U.S. patent application number 15/815388 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for wearing article and footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is MEDICA SATO LTD.. Invention is credited to Seiji SATO.
Application Number | 20180070660 15/815388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60952942 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180070660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SATO; Seiji |
March 15, 2018 |
WEARING ARTICLE AND FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A wearing article includes a first band part, a second band
part, and a connecting band part. The first band part is formed to
be in contact with a region extending from the base of a big toe on
the sole side through an inner side part of the foot to the
vicinity of a malleolus. The second band part is formed to be in
contact with a region extending from the base of the big toe on an
instep side through the inner side part of the foot, the sole, and
an outer side part of the foot to the vicinity of the other
malleolus. The connecting band part is formed to be in contact with
a region extending from the vicinity of the first band part.
Inventors: |
SATO; Seiji; (Aichi,
JP) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEDICA SATO LTD. |
Aichi |
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JP |
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Family ID: |
60952942 |
Appl. No.: |
15/815388 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2017/001329 |
Jan 17, 2017 |
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15815388 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/02 20130101;
A41D 13/06 20130101; A41B 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 15, 2016 |
JP |
2016-140850 |
Claims
1. A wearing article, comprising a first band part, a second band
part, and a connecting band part, which each have stretching
properties so as to come into contact with a predetermined region
respectively when the wearing article is worn on a human foot,
wherein: the first band part is formed to be in contact with a
region extending from the base of the big toe on the sole side
through an inner side part of the foot to the vicinity of a
malleolus; the second band part is formed to be in contact with a
region extending from the base of the big toe on the instep side
through the inner side part of the foot, the sole, and an outer
side part of the foot to the vicinity of the other malleolus; and
the connecting band part is formed to be in contact with a region
extending from the vicinity of the first band part on an extended
line thereof through the rear side of the foot to the vicinity of
the second band part on an extended line thereof.
2. The wearing article of claim 1, wherein the first band part
intersects the second band part.
3. The wearing article of claim 1, further comprising a third band
part that has stretching properties so as to come into contact with
a predetermined region when the wearing article is worn on a human
foot and that is formed to be in contact with a region extending
from the base of the big toe on the instep side through the outer
side part of the foot to the vicinity of the other malleolus.
4. The wearing article of claim 3, wherein the first band part, the
second band part, the connecting band part, and the third band part
are integrally formed.
5. The wearing article of claim 1, wherein the first band part
includes a part that is in contact with at least part of the
thenar.
6. The wearing article of claim 1, further comprising a toe holder
that includes a notch part corresponding to the toe crotch between
the big toe and the second toe, wherein an end part of the first
band part on the big toe side is provided so as to cross an
extended line extended along the notch edge of the notch part.
7. A footwear integrally knitted with the wearing article of claim
1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of International Patent
Application No. PCT/JP2017/001329, filed on Jan. 17, 2017, for
which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120; and this
application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application
No. 2016-140850, filed on Jul. 15, 2016 under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119,
the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a wearing article and
footwear worn on a human foot.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] In order to protect movable parts, such as muscles,
ligaments, and tendons, there have been conventionally known socks
having a structure for fixing such parts to limit their movable
ranges. Socks of this kind cover and protect an injured part from
impact and also substitute for bandages using taping effects. For
example, Patent Document 1 describes socks that are entirely
knitted and include non-slip parts covering a toe part, pad parts
and the vicinity thereof, a heel part, and an instep part, and a
hardly-stretchable part continuously formed from an arch part to a
leg part. [0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 2011-21290
[0005] Meanwhile, there have been also known, since ancient times,
straw sandals that each fix a foot with ropes passed between the
big toe and the second toe and laid along the sides of the foot to
be tied around the ankle. The inventor has focused attention on the
feature of wearing straw sandals enabling long-distance walking and
explored the mechanism thereof. As a result, the inventor has
obtained the suggestion that tying the ropes from the vicinity of
the base of the big toe and the second toe around the ankle can
improve stability of walking and reduce the load on muscles of the
foot during the walking.
[0006] However, wearing conventional straw sandals on feet requires
substantial time and effort, and the ropes tied around a foot may
injure a contact part if the user is unused to the wearing. These
matters have been obstacles to practical applications of the
characteristics of straw sandals to footwear.
