Achilles tendon support

Abstract

To provide an Achilles tendon supporter which can further enhance the effect of preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorder.SOLUTION: An Achilles tendon supporter 100 is composed of a base knitting part 102 and a tightening part 104. The base knitting part 102 is plain knitted by a first knitting yarn and a rubber yarn is attached. In the tightening part 104, a second knitting yarn and a third knitting yarn are added to the first knitting yarn and the rubber yarn, and tuck knitting is performed. The tightening part 104 has a larger amount of expansion and contraction and tightening force than the base knitting part 102. The tightening part 104 includes an arch tightening part 142, an Achilles tendon tightening part 144 and a soleus muscle tightening part 146. The arch tightening part 142 and the Achilles tendon tightening part 144 are connected by a connection part 148 on a toe side from the ankle. Thus, the arch tightening part 142 and the Achilles tendon tightening part 144 pull each other and respective tightening forces increase.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an Achilles tendon supporter that prevents Achilles tendon disorders that occur in sports such as kendo, karate, taekwondo, and tennis, or in everyday life. In the following explanation, names using numbers such as 1st, 2nd, etc. will be used, but this is for the convenience of explanation to avoid confusion with the same names and does not affect the interpretation of the rights. [Background technology]

[0002] In sports such as kendo, karate, and tennis, sudden movements forward, backward, or sideways are common. These sudden movements place a large load on the Achilles tendon, causing it to stretch suddenly with a large tensile force, which can lead to Achilles tendon injury, in which the Achilles tendon is ruptured in whole or in part. It is believed that Achilles tendon injury is caused by the sudden stretching of the Achilles tendon due to the large force applied to it. For this reason, Achilles tendon injury tends to occur frequently in people who are beginning to age. The cause of Achilles tendon injury will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 9. In Figure 9, the lower limb 1 is made up of an upper leg (not shown), a lower leg 10, and a foot 12. The skeleton of the foot 12 is made up of a calcaneus 14, a navicular bone 16, a cuneiform bone 18, metatarsals 20 of each finger, a proximal phalanx 22, a middle phalanx 24, and a distal phalanx 26, as well as a talus 28 and a cuboid bone 30. The skeleton of the lower leg 10 is made up of a tibia 32 and a fibula 34. The talus 28, tibia 32, and fibula 34 form a talocrural joint 36, which is a hinge joint, and is capable of dorsiflexion (moving the toes apart) and plantar flexion (moving the toes bend). One end of the plantar tendon 42 is connected to a part of the calcaneus 14 at a plantar tendon-calcaneal junction 74, and the other end is connected to the metatarsal 20 at a plantar tendon-metasone junction 76, and the plantar tendon 42 buffers forces acting on the sole of the foot. The lower end of the Achilles tendon 44 is connected to the calcaneus 14 at an Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78, and the upper end is connected to the soleus 46 and gastrocnemius 48 at an Achilles tendon-metasone junction 80. The plantar tendon-calcaneal junction 74, the plantar tendon-metasone junction 76, the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78, and the Achilles tendon-metasone junction 80 are collectively referred to as junctions 88. The calcaneus 14 is pulled up via the Achilles tendon 44, and the heel 52 is lifted. When a person moves forward, the soleus muscle 46 and gastrocnemius muscle 48 contract, pulling the rear of the calcaneus 14 upward via the Achilles tendon 44. At the same time, the plantar tendon 42 is also tensed, resulting in the person pushing off the ground with the toes and moving the body forward. Therefore, when the calcaneus 14 is pulled up at a fast speed, the person is running. In other words, rapid movement is made possible by rapidly contracting the soleus muscle 46 and gastrocnemius muscle 48 with great force, and the calcaneus 14 is suddenly pulled up via the Achilles tendon 44, which exerts a large stretching force on the Achilles tendon 44. Conversely, when a person moves backward, with the center of gravity of the body positioned backward, the soleus muscle 46 and gastrocnemius muscle 48 are contracted, and the rear of the calcaneus 14 is pulled upward via the Achilles tendon 44, thereby pushing off the ground with the toes 58 and moving the body backward. Reference numeral 54 denotes the superior extensor retinaculum, 56 the inferior extensor retinaculum, and 64 the instep. Although not shown in Figure 9, reference numeral 62 denotes the knee, 66 the lateral malleolus, 68 the medial malleolus, and 72 the shin. From the above, it is presumed that if a large tensile force is suddenly applied to the Achilles tendon 44, causing it to stretch, the Achilles tendon may be partially or completely severed, resulting in Achilles tendon disorder. Therefore, it is believed that Achilles tendon disorder can be prevented or alleviated by suppressing sudden stretching of the Achilles tendon 44 and plantar tendon muscle 42.

