U.S. patent application number 11/577571 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for sports garment.
This patent application is currently assigned to ONYONE CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Hironori Onda.
Application Number | 20080083055 11/577571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36202892 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Onda; Hironori |
April 10, 2008 |
Sports Garment
Abstract
A sports garment capable of producing the same effects as
taping, and of preventing various sports injuries is provided
through a simple method in which a taping theory is applied to
actively endow a sports garment with frictional resistance with
respect to a body (skin surface) so as to create an environment in
which muscles, joints, and other parts move in appropriate ranges.
A garment body (2) is formed using a material that has low
frictional resistance and slides easily against the skin surface of
a body (1); a resistance lining part (3) is formed on the internal
surface of the garment body (2) using a material that has high
frictional resistance and does not easily slide against the skin
surface of a body (1); and the resistance lining part (3) is formed
in a direction whereby the same effects are obtained as a taping
effect in which tape is wrapped onto a body (1) to restrict
movement of muscles, joints, and other parts so as to prevent
contusions, bruising, muscle strain, sprain, bone fracture, and
other injury.
Inventors: |
Onda; Hironori; (Niigata,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP
1875 EYE STREET, N.W., SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
ONYONE CO., LTD
Niigata
JP
|
Family ID: |
36202892 |
Appl. No.: |
11/577571 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 14, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/18943 |
371 Date: |
April 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/455 ; 2/272;
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2400/322 20130101;
A61F 13/143 20130101; A41D 13/0015 20130101; A61F 13/08 20130101;
A41D 31/185 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/455 ; 2/272;
2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A41D 1/00 20060101 A41D001/00; A41D 27/02 20060101
A41D027/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 2004 |
JP |
2004-304500 |
May 18, 2005 |
JP |
2005-145837 |
Claims
1-5. (canceled)
6. A sports garment characterized in that a garment body for
adhering to a body is formed using a material that has low
frictional resistance and slides easily against the skin surface of
a body; a resistance lining part is formed on the internal surface
of the garment body by using a material that has high frictional
resistance and does not easily slide against the skin surface of a
body; a position at which the resistance lining part adheres to a
skin surface of the body varies less easily than that of another
adhering internal surface of the garment body; said garment body
and said resistance lining part are formed so as to be elastic, and
an elasticity of the resistance lining part is set so as to be less
than an elasticity of the garment body; and the resistance lining
part is formed in a direction whereby the same effects are obtained
as a taping effect in which tape is wrapped onto a body to restrict
movement of muscles, joints, and other parts so as to prevent
contusions, bruising, muscle strain, sprain, bone fracture, and
other injury.
7. The sports garment according to claim 1, characterized in that
said resistance lining part is bonded and fixed to an internal
surface of said garment body.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sports garment capable of
preventing contusions, bruising, muscle strain, and other sports
injuries when the sports garment is worn during sports
activities.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The present applicant has invented a sports garment whereby
the same effects as taping are obtained and contusions, bruising,
muscle strain, and other sports injuries are prevented through a
simple method in which a taping theory in sports science is applied
to actively form a part having a difference in elasticity in a
sports garment (see Japanese Patent No. 2732394).
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] [Problems to Be Solved by the Invention]
[0004] The present invention was developed through further research
based on the invention described above.
[0005] [Means for Overcoming the Above-mentioned Problems]
[0006] A summary of the present invention will be given with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0007] The sports garment of the present invention is characterized
in that a garment body 2 for adhering to a body 1 is formed using a
material that has low frictional resistance and slides easily
against the skin surface of a body 1; a resistance lining part 3 is
formed on the internal surface of the garment body 2 by using a
material that has high frictional resistance and does not easily
slide against the skin surface of a body 1; a position at which the
resistance lining part 3 adheres to a skin surface of the body 1
varies less easily than that of another adhering internal surface
of the garment body 2; the garment body 2 and the resistance lining
part 3 are formed so as to be elastic; an elasticity of the
resistance lining part 3 is set so as to be less than an elasticity
of the garment body 2; and the resistance lining part 3 is formed
in a direction whereby the same effects are obtained as a taping
effect in which tape is wrapped onto a body 1 to restrict movement
of muscles, joints, and other parts so as to prevent contusions,
bruising, muscle strain, sprain, bone fracture, and other
injury.
[0008] The sports garment according to a second aspect is
characterized in that the resistance lining part 3 is bonded and
fixed to an internal surface of the garment body 2.
