Elastic garment and method for producing same

Abstract

Provided is a garment that can apply necessary compression, fits well to the area it is worn, is highly breathable, can easily be gripped by the fingers, and facilitates an action of pulling up in a direction of wear.　This elastic garment is composed of a knitted fabric 10 obtained by alternately knitting: a plain-knitted structure 20 knitted by a ground elastic yarn 21; and a thread knitted structure 30 knitted by using the ground elastic yarn 21 and a thread elastic yarn 31 which is thicker than the ground elastic yarn 21 and has a relatively high elongation elastic modulus.

Description

Elastic clothing and its manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic garment formed from a knitted fabric containing elastic yarn, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] Lymph nodes are removed during cancer surgery to prevent metastasis, among other things. When lymph nodes are removed, lymph flow is impeded and accumulates in the limbs, causing lymphedema. Moderate exercise, lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and lymphaticovenous anastomosis are effective methods for preventing and treating lymphedema, but compression therapy, which involves wearing elastic stockings that exert a strong compressive force, is simple and easy to implement in daily life.

[0003] As an example of such elastic stockings, Patent Document 1 discloses medical stockings that are designed to gradually reduce the pressure applied to the ankle, lower leg, and thigh regions. This improves the flow of lymphatic fluid in the legs, and also enhances breathability and moisture permeability by maintaining a predetermined ratio between the lengths of the base yarns and the inserted yarns (elastic yarns).

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a tubular bandage adapted to the cross-sectional changes of the bending portion of the body where it is to be worn, for the treatment of lymphedema and venous return disorders. The vertical cross-sectional dimensions at a predetermined position on the body are measured, and a tubular bandage with a corresponding cross-sectional dimension is formed. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose sleeve-type and glove-type compression garments that can be worn not only on the lower limbs but also on the arms, hands, etc.

[0005] Meanwhile, Patent Document 5 discloses gloves that correct extension disorders occurring in the wrist and finger joints. These gloves contain elastic yarn, and the palm portion is inlay knitted, while the back portion is inlay knitted with flechage knitting or tuck knitting, so that a bending force acts from the palm side to the back side of the hand. Wearing these gloves can strengthen the muscles of the fingers, and it has been shown that they are effective for Parkinson's disease patients.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-115571 Japanese Patent No. 6052753 Special Publication No. 2019-507833 Special Publication No. 11-501828 Japanese Patent No. 7045029

[0007] The medical stockings in Patent Document 1 are knitted using circular knitting, and the elastic yarn is inserted by tucking it into the knitted structure of the ground yarn. Since the elastic yarn inserted by tucking is not knitted into the knitted structure of the ground yarn, it has the disadvantage that its position is difficult to stabilize and it is prone to movement. If the position of the elastic yarn is unstable, it may not exert the designed compression.

[0008] The tubular bandage of Patent Document 2 is knitted with a rib knit structure in which knit stitches and purl stitches are alternately knitted with a base yarn, and the elastic yarn is knitted by repeatedly knitting stitches and missing stitches. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13 of Patent Document 2, the elastic yarn has no knit relationship with the base yarn, and is in a miss state with respect to the base yarn from start to finish, and when the elastic yarn is missing, the base yarn is purl knitted. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of Patent Document 2, which show the "state when an external force is applied," the elastic yarn flies horizontally in a ladder-like pattern and is not in a knit relationship with the base yarn. Therefore, when the elastic yarn contracts horizontally, the knitted fabric becomes quite thick, which makes it prone to stuffiness when worn, and there is room for improvement in terms of breathability.

[0009] Furthermore, because it is ribbed, the unevenness of the elastic yarn is less likely to be visible on the surface, and furthermore, multiple outer and inner convex portions formed by base yarns extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the tubular bandage are formed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, since the outer and inner convex portions extend vertically, for example, when putting it on the leg, if you insert it from the toes and try to pull it up toward the thigh, the fingertips of the hand performing the action will not get caught and it will be difficult to pull up. The higher the pressure, the more difficult it will be to pull up. Women with lymphedema tend to have weaker fingertip strength, and this is even more so for elderly patients.

