Reinforcing support components and supports using them

Abstract

The reinforcing support member of the present invention and the support using it can smoothly follow the flexion and extension of the wearer's joints, supporting the wearer's joints in both extension and flexion. The reinforcing support member 100 is configured as follows: it includes a support portion 1, which is composed of three rows of ribs 14, 15, and 16, which are knitted into a fabric 1A and a backing 1B respectively by a first ground yarn 10 containing heat-melting adhesive resin fibers, and the fabric 1A and the backing 1B are joined together by the first ground yarn 10 or the second ground yarn 10a to form a strip of three rows of three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13, which are formed by heating to melt-bond and solidify the three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13; and a connecting portion 2, which connects a third ground yarn 20, which is a non-hardened fiber that is stable when the heat-melting adhesive resin fibers of the first ground yarn 10 are fused, to the yarn loops in the adjacent end edges of the three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fiber-based reinforcing support member for partially reinforcing and supporting a wearer's fiber products, and to a support using the same, particularly to a reinforcing support member for reinforcing and supporting moving parts of the wearer such as the knee joint, and to a support using the same. Prior Technology

[0002] Previously, such reinforcing support components and supports used therein included boards made of synthetic resin sheets, coil skeletons made by pressing metal coils into flat shapes, and fiber-cured materials formed by heating and curing other hot-melt resin fibers.

[0003] Patent documents 1 to 6 describe the aforementioned synthetic resin sheet material as being constructed in such a way that the synthetic resin sheet material is formed into a predetermined shape, and a slit or other cut is provided in a portion of the shape, or it is divided into a plurality of pieces to have flexibility such as bending.

[0004] Furthermore, the aforementioned coil material is described in Patent Document 7 or 8 as being constructed in such a way that the flat metal coil being pressed is stored in a bag-shaped storage part in the flexion and extension part of fibrous products such as clothing and supports to support or assist the wearer's flexion and extension movements.

[0005] Furthermore, the aforementioned fiber-cured material, as described in Patent Document 9, comprises a hardened region formed by yarn containing heat-melting resin fibers and a non-hardened region formed by yarn containing non-hardened fibers that are stable at the melting point of the heat-melting resin. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-143311 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-104707 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 4355364 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-127674 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Re-registration No. 2009-157075 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent No. 2003-533304 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-212372 [Patent Document 8] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3134256 [Patent Document 9] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-82928 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The supports described in Patent Documents 1 to 6 are all made by molding synthetic resin sheets into a predetermined shape, and providing slits or other cuts in a part of the sheet, or by dividing it into multiple parts. Therefore, they have the problem that even if they can provide linear support when the wearer is standing, they cannot provide sufficient support when the wearer's joints are bent.

[0009] Furthermore, the supports described in Patent Documents 7 or 8, which use coil bones formed by flattening metal coils as elastic reinforcing support members, can smoothly follow the wearer's joint flexion and extension movements. However, they have the following drawbacks: the linear support when the wearer is standing and the support when the joint is bent cannot adequately support the wearer's movements. That is, the coil bones of the aforementioned elastic reinforcing support members are used in areas where the wearer is originally in a static position, such as the bust area under a bra or the waist area of ​​a bodysuit, which are areas that do not deform (static areas), and therefore do not provide support against stress deformation in the length direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the fiber-based garments described in Patent Document 9, used as support materials for knees and ankles, chest / waist corsets, bras, etc., are formed by weaving together hardened areas made of thermoplastic resin fibers and unhardened areas made of non-hardened fibers into an integrated structure. Therefore, they provide sufficient support for the wearer's upright, straight posture. However, when the hardened areas are closely spaced, they cannot smoothly follow the wearer's joint flexing. That is, to improve the straight-line support of the fiber-based garment, the hardened areas must be close together and cooperate to enhance the support. However, if the hardened areas are close together, the flexing of each hardened area interferes with the flexing of adjacent hardened areas, hindering smooth flexing.

[0011] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a reinforcing support member that can smoothly follow the flexion and extension of the wearer's joints and support the wearer's joints during both extension and flexion, as well as a support for using the same. [Solutions]

[0012] The reinforcing support member of the present invention comprises: a support portion, which is formed by knitting, weaving, or weaving a ground yarn into a fabric and a backing material, wherein the fabric and the backing material are arranged and formed by joining the yarn loops, yarn codes, or stitches of the aforementioned ground yarns, and the three-dimensional fabric is formed by assembling and solidifying the three-dimensional fabric into a plurality of ribs; and a connecting portion, which engages the yarn loops, yarn codes, or stitches of other elastic ground yarns at the adjacent edges of the plurality of three-dimensional fabrics with a ground yarn.

[0013] Furthermore, as needed, the reinforcing support member of the present invention can be formed into a plurality of long strip-shaped three-dimensional fabrics by knitting, weaving, or weaving the yarn loops, threads, or stitches at the end edges of the arrangement direction of the fabric of one three-dimensional fabric and the backing of another three-dimensional fabric through the aforementioned other ground yarns.

