socks

Abstract

To provide socks that can maintain the talus bone in its normal position. [Solution] The sock S comprises a sock body 1, an inner support portion 2 formed in a band shape from above the medial malleolus a downward through the medial malleolus a and less stretchable than the sock body 1, a sole support portion 3 formed in a band shape from the lower end of the inner support portion 2 across the sole of the foot and less stretchable than the sock body 1, a posterior support portion 5 that covers the heel and is formed upward from the heel along the Achilles tendon and less stretchable than the sock body 1, and an arch support portion 6 formed to cover the arch of the sole of the foot and less stretchable than the sock body 1, wherein the inner support portion 2 and the posterior support portion 5 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at their upper ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to socks, particularly socks having a taping function.

Background Art

[0002] The talus is located at the center of the ankle joint and plays a role as a base for supporting the body weight of the whole body. Therefore, it has been found that when the talus deviates from its normal position, it has various effects on the body. For example, flat feet, fatigue on the sole of the foot, torsion of the heel and knee, hallux valgus and curled nails, X-shaped legs and O-shaped legs, pain in the knee, waist, hip joint, etc., shoulder stiffness and headache caused by a disrupted posture, and even disorders of the autonomic nerves are caused. Also, in sports, the deviation of the talus is a cause of performance decline.

[0003] As described above, since the deviation of the talus causes various effects in daily life and sports, it is very important to keep the talus in a normal position. Therefore, socks for correcting the talus to a normal position have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses socks provided with a sock body and a first supporter portion having less elasticity than the sock body, and the first supporter portion is formed in a portion corresponding from above the inner malleolus to below the sustentaculum tali of the inner malleolus and the sole of the foot and to the outer side of the cuboid bone. In these socks, since the first supporter portion supports the inner malleolus, talus, and sustentaculum tali so as to press them toward the outer malleolus side, the upper surface of the sustentaculum tali can be maintained at an appropriate angle with respect to the long axis of the foot, and the talus can be placed in a normal position on the sustentaculum tali.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the sock described in Patent Document 1 above, the talus is maintained in its normal position by the first support portion. However, research by the inventors of the present invention has revealed that the position of the talar process is also influenced by other parts of the body, and therefore, such a first support portion alone is insufficient to maintain the talar process in its normal position. As a result of diligent research, the inventors of the present invention have arrived at the present invention.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide socks that can maintain the talus in a normal position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a sock that covers the foot, ankle and at least the lower end of the lower leg, comprising: a sock body; a medial support portion formed in a band shape extending downward from above the medial malleolus through the medial malleolus and less stretchable than the sock body; a sole support portion formed in a band shape extending from the lower end of the medial support portion across the sole of the foot and less stretchable than the sock body; a posterior support portion that covers the heel and extends upward from the heel along the Achilles tendon and less stretchable than the sock body; and an arch support portion formed to cover the arch portion of the sole of the foot and less stretchable than the sock body, wherein the medial support portion and the posterior support portion are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at their upper ends. The rear support portion comprises a heel support portion that covers the heel and at least the lower end of the Achilles tendon, and an outer peripheral support portion formed adjacent to the periphery of the heel support portion on the side of the medial support portion, wherein the heel support portion is less stretchable than the outer peripheral support portion. .

[0008] In this configuration, each support part can support the bones of the foot, especially the talus, in the correct posture. Specifically, this is as follows: The arch support part supports the arch of the sole of the foot. The posterior support part is formed to cover the heel, thus stabilizing the calcaneus. By stabilizing the calcaneus, the sustentaculum tali can be stabilized in the correct posture. Furthermore, the posterior support part also supports the Achilles tendon, which has the function of pulling the calcaneus, thereby increasing the stability of the calcaneus. In addition, the stability of the talus and sustentaculum tali is also enhanced by the sole support part that supports the anterior portion of the talus from below. On the other hand, since the sustentaculum tali and the talus are supported from the inside by the medial support part, their inward displacement is suppressed, and they are maintained in the correct posture. Thus, in the sock according to the present invention, the coordinated action of multiple support parts stabilizes the calcaneus, especially the sustentaculum tali, and applies a supporting force to the talus toward the correct posture, thereby holding the talus in the correct position. Furthermore, this configuration firmly supports the heel and Achilles tendon with a highly stretch-resistant heel support section, while also providing an outer edge support section that is less stretch-resistant (more stretchable) than the heel support section, thereby loosening the constriction around the calf.

[0009] The socks according to the present invention cover the lower leg up to above the Achilles tendon, that is, at least the lower end of the calf. It is known that tightening the calf makes it easier to plantarflex, and plantarflexion impairs postural stability. Impaired postural stability can lead to adverse effects on the body and a decrease in athletic performance. Therefore, it is important to have a configuration that does not tighten the calf while maintaining the function of each of the support parts described above. For this reason, in one preferred embodiment of the socks according to the present invention, the medial support part and the posterior support part are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the upper end. That is, a gap is formed between the medial support part and the posterior support part at the upper end. By forming this gap, excessive tightening force is not applied to the calf.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment of the sock according to the present invention, the rear support portion is narrower towards the upper end.