[0010] Furthermore, the medical stockings in Patent Document 1 are basically formed in the same shape as regular stockings. Therefore, when looking at the joint-covering portion that covers the area around the joint, as shown in the drawings in Patent Document 1, for example, at the ankle joint, the heel side bulges outward, so a portion covering the heel is provided, and no special ingenuity is used in the knitting method for the medial side of the ankle joint. Therefore, the number of stitches in the course direction and the number of stitches (rows) in the wale direction are sufficient to form the medial side of the ankle joint. As a result, sagging and wrinkling of the fabric are likely to occur on the medial side of the ankle joint, making it difficult to apply pressure in the compression direction. Furthermore, sagging and wrinkling of the fabric may dig into the skin, inhibiting lymphatic and blood flow. The same applies to the tubular bandage in Patent Document 2, and the same can be said about the illustrated portion covering the ankle joint as in Patent Document 1. However, the bandage in Patent Document 2 is formed after measuring the circumference near the ankle joint, and is thought to have a better fit and be less likely to sagging and wrinkling on the medial side of the ankle joint compared to the bandage in Patent Document 1. However, the device of Patent Document 2 requires measuring the circumferential length of the attachment site and adjusting it to accommodate changes in cross section, making the manufacturing process complicated and tedious.

[0011] Furthermore, it is desirable to have elastic clothing that can also be used to treat lymphedema in the arms and hands, as in Patent Documents 3 and 4, rather than just stocking-type clothing worn on the lower limbs as in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Furthermore, it would be convenient if elastic clothing useful for strengthening and improving the muscle strength of Parkinson's disease patients, as shown in Patent Document 5, could be produced with a similar structure.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an elastic garment that can apply the required amount of pressure, has an excellent fit to the area where it is worn, is highly breathable, is easy to grip with the fingers, and can be easily pulled up in the direction of wearing it, making it suitable for improving and preventing lymphedema and venous return disorders. In addition, the present invention aims to provide an elastic garment that can prevent situations where the required pressure cannot be applied or where lymphatic fluid and blood flow is obstructed due to sagging or wrinkles that occur in the joint covering area, and that can be applied to not only the lower limbs but also the arms, hands, etc., and is suitable for improving and preventing lymphedema and venous return disorders, and a method for manufacturing the same. Another aim is to provide an elastic garment with a similar structure that can be used to improve muscle strength, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an elastic garment knitted using at least two types of elastic yarns with different stretchability, the elastic garment being composed of a knitted fabric in which a plain knit structure knitted using an elastic yarn for ground and a thread knit structure knitted using an elastic yarn for thread that is thicker than the elastic yarn for ground and has a higher elongation modulus than the elastic yarn for ground and the elastic yarn for ground are knitted alternately.

[0014] It is preferable that the ground elastic yarn and the thread elastic yarn constituting the thread knitting structure are knitted such that the knit and miss positions alternate stitch by stitch in the course direction.It is also preferable that the plain knit structure and the thread knitting structure are knitted such that the plain knit structure and the thread knitting structure alternate in the wale direction.

[0015] Both the elastic yarn for the ground and the elastic yarn for the thread use polyurethane yarn as a core yarn, and it is preferable that the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the ground has a thickness of 150 decitex or less, and that the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the thread has a thickness of 550 decitex or more. It is more preferable that the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the ground has a thickness in the range of 30 to 100 decitex, and that the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the thread has a thickness in the range of 1000 to 2500 decitex. It is preferable that the knitted fabric is knitted using only one of face knitting or purl knitting. Furthermore, the elastic garment is suitable for improving or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders.

[0016] It is also preferable that the joint covering part be provided with a tubular joint covering part having an inner covering part that covers the inside of the joint in the bending direction and an outer covering part that covers the outside of the joint in the bending direction, and that at least a part of the knitted fabric part of one of the inner covering part and the outer covering part in the joint covering part have a reduced row part in which the number of stitches in the wale direction is fewer than the knitted fabric part forming the other part.

[0017] The reduced-step portion may be provided in at least a portion of the knitted fabric in the inner covering portion, and this elastic garment is particularly suitable for use in improving or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders.

[0018] The outer covering portion may be configured so that at least a portion of the knitted fabric is provided with the reduced step portion, and this elastic garment is particularly suitable for improving muscle strength.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic clothing of the present invention can be configured as: a lower body garment having, as the joint covering portion, a portion covering at least one of the toe joints, the ankle joints, and the knee joints; an upper body garment having, as the joint covering portion, a portion covering at least one of the wrist joints, the elbow joints, the shoulder joints, and the finger joints; or a full body garment in which the lower body garment and the upper body garment are integrated.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an elastic garment comprising a tubular joint covering part which is knitted using elastic yarn and has an inner covering part which covers the inside of the joint in the bending direction and an outer covering part which covers the outside of the joint in the bending direction, wherein when knitting the joint covering part, the number of stitch rows in the wale direction of at least a part of the knitted fabric part of one of the inner covering part and the outer covering part is reduced compared to the knitted fabric part forming the other.