[0009] [Effect of the Invention]
[0010] Through a structure such as the one described above, the
present invention provides a markedly superior sports garment
capable of producing the same effects as taping, and of preventing
contusions, bruising, muscle strain, and other sports injuries
through a simple method in which a taping theory in sports science
is applied to actively endow a sports garment with frictional
resistance with respect to a body (skin surface) so as to create an
environment in which muscles, joints, and other parts move in
appropriate ranges.
[0011] The present invention also provides an extremely practical
and innovative sports garment whereby the aforementioned
actions/effects can be obtained merely by wearing the sports
garment of the present invention on the body, without the need for
inconvenient taping.
[0012] In the present invention, since the resistance lining part
always adheres to the skin surface of the body when the garment is
worn, a sports garment is provided that has even more superior
practicality and demonstrates the aforementioned operations/effects
extremely effectively.
[0013] In the present invention, since the resistance lining part
is elastic, there is no extreme impediment to movement when the
sports garment is worn, and excellent ease of movement is obtained.
The resistance lining part is also elastic, but has little
elasticity in relation to the garment body and does not stretch in
the same manner as the garment body. A sports garment is therefore
provided that reliably supports muscles and other parts, produces
the aforementioned taping effects, and has excellent
practicality.
[0014] In the invention according to the second aspect, a garment
body having a resistance lining part can easily be designed and
implemented, and the resistance lining part evenly supports muscles
and other parts using a uniform pressure. Since the garment body is
also sewn only in a small number of positions, it is possible to
provide a sports garment that allows easier movement with no
discomfort, thus making the sports garment even more practical.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which Example 1 is in
use;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which Example 1 is in
use during exercise;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which Example 2 is
in use;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which Example 2 is in
use during exercise;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which Example 2 is
in use;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a state in which Example 2 is
in use; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing Example 3 from the rear.
[0022] Key to Symbols:
[0023] 1: body
[0024] 2: garment body
[0025] 3: resistance lining part
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention (ways of
implementing the invention), and the operation of the present
invention will be briefly described based on the accompanying
drawings.
[0027] When the garment body 2 is worn on the body 1, the
resistance lining part 3 does not easily slide against the skin
surface of the body 1, due to the large frictional resistance of
the resistance lining part 3, whereas the internal surfaces of the
other parts of the garment body 2 have minimal frictional
resistance with the body 1, and slide easily.
[0028] Accordingly, in the portion of the body 1 in contact with
the resistance lining part 3, the movement of skin and the
muscles/joints and other parts in the skin is restricted by the
frictional resistance of the resistance lining part 3. By forming
the resistance lining part 3 in the taping direction, movement of
muscles/joints and other parts in this direction is restricted so
as to occur in the appropriate allowable range according to taping
theory, and the effects obtained are the same as the taping effects
aimed at preventing contusions, bruising, muscle strain, and other
sports injuries.
[0029] The resistance lining part 3 conformed (aligned in the
taping direction) with the muscles also acts to move fatigued
muscles in the appropriate allowable range. Therefore, muscle
tension is alleviated and fatigue is reduced.
[0030] Bones that constitute joints are sometimes pulled by muscle
tension, which causes joints to become misaligned and painful, but
placing the resistance lining part 3 in contact with the skin to
create a taping effect has the effect of alleviating muscle
tension.
[0031] A massaging effect on muscles and other parts can be
anticipated from the frictional movement of the resistance lining
part 3 against the skin surface, thus creating a suitable
environment for exercise. Increased circulation of blood and lymph,
and improvement of poor circulation can also be anticipated, as
well as pain relief and the activation of natural analgesic effects
in the body.
[0032] Accordingly, the inconvenience of applying tape to the body
1 such as in taping is eliminated, and an innovative sports garment
is provided whereby the aforementioned operations/effects on the
same part of the body can be anticipated any number of times and at
any time merely by wearing the garment body 2 on the body 1 in the
proper manner.
[0033] The garment body 2 is preferably made into a type of
clothing that adheres to the body 1, and has such a composition
that the resistance lining part 3 always adheres to the skin
surface, for example. The aforementioned operations/effects are
thereby demonstrated with significant effectiveness.
[0034] For example, a configuration is adopted in which the
aforementioned garment body 2 that adheres to the body 1 is used,
the aforementioned resistance lining part 3 is formed on an
internal surface of the garment body 2, and the position at which
the resistance lining part 3 adheres to the skin surface of the
body 1 does not move in relation to the skin surface as easily as
the other internal surfaces. Satisfactory taping effects are
thereby obtained in any position from the resistance lining part 3,
and the aforementioned operations/effects are demonstrated with
significant effectiveness.
