socks

Abstract

The present invention provides socks that prevent stuffiness while effectively providing thermal stimulation to specific areas of the foot. [Solution] The present invention has an opening for the big toe and openings for the other four toes, as well as openings on the inner and outer sides of the arch of the foot, and a heat-generating material is placed around the periphery of each opening and in the areas corresponding to the acupoints of Yongquan, Taichong, and Sanyinjiao.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to socks having an opening structure and a heat stimulation function that bring comfort to specific parts of the feet.

Background Art

[0002] Many modern people have a lifestyle that easily leads to chronic energy deficiency due to lack of exercise, stress, autonomic nerve disorders, excessive dieting, etc., and along with it, they have problems such as cold sensitivity, insomnia, irregular menstruation, and swelling.

[0003] From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, originally, the ideal state for humans is "upper cold and lower heat", that is, the upper body is cold and the lower body is warm. However, due to the reasons mentioned above, many modern people are in a state of "upper heat and lower cold", that is, heat accumulates in the upper body and the lower body is cold. In particular, the feet are also called "the entrance of cold", and are an important part that affects the circulation of the whole body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that by applying heat stimulation to acupoints such as "Yongquan", "Taichong", and "Sanyinjiao" on the feet, health effects such as promoting blood circulation, regulating the autonomic nerves, and improving sleep can be expected.

[0004] Conventionally, warming socks for improving cold feet have been widely used, and many commercially available products include socks with high heat retention such as wool and far-infrared materials, and products with a heat-generating material built into the sole.

[0005] However, in FIG. 5 showing conventional socks, most common socks cover the entire foot and have a structure that uniformly warms a wide area, so heat accumulates and stuffiness and discomfort are likely to occur. Also, the feeling of tightness and constriction is strong, and there is a strong opinion in some people that "it is better not to wear socks when sleeping" especially when wearing them at bedtime.

[0006] Also, there are many socks that apply heat stimulation to Sanyinjiao, but for modern people in a state of chronic energy deficiency, it is not sufficient from the perspective of efficiently circulating their limited energy, and a more tangible structure has been demanded. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-179155 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-129947 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Conventional thermal socks, such as the technology described in Patent Document 1, have openings to prevent stuffiness, but the degree of freedom of the toes is limited, and they are somewhat ineffective at preventing stuffiness between the toes. Furthermore, the size of the opening in the arch of the foot may actually cause the foot to get cold.

[0009] Next, the technology described in Patent Document 2, while providing warmth to a wide area due to its structure that covers the entire foot, had the problem of easily trapping heat and causing stuffiness. In particular, when used during sleep, it could impair comfort due to sweating and discomfort, and some people suggested that it was better not to wear socks.

[0010] In recent years, socks designed to provide thermal stimulation to specific acupoints (such as Sanyinjiao) have also become known. However, these socks are so focused on acupoint stimulation that they sometimes lack consideration for breathability and comfort. As a result, heat can build up, dulling the sensation of acupoint stimulation, or causing discomfort during prolonged use.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide socks that can be comfortably worn even during sleep or relaxation by suppressing stuffiness while providing concentrated and sustained thermal stimulation to specific areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention provides socks that achieve both comfort and thermal stimulation by providing openings in specific parts of the sock body, such as the toes and the inner and outer sides of the arch of the foot, and by placing a thermal material in the area corresponding to the periphery of the openings.

[0013] The aforementioned opening is preferably a two-part structure (open-toe structure) consisting of an opening for the big toe and openings for the other four toes in order to ensure breathability and comfort, and it is also preferable to provide slit-shaped or oval-shaped openings on the inner and outer sides of the arch of the foot.

[0014] The aforementioned heat-generating material is placed at least one of the following acupoints on the foot, which are considered important in Oriental medicine: Yongquan (activation of the whole body and improvement of coldness), Taichong (regulation of the autonomic nervous system and emotional stability), and Sanyinjiao (improvement of coldness, menstrual irregularities, and swelling). In addition, the heat-generating material can be placed at other acupoints on the foot, depending on the user's constitution and purpose.

[0015] The aforementioned thermal material is fixed to the periphery of each opening and each acupoint by means of sewing, bonding, or weaving, thereby enabling the stable provision of thermal stimulation at the precise location.