[0021] In this case, a method for producing elastic clothing for improving or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders can be provided by reducing the number of rows in at least a portion of the knitted fabric portion in the inner covering-part compared to the knitted fabric portion forming the outer covering-part. Also, a method for producing elastic clothing for improving muscle strength can be provided by reducing the number of rows in at least a portion of the knitted fabric portion in the outer covering-part compared to the knitted fabric portion forming the inner covering-part.

[0022] The elastic garment of the present invention is composed of a knitted fabric in which a plain knit structure is knitted with a ground elastic yarn, and a thread knit structure is knitted with the ground elastic yarn and an elastic thread yarn that is thicker than the ground elastic yarn and has a relatively high elongation modulus, and these knit structures are knitted alternately. Because the elastic thread yarn is thicker than the ground elastic yarn, in the thread knit structure, the elastic thread yarn protrudes slightly in the thickness direction beyond the ground elastic yarn on one side. This creates a slight step between the thread knit structure fabric and the plain knit structure fabric, creating an accordion-like shape. This step makes it easier for fingers to catch when gripped with the garment, facilitating the pulling action and eliminating the difficulties inherent in donning elastic garments. Meanwhile, the elastic thread yarn is connected to the ground elastic yarn by knitting, which stabilizes the positioning of the elastic thread yarn compared to methods of inserting elastic yarn by tucks or inlays, making it easier to exert appropriate compression according to the design. Furthermore, because the accordion-shaped garment has slight steps as described above, it fits easily to the area where it is worn, and it expands and contracts in response to bending movements, even at joints, and is less likely to sag or wrinkle on the inside of the bending direction. Because it is less likely to sag or wrinkle, it exerts appropriate pressure on the area and also prevents obstruction of lymphatic and blood flow due to sagging or wrinkles.

[0023] Furthermore, a plain knit structure is formed using fine yarns below a certain level as the elastic yarn for the ground, and preferably knitted using only one of face knitting or purl knitting, so that the breathability is high.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the knitted fabric of one of the inner covering portion, which covers the inside side of the joint in the bending direction, and the outer covering portion, which covers the outside side of the joint in the bending direction, has a reduced-row section with fewer rows of knit stitches in the wale direction than the knitted fabric portion forming the other portion. This allows a relatively strong tension to act on the knitted fabric side with fewer rows when the joint covering is worn. Therefore, if the knitted fabric portion with fewer rows is provided in the inner covering portion, sagging or wrinkles are less likely to occur on the inside when the joint is bent, allowing the relevant area to be compressed with a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent sagging or wrinkles from impeding lymphatic or blood flow. On the other hand, if the knitted fabric portion with fewer rows is provided in the outer covering portion, a relatively strong tension acts on the outer covering portion, which provides resistance when bending the joint and contributes to strengthening and improving muscle strength.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an elastic stocking, an elastic garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from one side. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the elastic stocking of Fig. 1, as seen from the opposite side after being inverted. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure knitted using a ground elastic yarn and a thread elastic yarn, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram using symbols to indicate knit and miss stitches. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a portion of a stocking, an elastic garment according to a second embodiment of the present invention, worn on a leg, where (a) is a view from the side of the leg and (b) is a view from behind the knee. Fig. 6(a) is a view as viewed from arrow A in Fig. 5(a), Fig. 6(b) is a view as viewed from arrow B in Fig. 5(a), and Fig. 6(c) is a view as viewed from arrow C in Fig. 5(b). Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for knitting a reduced-row portion. Fig. 8 shows an example of stockings with a step-reducing portion in the joint covering portion of the ankle joint, (a) is a side view of the stocking, and (b) is a view showing the stocking of (a) worn on the ankle joint. Fig. 9 shows a glove, which is an elastic garment according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a view taken along arrow D in Fig. 9.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an elastic stocking 1 as an elastic garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The knitted fabric 10 constituting the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment is knitted using at least two types of elastic yarns with different stretchability. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the knitted fabric is knitted using ground elastic yarns 21 and thread elastic yarns 31 that constitute the ground yarns.

[0028] A plain knit structure 20 is knitted by weft knitting using the ground elastic yarn 21, and a thread knit structure 30 is knitted by weft knitting using the ground elastic yarn 21 and the thread elastic yarn 31. The knitted fabric 10 of this embodiment is configured such that the plain knit structure 20 and the thread knit structure 30 are knitted alternately in the wale direction.

[0029] Both the ground elastic yarn 21 and the thread elastic yarn 31 are preferably covered yarns, and rubber yarn, polyurethane yarn, etc. can be used as the core yarn. The ground elastic yarn 21 and the thread elastic yarn 31 have a relatively low elastic modulus, while the thread elastic yarn 31 has a relatively high elastic modulus. When polyurethane yarn is used as the core yarn for both, the thinner the yarn, the lower the elastic modulus, and the thicker the yarn, the higher the elastic modulus.