[0014] Furthermore, depending on the requirements, the reinforcing support member of the present invention may be formed by the inclusion of thermoplastic adhesive resin fibers in one of the ground yarns, and the other ground yarns may be formed into stable non-hardened fibers when the thermoplastic adhesive resin fibers are fused together.

[0015] Furthermore, depending on the need, the reinforcing support member of the present invention allows the yarn loops, thread codes, or stitches at the arrangement direction edges of the three-dimensional fabric's outer and backing materials to migrate alternately along that arrangement direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the reinforcing support member of the present invention may, as needed, have a fabric edge, which is arranged at the end edge of the three-dimensional fabric located on both sides of the three-dimensional fabric arranged in the above-mentioned plurality of three-dimensional fabrics. It is made of non-hardened fibers that are stable when the above-mentioned heat-melting adhesive resin fibers are fused together, knitted, woven or woven.

[0017] Furthermore, depending on the requirements, the reinforcing support member of the present invention may include other ground yarns that are made of heat-melting adhesive resin fibers, which are heated together with the aforementioned ground yarns to be heat-melted and cured. Furthermore, this reinforcing support member can be used for supports as needed.

[0018] Furthermore, the support of the present invention is that any of the above-mentioned reinforcing support members is disposed at a position corresponding to the bending portion of the wearer. Furthermore, the support of the present invention may, as needed, include: a first anchor portion, which is knitted from a fabric with a looped surface having a face fastener, and fastened to the wearer's thigh; a body portion, which is a tie-like fabric, and is composed of a second anchor portion disposed at least below the wearer's popliteal fossa in the wearing state, a first support portion disposed on one side below the portion corresponding to the wearer's kneecap in the wearing state, and a second support portion disposed on the other side of the portion corresponding to the wearer's kneecap, intersecting the first support portion below the portion corresponding to the wearer's kneecap in the wearing state; and a connecting support portion, which joins the first anchor portion and the second anchor portion at both ends of the reinforcing support member, integrating the first anchor portion and the body portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the support of the present invention may, as needed, include: a first fastening portion, which is engaged at the end of the second support portion and has a hook surface for a fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface of the first anchor portion; a second fastening portion, which is engaged at one or the other end of the first anchor portion and has a hook surface for a fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface of the first anchor portion; and a third fastening portion, which is engaged at the end of the first support portion and has a hook surface for a fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface of the first anchor portion; the first support portion is disposed at one end of the main body portion, the second support portion is disposed at the other end of the main body portion, and the second anchor portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0020] Furthermore, depending on the requirements, the support of the present invention can be formed from a straight strip of the same width. Furthermore, as needed, the reinforcing support member of the aforementioned connecting support portion can be directly fixed to the main body portion by sewing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The reinforcing support member of this invention can be used in various wearable devices such as knitted fabrics and woven fabrics to support and reinforce various parts of the wearer in a close-fitting manner. Furthermore, the support of the present invention supports the joints of the wearer from both sides by means of reinforcing support members. The reinforcing support members deform and follow the joints as they flex and extend, supporting the wearer in any posture before, during, and after deformation. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0022] [Figure 1] (A) and (B) are top views of the reinforcing support member of the first embodiment of the present invention and cross-sectional view II of the top view (A). [Figure 2] (A) and (B) are top views of the reinforcing support member of the second embodiment of the present invention and cross-sectional view II-II of the top view. [Figure 3] (A) and (B) are knitted configuration diagrams of the connecting portion in the reinforcing support member of the second embodiment of the present invention and cross-sectional view III-III of the knitted configuration diagram (A). [Figure 4] (A), (B), and (C) are top views of the reinforcing support member in the extended state, the top view in the bent state, and the enlarged cross-sectional view (IV-IV) of the top view (B) of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are front and rear views showing the schematic structure of the support in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (A)~(D) are illustrations of the fastening action of the support in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are front and rear views showing the schematic structure of the support in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0023] (First embodiment of the present invention) The reinforcing support member 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1(A) and (B). In Figures 1(A) and (B), the reinforcing support member 100 of this embodiment is configured as follows: it includes: a support portion 1, which is composed of three rows of ribs 14, 15, and 16, which are knitted into a fabric 1A and a backing 1B by a first ground yarn 10 containing heat-melting adhesive resin fibers, and the fabric 1A and the backing 1B are joined together by the first ground yarn 10 or the second ground yarn 10a to form a strip of three rows of three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13, which are formed by heating to melt-bond and solidify the three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13; and a connecting portion 2, which connects a third ground yarn 20, which is a non-hardened fiber that is stable when the heat-melting adhesive resin fibers of the first ground yarn 10 are fused, to the yarn loops in the adjacent end edges of the three-dimensional fabric 11, 12, and 13. The number of fabric pieces arranged can be adjusted according to the fixing force of the wearing area. It is preferable to have 2 or more fabric pieces arranged, especially 2 to 7, and best of all, 2 to 4.