[0003] The following prior art techniques are known for preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorders. A first prior art technique is a sock or tubular lower limb support that covers the foot, ankle, and calf, which has an elastic reinforcement integrally formed in the section covering the sole of the foot corresponding to the calcaneus and / or cuboid bone to the side of the ankle, forming a convex surface on the inner surface of the reinforcement, and further has an elastic reinforcement integrally formed in the section covering the part of the soleus muscle that is not covered by the gastrocnemius muscle, forming a convex surface on the inner surface of the reinforcement (Patent Document 1). As a second prior art, known socks include an upper stretchable band that covers the area directly below the kneecap in a ring shape, an ankle stretchable band that covers the area near the ankle in a ring shape, an arch stretchable band that covers the instep and arch of the foot in a ring shape, an outer stretchable band that connects the upper stretchable band and the ankle stretchable band and covers the fibula on the outside of the leg, an inner stretchable band that connects the upper stretchable band and the ankle stretchable band and covers the tibia on the inside of the leg, an outer malleolus stretchable band that connects the ankle stretchable band and the arch stretchable band and covers the lateral malleolus, an inner malleolus stretchable band that connects the ankle stretchable band and the arch stretchable band and covers the medial malleolus, and a calf covering that is positioned between the outer stretchable band and the inner stretchable band and covers the posterior muscles of the lower leg and has a heating function (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-332470 (Figs. 1 to 4, paragraph 0009) [Patent Document 2] JP 11-124702 (Figs. 1 and 2, paragraph 0004)

[0005] In the first prior art, the foot arch reinforcement tightens and compresses the foot arch (arch), maintaining the foot arch's shock-absorbing and push-off effects, which is expected to result in enhanced fatigue reduction. Furthermore, because the foot arch reinforcement tightens the plantar tendon, it is expected to suppress sudden stretching of the plantar tendon when a sudden stretching force acts on the Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, the reinforcement is provided in a section covering the sole of the foot, corresponding to the calcaneus and / or cuboid bone, to the side of the ankle, which is expected to enhance ankle joint stability. Furthermore, the reinforcement located at the ankle tightens the Achilles tendon, which is expected to suppress sudden stretching of the Achilles tendon to a certain extent. Furthermore, the reinforcement is provided in a section covering the portion of the soleus muscle that is not covered by the gastrocnemius muscle, which improves fit and impact interference, and is expected to provide tactile stimulation to the area around the ankle and the soleus muscle, thereby enhancing nerve facilitation. However, because the foot arch reinforcement and the reinforcement independently tighten the foot arch and the ankle, there is a concern that sufficient tightening force may not be obtained for the plantar tendon and Achilles tendon, which means that the effectiveness of preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorders may be insufficient.

[0006] In the second prior art, the ankle stretch band encircles the ankle in a ring shape, supporting the superior extensor retinaculum and promoting the foot's holding function to stabilize leg movement. On the other hand, the ankle stretch band tightens the Achilles tendon at the superior extensor retinaculum, which is expected to have the effect of preventing the Achilles tendon from being stretched suddenly. The arch elastic band tightens the superior extensor retinaculum, which is a ring-shaped band that covers the instep and arch of the foot, thereby supporting the inferior extensor retinaculum and strengthening the hold on the toes. Furthermore, because the arch elastic band tightens the plantar tendon, it is expected to have the effect of suppressing sudden stretching of the plantar tendon when a sudden stretching force is applied to the Achilles tendon. However, because the arch stretch band and the ankle stretch band are connected by an outer malleolus stretch band that covers the outer malleolus and an inner malleolus stretch band that covers the inner malleolus, there is an advantage in that the support positions of the ankle stretch band and the arch stretch band can be stabilized when the socks are worn. However, the arch stretch band and the ankle stretch band do not attract each other, in other words, they tighten the arch of the foot and the ankle independently, so a sufficient tightening force cannot be obtained, and as with the first prior art, there is a concern that the effect of preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorders will be insufficient.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an Achilles tendon supporter that can further enhance the effect of preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorders. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve this object, the first invention according to claim 1 is configured as follows. The instep and the lower leg from the arch to below the knee are covered with a tubular, stretchable knitted part. An arch tightening portion that covers the instep and arch of the foot in a ring shape is added to the ground knitting portion, An Achilles tendon tightening portion for covering the Achilles tendon of the lower leg and the shin is added to the ground knitted portion, The arch tightening portion and the Achilles tendon tightening portion are knitted with a thicker yarn than the base knitted portion, thereby increasing the tightening force of the Achilles tendon supporter, The Achilles tendon fastening portion is a portion between the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction From the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon Achilles tendon-muscular junction Covering The arch fastening portion and the Achilles tendon fastening portion are connected by a connecting portion on the arch side of the ankle. Achilles tendon support characterized by is.

[0009] The second invention according to claim 2 is configured as follows. The Achilles tendon tightening portion, the arch tightening portion, and the connecting portion are formed by knitting a rubber yarn thicker than the ground knitting yarn and a third knitting yarn into the ground knitting yarn. The Achilles tendon support of the first invention is characterized by the following: is.

[0010] The third invention according to claim 3 is configured as follows. The minimum width of the connection part when not attached is 15 to 20 mm Achilles tendon support of the second invention is.

[0011] The fourth invention according to claim 4 is configured as follows. The connection portion is defined by an ankle knitted portion that is defined by the intersection of the arch heel side edge of the arch fastening portion and the heel Achilles tendon side edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion, and the instep ankle side edge of the arch fastening portion and the instep side edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion. The Achilles tendon support of the third invention is characterized by the following: is.