[0030] When polyurethane yarns are used as the core yarns, it is preferable that the polyurethane yarns used for the ground elastic yarns 21 have a thickness of 150 decitex or less, and that the polyurethane yarns used for the thread elastic yarns 31 have a thickness of 550 decitex or more. The thickness of the polyurethane yarns constituting the ground elastic yarns 21 is more preferably in the range of 30 to 100 decitex, and even more preferably in the range of 40 to 80 decitex, and the thickness of the polyurethane yarns constituting the thread elastic yarns 31 is more preferably in the range of 1000 to 2500 decitex, and even more preferably in the range of 1500 to 2300 decitex. If the thickness of the polyurethane yarn exceeds 2500 decitex, it becomes difficult to knit using a weft knitting machine.

[0031] Therefore, the relationship between the thickness of the polyurethane yarn constituting the ground elastic yarn 21 and the thickness of the polyurethane yarn constituting the thread elastic yarn 31 is in the range of 1:3.6 to 1:83.3, assuming that the former is 1. As a result, the ground elastic yarn 21 has a thickness of approximately 1 / 3 or less of the thread elastic yarn 31, and the jersey knit structure 20 knitted with the ground elastic yarn 21 is thin, ensuring high breathability.

[0032] Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing the stitches of the knitted fabric of this embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the stitches symbolically. As shown in these figures, a plain knit structure 20 made of ground elastic yarn 21 is knitted in the course direction, and the next row in the wale direction is a thread knit structure 30 made of ground elastic yarn 21 and thread elastic yarn 31. This knit structure is one unit, and is composed of only one of face knitting or purl knitting, and is repeated in the wale direction, so that the plain knit structure 20 and the thread knit structure 30 alternate.

[0033] In the thread knitting structure 30, the thread elastic yarn 31 is knitted in the course direction relative to the ground elastic yarn 21 in the form of "knit, miss, knit, miss..." so that the positional relationship of the knit and miss alternates stitch by stitch. In this embodiment, the thread elastic yarn 31 is knitted with the ground elastic yarn 21 rather than tucked or inlaid, so that the arrangement position of the thread elastic yarn 31 is stable and movement during wear is also suppressed.

[0034] The elastic stocking 1 also has a knee-corresponding knitted fabric 41 knitted three-dimensionally in front of the knee joint so as to protrude slightly forward, and a heel-corresponding knitted fabric 42 knitted three-dimensionally on the outside of the ankle joint in the bending direction so as to protrude backward, and these areas are knitted together with the above-mentioned jersey knit structure 20 or thread knit structure 30.

[0035] According to this embodiment, two types of elastic yarns of different thicknesses, namely, ground elastic yarns 21 made of polyurethane yarns that are relatively thin and have a low elastic modulus of stretch, and thread elastic yarns 31 made of polyurethane yarns that are relatively thick and have a high elastic modulus of stretch, are used to form plain knit structures 20 and thread knit structures 30 alternately in the wale direction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the thread elastic yarns 31 are knitted in the course direction in the pattern of "knit, miss, knit, miss...", so that the thick thread elastic yarns 31 protrude outward on one side of the thread knit structure 30 by the amount of their thickness. Because the thread elastic yarns 31 are arranged in the course direction, i.e., in the circumferential direction of the elastic stocking 1, steps are formed in the circumferential direction on one side of the knitted fabric 10, with a convex portion centered on the thread elastic yarn 31 and a concave portion near the plain knit structure 20, forming a sort of bellows shape, as shown in Fig. 3. As a result, when a wearer tries to put on the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment, by inserting their foot first, then grasping the knitted fabric with their fingers and pulling it up through their heel, calf, and thigh, their fingers are more likely to get caught on the steps formed approximately perpendicular to the pulling direction, making them easier to put on than the elastic stockings of Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the surface 10a (step surface) where the recessed and protruding portions appear along the circumferential direction as the outer surface. However, when wearing the stockings in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, fingers other than the thumb, such as the index finger and middle finger, tend to get caught in the step. The inner surface of the step surface 10a is a nearly flat surface (flat surface) 10b because the elastic thread 31 for thread does not protrude in the thickness direction. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the stockings inverted from the state shown in FIG. 1, with the step surface 10a where the recessed and protruding portions appear as the inner surface and the flat surface 10b as the outer surface. In this case, the step surface 10a is located on the inner side, making it easy for the thumb to get caught in the step when putting the stockings on. Therefore, whether the step surface 10a or the flat surface 10b is facing outward, the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment facilitate pulling up the stockings when worn. Therefore, either the step surface 10a or the flat surface 10b can be facing outward, allowing for reversible wear for enjoyable design variations.