[0024] The preferred size of the long, rectangular three-dimensional fabric is 5-30 cm × 0.5-2 cm, more preferably 10-25 cm × 0.5-1.5 cm, and most preferably 15-20 cm × 0.5-1 cm. Furthermore, the ratio of the long side to the short side is preferably 30:1-15:1, more preferably 25:1-15:1, and most preferably 22:1-18:1. The thickness of the three-dimensional fabric is preferably 0.1 to 1 cm, more preferably 0.1 to 0.6 cm, and most preferably 0.1 to 0.4 cm.

[0025] The connecting part 2 is configured such that the yarn loops at the edges of the arranging direction of the adjacent three-dimensional fabrics 11-12 and 12-13, and the backing fabrics 11a and 12a of one three-dimensional fabric 11 and 12 and the backing fabrics 12b and 13b of another three-dimensional fabric 12 and 13, are knitted into the third ground yarn 20 to form three long strips of three-dimensional fabric 11, 12 and 13.

[0026] The first and second ground yarns 10 and 10a mentioned above are ground yarns made of polyester resin fibers. For example, they can also be core-sheath composite multifilament ground yarns formed by making the core (inner side) of high-viscosity polyester resin and the sheath (outer side) of low-melting-point crystalline polyester resin (product "MELSET" manufactured by Unitika Co., Ltd.). In addition to polyester resin, the first ground yarn 10 and the second ground yarn 10a can also use nylon resin or thermoplastic synthetic fibers such as acrylic resin and vinylon resin.

[0027] The third yarn 20 mentioned above can be made of polyurethane resin, polyester resin, nylon resin, etc.

[0028] In addition to utilizing the first ground yarn 10 to form a two-dimensional planar structure in both the weft and warp directions, the aforementioned three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13 can also form a three-dimensional structure by using the same ground yarn 10 knitted along the warp direction and also organized along the thickness direction. These three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13 can also be knitted using warp knitting machines equipped with double needle beds, four needle beds, etc., such as Raschel warp knitting machines or double-needle-bed Raschel warp knitting machines.

[0029] The three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13, which are knitted from the above-mentioned core-sheath composite multifilament ground yarn, are heat-treated to melt and solidify only the resin portion on the outer side of the ground yarn. This process preserves the properties of the ground yarn and allows the knitted three-dimensional fabric to retain its original shape and be formed in the form of three rows of ribs 14, 15, and 16. Furthermore, the solidification process imparts strength, creating a rigid body with elasticity.

[0030] Thus, the three rows of skeletons 14, 15, and 16 are constructed as adjacent, elastic rigid bodies, and are integrated by joining the adjacent skeletons 14-15 and 15-16 with the end edge loops of the three-dimensional fabrics 11 and 12 (corresponding to skeletons 14 and 15) and the three-dimensional fabrics 12 and 13 (corresponding to skeletons 15 and 16) using a stretchable third ground yarn 20. Preferably, they are integrated by joining the end edge loops of the fabrics 11a and 12a of the three-dimensional fabrics 11 and 12 (corresponding to skeletons 14 and 15) and the backing fabrics 12b and 13b of the three-dimensional fabrics 12 and 13 (corresponding to skeletons 15 and 16) using a stretchable third ground yarn 20. It can be made into a support material that has strong compressive and extensive stress in the length direction when in a straight, upright state, and also has smooth bending action and strong bending stress when bending.

[0031] In addition to having strong support force in a straight state, the reinforcing support member 100 of this embodiment can also smoothly perform bending action and has strong bending stress. Therefore, it can also be applied to various functional clothing with deformable or moving parts, such as supports (knees, elbows, necks, wrists, ankles, fingers, etc.), bodysuits, underwear, and wearable support clothing and machinery with driving parts.

[0032] (Second embodiment of the present invention) The reinforcing support member 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figures 2(A), (B), 3(A), (B) and 4(A), (B), (C). In the figures above, the reinforcing support member 200 of this embodiment is configured as follows: similar to the reinforcing support member of the first embodiment, it includes a support portion 1 and a connecting portion 2. In addition to this configuration, it also includes a fabric edge portion 3, which is disposed at the end edges of the three-dimensional fabrics 11 and 13 located on both sides of the support portion 1 in the arrangement direction. The fabric edge portion 3 is knitted from polyester yarn (regular polyester yarn) composed of non-hardened fibers that are stable when the first ground yarn 10 is fused together. By providing the fabric edge portion 3, the performance of the reinforcing support member 200 is not affected, and the reinforcing support member 200 can be fixed by other methods such as sewing, or given design features such as color or shape as needed. As the yarn constituting the fabric edge portion 3, in addition to the polyester yarn mentioned above, when the bone body 14, 15, and 16 use thermoplastic adhesive resin fibers, cotton or rayon resin, nylon resin, etc., with a melting point higher than that of the resin fiber can also be used.

