socks

Abstract

These socks enhance foot stability by securing the ankle and locking the heel, preventing ankle wobble and efficiently transferring power when pushing off the ground. [Solution] The present invention relates to a sock comprising a sock body and a support portion that provides a predetermined tightening force to the foot. The support portion comprises a first support portion that is provided in a ring shape around the ankle, a second support portion that extends below the first support portion, from the front center of the ankle, passing near the outer ankle, going around the sole of the foot, and extending to near the inner ankle, and a third support portion that extends below the second support portion, passing through the center of the instep, the front inner side of the arch, and the sole of the foot, crossing at the center of the instep, and extending to near the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to socks having a function of supporting the feet.

Background Art

[0002] In sports activities and daily life, taping is widely used to prevent injuries such as ankle sprains and to ensure the stability of the feet. Taping is a method of restricting excessive movement of joints and improving stability by attaching an adhesive tape to specific parts of the ankle and feet.

[0003] However, taping requires specialized knowledge and techniques and is difficult to apply properly by oneself. In addition, skin troubles may occur due to the adhesive tape, and it may be difficult to use for people with allergic constitutions or sensitive skin. Furthermore, taping is limited to temporary use and is not suitable for long-term or repeated use.

[0004] To solve these problems, functional socks having a taping effect have been developed. For example, in Patent Document 1, socks having a support function at the ankle part are disclosed. In addition, in Patent Document 2, socks having a support structure for applying pressure to specific parts of the feet are disclosed. Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, socks having a structure for supporting the arch of the sole are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, conventional support socks have not been able to provide the same level of effectiveness as taping, and have not achieved a configuration that enhances ankle stability or efficiently transmits power when pushing off the ground.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology and to provide socks that have the same effect as taping, are easy to put on and take off, and are less likely to cause skin problems. In particular, the aim is to provide socks that improve foot stability by fixing the ankle area and locking the heel, prevent ankle wobbling, and further provide the effect of efficiently transmitting power when pushing off the ground with the foot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sock is provided having a sock body and a support portion provided on the sock body and applying a predetermined tightening force to the wearer's foot. The support portion has a first support portion provided in an annular shape at the ankle, a second support portion located below the first support portion at the ankle, with a first end near the front middle of the ankle, passing near the outer ankle, going around the first sole, and extending further to near the inner ankle, with a second end spaced apart from the first end, and a third end located below the second support portion near the first end. The third support portion includes a fourth end portion that extends from the second support portion to the vicinity of the second end portion below the second support portion, passing through a predetermined position a predetermined distance away from the second support portion on the instep, then passing through the anterior medial aspect of the arch, around the second sole of the foot on the toe side of the first sole of the foot, and then from the anterior lateral aspect of the arch, passing through the predetermined position.

[0010] This configuration allows the first support section to tighten around the ankle in a ring shape, providing a heel-locking effect that stabilizes the calcaneus. The second support section supports the subtalar joint and the area around the talus, preventing ankle instability. Furthermore, the third support section crosses around the cuneiform and metatarsal bones and wraps around the sole of the foot, enhancing overall foot stability and efficiently transferring power when pushing off the ground.

[0011] Three support sections work together to support the foot, resulting in socks that offer the same effectiveness as traditional taping, but are easy to put on and take off, and cause fewer skin irritations.

[0012] First, the first support section tightly wraps around the ankle and firmly locks the calcaneus, creating a foundation for overall foot stability. With this stable fulcrum, the second support section effectively supports the subtalar joint and its surroundings, preventing ankle wobble, instability, and twisting such as inversion. Furthermore, starting from this stable rearfoot, the third support section crosses the cuneiform and metatarsal bones to support the sole of the foot, maintaining the arch of the entire foot while efficiently transmitting power from pushing off the ground to the whole body without loss.

[0013] Thus, the structure in which the first support section, second support section, and third support section are organically connected and work together to fix, control, and propel the foot exhibits multifaceted effects such as high stability and improved athletic performance during walking and running, as well as prevention of sprains and slippage. Furthermore, since no specialized application techniques or skin irritation are required, anyone can easily use high-performance foot support. According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the sock of the first aspect, the first support section, the second support section, and the third support section are formed so that the tightening force is uniform in each support section.

[0014] This configuration ensures uniform tightening force across each support section, allowing for even support of the entire foot without excessive pressure on specific areas. The first to third supports may all have the same tightening force, or they may differ. In either case, uniform tightening force across each support section is preferable.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sock of the first or second aspect, the lower edge of the first support portion and the first end and the second end of the second support portion are connected.