[0037] However, when the stepped surface 10a is on the outside and the flat surface 10b is on the inside, the flat surface 10b is the surface that comes into contact with the skin, which causes less discomfort when worn. In some cases, skin conditions such as cellulitis may be present due to lymphedema. In such cases, it is preferable to place the flat surface 10b, which causes less discomfort, on the inside. On the other hand, when the stepped surface 10a is on the inside, contact friction with the skin increases, which increases the effectiveness of preventing slippage when worn. Therefore, when no serious skin conditions are present, wearing the garment with the stepped surface 10a on the inside is also effective in preventing slippage.

[0038] Furthermore, because the elastic modulus of the thread elastic yarn 31 is high, when worn, the ground elastic yarns 21 that make up the plain knit structure 20 stretch relatively more than the thread elastic yarns 31. As a result, the gaps between the ground elastic yarns 21 that make up the plain knit structure 20 tend to become larger in the wearing direction. Also, using only one of the face knitting or purl knitting promotes ease of stretch within the plain knit structure 20. For these reasons, the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment exhibit high breathability.

[0039] On the other hand, within the range of the thread knitting structure 30, the high contractile force of the elastic thread yarn 31, which has a high elastic modulus, acts. Moreover, since the elastic thread yarn 31 is knitted, it can apply a predetermined amount of pressure to the predetermined part of the human body that it contacts. Generally, the pressure exerted by the elastic thread is higher when the elastic thread stretches linearly rather than when it deforms into a loop. In view of this, conventionally, elastic threads are often inserted by inlay or tucking. However, according to this embodiment, the elastic thread yarn 31 has the above-mentioned difference in thickness compared to the ground elastic yarn 21. During wear, the ground elastic yarn 21 elongates preferentially over the elastic thread yarn 31. Even though the elastic thread yarn 31 is knitted, it hardly changes to a loop shape, but changes to a nearly linear shape. This ensures the predetermined amount of pressure is exerted.

[0040] In addition, the stretchability of the jersey knit structure 20 and the high elasticity of the thread knit structure 30 make it difficult for sagging or wrinkles to form on the inside of bending parts such as the knee joints and ankle joints, improving the fit and preventing the flow of lymphatic fluid and blood from being obstructed by sagging or wrinkles.

[0041] Because the elastic stockings 1 of this embodiment have these characteristics, they can be worn more easily by women and elderly people with weak finger strength, and their high breathability prevents stuffiness, allowing them to be worn comfortably for longer periods of time, which is effective in improving lymphedema, venous return disorders, etc. Furthermore, the ground elastic yarn 21 stretches a predetermined amount depending on the leg thickness and length, and once it reaches a predetermined level, the thread elastic yarn 31 also stretches. Therefore, because the structure is highly stretchable, it is less dependent on leg thickness and length and can be made into a nearly one-size-fits-all product.

[0042] In this embodiment, the description is given taking elastic stockings 1 as an example, but is not limited to this. Generally, stockings are those that reach above the knee and have a welt, leg, and foot section, and are included in the concept of "socks." However, this embodiment can also be applied to other types of "socks," such as foot covers (products with only a foot section), socks (products that reach below the knee and have an elastic cuff, leg, and foot sections), tights (products with panty sections, leg, and foot sections), and even those with a structure that does not have a foot section, such as leggings and spats.

[0043] In addition, the configuration of this embodiment can be applied to sleeves having a portion covering at least one of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints, which are prone to lymphedema, gloves having a portion covering at least one of the wrist and finger joints, or clothing in which a sleeve and a glove are integrated. It can also be applied to bodysuits, which combine stockings or other garments worn on the lower body with upper body garments. In these cases, whether the stepped surface 10 a or the flat surface 10 b faces outward can be determined based on skin conditions, slippage, and other factors. For example, a sleeve worn from the arm to the armpit is relatively prone to slipping off, so it is preferable to wear it with the stepped surface 10 a facing inward when no skin conditions are present.

[0044] Next, second and third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 10. As with the first embodiment, the elastic garments of the second and third embodiments have a knitted fabric knitted using ground elastic yarns 21 and thread elastic yarns 31 that constitute the ground yarns, and a plain knit structure 20 is knitted by weft knitting using the ground elastic yarns 21, and a thread knit structure 30 is knitted by weft knitting using the ground elastic yarns 21 and the thread elastic yarns 31. The knitted fabric of each embodiment is constructed by knitting the plain knit structure 20 and the thread knit structure 30 alternately in the wale direction.