[0012] The fifth invention according to claim 5 is configured as follows. The Achilles tendon clamping portion is connected to the soleus muscle clamping portion, and the soleus muscle clamping portion is arranged on the medial and lateral sides of the lower leg. The first feature is 1 The invention of the Achilles tendon support is.

[0013] The sixth invention according to claim 6 is configured as follows. The Achilles tendon support of the fifth invention is characterized in that the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions are formed in a shape that widens toward the knee below the knee. is.

[0014] The seventh invention according to claim 7 is configured as follows. The medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions are located near the knee on the gastrocnemius muscle side. Second knitting yarn and the third knitting yarn is continuous The Achilles tendon support of the sixth invention is characterized by the following: is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the foot and lower leg are wrapped in a tubular, stretchable knitted part that covers the instep and arch of the foot from below the knee. An arch tightening portion that covers the instep and arch of the foot in a ring shape is attached to the tubular base knitted portion, and an Achilles tendon tightening portion that covers the Achilles tendon and shin of the lower leg is attached to the base knitted portion, and the arch tightening portion and Achilles tendon tightening portion are knitted with thicker yarn than the base knitted portion, thereby increasing the tightening force. The arch tightening portion and Achilles tendon tightening portion are connected by a connecting portion on the arch side of the ankle. Because the arch tightening portion and Achilles tendon tightening portion are connected by a connecting portion on the arch side of the ankle, a tensile force acts between the two tightening portions via the connecting portion, thereby increasing the tightening force of the arch tightening portion and Achilles tendon tightening portion. This increased tightening force increases the tightening force of the arch tightening portion and Achilles tendon tightening portion. In addition, the Achilles tendon clamping part covers the area from the connection between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon to the junction between the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon, so it tightens the entire Achilles tendon and has a heat-retaining effect, which has the advantage of further preventing or alleviating Achilles tendon disorders. Furthermore, because it is connected by the connection part on the arch side of the ankle, the ankle joint is tightened by the Achilles tendon clamping part, which has the advantage of suppressing ankle wobble.

[0016] According to the second invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, in the second invention, the arch tightening portion and the connecting portion are configured by knitting a rubber yarn thicker than the ground knitting yarn and a third knitting yarn into the ground knitting yarn, which has the advantage of being easy to manufacture.

[0017] According to the third invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, in the third invention, the minimum width of the connection part when not attached is 15 to 20 mm, which is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture.

[0018] According to the fourth invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, in the fourth invention, the connection portion is formed by an ankle ground knit portion defined by the intersection of the arch heel-side edge of the arch fastening portion and the heel-Achilles tendon edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion, and the ankle-side edge of the instep of the arch fastening portion and the instep-side edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion. Therefore, the ankle is covered by the ankle ground knit portion, eliminating a feeling of stiffness. Furthermore, because the heel is covered by the heel ground knit portion, the pulling forces from the arch fastening portion and the Achilles tendon fastening portion are roughly in opposite directions, which has the advantage of allowing the pulling forces to act effectively.

[0019] According to the fifth invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, the fifth invention has the advantage that the soleus muscle can also be protected by providing elongated, narrow soleus muscle clamping portions that are arranged on the medial and lateral sides of the lower leg, continuous with the Achilles tendon clamping portion.

[0020] According to the sixth invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, in the sixth invention, the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions are formed in a shape that widens toward the knee below the knee, which increases the tightening force of the upper part of the support and prevents the support from slipping down, thereby providing the advantage of preventing the tightening portions from slipping and effectively tightening the specified position.

[0021] According to the seventh invention, the object of the present invention can be achieved by having the same configuration as the first invention. Furthermore, in the seventh invention, the second knitting yarn and the third knitting yarn in the vicinity of the knee on the gastrocnemius muscle side in the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portion are continuous, so that in the area adjacent to the rubber portion below the knee, stretching is restricted and the tightening force in the lower knee portion is strengthened, which has the advantage of preventing the Achilles tendon supporter from slipping down. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an Achilles tendon support according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a left side view and (B) is a right side view. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the Achilles tendon supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an Achilles tendon support according to Example 1 of the present invention, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a rear view. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory left side view of the Achilles tendon support according to the first embodiment of the present invention when worn on the lower limb. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a left side development view of the Achilles tendon supporter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the Achilles tendon supporter of Example 1 of the present invention when worn on the lower limb, and the bones and muscles, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a back view. [Figure 7]FIG. 5 is a left side view illustrating the relationship between the Achilles tendon supporter, bones, and muscles when the Achilles tendon supporter of Example 1 of the present invention is worn on the lower limb. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the knitting structure of the Achilles tendon support according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Achilles tendinopathy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The Achilles tendon support according to the present invention comprises: The instep and the lower leg from the arch to below the knee are covered with a tubular stretchable knitted part, An arch tightening portion that covers the instep and arch of the foot in a ring shape is added to the ground knitting portion, An Achilles tendon tightening portion that covers the ankle area of ​​the supporter is added to the ground knitting portion, The arch tightening portion and the Achilles tendon tightening portion are knitted with a thicker yarn than the base knitted portion, thereby increasing the tightening force of the supporter, The Achilles tendon fastening portion covers the area from the connection between the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon to the connection between the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon, The arch fastening portion and the Achilles tendon fastening portion are connected by a connecting portion on the arch side of the ankle. It is preferable. Also, The Achilles tendon tightening portion, the arch tightening portion, and the connecting portion are formed by knitting a rubber yarn thicker than the ground knitting yarn and a third knitting yarn into the ground knitting yarn. It is preferable. moreover, The minimum width of the connection part when not attached is 15 to 20 mm It is preferable. Furthermore, The connection portion is defined by an ankle knitted portion that is defined by the intersection of the arch heel side edge of the arch fastening portion and the heel Achilles tendon side edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion, and the instep ankle side edge of the arch fastening portion and the instep side edge of the Achilles tendon fastening portion. It is preferable. Also, The Achilles tendon clamping portion is connected to the soleus muscle clamping portion, and the soleus muscle clamping portion is arranged on the medial and lateral sides of the lower leg. It is preferable. moreover, The medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions are formed in a shape that widens toward the knee below the knee. It is preferable. Furthermore, It is preferable that the second knitting yarn and the third knitting yarn in the vicinity of the knee region on the gastrocnemius muscle side of the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions are continuous. [Example]