[0035] Although the resistance lining part 3 may not necessarily be
elastic, when an elastic material is used to form the resistance
lining part 3, the resistance lining part 3 demonstrates the
aforementioned taping effects while not compromising the ease of
movement of the body 1 on which the sports garment is worn, and an
environment that enables significant ease of movement is
obtained.
[0036] Furthermore, when, for example, the garment body 2 and the
resistance lining part 3 are endowed with elasticity, and the
resistance lining part 3 has less elasticity than the garment body
2, the resistance lining part 3 does not stretch in the same manner
as the garment body 2 even when the resistance lining part 3 is
elastic. The sports garment therefore has an extremely effective
structure that reliably supports muscles and other parts and
demonstrates the aforementioned taping effects while maintaining
ease of movement.
[0037] When, for example, the resistance lining part 3 is bonded
and fixed to the internal surface of the garment body 2, it is
extremely easy to form the resistance lining part 3 with the
garment body 2, and when, for example, the resistance lining part 3
is formed in the garment body 2 by sewing, there is a difference in
elasticity between the sewn regions and the garment body 2 during
exercise, and muscles and other parts can become severely
compressed. However, the configuration in which the resistance
lining part 3 is bonded reduces the likelihood of an excessive
difference in elasticity such as occurs when the resistance lining
part 3 and the garment body 2 are sewn together. The resistance
lining part 3 therefore evenly supports the muscles and other parts
with a uniform pressure, and since the use of a bonded structure
minimizes the number of sewn regions in the garment body 2, contact
between stitches and the skin surface is reduced and easier
movement and enhanced comfort can be provided.
EXAMPLE 1
[0038] A first specific example of the present invention will be
described based on FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0039] In this example, the present invention is applied to
long-pant-type leggings as the garment body 2 that extend from the
waist to the ankles.
[0040] Specifically, the garment body 2 is formed from an elastic
material, and is formed so as to be able to fit the body 1 (lower
half of the body) precisely, to suppress unnecessary vibration of
muscles, and to reduce fatigue.
[0041] The garment body 2 is sewn and formed from a material that
has minimal frictional resistance with respect to the skin surface
of the body 1, i.e., a material that easily slides against the
skin.
[0042] In this example, the resistance lining parts 3 are formed on
the internal surface of the garment body 2 by using a material that
has high frictional resistance and does not easily slide with
respect to the skin surface of the body 1.
[0043] Specifically, the resistance lining parts 3 are formed using
a belt-shaped, linear material, the surface of the material is
raised, and frictional resistance with the skin surface is
increased by the piles.
[0044] The resulting resistance lining parts 3 having irregular
surfaces may be formed by the stitching (weaving) structure, for
example, and frictional resistance with the skin surface may be
increased by the surface irregularity of the resistance lining
parts 3.
[0045] In the present example, the resistance lining parts 3 are
bonded and fixed to the internal surface of the garment body 2 by
an adhesive.
[0046] The resistance lining parts 3 are also formed in a direction
whereby the same effects are obtained as a taping effect in which
tape is wrapped onto the body 1 to restrict movement of muscles,
joints, and other parts so as to prevent contusions, bruising,
muscle strain, sprain, bone fracture, and other injury.
[0047] According to the taping theory in sports science, tape is
applied or wrapped to restrict movement of joints, muscles, or the
like and to reinforce joints, muscles, and other parts, or the tape
is applied to prevent unnecessary force from being applied to the
taped parts. This theory was researched in order to protect joints,
ligaments, muscles, bones, and other parts of the body 1 from the
legs, arms, and hips to the shoulders, neck, and fingers, and to
prevent the occurrence and recurrence of contusions, bruising,
muscle strain, sprain, fracture, and other sports injuries.
[0048] In the present example, a design is adopted so that the
region from the waist to the calves in particular is protected
according to the aforementioned taping theory.
[0049] Specifically, based on this theory, the resistance lining
parts 3 having a large amount of frictional resistance with respect
to the skin are formed in meandering fashion in the length
direction of the lower body so as to extend from the wearer's waist
to the buttocks, hips, knees, and calves.