[0045] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an elastic stocking 100 as an elastic garment according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The figures mainly show a tubular portion (joint-covering portion 110 (an area surrounded by an imaginary line around the knee)) of the elastic stocking 100 knitted from the same knit fabric as in the first embodiment that covers the knee joint. The elastic stocking 100 has a reduced-row portion 111a in at least a portion of the knit fabric of the inner covering portion 111 that covers the inside of the knee joint in the bending direction (behind the knee). The reduced-row portion 111a has fewer rows of knit stitches in the wale direction than the outer covering portion 112 that covers the opposite outside of the knee joint in the bending direction (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c)).

[0046] When knitting the joint covering portion 110 of this compression stocking 100, as shown in Figure 7, the yarn 111b is knitted in the course direction using a weft knitting machine. In the area of ​​the knitted fabric constituting the outer covering portion 112 of the joint covering portion 110, knitting is performed without reducing the number of rows in the wale direction. However, once the area of ​​the inner covering portion 111 is reached, knitting does not continue, but instead returns to the area of ​​the outer covering portion 112, adding rows in the wale direction and knitting in the course direction. This process is repeated until a predetermined number of rows is reached, knitting continues in the course direction until the inner covering portion 111 is reached. After the required number of rows in the inner covering portion 111 are knitted, knitting returns to the area of ​​the outer covering portion 112. This process is repeated, and once knitting of the area of ​​the joint covering portion 110 is completed, knitting continues toward the ankle or thigh to knit the compression stocking 100. Although not shown in detail in Figure 7, the yarn 111b is made up of a ground elastic yarn 21 and a thread elastic yarn 31, and as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the jersey knit structure 20 and the thread knit structure 30 are alternately formed in the wale direction, which is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, there is a reduced row portion 111a in which the number of stitches in the wale direction of the knitted fabric forming the inner covering portion 111 is less than the number of stitches in the wale direction of the knitted fabric forming the outer covering portion 112.

[0047] Here, the inner covering portion 111 and the outer covering portion 112 of the joint covering portion 110 may be separated at a position approximately halfway around the circumference of the joint covering portion 110, as shown in FIG. 6( c), but it is also possible to exclude a portion of the side surface in the bending direction around a human joint, and set the range of both portions so that the inner range of this portion is the inner covering portion 111 and the outer range is the outer covering portion 112.

[0048] As described above, the elastic stocking 100 of this embodiment includes a reduced-step section 111a in which the knit fabric constituting the inner covering section 111 has fewer steps in the wale direction than the outer covering section 112. Because the elastic yarns are included, the elastic stocking 100 exerts a predetermined amount of pressure. When worn, the stocking stretches not only in the radial direction of the foot and leg but also in the longitudinal direction by inserting the foot against this pressure. At this time, the reduced-step section 111a of the inner covering section 111 stretches more in the longitudinal direction of the leg than the outer covering section 112, resulting in a higher tension than the outer covering section 112. As a result, when the knee is bent, the inner covering section 111, which was more stretched behind the knee, quickly contracts, preventing sagging or wrinkles from forming behind the knee. This allows the inner covering section 111 to apply a predetermined amount of pressure to the area where it is worn. If sagging or wrinkles occur, the pressure generated in that area will be reduced. It is also possible to prevent sagging and wrinkles from digging into the skin and obstructing lymphatic flow, blood flow, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, sagging and wrinkles can be prevented with a simple configuration in which a step-reducing section is formed on the inside of the bending direction of the joint, which is simpler and reduces manufacturing costs compared to the configuration in Patent Document 2, which requires measuring the circumference of various parts including the joint.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of stitches in the inner covering part 111 is reduced, but the range in the course direction (number of stitches) in which the number of stitches is reduced is not limited. The range may be the entire range in the course direction of the knitted fabric constituting the inner covering part 111, or a portion of the knitted fabric in the course direction. However, the tubular joint covering part 110 stretches in the longitudinal direction of the leg when worn, and the range in which the number of stitches is reduced stretches more than the outer covering part 112 on the opposite side. While this creates a large reaction force, excessive stretching may cause damage depending on the number of stitches reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the number of stitches only partially in the course direction. Furthermore, in the elastic stocking 100 of this embodiment, the reduced-number-of-stitches portion 111a is provided in the joint covering part 110 covering the knee joint. However, the reduced-number-of-stitches portion 111a may also be provided in the part covering the ankle joint, the part covering the hip joint, etc., and the reduced-number-of-stitches portion 111a may also be provided in multiple joint covering parts 110.

[0050] As in the first embodiment, the elastic stockings 100 can be applied to a variety of types, including those with a welt, leg, and foot section that reach above the knee, foot covers (products with only a foot section), socks (products that reach below the knee and have a cuff, leg, and foot section), tights (products with panty, leg, and foot sections), and even those with no foot section, such as leggings and spats. Note that in this specification, the term "lower body clothing" refers to any garment that has a joint covering section that covers at least one of the toe joints, ankle joints, and knee joints, and is not limited to the above-mentioned "socks," but also includes garments with no foot section.