[0011] In this configuration, the lower end of the rear support section is wider and the upper end is narrower, which firmly supports the heel while preventing excessive pressure on the calf. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a view of the sock from the medial malleolus side when worn. [Figure 2] This is a view of the sock from the lateral malleolus side when worn. [Figure 3] This is a view of the sock from the heel side when worn. [Figure 4] This is a view of the sock from the sole side when worn. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of a sock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the sock according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "inside" and "outside" refer to the medial malleolus side and the lateral malleolus side, respectively. The sock S in this embodiment is a knee-high sock type that covers from the toes to below the knee, and comprises a foot portion F that mainly covers the foot and a body portion B that mainly covers the lower leg.

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 show the sock S worn on the right foot in this embodiment, viewed from the medial malleolus e, lateral malleolus f, heel, and sole, respectively. In these figures, the wearer's bone structure is roughly represented by dashed lines. Figure 5 is an unfolded view of the sock S in this embodiment, cut open from the front center of the body part B to the instep center of the foot part F.

[0017] As shown in these figures, the sock S in this embodiment comprises an inner support portion 2, a sole support portion 3, an outer support portion 4, a rear support portion 5, an arch support portion 6, and the sock body 1, which is the part other than these portions. The inner support portion 2, sole support portion 3, outer support portion 4, rear support portion 5, and arch support portion 6 are all less stretchable than the sock body 1. The resistance to stretching (low stretchability) of these portions can be imparted by various methods, such as using different fabric materials or knitting methods, and the method is not particularly limited.

[0018] The medial support portion 2 is a band-shaped area formed from above the medial malleolus e, through the medial malleolus e, to below the sustentaculum tali b. The sole support portion 3 is a band-shaped area formed from the lower end of the medial support portion 2, traversing the sole of the foot (near the posterior end of the arch). Therefore, the sole support portion 3 is positioned to pass below the anterior end of the calcaneus a (the lower part of the sustentaculum tali b).

[0019] The lateral support portion 4 is a band-shaped area formed from the lateral end of the sole support portion 3 upwards to the vicinity of the posterior end of the cuboid bone d (near the lower end of the talus bone c). In this embodiment, the sole support portion 3 is connected to the lower ends of the medial support portion 2 and the lateral support portion 4, but there may be gaps between them.

[0020] The rear support part 5 is a part formed to cover the heel and the Achilles tendon. In the present embodiment, the rear support part 5 is not rectangular but is formed in a so-called mountain shape with a narrower upper part. As a result, on the upper end side, the rear support part 5 and the inner side support part 2 are separated from each other in the circumferential (around the ankle) direction, and a gap is formed between them. Further, in the present embodiment, the rear support part 5 is composed of parts having two types of low extensibility. Specifically, the rear support part 5 includes a heel support part 51 formed in a substantially triangular shape at the lower end so as to mainly cover the Achilles tendon lower end part from the heel, and a belt-shaped outer peripheral edge support part 52 that covers a part of the Achilles tendon and is adjacent to the peripheral edge on the inner side support part 2 side of the heel support part 51 and has lower extensibility (is easier to stretch) than the heel support part 51. Due to such a configuration, an approximately Y-shaped or approximately V-shaped support part is formed by the inner side support part 2 and the outer peripheral edge support 52.

[0021] The arch support part 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape so as to mainly cover the arch part of the sole. Further, a substantially semicircular concave part 61 is formed on the inner side of the arch support part 6. Therefore, the arch support part 6 does not exist at the part corresponding to the instep of the sock S. When the sock S is worn, the arch support part 6 not only exists on the sole but also its inner side and outer side reach the side parts on the inner and outer sides of the foot respectively. However, the arch support part 6 does not reach the instep.

[0022] As described above, the sock S according to the present invention has low extensibility in parts other than the sock body 1. The parts having low extensibility act to support and brace those parts, similar to taping. Specifically, the following effects are achieved.

[0023] The arch of the foot has functions such as shock absorption, spring function, and balance improvement function when the foot touches the ground. Therefore, various adverse effects occur when the arch of the foot collapses. In contrast, when the sock S according to the present invention is worn, first, the arch support portion 6 supports the arch of the foot from below. By the support from below by this arch support portion 6, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the arch of the foot. Further, as described above, since the arch support portion 6 is not formed on the instep portion of the foot, the freedom of the foot is not deprived. Therefore, the performance does not deteriorate due to the arch support portion 6.

[0024] Since the medial support portion 2 is formed from above the medial malleolus e through the medial malleolus e to below the sustentaculum tali b, it supports the medial malleolus e, talus c, sustentaculum tali b, etc. from the inside and suppresses their displacement to the inside. Therefore, the sustentaculum tali b can be maintained in an appropriate posture, and the talus c can be maintained in a normal position on the sustentaculum tali b. Further, since the sole support portion 3 supports the vicinity below the sustentaculum tali b of the calcaneus a from below, and the lateral support portion 4 supports the vicinity outside the sustentaculum tali b of the calcaneus a from the outside, the posture of the sustentaculum tali b can be stabilized.