[0033] Furthermore, the aforementioned support portion 1 is configured such that the yarn loops at the arrangement direction ends of the three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13, including the outer fabrics 11a, 12a, and 13a and the backing fabrics 11b, 12b, and 13b, are knitted by interlacing along the arrangement direction, thereby having step portions 14c, 15c, 15d, and 16c.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13 with the stepped portions 14c, 15c, 15d, and 16c are knitted by continuously knitting the first ground yarn 10 as weft yarn 114a (115a) along the X-axis direction on the surface 14a (15a) and as weft yarn 114b (115b) along the X-axis direction on the back side 14b (15b). Relative to the two-dimensional planar surface 14a (15a) formed by the weft yarns 114a, 114b (115a, 115b), the first ground yarn 10 is knitted as warp yarn 114c (115c) along the z-axis to join the aforementioned 114a, 114b (115a, 115b) to form a three-dimensional structure, resulting in long strip-shaped three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13 that are continuous along the warp knitting direction (Y-axis direction).

[0035] Thus, the three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, and 13, due to the migration of the yarn loops in the end edges of the arrangement direction of the surface 14a (15a) and the back surface 14b (15b) by only one yarn loop, form the skeletons 14 and 15 by heat treatment and melting and solidification, resulting in adjacent opposite end faces with a stepped inclination shape. Since the opposite side end faces are inclined, when the reinforcing support member 200 bends along the arrangement direction from the straight, upright state of the three adjacent skeletons 14, 15, and 16 (see Figure 4(A)) (see Figure 4(B)), their end edges overlap as shown in Figure 4(C), and each skeleton 14, 15, and 16 can be integrally connected by the stretchable third ground yarn 20.

[0036] Thus, the bones 14, 15, and 16 function, so the reinforcing support member 200 of this embodiment can obtain strong compression and expansion stress in the length direction when in a straight, upright state, and can perform smooth bending movements, while having supporting force during and after bending.

[0037] (Third embodiment of the present invention) The support 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with reference to Figures 5(A), (B) and 6(A) to (D).

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support 300 of the present invention is configured as follows: it includes: a first anchor portion 5, which is woven from a fabric with a loop surface 51 having a face fastener, and is fastened to the thigh of the wearer; a body portion 4, which is a strip-shaped fabric, comprising: a second anchor portion 6 disposed at least below the popliteal fossa of the wearer; a first support portion 7 disposed extending to one side from below the portion corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the wearer; and a second support portion 8 disposed below the portion corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the wearer, intersecting with the first support portion 7 and extending to the other side corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the wearer; and a connecting support portion 9, which is joined to the first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6, integrating the first anchor portion 5 and the body portion 4.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second anchor portion 6 is disposed between the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8 to form the main body portion 4, and the first support portion 7, the second anchor portion 6 and the second support portion 8 are formed into a straight line with the same width. Furthermore, the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8, which are connected in a straight line to the second anchor portion 6, can also be formed by tilting upward toward the first anchor portion 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting support portion 9 of this embodiment contains a pair of bag-shaped portions 91 on the left and right sides of the reinforcing support member 100 of the first embodiment, which are arranged to extend on both sides corresponding to the part of the wearer's kneecap. Furthermore, in the following description, in order to distinguish between the left and right bag-shaped portions 91 (reinforcing support members 100), in Figures 5(A) and (B), the left bag-shaped portion 91 (reinforcing support member 100) is referred to as the left bag-shaped portion 91a (left reinforcing support member 100a), and the right bag-shaped portion 91 (reinforcing support member 100) is referred to as the right bag-shaped portion 91b (right reinforcing support member 100b).

[0041] Furthermore, the support 300 of the present invention is configured as follows: it includes: a first fastening portion 80, which engages with the other end 84 of the main body portion 4, i.e., the end of the second support portion 8, and has a hook surface 83 of the face fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface 51 of the first anchor portion 5; a second fastening portion 56, which engages with one end 52 or the other end 53 of the first anchor portion 5, and has a hook surface 56c of the face fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface 51 of the first anchor portion 5; and a third fastening portion 70, which engages with one end 74 of the main body portion 4, i.e., the end of the first support portion 7, and has a hook surface 73 of the face fastening member that is detached from the yarn loop surface 51 of the first anchor portion 5.

[0042] Furthermore, in terms of ease of detachment and freedom of engagement position, the third engagement part 70 (hook surface 73) of this embodiment is provided on the back material side of one end 74 of the main body part 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(B), the third fastening part 70 of this embodiment is a planar shape composed of a rectangle and an isosceles trapezoid. The rectangular part 71 is sewn to one side (backing side) of the main body part 4, and the isosceles trapezoidal part 72 protrudes from one end 74 of the main body part 4.