[0051] 8(a) and 8(b) show an example of an elastic stocking 100A having a stepped portion 111A1 in the ankle joint covering portion 110A. When covering the ankle joint, typical stockings are shaped to fit the heel, which bulges outward, and have a dedicated portion for covering the heel. The first embodiment also has a heel-corresponding knitted fabric 42, as shown in FIG. 1. In contrast, the elastic stocking 100A shown in FIG. 8(a) has a substantially cylindrical joint covering portion 110A covering the ankle joint. Similar to the joint covering portion 110 covering the knee joint, the inner covering portion 111A in the flexion direction of the ankle joint has a stepped portion 111A1 with fewer steps than the outer covering portion 112A. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 8( b), the inner covering portion 111A, which covers the medial side of the ankle (the medial side of the ankle), receives a relatively stronger pulling force in the stretching direction than the outer covering portion 112A. This allows the ankle to maintain a natural, approximately 90-degree bent position, and prevents sagging and wrinkles in the inner covering portion 111A, even though there is no dedicated heel covering portion as in typical stockings. This prevents a decrease in the required compression at the medial side of the ankle and also prevents digging-in due to sagging and wrinkles. Furthermore, since there is no need for a dedicated heel covering portion, knitting the elastic stocking 100 near the ankle is easier, contributing to simplifying the knitting process and reducing manufacturing costs. It is also possible to provide a dedicated heel covering portion (the heel-corresponding knitted fabric 42 in the first embodiment) and provide a step-reducing portion 111A1 in the inner covering portion 111A, as in this embodiment. This also applies to other joints, such as the knee joint.

[0052] In addition, the configuration of this embodiment can be applied to any elastic garment that has a tubular joint covering portion that is worn around a joint, and can be applied to upper body garments such as sleeves having a portion covering at least one of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints as the joint covering portion, gloves having a portion covering at least one of the wrist and finger joints as the joint covering portion, or garments in which sleeves and gloves are integrated. It can also be applied to full body garments such as bodysuits in which the upper and lower body garments are integrated.

[0053] 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a glove 1000 as an elastic garment. In the glove 1000, a joint covering portion 1110 that covers the finger is formed in a tubular shape, and the number of stitches in the wale direction in at least a part of the knitted fabric portion of the outer covering portion 1112 that covers the outer side of the knuckle in the bending direction (the back side of the finger) is less than that of the inner covering portion 1111 that covers the pad side of the finger that is the inner side of the knuckle in the bending direction on the opposite side.

[0054] 10, for example, in the region where the middle finger is inserted, a step-reducing portion 1112a is formed in the outer covering portion 1112 in the ranges corresponding to the first, second, and third joints. The method of reducing the number of steps in the outer covering portion 1112 for these finger joints is exactly the same as when knitting the inner covering portion 111 located on the inside in the bending direction of the knee joint of the elastic stocking 100 of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the outer covering portion 1112 of the finger joint has a step-reduced portion 1112a. Therefore, when worn, contrary to the above embodiment, the contraction force of the elastic yarn in the step-reduced portion 1112a of the outer covering portion 1112 acts stronger than that of the inner covering portion 1111. Therefore, a force always acts on the glove 1000 in the direction of the outer covering portion 1112 of the finger, i.e., in the direction of bending. When worn, this force in the bending direction acts as a reaction force, and this reaction force acts as resistance when the finger is bent in the bending direction. As a result, by wearing the glove 1000 and performing a gripping motion, muscle strength can be strengthened and improved.

[0056] In this embodiment, too, the reaction force that acts as resistance when bending in the bending direction can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the range of the knitted fabric portion with fewer rows in the outer covering portion 1112, or by adjusting the amount, usage rate, or type of elastic yarn used.

[0057] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the elastic clothing used to improve muscle strength by reducing the number of knitted fabric rows forming the outer covering portion 1112 of the joint covering portion 1110 is not limited to the glove 1000, but can also be applied to lower body clothing such as socks that cover the lower limbs, sleeves worn on the arms, etc., as in the second embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the elastic stockings 100 with a reduced number of sections in the inner covering part 111 are described, but if the elastic stockings 100 are formed as a simple cylinder without a toe part, wearing them backwards, i.e., wearing them so that the position of the reduced-section inner covering part 111 is on the outside of the knee joint, results in a configuration in which the outer covering part has a reduced section, as in the third embodiment. As a result, resistance is applied when bending the knee, and they can be used to strengthen and improve leg muscles.