[0024] An Achilles tendon support 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The Achilles tendon supporter 100 has at least the function of tightening the plantar tendon muscle 42 and the Achilles tendon 44, and suppressing sudden stretching of the plantar tendon muscle 42 and the Achilles tendon 44. In the first embodiment, the supporter 100 further has the function of retaining heat by covering the ankle 66 of the soleus muscle 46, and therefore the medial malleolus 66i side and the lateral malleolus 66o side. In this first embodiment, the Achilles tendon support 100 is composed of a base knitted portion 102, a tightening portion 104, and an upper holding portion .

[0025] First, the ground knitted portion 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The base knitted portion 102 has a basic function of the Achilles tendon support 100, which is adapted to the shape of the lower leg. This basic function is the function of forming the tightening portion 104 in relation to the base knitted portion 102. In this embodiment 1, the base knitted portion 102 is tubular and configured in the shape of a knee-high sock. The knee-high sock shape refers to a shape that covers the lower leg 10 and foot 12 from just below the knee 62. In this embodiment 1, the Achilles tendon support 100 is formed in a roughly L-shape by the elastic cuff portion 112, leg portion 114, and foot portion 116 in a side view. Therefore, the base knitted portion 102 is also configured by the elastic cuff ground knitted portion 122, leg ground knitted portion 124, and foot ground knitted portion 126, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0026] The elastic knitted cuff portion 122 faces the area between the knee 62 and the upper end of the gastrocnemius muscle 48, preventing the upper end of the Achilles tendon support 100 from slipping down toward the ankle 38. The leg knitted portion 124 encases and tightens the lower leg 10 from the ankle 38 to just below the knee 62. The foot knitted portion 126 encases and tightens the ankle 38 and the area from the heel 52 to the middle of the foot 12. In other words, it encases the area of ​​the foot 12 up to just before the ball of the big toe and the ball of the little toe (arch 60), leaving the toes exposed from the ball of the big toe and the little toe. This is to allow it to be used in barefoot sports such as kendo, judo, and karate. However, it can also be used in sports such as tennis where shoes are worn. It can also be used in everyday life outside of sports.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 8, the ground knitting portion 102 is formed by continuously plain knitting the cuff elastic ground knitting portion 122, the leg ground knitting portion 124, and the foot ground knitting portion 126 using a circular knitting machine (not shown) and a first knitting yarn 132 (hatched), which constitutes the ground knitting yarn 118, the elastic yarn 134, and the second knitting yarn 152 (plain). The first knitting yarn 132 is preferably a thin, durable yarn, for example, a 30 denier two-ply nylon yarn. The second knitting yarn 152 is float knitted around the first knitting yarn 132 as a plating yarn. This results in the second knitting yarn 152 being the face yarn and the first knitting yarn 132 being the back yarn. The second knitting yarn 152 is preferably a thicker yarn than the first knitting yarn 132. In this Example 1, the second knitting yarn 152 is preferably a 70 denier two-ply nylon yarn, for example. The second knitting yarn 152 is cut at the end of the ground knitted portion 102. Furthermore, a rubber yarn 134 (plain) is added and knitted. The rubber yarn 134 is an elastic yarn. The rubber yarn 134 in the present invention may be any elastic yarn such as a rubber yarn. Therefore, an elastic yarn other than rubber can be used as the rubber yarn 134. The rubber yarn 134 is preferably a covered yarn in which a 280 denier polyurethane yarn is double covered with a 50 denier polyurethane yarn, for example.