[0043] Thus, the third fastening part 70 protrudes from one end 74 of the main body part 4 by means of the isosceles trapezoidal part 72, and the part that does not overlap with the main body part 4 becomes thinner, so that the wearer's fingers can easily grasp the isosceles trapezoidal part 72, and the hook surface 73 can easily detach from the yarn loop surface 51 of the first anchor part 5. Furthermore, the support can be worn on the knee of either the wearer's left or right leg, making it suitable for both sides.

[0044] Furthermore, in the case where the main body 4 of this embodiment is not a loop surface with a face fastener, as shown in FIG5, it can also be a stretch fabric without a loop surface with a face fastener. Furthermore, regarding the maximum elongation of the warp direction (length direction L) of the main body 4 in this embodiment, when it is not the case of a loop surface with a face fastener, the main body 4 can be a stretch fabric without a loop surface with a face fastener, preferably set to 40%~80%, more preferably 45%~75%, and most preferably 60%.

[0045] In this case, the main body 4 does not need to form the pile yarn of the loop surface, and does not need to maintain the fused yarn of the loop using the pile yarn. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 4 can also be replaced by warp-knitted ground yarn that corresponds to the opposite direction of the cross-difference between the warp-knitted ground yarn and the weft yarn, instead of the pile yarn that constitutes the warp yarn.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to form the cross-section below the knee and the lower anchor, the main body part 4 needs to be located at least half a circle around the wearer's lower leg in the part where the knee crosses (first support part 7 and second support part 8) and below the wearer's popliteal fossa (second anchor part 6).

[0047] Regarding the length of the main body part 4, there are individual differences in the thickness around the knee or calf depending on gender or age, so a length of 44 cm to 52 cm is considered (e.g., size S: 44 cm, size M: 48 cm, size L: 52 cm).

[0048] Furthermore, in order to encircle the wearer's thighs, the first anchor portion 5 of this embodiment is preferably set to a length of 29 cm to 37 cm (e.g., size S: 29 cm, size M: 33 cm, size L: 37 cm).

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bag-shaped portion 91 of the connecting support portion 9 is made of 100% polyester double-needle bed raschel fabric (e.g., product number "7200SK" of INOUE KNIT Co., Ltd.). The rectangular double-needle bed raschel fabric (e.g., 17.5 cm long and 6 cm wide) is folded in half to clamp the reinforcing support member 100, and the perimeter except for the folded portion is sewn together, thereby creating a structure that encloses the reinforcing support member 100.

[0050] Furthermore, if the bag-shaped part 91 is made of a cushioning fabric, it is not limited to double-needle bed Raschel fabric. For example, it can be a fabric made by bonding other fabrics to both sides of neoprene rubber or a fabric made by bonding other fabrics to both sides of foamed urethane.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at a distance of 5 to 7 cm from one end 52 (the other end 53) of the first anchor portion 5 to the center line of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (right bag-shaped portion 91b), the upper edge of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (right bag-shaped portion 91b) is joined with the upper edge 55 of the first anchor portion 5 and joined from the backing material side (e.g., by sewing). At a distance of 13 to 15 cm from one end 74 (the other end 84) of the main body portion 4 to the center line of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (right bag-shaped portion 91b), the lower edge of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (right bag-shaped portion 91b) is joined with the lower edge of the main body portion 4 and joined from the backing material side (e.g., by sewing). However, the joining position of the bag-shaped portion 91 (left bag-shaped portion 91a, right bag-shaped portion 91b) is preferably set appropriately taking into account the maximum elongation of the warp direction (length direction L) of the main body portion 4 and the first anchor portion 5.

[0052] That is, relative to the interval between the upper end of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (left reinforcing support member 100a) and the upper end of the right bag-shaped portion 91b (right reinforcing support member 100b), the interval between the lower end of the left bag-shaped portion 91a (left reinforcing support member 100a) and the lower end of the right bag-shaped portion 91b (right reinforcing support member 100b) is not limited to the same, and can also be different (wider, narrower) configurations. It is preferable to set it appropriately in consideration of the maximum elongation rate of the warp direction (length direction L) of the main body portion 4 and the first anchor portion 5.

[0053] In particular, the reinforcing support member 100 enclosed in the bag-shaped portion 91 is a flexible plate-like body that bends in a direction perpendicular to the main surface (not easily bends in a direction horizontal to the main surface). When the wearer bends their knee joint, the restoring force of the reinforcing support member 100 bending in a direction perpendicular to the main surface will bring the wearer's knee joint back to its normal position.

[0054] Furthermore, the bag-shaped portion 91 (left bag-shaped portion 91a, right bag-shaped portion 91b) is connected to the back material side of the main body portion 4 and the first anchor portion 5, and in the state of wearing the support, the support portion 9 (reinforcing support member 100) is disposed on the inner side (wearer side) relative to the main body portion 4 and the first anchor portion 5. Therefore, by pressing the upper and lower ends of the connecting support 9 (bag-shaped part 91, reinforcing support member 100) with the main body part 4 and the first anchor part 5, the protrusion of the upper and lower ends of the connecting support 9 (bag-shaped part 91, reinforcing support member 100) can be prevented.