[0025] Since the rear support portion 5 is formed to cover the heel, the heel, that is, the calcaneus a can be stabilized in an appropriate position. Further, since the rear support portion 5 also covers the lower end portion of the Achilles tendon, the Achilles tendon can be supported from behind. Since the Achilles tendon has a function of pulling the calcaneus a, by the support by this rear support portion 5, excessive tilting of the calcaneus a can be suppressed. Thereby, the heel, that is, the calcaneus a can be stabilized in an appropriate position. Since the sustentaculum tali b is a part of the calcaneus a, naturally, the sustentaculum tali b can also be maintained in an appropriate posture, and the talus c can be supported in an appropriate posture.

[0026] To stabilize posture, dorsiflexion is preferable. It is known that tightening the calf makes plantarflexion easier and dorsiflexion more difficult. Therefore, to stabilize posture, it is important not to tighten the area around the calf too much. In the sock S according to the present invention, the medial support portion 2 and the posterior support portion 5 (outer peripheral edge support portion 52) are formed to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the upper end. Furthermore, in the sock S of this embodiment, the width of the posterior support portion 5 narrows towards the upper end. By forming the posterior support portion 5 in this way, the heel and Achilles tendon are firmly supported, while the tightening of the calf is reduced. This allows the medial support portion 2 and the posterior support portion 5 to fully perform their functions, suppressing plantarflexion and making dorsiflexion easier.

[0027] Furthermore, in the sock S of this embodiment, the posterior support portion 5 is composed of a heel support portion 51 and an outer peripheral edge support portion 52. That is, the lower and widthwise central portion of the posterior support portion 5 is highly stretch-resistant, while the stretch resistance is lower near the outer peripheral edge opposite the upper medial support portion 2. As a result, the heel and the lower end of the Achilles tendon are firmly supported, while the constriction around the calf is reduced. In this respect as well, the sock S of this embodiment suppresses plantarflexion and facilitates dorsiflexion.

[0028] Furthermore, the foot support section 3 also contributes to the ease of dorsiflexion.

[0029] As described above, the medial support portion 2 and the peripheral support portion 52 form a roughly Y-shaped or roughly V-shaped region, and their intersection is near the talus c or sustentaculum tali b. Therefore, the lower end of the peripheral support portion 52 can reinforce the medial support of the talus c and sustentaculum tali b from the medial side of the medial support portion 2.

[0030] Thus, in the sock S according to the present invention, by forming support parts that are less stretchable than the sock body 1 in multiple areas, the arch of the foot is maintained, and the heel and Achilles tendon are supported, thereby increasing the stability of the calcaneus (sustentaculum tali) and maintaining the sustentaculum tali and talus in a proper posture. Furthermore, by reducing the constriction of the calf, dorsiflexion is made easier. Through these actions, proper posture can be maintained and athletic performance can be improved.

[0031] [Another embodiment]

[0032] (1) In the above embodiment, the rear support portion 5 (heel support portion 51) is roughly mountain-shaped, but it may be rectangular or other shapes. However, even in this case, the rear support portion 5 and the inner support portion 2 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the upper end.

[0033] (2) In the above embodiment, the heel support portion 51 is less stretchable than the outer edge support portion 52, but it is acceptable for it to be of the same degree of resistance to stretching.

[0034] (3) In the above embodiment, the sock S was provided with an outer support portion 4, but the outer support portion 4 is not essential and may be omitted. [Industrial applicability]

[0035] This invention can be used in various types of socks, including sports socks that are required to maintain or improve the wearer's performance, and socks worn by people that are required to maintain proper posture, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] B: Body part F: Foot part S: Socks a: calcaneus b: pedestal projection c: talus d: Cuboid bone e: medial malleolus f: External malleolus 1: Sock body 2: Inner support section 3: Foot support section 4: Outer support section 5: Rear support section 51: Heel support section 52: Peripheral edge support section 6: Arch support section 61: Recess

Claims

1. Socks that cover the foot, ankle and at least the lower end of the lower leg, The sock itself, An inner support portion is formed in a band shape from above the medial malleolus, passing through the medial malleolus downwards, and is less stretchable than the sock body, A foot support portion is formed in a band shape extending across the sole of the foot from the lower end of the aforementioned inner support portion, and is less stretchable than the sock body, A rear support portion that covers the heel and extends upward along the Achilles tendon from the heel, and is less stretchy than the main body of the sock, It comprises an arch support portion that is formed to cover the arch of the sole of the foot and is less stretchable than the main body of the sock, The inner support portion and the rear support portion are spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the upper end. The aforementioned rear support section is A heel support portion that covers the heel and at least the lower end of the Achilles tendon, The heel support portion comprises an outer peripheral support portion formed adjacent to the periphery of the inner support portion, The heel support portion of the sock is less stretchy than the outer edge support portion.

2. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the rear support portion is narrower towards the upper end.

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