 are related to each other.

[0040] The sacroiliac joint 104 is primarily subjected to pressure from the first bone 22 (region W), but pressure from the adjacent region A, which includes the sponge 30, also acts indirectly (even if the sponge 30 is not located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint 104). If the sponge 30 were not present, the gap described above would not be filled, and the pressure from region A would be significantly weaker, potentially resulting in insufficient pressure on the sacroiliac joint 104. In this embodiment, the sponge 30 fills the gap, so this problem does not occur, and the pressure from region A is also added, ensuring appropriate support for the sacroiliac joint 104. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sponge 30 fills the gap, but the pressure from the first bone 22 (region W) acts indirectly on the sponge 30 (region A), further reducing the likelihood of the gap occurring. Therefore, the sacrum 102 is appropriately supported.

[0041] As described above, according to this embodiment, a waist supporter 1 that can appropriately support the pelvis 100, particularly the sacrum 102 and the sacroiliac joint 104, can be realized.

[0042] <<<Regarding Areas B, X, and C>>> Area B (corresponding to the first portion), area X (second bone 24), and area C (corresponding to the second portion) are provided outside the first bone 22 (area W) in the lateral direction.

[0043] Region B is an area made only of fabric and is surrounded (defined) by the first bone 22, the second bone 24, and an outer edge region (region F). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the distance from the location of the first bone 22 (referred to as the first upper end portion 22a) at the upper end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the second bone 24 (referred to as the second upper end portion 24a) at the upper end is greater than the distance from the location of the first bone 22 (referred to as the first lower end portion 22b) at the lower end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the second bone 24 (referred to as the second lower end portion 24b) at the lower end. Therefore, the width of region B at the upper end is greater than the width of region B at the lower end, and region B has a rectangular shape that resembles a triangle in a plan view.

[0044] When the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body (see FIG. 5), the region B is located on the rear side of the human body and in a position corresponding to a non-belly portion 112 (see FIG. 8) of the gluteus maximus muscle 110. Furthermore, when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, the region B is located in a position corresponding to the origin 112a (see FIG. 8) of the gluteus maximus muscle 110. In other words, the position of the region B in the waist supporter 1 is set so as to correspond to the non-belly portion 112 of the gluteus maximus muscle 110 (and further, the origin 112a of the gluteus maximus muscle 110) when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body.

[0045] Region X (second bone 24) is adjacent to region B and region C, and is located between region B and region C (in other words, region B and region C are adjacent to each other with the second bone 24 sandwiched between them). That is, region X (second bone 24) is located outside region B in the lateral direction and inside region C in the lateral direction.

[0046] The second bone 24 is inserted within (between) the multi-layered fabric. That is, the second bone 24 is located between the outermost fabric and the innermost fabric in the thickness direction. To prevent the second bone 24 from moving within the fabric, the fabric portions (supporter body 10) on both sides of the second bone 24 in the horizontal direction are sewn together with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) along the long sides of the second bone 24 (the thread serves to prevent the second bone 24 from moving). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14, which is slightly larger than the second bone 24, is provided (applied) on the outer side of the outermost fabric to align with the position of the second bone 24, and the supporter body 10 (multi-layered fabric) is sewn together with the bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14 with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2). (Note that, unlike the first bone 22, a bone back-side reinforcing fabric 16 is not provided.)

[0047] 1 and 2, for convenience, the long sides of the second bones 24 are shown overlapping the threads (with a common dotted line), but in reality there is a small gap between them. Also, because the size of the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 is set larger than that of the second bones 24, the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 slightly protrudes from area X into the adjacent areas B and C.

[0048] When the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body (see FIG. 5), the second bone 24 is positioned on the rear side of the human body.