[0055] In particular, the upper end of the connecting support portion 9 (bag-shaped portion 91) and the first anchor portion 5 are joined by folding the upper edge 55 of the first anchor portion 5 from the side of the upper edge 55 of the first anchor portion 5 towards the backing material side, so that the folded part of the first anchor portion 5 clamps the upper end of the connecting support portion 9 (bag-shaped portion 91), which can reinforce the upper end of the bag-shaped portion 91 and prevent the reinforcement support member 100 from damaging the upper end of the bag-shaped portion 91.

[0056] Next, Figure 6 will be used to illustrate the method of wearing the support 300 shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the following description will explain the case where the support 300 is worn on the wearer's right knee. However, when the support 300 is worn on the wearer's left knee, "right knee", "outer side of the lower leg", and "inner side of the lower leg" will be replaced with "left knee", "inner side of the lower leg", and "outer side of the lower leg", respectively.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6(A), the wearer aligns one end 52 of the first anchor part 5 with the center of the thigh near the knee and holds one end 52 of the first anchor part 5 with the left hand, and wraps the first anchor part 5 around the thigh with the right hand, positioning the first anchor part 5 in the extended state on the thigh, and fastening the hook surface 56c of the second fastening part 56 at the other end 53 of the first anchor part 5 to the loop surface 51 of the first anchor part 5, thus securing the first anchor part 5 to the thigh.

[0058] In this case, the left connecting support portion 9 (left pocket-shaped portion 91a, left reinforcing support member 100a) is positioned between the wearer's kneecap and sartorius muscle, and the right connecting support portion 9 (right pocket-shaped portion 91b, right reinforcing support member 100b) is positioned between the wearer's kneecap 500 and tibioproctoid ligament.

[0059] Furthermore, the wearer holds one end 74 of the main body 4 (first support 7) with their right hand and pulls the first support 7 of the main body 4, positioning the first support 7 of the main body 4 in an extended state from below the part corresponding to the kneecap of the right knee to the right side.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(B), the wearer fastens the hook surface 73 of the third fastening part 70 located at one end 74 of the main body part 4 to the loop surface 51 of the first anchor part 5. In this case, the first support part 7 overlaps with the connecting support part 9 on the right side (right pocket-shaped part 91b, right reinforcing support member 100b), pressing down the connecting support part 9 on the right side.

[0061] Furthermore, the wearer holds the other end 84 of the main body 4 (second support 8) with their left hand, crosses it with the first support 7 below the part corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the right knee, and positions the second support 8 of the extended main body 4 on the left side.

[0062] Finally, as shown in Figures 6(C) and 6(D), the wearer fastens the hook surface 83 of the first fastening part 80 located at the other end 84 of the main body part 4 to the loop surface 51 of the first anchor part 5, thus completing the process. In this case, the second support part 8 overlaps with the left connecting support part 9 (left pocket-shaped part 91a, left reinforcing support member 100a), pressing down the left connecting support part 9.

[0063] Furthermore, the above-described method of wearing the support 300 describes the case where the first support portion 7 of the main body portion 4 is arranged on the right side of the portion corresponding to the kneecap of the right knee, and the second support portion 8 of the main body portion 4 is arranged on the left side of the portion corresponding to the kneecap of the right knee. However, it is also possible to arrange the second support portion 8 of the main body portion 4 on the left side of the portion corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the right knee, and the first support portion 7 of the main body portion 4 on the right side of the portion corresponding to the kneecap 500 of the right knee.

[0064] As described above, the support 300 is fixed by the main body 4 (first support 7, second support 8) in a way that lifts from below from the calf side to the thigh side and wraps around the wearer's kneecap 500 (knee joint), and supports the wearer's medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament, which can smoothly assist the activity of the quadriceps muscle, inhibit the lateral swing of the knee joint, and reduce the burden on the knee.

[0065] Furthermore, the support 300 clamps and presses the wearer's knee joint from both sides by the main body 4 (first support 7, second support 8), restricting the excessive elongation of the wearer's knee joint ligaments (medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament), inhibiting the wear and tear of knee cartilage or inflammation of ligaments, and preventing knee joint injury.

[0066] In particular, by providing a connecting support portion 9 to the support 300 of this embodiment, even when the second anchor portion 6 is being pulled by the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8, the distance between the first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6 can be maintained, preventing the second anchor portion 6 from slipping upward. Furthermore, the cross portion of the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8 moves upward according to the extension of the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8, thereby fully utilizing the lifting function of the cross portion on the kneecap 500.

[0067] Furthermore, the wearing of a knee support with two band-shaped support portions, namely the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8, corresponding to the support 300, is an effective method for supporting the wearer's knee joint. That is, by wearing the knee support (e.g., the support) in a manner in which the two band-shaped support portions (e.g., the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8) cross below the portion corresponding to the wearer's kneecap 500, and are then positioned on the left and right sides, lifting the kneecap 500 from bottom to top, the two band-shaped support portions clamp the wearer's kneecap 500 from the left and right sides. The crossing portion of the two band-shaped support portions supports the kneecap 500 from bottom to top, thus providing smooth assistance to quadriceps muscle movement and reducing the burden on the wearer's knee.