[0016] This configuration allows the first and second support sections to work in conjunction, further improving stability from the ankle to the heel. In particular, it enhances the stability of the subtalar joint and effectively controls ankle inversion and eversion.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sock of the first or second aspect, the first end of the second support portion and the third end of the third support portion are connected, and the second end of the second support portion and the fourth end of the third support portion are connected.

[0018] This configuration allows the second and third support sections to work in conjunction, improving stability from the midfoot to the anterior part of the foot, and in particular, properly supporting the arch structure of the foot.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sock of the third aspect, the first end of the second support portion is connected to the third end of the third support portion, and the second end of the second support portion is connected to the fourth end of the third support portion.

[0020] This configuration allows the first, second, and third support sections to function in conjunction, maximizing overall foot stability and achieving an effect equivalent to or better than taping. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide socks that have the same effect as taping, are easy to attach and detach, and are less likely to cause skin trouble. In particular, by fixing around the ankle and locking the heel, the stability of the foot can be enhanced, the wobbling of the ankle can be prevented, and furthermore, the power when kicking the ground at the foot can be efficiently transmitted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from the upper left front of the sock for the right foot according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from the upper right front of the sock for the right foot according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the lower left rear of the sock for the right foot according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view seen from the lower right rear of the sock for the right foot according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, in the following description, the sock for the right foot will be described as an example, but the sock for the left foot has a structure symmetric to the right foot sock, and since the technical idea of the invention is essentially the same, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. <Embodiment> Figure 1 shows the wearer wearing sock 1, with the wearer's right foot viewed from the front left. Figure 2 shows the wearer wearing sock 1, with the wearer's right foot viewed from the front right. Figure 3 shows the wearer wearing sock 1, with the wearer's right foot viewed from the rear left. Figure 4 shows the wearer wearing sock 1, with the wearer's right foot viewed from the rear right.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the sock 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has a sock body 10 and a support portion 20 provided on the sock body 10.

[0025] The sock body 10 has a shape that covers the entire foot of the wearer, similar to a regular sock, forming the portion from the toes to the top of the foot, the sole, and the ankle. The material of the sock body 10 can be cotton, nylon, polyester, polyurethane fibers, etc., either alone or in combination. In particular, it is preferable to select a material with excellent moisture absorption, quick-drying properties, and breathability.

[0026] The support portion 20 is formed of a knitted structure or material having a higher tightening force than the sock body 10. The support portion 20 includes a first support portion 21, a second support portion 22, and a third support portion 23. These support portions 20 are positioned based on the anatomical structure of the foot and effectively support specific parts of the foot. The tightening force of the present invention acts upon the support portion 20. This means you can achieve the same effects as taping. In other words, it can suppress muscle tension and excessive movement, and support the normal functioning of muscles.

[0027] The first support portion 21 is provided in a ring shape at the ankle. Specifically, it has a band-like structure that encircles the ankle and mainly supports the subtalar joint and the talus region. The width of the first support portion 21 is preferably appropriate (for example, about 2 to 5 cm) to ensure ankle stability.

[0028] The second support portion 22 is located on the ankle, below the first support portion 21, i.e., on the instep side. The second support portion 22 has a first end portion 31 near the front middle of the ankle, passes near the lateral malleolus, wraps around the first sole (mainly the sole from the heel to the midfoot), and extends further to near the medial malleolus, where it has a second end portion 32 that is separated from the first end portion 31. This second support portion 22 mainly restricts the range of motion of the joints in the tarsal bone region and prevents ankle instability. However, by separating the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32, the range of motion is not excessively restricted, and some leeway is provided to ensure flexibility around the ankle.

[0029] The first support section 21 and the second support section 22 work together to form a structure that sandwiches the calcaneus. This structure provides a so-called "heel lock effect," improving ankle stability. In particular, it has the effect of restricting excessive movement of the subtalar joint and holding the tarsal bones in the correct position.

[0030] The lower edge of the first support portion 21 may be connected to the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the second support portion 22. Specifically, the lower edge of the ankle-front portion of the first support portion 21 may be connected to the first end 31 of the second support portion 22, and the lower edge of the ankle-inside portion of the first support portion 21 may be connected to the second end 32 of the second support portion 22.

[0031] This connection structure allows the first support part 21 and the second support part 22 to function more integrally, strengthening the effect of gripping the calcaneus. In particular, it further improves the stability of the subtalar joint and effectively prevents ankle instability.