[0050] Furthermore, one or both of the band-shaped and/or linear
resistance lining parts 3 slightly curved along the length
direction of the muscle fibers of the waist, buttocks, hips, knees,
and calves of the wearer are formed so as to extend from the upper
edge of the waist part of the internal surface of the garment body
2 to the bottom (lower) ends of the calves. A configuration is
adopted that is based on the theory that joint protection and
protection of muscles from the waist to the buttocks, hips, knees,
and calves can be anticipated when one of the resistance lining
parts 3 comes in contact with (slides against) the skin surface and
restricts movement of the skin in the taping direction, and this
protection makes it possible to prevent the occurrence or
recurrence of muscle strain in the lower body, contusions of the
hip joints and knee joints, and other sports injuries. The drawings
show a case in which the resistance lining parts 3 are formed on
the outside parts of the body 1 in the foot parts in
particular.
[0051] Accordingly, the resistance lining parts 3 that are set with
consideration for the movement of the muscles of the lower body, or
the movement of the hip and knee joints, are configured so as to
prevent contusions, muscle strain, or the like, as well as to
enhance the fit on the body 1 and even further reduce fatigue
during exercise.
[0052] The resistance lining parts 3 in the present example are
also elastic, and the elasticity of the resistance lining parts 3
is set so as to be less than the elasticity of the garment body
2.
[0053] Specifically, the resistance lining parts 3 are formed using
an elastic material, and the elastic material used for the
resistance lining parts 3 has less elasticity than the elastic
material used for the garment body 2.
[0054] A configuration may also be adopted in which the elasticity
of the resistance lining parts 3 is made less than the elasticity
of the garment body 2 by a technique in which the resistance lining
parts 3 are formed by stacking two layers of material that have the
same elasticity as the garment body 2.
[0055] Accordingly, the resistance lining parts 3 are elastic.
However, the resistance lining parts 3 do not stretch to the same
degree as the garment body 2 but demonstrate appropriate
elasticity, reliably support muscles and other parts, and produce
the aforementioned taping effects while ensuring ease of
movement.
[0056] Since the skin also follows the stretching of the garment
body 2 even though a large frictional resistance is imparted to the
skin surface by the resistance lining parts 3 during exercise, an
environment allows easy movement (easy movement of the body). As a
result, effects are demonstrated whereby the range in which muscles
and tendons can move is increased within an appropriate range.
[0057] Specifically, only the skin surfaces of muscles, tendons, or
other certain parts move due to garment wearing and exercise, and
internal tissues can easily move without the skin itself continuing
to press on the muscles and other parts.
[0058] In the present example, a case was described in which the
present invention was applied to a pant-type garment body 2, but
the present invention may also be applied to a jacket-type garment
body 2 to impart the taping effects to the arms, shoulders, and
other parts.
EXAMPLE 2
[0059] A second specific example of the present invention will be
described based on FIGS. 3 through 6.
[0060] The present example is of a case in which a larger number of
the resistance lining parts 3 in Example 1 is added to achieve a
wide range of muscle protection or prevention of the recurrence of
sports injuries.
[0061] Specifically, the resistance lining parts 3 of the present
example are composed of a tensor fascia lata muscle lining 3A, a
tibialis anterior muscle lining 3B, an L4-5 lining 3C, gluteus
medius linings 3D, a quadriceps femoris muscle lining 3E, and a
gracilis muscle lining 3F.
[0062] The tensor fascia lata muscle lining 3A is formed on the
outside of the upper thigh, and the lower portion is formed along
the tensor fascia lata muscle that transfers to the iliotibial
tract and extends to the outside of the knee. The tensor fascia
lata muscle assists in bending and rotating the hips, extending the
knee joints, and other movements. Force is applied to this area
during sprinting and other forceful stepping with the legs, and the
leg stamina is reduced when this muscle is injured. The tensor
fascia lata muscle lining 3A is capable of preventing the
occurrence or recurrence of sports injury to the tensor fascia lata
muscle.
[0063] The tibialis anterior muscle lining 3B is formed at the
muscle on the outside of the shin of the lower leg (portion below
the knee), and along the tibialis anterior muscle that extends from
below the knee to the front of the sole of the foot. The tibialis
anterior muscle raises and rotates the foot inward. This muscle is
used for kicking out and landing during running, and is always in a
tensed state when the body is in a forward-bent posture during
skiing. A sprain can easily occur when this muscle is fatigued. The
tibialis anterior muscle lining 3B is capable of preventing the
occurrence or recurrence of sports injury to the tibialis anterior
muscle.