[0068] Furthermore, for knee supports with two band-shaped support portions, wearing a knee support with a band-shaped anchor portion having a looped surface equivalent to the first anchor portion 5 of the support 300 is more effective in supporting the wearer's knee joint. That is, by fastening one end of each of the two band-shaped support portions (e.g., the first support portion 7 and the second support portion 8) to the looped surface of the band-shaped anchor portion (e.g., the first anchor portion 5) fixed to the wearer's thigh and lifting the kneecap 500 from bottom to top, the knee support is securely fixed in the position of the wearer's knee joint, thus further enhancing the effectiveness of the two band-shaped support portions.

[0069] Furthermore, the support 300 of this embodiment can be formed into the main body 4 using a jacquard knitting machine as needed, and at this time, text such as product name, wearing order, and other patterns such as symbols can be added.

[0070] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) The support 400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with reference to Figures 7(A) and (B). Furthermore, in Figure 7, the same symbols as those in Figures 5 and 6 represent the same or equivalent parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the support 400 of this embodiment forms the reinforcing support member 200 of the second embodiment as a connecting support portion 90, and the connecting support portion 90 has a covering portion 93 covering the area that connects the back side of the first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6 (sewn to the first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6, open to the knee side of the wearer, covering the popliteal fossa and both sides of the knee of the wearer), and is arranged to extend from both sides of the portion corresponding to the knee bone 500 of the wearer toward the popliteal fossa of the wearer.

[0072] The aforementioned reinforcing support member 200 is constructed by directly sewing the fabric edges 3 (31, 32) at the end edges of the bones 14, 15 respectively disposed in the support portion 1 to the first anchor portion 5, the second anchor portion 6 and the covering portion 93. That is, the reinforcing support member 200 is made of polyester knitted with non-hardened fibers during the knitting of the three-dimensional fabrics 11, 12, 13 before the bones 14, 15, 16 undergo heat hardening treatment. Therefore, even if the bones 14, 15, 16 have the characteristics of being rigid bodies, they can maintain the characteristics of being knitted fabrics during the sewing process.

[0073] Furthermore, the covering portion 93 in this embodiment is composed of a rectangular fabric that overlaps with the area surrounded by the first anchor portion 5, the second anchor portion 6 and the reinforcing support member 200 (left reinforcing support member 200a and right reinforcing support member 200b), and is sewn to the backing side of the support.

[0074] In this embodiment, the support 400 has a covered portion 93 on the inner side (wearer's side) relative to the first anchor portion 5, the second anchor portion 6 and the reinforcing support member 200. When the wearer bends their knee joint, the covered portion 93 acts as a cushioning material, which can alleviate the discomfort caused by the first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6 clamping the skin of the popliteal fossa due to their proximity.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the covered portion 93 is sewn on the upper edge 55 and both sides of the first anchor portion 5 in the area overlapping with the first anchor portion 5, but not sewn on the lower edge 54 of the first anchor portion 5. It is sewn on the lower edge 6c and a portion of the lower side of both sides of the second anchor portion 6 in the area overlapping with the second anchor portion 6, but not sewn on the upper edge 6d of the second anchor portion 6.

[0076] By using this sewing position, the covering part 93, which has a different maximum elongation rate from the first anchor part 5 and the second anchor part 6, tries its best to suppress the stretching action of following the first anchor part 5 and the second anchor part 6, and can suppress the wrinkling of the covering part 93.

[0077] In particular, as shown in Figure 7(A), the support in this embodiment is joined by folding the covered portion 93 toward the fabric side at the upper edge 55 of the first anchor portion 5. The covered portion 93, which is bent at the upper edge 55 of the first anchor portion 5, becomes a cushioning material to prevent the edge of the first anchor portion 5 (upper edge 55) from directly contacting the exposed skin on the back of the wearer's thigh, thereby easing the pressure from the edge of the first anchor portion 5 (upper edge 55).

[0078] (Other embodiments of the present invention) The reinforcing support member in each of the above embodiments 1 to 4 is made of knitted fabric. However, each fabric can also be made by knitting or weaving. In the case of knitted fabric, a three-dimensional fabric is formed by ground yarn containing heat-melting adhesive resin fibers. The three-dimensional fabric is connected by a connecting part made of non-hardening fibers. Then, the three-dimensional fabric is processed into a rigid and elastic bone by heat treatment.