[0032] The third support portion 23 is located below (towards the toes) the second support portion 22. The third support portion 23 has its third end 33 near the first end 31 of the second support portion 22, passes through the central part 35 of the instep, which is a predetermined distance from the second support portion 22, then passes through the anterior medial part of the arch, and wraps around the second sole (the part of the sole from the midfoot to the base of the toes) on the toe side of the first sole. It then extends from the anterior lateral part of the arch, again passing through the central part 35 of the instep, to the vicinity of the second end 32 of the second support portion 22, and has a fourth end 34. The third end 33 may be located just below the first end 31, i.e., on the instep side, or slightly on the lateral side of the instep, i.e., on the little toe side. The fourth end 34 may be located just below the second end 32, i.e., on the instep side, or slightly on the lateral side of the instep, i.e., on the big toe side.

[0033] This third support section 23 has a structure that crosses over the instep. This instep area is where the tarsal bones and metatarsal bones meet, and where the bones of the ankle branch out to the bones of the five toes. Many bones come together here, creating flexibility, but it is also an area that greatly affects the stability of the foot. The third support section 23 has a structure that covers this area of ​​the tarsal bones and metatarsal bones in a band-like manner, thereby improving stability near the point of contact between the tarsal bones and metatarsal bones, while also ensuring flexibility in the movement of the bones of the five toes on the toe side of the third support section 23.

[0034] The first end 31 of the second support portion 22 and the third end 33 of the third support portion 23 may be connected. Also, the second end 32 of the second support portion 22 and the fourth end 34 of the third support portion 23 may be connected. Specifically, the ends of the second support portion 22 and the third support portion 23 are connected in the anterior part of the ankle, and the ends of both support portions are also connected near the medial malleolus.

[0035] This connection structure allows the second support section 22 and the third support section 23 to function as a single unit, providing continuous support from the tarsal bones to the cuneiform bones and metatarsals. This improves the overall coordination of the foot and enhances the effect of efficiently transmitting power when pushing off the ground.

[0036] Furthermore, the lower edge of the first support portion 21 may be connected to the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 of the second support portion 22, and the first end portion 31 of the second support portion 22 may be connected to the third end portion 33 of the third support portion 23, and the second end portion 32 of the second support portion 22 may be connected to the fourth end portion 34 of the third support portion 23.

[0037] This complex connection structure integrates the first support section 21, the second support section 22, and the third support section 23, maximizing the overall support effect from the ankle to the sole and instep. The entire foot functions as a single system, improving stability, propulsion, and control.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first support section 21, the second support section 22, and the third support section 23 are each formed as independent structures. The tightening force of each support section is designed to be uniform within each support section, thereby preventing localized pressure and achieving a comfortable wearing experience.

[0039] Uniformity of the tightening force is achieved by adjusting the knitting density, the amount of elastic yarn used, and the knitting structure. For example, a high-density knitting structure or an increased proportion of elastic fibers (such as spandex) can be used to obtain the desired tightening force.

[0040] The three support parts 20 of this embodiment work together organically as follows. First, the first support part 21 tightens the ankle in a ring shape to stabilize the calcaneus and creates a heel-lock effect that forms the base of the entire foot. With this stable base, the second support part 22 appropriately supports the subtalar joint and the area around the talus, preventing ankle instability and increasing safety during sudden movements and on uneven ground. Furthermore, the third support part 23 wraps around the sole of the foot, crossing around the cuneiform and metatarsal bones, utilizing the foot structure stabilized by the first support part 21 and the second support part 22 to efficiently transmit power when pushing off the ground. These three layers of support parts 20, while each having an independent structure, complement each other, realizing a series of functions such as improved foot stability, optimized movement control, and efficient transmission of propulsive force, resulting in improved performance in walking and sports activities in general.

[0041] This embodiment is suitable for professional athletes who require a high level of foot support, as well as users with complex foot problems. It is particularly effective in sports that require both quick changes of direction and high propulsion (such as basketball and soccer). [Left foot sock] Although the above embodiment mainly described the sock for the right foot, the sock for the left foot has a symmetrical structure to the sock for the right foot. Specifically, the arrangement and shape of the first support part, the second support part, and the third support part are reversed left and right.