[0028] The ground knitting portion 102 is knitted, for example, in a tubular shape from the toe portion 58 side of the foot ground knitting portion 126. At the heel portion 52, the heel ground knitting portion 128 is knitted using a wrap-and-turn method. After the knitting direction is changed by approximately 90 degrees, the leg ground knitting portion 124 is knitted, and then the cuff ground knitting portion 122 is knitted. The foot ground knitting portion 126 is knitted longer by an amount corresponding to the foot folded portion 136 (the portion indicated by the chain line in FIG. 5 ), folded inward, and a foot folded tip portion 136T is sewn to the foot ground knitting portion 126. This forms a foot folded portion 130 at the tip of the foot ground knitting portion 126, and a foot opening 131 is provided at the tip. The cuff ground knitting portion 122 is also knit longer by an amount corresponding to the cuff folded portion 138, folded inward, and a cuff folded tip portion 138T is sewn to the cuff ground knitting portion 122. As a result, a cuff elastic folded-back portion 139 is formed at the tip of the cuff elastic ground knitting portion 122, and a cuff elastic opening 141 is formed at the tip. The foot ground knitting portion 126 is formed so that its diameter increases from the toe portion 58 side toward the heel portion 52 side to fit the shape of the foot portion 12. The leg ground knitting portion 124 also decreases in diameter from the heel ground knitting portion 128 toward the portion facing the ankle portion 38, then increases in diameter from the portion facing the ankle portion 38 toward the portion facing the calf portion 82, and then decreases in diameter from the portion facing the calf portion 82 toward the knee portion 62. In other words, it is preferable that the size of the ground knitting portion 102 be set so that the expansion rate is the same in all portions relative to the thickness of the foot portion 12 and the lower leg portion 10, in other words, the circumference of the portions. The foot folded tip 136T, which is the end of the foot portion 116 on the toe side, is formed so as to be at a substantially right angle to the sole of the arch 60 and to be slightly inclined toward the toe side with respect to the vertical line.

[0029] Next, the fastening portion 104 will be described. The tightening portion 104 cooperates with the ground knitting portion 102 and has the function of tightening at least the plantar tendon 42 and the Achilles tendon 44. In the present embodiment 1, the tightening portion 104 includes an arch tightening portion 142 that tightens the plantar tendon 42, an Achilles tendon tightening portion 144, and a soleus muscle tightening portion 146. Furthermore, the arch tightening portion 142 and the Achilles tendon tightening portion 144 are connected by a connecting portion 148.

[0030] In the tightening portion 104, the second knitting yarn 152 constituting the ground knitting portion 102 is cut, but an additional knitting yarn is added in addition to the first knitting yarn 132 (hatched) and the rubber yarn 134 (plain), and the tightening portion 104 is configured with a knitting structure different from that of the ground knitting portion 102, and has a function of having a greater tensile strength than the ground knitting portion 102. There may be one or more additional knitting yarns, but in this Example 1, a third knitting yarn 154 (plain) is added. The third knitting yarn 154 is preferably a yarn that is thicker than the first knitting yarn 132 and the second knitting yarn 152. In this Example 1, the third knitting yarn 154 is preferably, for example, a 110 denier two-ply nylon yarn. The tightening portion 104 is knitted with a knitting structure different from that of the ground knitting portion 102. The tightening portion 104 has a knitting structure that suppresses vertical stretch more than the ground knitting portion 102. Knit structures that suppress vertical stretch include rib knitting (rib knitting / rib stitch), purl knitting (garter knitting), and pique knitting in which plain knitting and tuck knitting are alternately arranged. In this embodiment 1, pique knitting in which plain knitting and tuck knitting are alternately arranged is used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , a first knitting yarn 132, a second knitting yarn 152, and a third knitting yarn 154, which are ground yarns, are alternately formed in tuck knitting portions T and plain knitting portions P in the horizontal direction H. In this embodiment 1, the first knitting yarn 132 and the third knitting yarn 154 skip one stitch at a time in the tuck knitting portion T. Because there is a skip of one stitch, the amount of stretch in the horizontal direction H is greater than that in the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in the tightening portion 104, since the first knitting yarn 132 and the third knitting yarn 154 are present in the vertical direction V, the amount of stretch in the vertical direction V is small. Furthermore, since the rubber yarn 134 extends in the horizontal direction H in the tightening portion 104, the tensile force in the tightening portion 104, when stretched by a predetermined amount or more, is greater than that in the ground knitted portion 102 formed by plain knitting P. The third knitting yarn 154 is knitted together with the first knitting yarn 132 and the rubber yarn 134 in the tightening portion 104. The third knitting yarn 154 is cut at the end of the tightening portion 104. However, when the tightening portion 104 is a tubular portion, the second knitting yarn 152 and the third knitting yarn 154 are knitted continuously in a cylindrical shape. The tightening portion 104 configured as described above is thicker than the ground knitted portion 102 and has a greater tensile force in the vertical direction V and the horizontal direction H than the ground knitted portion 102 . The arch clamping portion 142, the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144, and the soleus muscle clamping portion 146 are configured in the same manner as the clamping portion 104 described above.