[0079] 1: Support section 1A: Fabric 1B: Backing Material 2: Connecting parts 3: Fabric edges 4: Ontology part 5: Anchor 1 6: Second Anchor 6c: Below the second anchor part 6 6d: Above the second anchor 6 7: First Support Section 8: Second Support 9: Connecting support part 10: First layer of yarn 10a: 2nd ground yarn 11, 12, 13: Three-dimensional fabric 11a, 12a, 13a: Fabrics for 3D Fabrics 11b, 12b, 13b: Backing material for three-dimensional fabrics 14, 15, 16: Bones 14a, 15a, 16a: Surface 14b, 15b, 16b: Reverse side 14c, 15c, 15d, 16c: step difference part 20: Third layer of yarn 50: Anchor 1 51: Yarn loop surface 52: One end of the first anchor part 5 53: The other end of the first anchor 5 54: Below the first anchor part 5 55: Above the first anchor part 5 56: Second fastening part 56c: Hook face 70: Third fastening part 71: Rectangular section 72: Isosceles trapezoidal portion 73: Hook face 74: One end of the main body part 4 80: First fastening part 83: Hook face 84: The other end of the main body part 4 91a: Left pouch 91b: Right pouch 93: Covered part 100, 200: Reinforcing support components 100a, 200a: Left reinforcement support member 100b, 200b: Right reinforcement support member 114a, 114b, 115a, 115b: Weft yarn 114c, 115c: warp yarn 300, 400: Support 500: Kneecap

Claims

1. A reinforcing support member, characterized in that it comprises: a support portion, which is formed by knitting, weaving, or weaving a ground yarn into a fabric and a backing material, wherein the fabric and the backing material are arranged and formed by joining the yarn loops, yarn codes, or stitches of the aforementioned ground yarns together to form a plurality of elongated three-dimensional fabrics, and a plurality of skeletons formed by fusing and solidifying the three-dimensional fabrics are arranged therein; and a connecting portion, which engages the yarn loops, yarn codes, or stitches of other elastic ground yarns at the adjacent edges of the plurality of three-dimensional fabrics with a ground yarn; the plurality of skeletons are connected by the connecting portion to form a two-dimensional planar structure.

2. The reinforcing support member as requested in item 1, wherein, The aforementioned connecting parts are formed by knitting, weaving, or weaving the yarn loops, threads, or stitches at the edges of the adjacent three-dimensional fabrics, and the fabric of one three-dimensional fabric and the backing of another three-dimensional fabric, into a plurality of long strip-shaped three-dimensional fabrics by incorporating the aforementioned other ground yarns through knitting, weaving, or weaving.

3. As in request item 1, the reinforcing support member, wherein, The aforementioned ground yarn is formed by including heat-melt adhesive resin fibers, and the aforementioned other ground yarns are formed into stable non-hardened fibers when the aforementioned heat-melt adhesive resin fibers are fused together.

4. As in request item 1, the reinforcing support member, wherein, The aforementioned support portion is formed by the interlacing migration of yarn loops, thread codes, or stitches at the edge of the fabric and backing of the three-dimensional fabric along the arrangement direction.

5. The reinforcing support member as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a fabric edge, which is arranged at the end edge of the two sides of the three-dimensional fabric in the arrangement direction of the plurality of three-dimensional fabrics, and is made of ground yarn knitted, woven or woven from non-hardened fibers that are stable when the heat-melting adhesive resin fibers are fused.

6. The reinforcing support member as requested in item 1, wherein, The other ground yarns mentioned above are made of heat-melting adhesive resin fibers, which are heated together with the above ground yarns to melt and bond together and solidify.

7. A support, characterized in that: the reinforcing support member of any one of claims 1 to 6 is disposed at a position corresponding to the bending portion of the wearer.

8. A support using any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises: a first anchor portion knitted from a fabric with a looped surface having a facet knot, fastened to the thigh of a wearer; a body portion made of a strap-like fabric, comprising a second anchor portion disposed at least below the popliteal fossa of the wearer in the wearing state, a first support portion disposed on one side below the portion corresponding to the kneecap of the wearer in the wearing state, and a second support portion disposed on the other side of the portion corresponding to the kneecap of the wearer in the wearing state, intersecting the first support portion below the portion corresponding to the kneecap of the wearer; and a connecting support portion, which engages at least both ends of the reinforcing support member at the first anchor portion and the second anchor portion, integrating the first anchor portion and the body portion.

9. The support as claimed in claim 8, comprising: a first fastening portion, which engages at the end of the second support portion and has a hook surface for a face fastener that is detachable from the loop surface of the first anchor portion; a second fastening portion, which engages at one or the other end of the first anchor portion and has a hook surface for a face fastener that is detachable from the loop surface of the first anchor portion; and a third fastening portion, which engages at the end of the first support portion and has a hook surface for a face fastener that is detachable from the loop surface of the first anchor portion; the first support portion is disposed at one end of the main body portion, the second support portion is disposed at the other end of the main body portion, and the second anchor portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion.

10. As in claim 8, the support, wherein, The aforementioned body portion is formed from straight strips of the same width.

11. As in claim 8, the support, wherein, The reinforcing support member of the aforementioned connecting support portion is directly fixed to the aforementioned main body portion by sewing.

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