[0042] In the left sock, the first support section similarly encircles the ankle. The second support section has its first end near the front center of the ankle, passes near the medial malleolus (corresponding to the lateral malleolus on the right foot), wraps around the sole of the foot, and extends to near the lateral malleolus (corresponding to the medial malleolus on the right foot). The third support section is below the second support section, with its third end near the first end, crosses the instep, passes the front outer side of the arch (inner side on the right foot), wraps around the sole of the foot, and extends from the front inner side of the arch (outer side on the right foot) back across the instep to near the second end. <Manufacturing Method and Materials> The socks of the present invention can be manufactured using a computer-controlled automatic knitting machine. The support portion can be formed by changing the knitting density, knitting structure, and the type and thickness of yarn used. For example, by adopting a high-density knitting structure or a knitting structure with a higher proportion of elastic fibers (such as spandex) in the support portion, a predetermined tightening force can be achieved.

[0043] Suitable materials include nylon, polyester, cotton, and polyurethane (spandex). In particular, increasing the proportion of elastic fibers in the support areas can provide appropriate compression. Furthermore, selecting materials with moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties is also important.

[0044] The level of compression can be finely adjusted through the knitting structure and material composition. For example, by increasing or decreasing the amount of elastic fiber used or changing the knitting density, it is possible to provide support tailored to individual needs. <Effects of the Embodiment> According to each of the embodiments described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0045] Firstly, this invention provides socks that offer the same effectiveness as taping, but are easy to put on and take off and less likely to cause skin problems. Conventional taping requires knowledge and skill to apply and can cause skin problems, but these problems are solved with the socks of this invention. In particular, it will be a great help to people who have difficulty using taping due to environmental constraints.

[0046] Secondly, the heel-locking effect stabilizes the ankle and firmly locks the heel, increasing stability between the foot and the shoe and supporting foot movement. In particular, it enhances the stability of the subtalar joint and improves standing stability by externally rotating the tarsal bones. This reduces foot slippage and instability during walking, running, and sports activities.

[0047] Thirdly, it helps prevent ankle instability. By maintaining the proper position and function of the tarsal bones, it prevents foot wobbling and instability. By providing moderate compression around the ankle and stabilizing ankle movement, it enhances safety during sudden movements and walking on uneven ground.

[0048] Fourthly, it has the effect of efficiently transferring power when pushing off the ground. The coordination and functionality of the leg muscles improve, and the force when pushing off the ground increases, making it possible to more efficiently transfer the reaction force from the ground to the whole body. As a result, the efficiency of energy use required when walking or running improves, making it easier to start walking or running, and improving performance in sports and daily activities.

[0049] Furthermore, it can be expected to have a wide range of effects, including preventing ankle twisting, especially preventing ankle inversion, improving overall stability, suppressing anterior displacement of the talus, and preventing recurrence of inversion and eversion sprains.

[0050] The tightness can be finely adjusted by the knitting method, allowing for customization to suit the user's preferences and purpose.

[0051] This invention can be used in various fields, including sports socks, medical support socks, and rehabilitation socks. In particular, it is expected to be widely used by athletes and people leading active lifestyles as a product that helps prevent injuries and support the feet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Socks 10 Socks 20 Support Department 21. First Support Department 22 Second Support Department 23 Third Support Department 31 First end 32 Second end 33 Third end 34 4th end 35 Center part of instep

Claims

1. The sock itself, A support portion is provided on the sock body and applies a predetermined tightening force to the wearer's foot, It has, The aforementioned support unit is A first support portion is provided in a ring shape at the ankle, The ankle has a second support portion located below the first support portion, with a first end near the front middle of the ankle, passing near the outer ankle, wrapping around the first sole of the foot, and extending further to near the medial ankle, with a second end spaced apart from the first end. A third support portion having a fourth end, is located below the second support portion and has a third end near the first end, passing through a predetermined position a predetermined distance from the second support portion on the instep, then passing through the anterior inner side of the arch of the foot, going around the second sole of the foot towards the toes from the first sole of the foot, crossing at the predetermined position from the anterior outer side of the arch of the foot, and extending below the second support portion to the vicinity of the second end, including, socks.

2. The socks according to Claim 1, A sock characterized in that the lower edge of the first support portion and the first and second ends of the second support portion are connected.

3. The socks according to Claim 1, The first end of the second support portion and the third end of the third support portion are connected. A sock characterized in that the second end of the second support portion and the fourth end of the third support portion are connected.

4. The socks according to Claim 2, The first end of the second support portion and the third end of the third support portion are connected. A sock characterized in that the second end of the second support portion and the fourth end of the third support portion are connected.

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