[0049] Region C is an area made only of fabric, and is surrounded (defined) by the second bone 24, the third bone 26, and an outer edge region (region F). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the distance from the location of the second bone 24 (second upper end portion 24a) at the upper end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the third bone 26 (referred to as third upper end portion 26a) at the upper end is smaller than the distance from the location of the second bone 24 (second lower end portion 24b) at the lower end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the third bone 26 (referred to as third lower end portion 26b) at the lower end. Therefore, the width of region C at the upper end is smaller than the width of region C at the lower end, and region C has a rectangular shape that is close to a triangle in a plan view. Furthermore, a plurality of holes 40 with a diameter of 3 mm are provided in region C (this is the only region among all regions A to F and W to Z that has holes 40). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the holes 40 are provided (distributed) in region C so that the number of holes 40 at the lower end of the waist support 1 is greater than the number of holes 40 at the upper end. Furthermore, the holes 40 are provided in region C so that the number of holes 40 gradually increases from the upper end to the lower end. Here, "gradual increase in the number of holes 40" refers to a concept that includes (accepts) not only an increase but also maintaining the current number, and does not mean a decrease. In this embodiment, the holes 40 are arranged so that there is one hole 40 in the first row, two holes 40 in the second and third rows, three holes 40 in the fourth to sixth rows, five holes 40 in the seventh to ninth rows, and seven holes 40 in the tenth and eleventh rows.

[0050] As described above, since multiple holes 40 are provided in region C, region C has a greater degree of stretch than the other cloth regions (regions B, E, etc.). Therefore, when the lumbar support 1 is worn by the human body, the tightening force (pressure) applied to the human body by region C is weaker than the tightening force (pressure) applied to the human body by the other cloth regions (regions B, E, etc.). In other words, holes 40 are provided in the lumbar support 1 to apply a weaker (smaller) tightening force to the human body than the other cloth regions (regions B, E, etc.).

[0051] When the waist supporter 1 is worn by the human body (see FIG. 5), the region C is located on the rear side of the human body and in a position corresponding to the muscle belly 114 (see FIG. 8) of the gluteus maximus muscle 110. In other words, the position of the region C in the waist supporter 1 is set so as to correspond to the muscle belly 114 of the gluteus maximus muscle 110 when the waist supporter 1 is worn by the human body.

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, there are provided on the outer side of the first bone 22 in the lateral direction an area B (first portion) which is located at a position corresponding to a portion 112 (for example, origin 112a) that is not a muscle belly of the gluteus maximus muscle 110 when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, and an area C (second portion) which is located at a position corresponding to a muscle belly 114 of the gluteus maximus muscle 110 when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body and which applies a smaller tightening force than area B (first portion). This provides the following advantages.

[0053] When the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, it is necessary to position the waist supporter 1 at a position corresponding to the gluteus maximus 110 and apply a tightening force to the gluteus maximus 110 from the perspective of providing appropriate support for the gluteus maximus 110. However, applying too much tightening force to the muscle belly 114 of the gluteus maximus 110, which is significantly involved in the movement of the hip joint 120 (see FIG. 9 ), may hinder the smooth movement of the hip joint 120. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the tightening force applied to the muscle belly 114 is made different from that applied to the non-muscle belly portion 112 (e.g., origin 112a). That is, the tightening force applied to region C corresponding to the muscle belly 114 of the gluteus maximus 110 is made smaller (weaker) than the tightening force applied to region B corresponding to the non-muscle belly portion 112 (origin 112a) of the gluteus maximus 110. This makes it possible to provide a waist supporter 1 that properly supports the gluteus maximus 110 without hindering the smooth movement of the hip joint 120.

[0054] In this embodiment, a second bone 24 is provided between region B (first portion) and region C (second portion) from the upper end of the waist supporter 1 to the lower end of the waist supporter 1, and region B (first portion) and region C (second portion) are adjacent to each other with the second bone 24 sandwiched between them. Therefore, the strong tightening force of the second bone 24 can reinforce the tightening force of region B adjacent to the second bone 24.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, multiple holes 40 are provided in region C (second portion), and the number of holes 40 at the lower end of the lumbar support 1 is greater than the number of holes 40 at the upper end of the lumbar support 1.