[0031] Next, the arch tightening portion 142 will be described with reference to FIG. The arch tightening portion 142 cooperates with the ground knit portion 102 to tighten the arch 60, and therefore the plantar tendon 42. In this Example 1, the arch tightening portion 142 is sandwiched between the toe-side edge 156 and the heel 52 by the arch heel-side edge 158 that stands upright, and is a ring-shaped portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the arch 60 and the instep 64. The toe-side edge 156 is adjacent to the foot fold 136 and is composed of a slightly sloping toe-side sole edge 162, a toe-side instep edge 164 continuing from the toe-side sole edge 162, and an instep ankle edge 166. As shown in FIG. 7, the arch heel edge 158 is located near the plantar tendon-calcaneal junction 74 of the plantar tendon 42 with the calcaneus 14. The toe-side instep edge 164 is located closer to the plantar tendon-metatarsal junction 86 with the metatarsal 20 than the center of the plantar tendon 42. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, the arch tightening portion 142 tightens the plantar tendon 42 of the arch 60 so that a pulling force p1 and a corresponding reaction force p2 act from the instep 64 side. Furthermore, a tensile force p3 acts on the connecting portion 148, pulling it toward the arch portion 60 side.

[0032] Next, the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 will be described. The Achilles tendon fastening portion 144 has the function of fastening the Achilles tendon 44 in cooperation with the ground knit portion 102. In this embodiment 1, the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144 is formed in a ring shape so as to fasten the Achilles tendon 44 and the shin 72. Specifically, on the back side 140 of the lower leg (FIG. 2), it surrounds a heel Achilles tendon edge 172 and a gastrocnemius muscle side edge 174, and on the toe 58 side, it surrounds an instep side edge 176 and a shin side edge 178. The heel Achilles tendon edge 172 is positioned to cover the calcaneus 14 and the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78 of the Achilles tendon 44. The gastrocnemius muscle side edge 174 is positioned to cover the gastrocnemius muscle 48 and the Achilles tendon-muscle junction 80 of the Achilles tendon 44. The instep-side edge 176 is located opposite the superior extensor retinaculum 54 of the ankle 38. The shin-side edge 178 is located lower than the gastrocnemius-side edge 174. In other words, the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 is tubular with its upper end sloping toward the toe 58. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 clamps the Achilles tendon 44 with a clamping force a1 that acts from the back side 140 of the lower leg 10 to the front, and a counter force a2 against that force. In addition, a pulling force a3 acts on the arch clamping portion 142. The Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 and the arch clamping portion 142 are connected by a connecting portion 148. In other words, the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 and the arch clamping portion 142 are in a mutually pulling relationship via the connecting portion 148.

[0033] Next, the soleus muscle tightening portion 146 will be described. The soleus muscle fastening portion 146 is disposed on the outer side of the soleus muscle 46 of the lower leg 10, on the medial malleolus 66i side and the lateral malleolus 66o side, and functions to fasten the soleus muscle 46 close to the skin and to retain heat. In the first embodiment, the soleus muscle fastening portion 146 includes a lateral malleolus muscle fastening portion 146o and a medial malleolus muscle fastening portion 146i, which are formed in an elongated hourglass shape and extend a predetermined width from the upper end of the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144 to the lower end of the upper holding portion 106 (elliptical elastic cuff portion 112). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , when viewed from the toe 58 side, an oval-shaped shin ground knitting portion 196 is formed by an arc-shaped toe-side lateral malleolus edge 192 on the lateral malleolus 66o side and a toe-side medial malleolus edge 194 on the medial malleolus 66i side. Furthermore, when viewed from the back side 140 of the lower leg, the heel-side lateral malleolus edge 198 on the lateral malleolus 66o side 208 and the heel-side medial malleolus edge 202 on the medial malleolus 66i side 206, which extend in an arc, form an oval-shaped ground knitted portion for the gastrocnemius muscle 204. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the lateral malleolus muscle fastening portion 146o is formed in an hourglass shape with a minimum width Ws defined by the toe-side lateral malleolus edge 192 and the heel-side lateral malleolus edge 198. In other words, the soleus muscle fastening portion 146 is formed in a shape that widens downwards toward the knee 62 below the knee 62. The medial malleolus muscle fastening portion 146i is formed in an hourglass shape with a minimum width Ws defined by the toe-side medial malleolus edge 194 and the heel-side medial malleolus edge 202. In other words, the lateral malleolus muscle fastening portion 146o and the medial malleolus muscle fastening portion 146i are formed in the same shape. The distance DT ( FIG. 3 ) between the upper end 192U of the toe-side lateral malleolus edge 192 and the upper end 194U of the toe-side medial malleolus edge 194 is configured to be larger (longer) than the distance DH between the heel-side lateral malleolus edge 198 and the heel-side medial malleolus edge 202. A knitting yarn continuous portion 212 is formed in the vicinity of the elastic cuff 112 of the gastrocnemius muscle portion ground knitting portion 204, where the rubber yarn 134, the second knitting yarn 152, and the third knitting yarn 154 are continuous without being cut. In this Example 1, the knitting yarn continuous portion 212 is formed by integrating the rubber yarn 134, the second knitting yarn 152, and the third knitting yarn 154 to form a single yarn, and 21 yarns are left. When the gastrocnemius muscle portion ground knitting portion 204 is stretched a predetermined amount in the knitting yarn continuous portion 212, the stretch is limited by the rubber yarn 134, the second knitting yarn 152, and the third knitting yarn 154 of the knitting yarn continuous portion 212, so the tightening force directly below the elastic cuff 112 is strengthened. This has the advantage of preventing the elastic cuff 112 from slipping down. The number of yarns left in the knitting yarn continuous portion 212 is preferably 10 to 30.