[0016] By using far-infrared radiating materials, materials containing warming components, and heat-retaining gels as the aforementioned heating materials, it becomes possible to select materials according to the intensity and duration of stimulation and the usage environment, thereby realizing a more flexible approach to heating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to claim 1 of the present invention, by providing an opening in a specific area and a heat-retaining material around the opening, it is possible to provide comfortable heat stimulation while ensuring breathability and reducing stuffiness.

[0018] According to the sock according to claim 2 of the present invention, by providing openings on the inner and outer sides of the toe part and the instep, it is possible to be worn without hindering the mobility of the toes while suppressing the stuffiness between the toes. Also, in the openings on both sides of the instep, by utilizing the arch of the instep, the breathability of the foot can be ensured.

[0019] According to the sock according to claim 3 of the present invention, By creating a two-way open-toe structure with the toe area edged with a heat-retaining material, the breathability between the toes is enhanced, which helps prevent stuffiness and athlete's foot. At the same time, the structural strength of the periphery of the opening is increased, preventing displacement during wearing, not hindering the movement of the toes, and promising an improvement in tension and grip. Furthermore, the thermal insulation material provides a stable and precise heat retention effect.

[0020] According to claim 4 of the present invention, by providing an opening edged with a thermal material on either the inner or outer side of the arch of the foot, or both, it is possible to achieve both precise thermal stimulation to important pressure points around the arch of the foot and efficient moisture dissipation through the opening. This makes it possible to suppress stuffiness even when worn for long periods of time while maintaining foot comfort, and to continuously enhance the blood circulation promotion effect and relaxation effect. Furthermore, the edged portion with the thermal material increases structural strength, and by positioning it to match the three-dimensional shape of the foot, it is possible to deliver a stable thermal effect to the targeted area without compromising a comfortable fit.

[0021] According to the sock according to claim 5 of the present invention, by fixing the heat-generating material by sewing, adhesion, or knitting, the structural strength of the periphery of the opening is increased, and displacement and error of the stimulation site during use are suppressed, enabling a stable heat stimulation to be given to the precise site.

[0022] According to the sock according to claim 6 of the present invention, By securing the thermal material through sewing, bonding, or weaving, the structural strength of the opening periphery is increased, while also suppressing shifting during use and errors in the stimulation area, allowing for stable thermal stimulation to be applied to the precise locations, especially those corresponding to acupoints such as Yongquan, Taichong, and Sanyinjiao.

[0023] According to the sock according to claim 7 of the present invention, by appropriately selecting a far-infrared radiation material, a temperature-sensitive component-containing material, a heat storage gel, etc. as the heat-generating material, it is possible to obtain the effect of gently warming up to the deep part while suppressing the risk of burns.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] External view of the sock of the present invention (for the right foot)<了 [Figure 2] Perspective view and front view of the toe two-hole open-toe structure [Figure 3] Structural diagram of the instep side opening (cross-sectional view) [Figure 4] Structural diagram of the arrangement of the heat-generating material at the Yongquan, Taichong, and Sanyinjiao parts (cross-sectional view) [Figure 5] External view of the conventional sock [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is an external view of the sock 1 according to the present invention. The sock 1 has a structure that covers the entire foot and has a tubular sock body 10, which is formed from a woven material (for example, wool, cotton, polyester, far-infrared radiating fiber, etc.) that has excellent elasticity and heat retention from the lower leg to the sole of the foot.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the toe area is provided with an opening 11a for the big toe and openings 11b for the other four toes, creating a two-open-toe structure that leaves the toes free. This structure ensures freedom of movement for the toes and breathability, improving comfort when worn.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, slits or elliptical inner openings 12a and outer openings 12b are formed on both sides of the arch of the foot, allowing for the placement of thermal materials while reducing internal stuffiness.