[0056] When the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, due to the structure of the human body, the area C at the lower end is located closer to the hip joint 120 than the area C at the upper end. In this embodiment, the number of holes 40 at the lower end is greater than the number of holes 40 at the upper end, so that it is possible to increase the areas with lower tightening force (pressure) at the lower end closer to the hip joint 120. This makes it possible to realize a waist supporter 1 that allows the hip joint 120 to move more smoothly.

[0057] In this embodiment, the holes 40 are provided in the region C (second portion) so that the number of the holes 40 gradually increases from the upper end to the lower end.

[0058] Therefore, it is possible to gradually increase the area where the tightening force (pressure) is weaker from the upper end, which is farther from the hip joint 120, to the lower end, which is closer. As a result, it is possible to realize a waist supporter 1 that allows the hip joint 120 to move even more smoothly.

[0059] <<<Regarding Area Y, Area D, and Area Z>>> Area Y (third bone 26), area D (corresponding to the third portion), and area Z (fourth bone 28) are provided outside area C in the lateral direction.

[0060] Region Y (third bone 26) is adjacent to region C and region D, and is provided between region C and region D (in other words, region C and region D are adjacent to each other with the third bone 26 sandwiched between them). That is, region Y (third bone 26) is provided on the outer side of region C in the lateral direction and on the inner side of region D in the lateral direction.

[0061] The third bone 26 is inserted within (between) the multi-layered fabric. That is, the third bone 26 is located between the outermost fabric and the innermost fabric in the thickness direction. To prevent the third bone 26 from moving within the fabric, the fabric portions (supporter body 10) on both sides of the third bone 26 in the horizontal direction are sewn together with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) along the long sides of the third bone 26 (the thread serves to prevent the third bone 26 from moving). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14, which is slightly larger than the third bone 26, is provided (applied) on the outer side of the outermost fabric to align with the position of the third bone 26, and the supporter body 10 (multi-layered fabric) is sewn together with the bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14 with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2). (Note that, like the second bone 24, a bone back-side reinforcing fabric 16 is not provided.)

[0062] 1 and 2, for convenience, the long side of the third bone 26 and the thread are shown overlapping (with a common dotted line), but in reality there is a small gap between them. Also, because the size of the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 is set larger than the third bone 26, the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 slightly protrudes from area Y into the adjacent areas C and D.

[0063] When the waist support 1 is worn on the human body (see Figure 5), the third bone 26 will be located at the rear of the human body (note that "located at the rear" does not mean that the entire third bone 26 is located completely at the rear).

[0064] Region D is an area made only of fabric and is surrounded (defined) by the third bone 26, the fourth bone 28, and an outer edge region (region F). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the distance from the location of the third bone 26 (third lower end portion 26b) at the lower end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the fourth bone 28 (referred to as fourth lower end portion 28b) at the lower end is smaller than the distance from the location of the third bone 26 (third upper end portion 26a) at the upper end of the waist supporter 1 to the location of the fourth bone 28 (referred to as fourth upper end portion 28a) at the upper end. Therefore, the width of region D at the lower end (shown as L1 in FIG. 3) is smaller than the width of region C at the upper end (shown as L2 in FIG. 3), and region C has a rectangular shape close to a triangle in plan view.

[0065] Region D is located on the side of the human body when the waist supporter 1 is worn by the human body (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Furthermore, portion d of region D at the lower end portion is located at a position corresponding to the greater trochanter 130 (FIG. 9) when the waist supporter 1 is worn by the human body (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In other words, the position of portion d of region D at the lower end portion is set so as to correspond to the greater trochanter 130 when the waist supporter 1 is worn by the human body.

[0066] Region Z (fourth bone 28) is adjacent to region D and region E, and is located between region D and region E (in other words, region D and region E are adjacent to each other with the fourth bone 28 sandwiched between them). That is, region Z (fourth bone 28) is located outside region D in the lateral direction and inside region E in the lateral direction.