[0034] Next, the connection portion 148 will be described. The connection portion 148 directly connects the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 and the arch clamping portion 142, and has the function of allowing a tensile force to directly act between them. In this embodiment 1, the connection portion 148 is a tangent to each end of the arch clamping portion 142 and the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144. In this embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 2 , the connection portion 148 overlaps with a connecting line 186 that connects an intersection 182 between the arch heel edge 158 and the heel Achilles tendon edge 172 with a straight line 184 between the instep ankle edge 166 and the instep edge 176. The instep ankle side edge 166 and the instep side edge 176 are the boundary between the base knitted portion 102 and the fastening portion 104, which are formed at a position opposite the talus 28 of the ankle portion 38, and constitute a horizontally elongated ankle instep base knitted portion 188 defined by the instep ankle side edge 166 and the instep side edge 176. With this configuration, the connecting portion 148 is positioned closer to the toes 58 than the lateral malleolus 66o and medial malleolus 66i. As a result, the lateral malleolus 66o and medial malleolus 66i are fastened by the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144, which is expected to suppress wobbling of the ankle and prevent sprains and the like.

[0035] As described above, the arch tightening portion 142, Achilles tendon tightening portion 144, and soleus muscle tightening portion 146 of the Achilles tendon support 100 are made up of the tightening portion 104, and the other portions are made up of the ground knitting portion 102. In this Example 1, the ground knitting portion 102 includes an ankle instep ground knitting portion 188, a heel ground knitting portion 128, an instep ground knitting portion 216, a gastrocnemius muscle ground knitting portion 204, and a shin ground knitting portion 196.

[0036] Next, the ankle and instep knit portion 188 will be described. When the ankle 38 is dorsiflexed, in other words, when the foot 12 is at a position where it is at a right angle to the crus 10, the ankle instep ground knit portion 188 easily wrinkles, suppressing friction between the skin at the ankle 38 and the supporter and enabling smooth dorsiflexion. In this Example 1, the ankle instep ground knit portion 188 is composed of a ground knit portion in which elastic thread 134 is added to a flat knit of the first knitting yarn 132. With this configuration, the ankle instep ground knit portion 188 can deform more easily than the arch tightening portion 142 and the Achilles tendon tightening portion 144. Therefore, when the crus 10 is dorsiflexed relative to the foot 12, the ankle instep ground knit portion 188 wrinkles, reducing friction with the skin and improving the fit. In this embodiment 1, when not attached to the lower leg 10, the ankle instep knitted portion 188 is preferably approximately rectangular with a height H of 14 mm (Figure 2) and a width Wa of 50 mm when viewed from the front.

[0037] Next, the heel knit portion 128 will be described. The heel ground knit portion 128 has the function of covering the heel portion 52. In this embodiment 1, the heel ground knit portion 128 is formed in the shape of a quarter disk, when viewed from the side, defined by the arch heel side edge 158 and the heel Achilles tendon edge 172. The arch fastening portion 142 and the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144 are also connected by the heel ground knit portion 128. Therefore, the arch fastening portion 142 and the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144 pull against each other also via the heel ground knit portion 128, thereby increasing the fastening force of the arch fastening portion 142 and the Achilles tendon fastening portion 144.

[0038] Next, the instep knit portion 216 will be described. The instep ground knit portion 216 has the function of covering the instep 64 between the foot portion 116 and the instep edge 164 on the toe side. In this Example 1, the instep ground knit portion 216 has a crescent shape when viewed from above.

[0039] Next, the gastrocnemius muscle knitted portion 204 will be described. The gastrocnemius muscle ground knitting portion 204 has the function of generally covering the gastrocnemius muscle 48. In this Example 1, the gastrocnemius muscle ground knitting portion 204 is an elliptical portion surrounded by the heel side lateral malleolus edge 198, the heel side medial malleolus edge 202, and the lower end of the elastic cuff 112.

[0040] Next, the shin knit portion 196 will be described. The shin knitted portion 196 has the function of generally covering the shin 72. In this embodiment 1, the shin knitted portion 196 is an oval portion surrounded by the toe side outer malleolus side edge 192, the toe side inner malleolus side edge 194, and the lower end of the elastic cuff 112.

[0041] The base knitted portion 102 is configured to be thinner and more breathable than the tightening portion 104. In other words, the tightening portion 104 is configured to be thicker and more breathable than the base knitted portion 102. Therefore, the tightening portion 104 has better heat retention than the base knitted portion 102.

[0042] The Achilles tendon support 100 according to Example 1 is compatible with both left and right legs. Therefore, a user wears the Achilles tendon support 100 on the left and right lower leg 10, or on the right or left lower leg 10 at risk of Achilles tendon injury, and then practices or plays a game for various sports.