[0029] Furthermore, the edges of each opening are trimmed with a thermal material 20, creating a structure that prevents deformation and wear while enhancing heat retention.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, heating material 20 is provided in the areas corresponding to the acupoints Yongquan A, Taichong B, and Sanyinjiao C. These heating materials 20 are stably positioned in predetermined locations on the sock body 10 by sewing or other fixing means, so that they do not shift during wear and can provide thermal stimulation to the desired area. [Examples]

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0032] The sock body 10 is made of a stretchable knitted material and is designed to fit with moderate pressure from the top and bottom of the foot to the ankle and lower leg.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the toe area of ​​sock 1 employs a two-part structure (open-toe structure) that divides into a big toe section 11a and the other four toe sections 11b, exposing the toes. This ensures breathability between the toes, maintaining comfort even during sleep or prolonged wear.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the sock 1 has slit-shaped or oval-shaped inner openings 12a and outer openings 12b on both sides of the arch of the foot. A far-infrared emitting heat-generating material 20 is arranged in a border-like manner around the periphery of these openings 12a, 12b and the toe portions 11a, 11b, resulting in a configuration that achieves both heat retention and structural reinforcement while reducing stuffiness.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the areas corresponding to Yongquan A (slightly forward of the center of the sole), Taichong B (on the dorsum of the foot, near the intersection of the bones of the big toe and second toe), and Sanyinjiao C (four finger-widths above the inner ankle, on the posterior edge of the shin) are fitted with a far-infrared emitting heat-generating material 20 on the inside, providing continuous and gentle thermal stimulation while sleeping or wearing the product.

[0036] As a result, the socks of this embodiment can provide concentrated and sustained thermal stimulation to important acupoints that regulate the circulation of "qi and blood" in Oriental medicine, and are expected to have effects such as regulating the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation, and improving coldness.

[0037] Furthermore, these structures allow for precise thermal stimulation to specific areas of the foot while suppressing excessive stuffiness and tightness during sleep, thus achieving a balance of comfort and functionality compared to conventional all-over thermal socks.

[0038] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above configuration, and the following modifications are possible.

[0039] Sock materials can be designed in various ways, including natural materials, synthetic fibers, and non-woven fabrics, with different weaves and thicknesses. They can also be made from composite materials that take into account breathability and heat retention.

[0040] The foot section's segmented structure is not limited to a two-part structure for the big toe and the other toes; a variety of toe designs can be applied, including a five-toe sock structure and a structure without separation.

[0041] The shape of the opening is not limited to a slit shape; variations such as circular, elliptical, and rectangular shapes are possible.

[0042] The location and number of openings can be changed according to the intended use, and additional openings may be placed in the center of the sole, the top of the foot, around the ankle, etc.

[0043] The heat-generating material can be attached to the sock body not only by sewing, but also by bonding, folding, knitting, or compression, and is expected to have practicality that can withstand continuous use and washing.

[0044] The heat-generating material may be placed in conjunction with other acupuncture points on the foot, in addition to Yongquan, Taichong, and Sanyinjiao.

[0045] As for the heating material, various heating methods can be selected, including far-infrared radiating fibers, heating sheets, chemical hand warmers, and gel materials, and it is also possible to make them into adhesive or pocket-sized types.

[0046] Furthermore, the heating element may be made removable, allowing users to choose whether or not to include the heating element and where to place it, according to their preferences and physical condition.

[0047] The socks of this invention can also be made into elastic stockings that extend to below the knee. [Industrial applicability]

[0048] This invention has broad industrial applications in medical-related fields, sleep improvement, relaxation, and beauty fields. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 = Socks 10 = Sock body 11a = opening of the big toe 11b=Indicator to lesser toe opening 12a = Opening on the inside of the arch of the foot 12b = Outer arch opening 20 = Heat-generating material A=Spring spring B=Taisho C=Three Yin Intercourse

Claims

1. A sock characterized by having an opening in a specific part of the sock body, and the area around the opening being edged with a heat-retaining material.

2. The sock according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific area is one or more of the following: an entire toe area corresponding to the entire toe area, a partial toe area corresponding to a part of the toe area, an inner arch area corresponding to the inner part of the arch, and an outer arch area corresponding to the outer part of the arch.

3. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the toe area, which is edged with the heat-retaining material, has a two-way open-toe structure in which the big toe area and the other toe areas of the foot are separated.

4. A sock according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening edged with the heat-retaining material is provided in either or both of the portion corresponding to the inner part of the arch of the foot and the portion corresponding to the outer part of the arch of the foot.

5. A sock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heat-generating material is provided in a part corresponding to at least one of the acupoints of the foot: Yongquan, Taichong, and Sanyinjiao.

6. A sock according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-generating material is sewn, bonded, or knitted into the sock body.

7. The socks according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-retaining material comprises at least one material selected from a far-infrared radiating material, a material containing a heat-sensing component, and a heat-retaining gel material.

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