[0067] The fourth bone 28 is inserted within (between) the multi-layered fabric. That is, the fourth bone 28 is located between the outermost fabric and the innermost fabric in the thickness direction. To prevent the fourth bone 28 from moving within the fabric, the fabric portions (supporter body 10) on both sides of the fourth bone 28 in the horizontal direction are sewn together with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) along the long sides of the fourth bone 28 (the thread serves to prevent the fourth bone 28 from moving). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14, which is slightly larger than the fourth bone 28 and aligned with the position of the fourth bone 28, is provided (applied) on the outer side of the outermost fabric, and the supporter body 10 (multi-layered fabric) is sewn together with the bone front-side reinforcing fabric 14 with thread (see dotted lines in FIGS. 1 and 2). (Note that, like the third bone 26, a bone back-side reinforcing fabric 16 is not provided.)

[0068] 1 and 2, for convenience, the long side of the fourth bone 28 and the thread are shown overlapping (with a common dotted line), but in reality there is a small gap between them. Also, because the size of the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 is set larger than the fourth bone 28, the bone front side reinforcing cloth 14 slightly protrudes from area Z into the adjacent areas D and E.

[0069] When the waist support 1 is worn on the human body (see Figure 6), the fourth bone 28 will be located on the front side of the human body (note that "located on the front side" does not mean that the entire fourth bone 28 is located completely on the front side).

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the third bone 26, the fourth bone 28, and the region D (third region) defined by the third bone 26 and the fourth bone 28 are provided on the outer side of the region C (second region) in the lateral direction, the third bone 26 is provided from the upper end to the lower end of the waist supporter 1 and is located on the rear side of the body when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, the fourth bone 28 is provided from the upper end to the lower end and is located on the front side of the body when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, and the width L1 of the region D (third region) at the lower end is smaller than the width L2 of the region D (third region) at the upper end. This provides the following advantages.

[0071] A femoral head 122 (see FIG. 9 ) is present within a hip joint 120 of the human body, and this femoral head 122 tends to move laterally outward (sideward) when, for example, landing from a one-legged standing position (the direction of movement is indicated by the black arrow in FIG. 9 ). This laterally outward (sideward) movement of the femoral head 122 carries a risk of dislocating the hip joint 120. Therefore, when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, of area D, which is located on the side of the human body and applies a tightening force (pressure) to the laterally inward direction, it is desirable to increase the tightening force (pressure) for the portion close to the hip joint 120 (femoral head 122) in order to suppress the above-mentioned movement of the femoral head 122 and reduce the risk of dislocation (on the other hand, it is desirable to decrease the tightening force (pressure) for the portion farther from the hip joint 120 (femoral head 122) so as not to inhibit free movement).

[0072] In this embodiment, the width L1 of region D at the lower end is smaller than the width L2 of region D at the upper end. Therefore, the distance between the third bone 26 and the fourth bone 28 at the lower end is smaller than the distance between the third bone 26 and the fourth bone 28 at the upper end, and the tightening force (pressure) toward the lateral inside of the lower end is greater than the tightening force (pressure) toward the lateral inside of the upper end. Due to the structure of the human body, when waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body, part d of region D at the lower end is located closer to the hip joint 120 (femoral head 122) than part d of region D at the upper end. Therefore, this embodiment makes it possible to realize a waist supporter 1 that suppresses movement of the femoral head 122 to reduce the risk of dislocation of the hip joint 120, while not restricting free movement in areas distant from the hip joint 120.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portion d of the region D at the lower end is located at a position corresponding to the greater trochanter 130 (FIG. 9) when the waist supporter 1 is worn on the human body (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Because the femoral head 122 is located on the back side (inside the human body) of the greater trochanter 130 due to the structure of the human body, this embodiment makes it possible for the portion d of the region D at the lower end to apply an appropriate tightening force (pressure) to the femoral head 122, thereby suppressing movement of the femoral head 122 and reducing the risk of dislocation of the hip joint 120.