[0064] The L4-5 (L is an abbreviation for "lumbar," and 4 and 5 are
the fourth and fifth of five lumbar vertebrae) lining 3C is a
transversely directed lining formed so as to pass through positions
that correspond to the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The
lumbar vertebrae control numerous actions in exercise, such as
vibration due to jumping, sudden stops, and rapid twisting. The
L4-5 lining 3C is capable of preventing the occurrence or
recurrence of sports injury to the lumbar vertebrae.
[0065] The gluteus medius linings 3D reduce the burden on the
gluteus medius muscles and are formed in a layer below the gluteus
maximus muscles and in a position along the gluteus medius muscles
somewhat above the gluteus maximus muscles. The gluteus medius
muscles stabilize the movement of the hip joints. These muscles are
necessary for balance during walking or exercise, and when these
muscles are weakened, the pelvis and thigh muscles lose stability
and are easily affected during sports that require balance in a
crouching position, such as sumo wrestling, wrestling, and baseball
defense. The gluteus medius linings 3D are capable of preventing
the occurrence or recurrence of sports injury to the gluteus medius
muscles.
[0066] The quadriceps femoris muscle linings 3E are formed along
the quadriceps femoris muscles that are composed of four muscle
heads at the front of the thighs, i.e., the rectus femoris muscle,
the medial vastus muscle, the lateral vastus muscle, and the
intermediate vastus muscle. The quadriceps femoris muscles provide
significant power to extension of the knees. These muscles are in
the thigh region that is most important in sports, and injury to
the knees easily occurs when the quadriceps femoris muscles are
fatigued during sports in which a large burden is placed on the
legs, such as in track and field events, soccer, volleyball,
basketball, and skiing. The quadriceps femoris muscle linings 3E
are capable of preventing the occurrence or recurrence of sports
injury to the quadriceps femoris muscles.
[0067] The gracilis muscle linings 3F are formed inside the thighs,
along the thin muscle, i.e., gracilis muscle, extending from the
crotch to below the knee. The gracilis muscle assists in inward
rotation of the leg and the hip joint. The gracilis muscle serves
to prevent the knee from turning inward due to fatigue. The
gracilis muscle linings 3F are capable of preventing the occurrence
or recurrence of sports injury to the gracilis muscle.
EXAMPLE 3
[0068] A third specific example of the present invention will be
described based on FIG. 7.
[0069] In the present example, the present invention is applied to
a long-sleeve jacket as the garment body 2 that is designed so that
the back area in particular is protected according to the taping
theory of Example 1.
[0070] Specifically, the resistance lining parts 3 having high
frictional resistance with respect to the skin are formed in the
length direction of the upper body so as to extend from the upper
back of the wearer to the lower back.
[0071] Specifically, belt-shaped resistance lining parts 3 adjacent
to the shoulder blades and latissimus dorsi muscles of the back are
formed on the left and right portions other than the spine portion
so as to extend from the upper edge of the back to the bottom
(lower) edge of the back of the internal surface of the rear side
of the garment body 2. A configuration is adopted that is based on
the theory that shoulder joint protection and protection of muscles
in the back can be anticipated when the resistance lining parts 3
come in contact with (slide against) the skin surface and restrict
movement of the skin in the taping direction, and this protection
makes it possible to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of muscle
strain in the upper body, contusions of the shoulder joints, and
other sports injuries.
[0072] Effects are also anticipated whereby the dorsal muscles are
extended and posture is corrected, and enhanced ease of arm muscle
extension and breathing stability during exercise are obtained.
Since the arms also move about the shoulder blades, a state is
created in which the arms move easily, and exercise is facilitated
through the taping effects that allow the arms to move
properly.
[0073] In the present example, a configuration is adopted in which
the resistance lining parts 3 are provided to areas other than the
spine portion, whereby the spine portion extends more easily than
the portions in which the resistance lining parts 3 are present.
The conforming properties of the garment with respect to exercises
such as twisting and forward-backward and side-to-side movement
thereby remain the same, and heat-releasing effects can be
anticipated in parts where more perspiration occurs and accumulates
more easily.
[0074] Accordingly, contusions, muscle strain, or other injuries
are prevented, the fit to the body 1 is enhanced, and exercise
fatigue is even further reduced by resistance lining parts 3 that
are designed with consideration for the movement of upper body
muscles and shoulder joints.
[0075] The present invention is not limited by Examples 1 through
3, and the specific configuration of structural conditions may be
designed as appropriate.
* * * * *