[0059] In the case of the glove 1000 of the third embodiment in which the number of steps of the outer covering portion 1112 is reduced, it is usually shaped to fit the shape of five fingers, so wearing it backwards feels uncomfortable, and so it is worn by switching the left and right hands. As a result, the step-reduced portion 1112a formed in the outer covering portion 1112 is positioned at the same position as the inner covering portion on the opposite hand, so that, similar to the first embodiment, sagging and wrinkles when bent can be suppressed, and digging into the skin can be suppressed.

[0060] In this way, the elastic garment of the present invention can be worn backwards or reversed, allowing it to perform different functions even though it is a single item. If the shape, decorative pattern, etc. can be adapted to suit these, the structure of items for improving lymphedema, etc. and muscle strength can be standardized, which is economical.

[0061] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Elastic stocking 10 Knitted fabric 10a Step surface 10b Flat surface 20 Plain knit structure 21 Elastic yarn for ground 30 Thread knit structure 31 Elastic yarn for thread 41 Knitted fabric for knee 42 Knitted fabric for heel 100 Elastic stocking 110 Joint covering portion 111 Inner covering portion 111a Reduced number of rows portion 111b Yarn 112 Outer covering portion 1000 Glove 1110 Joint covering portion 1111 Inner covering portion 1112 Outer covering portion 1112a Reduced number of rows portion

Claims

1. An elastic garment knitted using at least two types of elastic yarns with different elasticity, the elastic garment being composed of a knitted fabric in which a plain knit structure knitted using a ground elastic yarn and a thread knit structure knitted using a thread elastic yarn that is thicker and has a higher elongation modulus than the ground elastic yarn and the ground elastic yarn are knitted alternately.

2. The elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the ground elastic yarn and the thread elastic yarn constituting the thread knit structure are knitted such that the knit and miss positions are alternated stitch by stitch in the course direction.

3. The elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the plain knit structure and the thread knit structure are knitted alternately in the wale direction.

4. The elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic yarn for the ground and the elastic yarn for the thread both use polyurethane yarn as a core yarn, the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the ground has a thickness of 150 decitex or less, and the polyurethane yarn constituting the elastic yarn for the thread has a thickness of 550 decitex or more.

5. The elastic garment according to claim 4, wherein the polyurethane yarn constituting the ground elastic yarn has a thickness in the range of 30 to 100 decitex, and the polyurethane yarn constituting the thread elastic yarn has a thickness in the range of 1000 to 2500 decitex.

6. The elastic garment according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric is knitted either face knit or purl knit.

7. The elastic clothing according to claim 1, for use in treating or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders.

8. An elastic garment as claimed in claim 1, comprising a tubular joint covering part having an inner covering part which covers the inside of the joint in the bending direction and an outer covering part which covers the outside of the joint in the bending direction, and at least a part of the knitted fabric of one of the inner covering part and the outer covering part in said joint covering part has a step number reduced part having fewer steps of stitches in the wale direction than the knitted fabric part forming the other part.

9. The elastic garment according to claim 8, wherein the step reduction portion is provided in at least a portion of the knitted fabric in the inner covering portion.

10. The elastic clothing according to claim 9, for use in treating or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders.

11. The elastic garment according to claim 8, wherein the step reduction portion is provided in at least a portion of the knitted fabric portion of the outer covering portion.

12. The elastic garment according to claim 11, which is for improving muscle strength.

13. The elastic garment according to claim 8, which is a lower body garment having, as the joint covering portion, a portion covering at least one of the joints of the toes, the ankle, and the knee; an upper body garment having, as the joint covering portion, a portion covering at least one of the joints of the wrist, the elbow, the shoulder, and the joints of the fingers; or a whole body garment in which the lower body garment and the upper body garment are integrated.

14. A method for manufacturing an elastic garment comprising a tubular joint covering part knitted using elastic yarn and having an inner covering part that covers the inside of a joint in the bending direction and an outer covering part that covers the outside of the joint in the bending direction, wherein, when knitting the joint covering part, the number of stitches in the wale direction of at least a part of the knitted fabric portion of one of the inner covering part and the outer covering part is reduced compared to the knitted fabric portion forming the other.

15. A method for producing an elastic garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the number of rows in at least a portion of the knitted fabric portion in the inner covering part is made smaller than that in the knitted fabric portion forming the outer covering part, thereby producing an elastic garment for treating or preventing lymphedema or venous return disorders.

16. The method for producing an elastic garment for improving muscle strength according to claim 14, wherein the number of steps in at least a portion of the knitted fabric portion in the outer covering portion is made smaller than that in the knitted fabric portion forming the inner covering portion.

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