[0074] <<<Regarding Area E>>> Region E is provided outside region Z (fourth bone 28) in the lateral direction and is surrounded (compartmentalized) by the fourth bone 28 and the outer edge region (region F). A hook-and-loop fastener 50 is provided in region E. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a right hook-and-loop fastener 50a is provided at the right end of region E on the right side, and a left hook-and-loop fastener 50b is provided at the left end of region E on the left side, with the right hook-and-loop fastener 50a being provided on the back side of the supporter main body 10 (multi-layered fabric) in the thickness direction of the waist support 1, and the left hook-and-loop fastener 50b being provided on the front side of the supporter main body 10 (multi-layered fabric) in the thickness direction.

[0075] Each hook-and-loop fastener 50 is sewn together with the supporter main body 10 (multi-layered fabric) with thread (see dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2). In this embodiment, a portion of the right hook-and-loop fastener 50a extends beyond region E and reaches the outer edge region (region F). Therefore, a portion of the right hook-and-loop fastener 50a overlaps with the outer edge reinforcing fabric 12, and a portion of the right hook-and-loop fastener 50a is sewn together with the supporter main body 10 (multi-layered fabric) and the outer edge reinforcing fabric 12 with thread. On the other hand, the left hook-and-loop fastener 50b does not extend beyond region E. It is not important whether the hook-and-loop fastener 50 extends beyond region E or not.

[0076] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the sponge 30 is inserted into (between) the multi-layered fabric, but this is not limiting. For example, the sponge 30 may be provided on the outside of the fabric and adhered to the fabric with adhesive or the like.

[0078] Similarly, the bones 20 do not need to be inserted into (between) the multi-layered fabric, but may be provided on the outside of the fabric. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Waist support 3 Central part 5 Side edge 10 Supporter body 12 Outer edge reinforcement fabric 14 Bone outer reinforcement fabric 16 Bone back reinforcement fabric 20 Bone 22 First Bone 22a First upper end part 22b First lower end part 24 Second Bone 24a Second upper end part 24b Second lower end part 26 Third Bone 26a Third upper end part 26b Third lower end part 28 Fourth Bone 28a Fourth upper end part 28b Fourth lower end part 30 sponge 40 Hole 50 hook and loop fasteners 50a Right Hook and Loop Fastener 50b left hook and loop fastener 100 Pelvis 102 Sacrum 104 Sacroiliac joint 106 Ilium 110 Gluteus Maximus 112 Non-muscle belly area 112a Origin 114 Muscle Belly 120 Hip Joint 122 Femoral head 130 Greater Trochanter

Claims

1. A cloth waist supporter to be worn on the human body, A sponge is provided in the center of the lower back support, and when the lower back support is worn on a human body, the sponge is located at a position corresponding to the sacrum, a resin or metal bone is provided on the outer side of the sponge in the lateral direction from the central portion toward the lateral end portion of the lumbar supporter, from the upper end portion of the lumbar supporter to the lower end portion of the lumbar supporter, the bone being located at a position corresponding to the sacroiliac joint when the lumbar supporter is worn on a human body; On the outer side of the bone in the lateral direction, a first portion located at a position corresponding to a portion other than the belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on a human body; a second portion is provided which is located at a position corresponding to a muscle belly of the gluteus maximus when the waist supporter is worn on a human body and which applies a tightening force smaller than that of the first portion; a plurality of holes are provided in the second portion, and the number of the holes at the lower end portion is greater than the number of the holes at the upper end portion; The lumbar supporter is characterized in that the number of holes is gradually increased from the upper end to the lower end in the second portion.

2. A lower back supporter as described in claim 1, the bone is a first bone, A lumbar supporter characterized in that a second bone is provided between the first part and the second part, extending from the upper end to the lower end, and the first part and the second part are adjacent to each other with the second bone sandwiched between them.

3. A waist supporter according to claim 2, a third bone, a fourth bone, and a third portion defined by the third bone and the fourth bone are provided on the outer side of the second portion in the lateral direction; the third bone is provided from the upper end to the lower end, and is located at the rear side of the human body when the waist supporter is worn on the human body; the fourth bone is provided from the upper end to the lower end and is located in front of the human body when the waist supporter is worn on the human body; A lumbar supporter, characterized in that the width of the third portion at the lower end is smaller than the width of the third portion at the upper end.

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