[0043] When the Achilles tendon supporter 100 is worn, it is in the state shown in FIGS. That is, the toe-side edge 156 of the foot section 116 is positioned around the arch 60 and instep 64, the heel knit section 128 encases the heel 52, and the elastic cuff 112 is positioned around the crus 10 just below the knee 62. As a result, the arch tightening section 142 tightens the arch 60 and instep 64 relative to the arch 60, drawing the plantar tendon 42 toward the instep 64 with a predetermined force. The Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 is positioned around the Achilles tendon 44 and the shin 72 to clamp the ankle 38 and the Achilles tendon 44, and pulls the Achilles tendon 44 toward the shin 72 with a predetermined force. The back side 140 of the lower leg of the Achilles tendon clamping portion 144 covers the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78 between the calcaneus 14 and the Achilles tendon 44, and the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 80 between the gastrocnemius 48 and the Achilles tendon 44, thereby keeping the Achilles tendon 44, the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78, and the Achilles tendon-muscular junction 80 warm.

[0044] In this state, for example, if the foot moves rapidly backward while facing forward, the toe 58 will push off the floor. This is achieved by rapidly contracting the plantar tendon 42 and the Achilles tendon 44 and soleus muscle 46. When the plantar tendon 42 rapidly contracts, the calcaneus 14 and metatarsal 20 are pulled together, resulting in tension of the plantar tendon 42. When the plantar tendon 42 is tensioned, the plantar tendon 42 moves in a direction away from the instep 64. This movement of the plantar tendon 42 is against the tightening force of the arch tightening portion 142, so rapid movement is alleviated. Similarly, when the Achilles tendon 44 is tensioned, the Achilles tendon 44 approaches a straight line between the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction 78 and the Achilles tendon junction 80. In other words, the Achilles tendon 44 moves in a direction away from the shin 72. In this case, the Achilles tendon 44 moves against the tightening force of the Achilles tendon tightening portion 144, so sudden stretching or contraction of the Achilles tendon 44 is suppressed, which has the advantage of suppressing damage to the Achilles tendon 44.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Since the size of the lower leg 10 varies from person to person, it is preferable to prepare sizes S, M, L, and LL, for example, and select the size so that the expansion rate of the Achilles tendon support 100 falls within a predetermined range based on the size of the wearer's calf 144. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] As described above, the present invention can be used to prevent or alleviate Achilles tendinopathy in sports, as well as in other activities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Lower leg 12 Foot 14 Calcaneus 44 Achilles tendon 48 Gastrocnemius 64 Instep 60 Arch 66 Ankle 66i Inner malleolus 66o lateral ankle 62 Knee area 72 shin 88 Joint 100 Achilles tendon support 102 Ground knitting section 118 Ground Knitting Yarn 134 Elastic thread 142 Arch tightening part 144 Achilles tendon clamp 146 Soleus Muscle Tightening Part 148 Connection 152 Second knitting yarn 154 3rd knitting yarn 158 Arch heel side edge 166 Instep ankle edge 172 Edge of Achilles tendon in heel 176 Back edge 182 intersection 188 Ankle and instep knitting section

Claims

1. a tubular, stretchable knitted portion (102) that covers the instep (64) of the foot (12) and the lower leg (10) from the arch (60) to below the knee (62); an arch tightening portion (142) that covers the instep (64) and the arch (60) of the foot portion (12) in a ring shape is added to the ground knitted portion (102); an Achilles tendon fastening portion (144) for covering the Achilles tendon (44) and the shin (72) of the lower leg (10) is added to the ground knitted portion (102); The Achilles tendon supporter (100) has a greater clamping force by knitting thicker yarn into the arch clamping portion (142) and the Achilles tendon clamping portion (144) than into the base knitted portion (102), The Achilles tendon fastening portion (144) covers from the Achilles tendon-calcaneal junction (78) between the calcaneus (14) and the Achilles tendon (44) to the Achilles tendon-muscle junction (80) between the gastrocnemius (48) and the Achilles tendon (44); The arch fastening portion (142) and the Achilles tendon fastening portion (144) are connected by a connecting portion (148) on the arch (60) side of the ankle (66). Achilles tendon support characterized by:

2. The Achilles tendon tightening portion (144), the arch tightening portion (142), and the connecting portion (148) are formed by knitting a rubber thread (134) thicker than the ground knitting thread (118) and a third knitting thread (154) into the ground knitting thread (118).

2. The Achilles tendon support according to claim 1.

3. The width of the connecting portion (148) is 15 to 20 mm when not attached. The Achilles tendon support according to claim 2.

4. The connection portion (148) is defined by an intersection (182) of the arch heel-side edge (158) of the arch fastening portion (142) and the heel Achilles tendon edge (172) of the Achilles tendon fastening portion (144), and an ankle instep knit portion (188) defined by the instep ankle-side edge (166) of the arch fastening portion (142) and the instep-side edge (176) of the Achilles tendon fastening portion (144).

4. The Achilles tendon support according to claim 3.

5. The soleus muscle clamping portion (146) is provided soleus muscle clamping portion (146) which is long and narrow and is arranged on the medial and lateral sides of the lower leg portion (10) in continuation with the Achilles tendon clamping portion (144).

2. The Achilles tendon support according to claim 1.

6. The Achilles tendon supporter according to claim 5, characterized in that the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening portions (146) are formed in a shape that widens toward the knee portion (62) below the knee portion (62).

7. The second knitting yarn (152) and the third knitting yarn (154) in the vicinity of the knee part (62) on the gastrocnemius muscle (48) side of the medial and lateral soleus muscle tightening parts (146) are continuous.

7. The Achilles tendon support according to claim 6.

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