[0007] Accordingly, the inventor has recognized that the problem is
how to reproduce the characteristics of straw sandals in footwear
folded around feet, such as socks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a
problem, and a purpose thereof is to provide a wearing article that
can be worn with reduced time and effort.
[0009] To solve the problem above, a wearing article according to
one embodiment of the present invention includes a first band part,
a second band part, and a connecting band part, which each have
stretching properties so as to come into contact with a certain
region respectively when the wearing article is worn on a human
foot. The first band part is formed to be in contact with a region
extending from the base of the big toe on the sole side through an
inner side part of the foot to the vicinity of a malleolus, the
second band part is formed to be in contact with a region extending
from the base of the big toe on the instep side through the inner
side part of the foot, the sole, and an outer side part of the foot
to the vicinity of the other malleolus, and the connecting band
part is formed to be in contact with a region extending from the
vicinity of the first band part on its extended line through the
rear side of the foot to the vicinity of the second band part on
its extended line.
[0010] According to the embodiment, the wearing article worn on a
human foot includes the multiple band parts having stretching
properties, by which the foot can be folded.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is footwear. The
foot wear is integrally knitted with the wearing article described
above.
[0012] Optional combinations of the aforementioned constituting
elements, and implementations of the present invention, including
the constituting elements and expressions, in the form of methods,
apparatuses, or systems may also be practiced as additional modes
of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be
exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered
alike in several Figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a wearing article
according to an embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the top
side;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article
according to the embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the
bottom side;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article
according to the embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the
right side;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article
according to the embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the
left side;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article
according to the embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the
rear side; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart that shows a manufacturing process of
the wearing article according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The invention will now be described by reference to the
preferred embodiments. This does not intend to limit the scope of
the present invention, but to exemplify the invention.
[0021] The inventor examined the characteristics of straw sandals
and recognized the following points. By tying ropes passed between
the big toe and the second toe and laid along the outer side and
the inner side of the foot, around the ankle near the malleoli for
fixation, the load on muscles during walking can be reduced,
thereby facilitating the walking. It is considered that, since
pressure is applied to flexor tendons of a foot, flexor muscles are
compressed, thereby producing relaxation of extensor muscles. Since
the extensor muscles are relaxed, swelling of the calf or fatigue
of the foot may be reduced. Also, it is considered that, if flat
band-like bodies are used instead of the ropes, the contact area
will be larger compared to the case of the ropes, and the pressure
on the contact parts can be reduced. Further, it is also considered
that, if the band-like bodies are formed of a stretch material, a
foot can be naturally folded by means of contractile force of the
band-like bodies, so that the time and effort required for the
wearing can be significantly reduced.
[0022] An embodiment is devised based on such recognition, and the
specific configuration thereof will be described below.
[0023] In the following, the present invention will be described
based on a preferred embodiment with reference to each drawing. In
the embodiment and modifications, like reference characters
designate like or corresponding constituting elements and members
in each drawing, and the same description therefor will be
appropriately omitted. Also, the size of a member may be
appropriately enlarged or reduced in each drawing in order to
facilitate understanding. Further, in each drawing, part of a
member less important in describing embodiments may be omitted.
[0024] Also, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" and
"second", are used to describe various constituting elements;
however, such terms are used in order to distinguish one
constituting element from the other constituting elements and do
not limit the constituting elements.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a wearing article 100
according to the embodiment, worn on a foot and viewed from the top
side. FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article 100
worn on a foot and viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 3 is a diagram
that illustrates the wearing article 100 worn on a foot and viewed
from the right side. FIG. 3 mainly shows the inner side of the
wearing article 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates the
wearing article 100 worn on a foot and viewed from the left side.
FIG. 4 mainly shows the outer side of the wearing article 100. FIG.
5 is a diagram that illustrates the wearing article 100 viewed from
the rear side. FIGS. 1-5 each show the wearing article 100 worn on
a left foot. In the following, description will be given based on
an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis direction
corresponds to a horizontal lateral direction, the Y-axis direction
corresponds to a horizontal longitudinal direction, and the Z-axis
direction corresponds to a vertical direction. Each of the Y-axis
direction and the Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis
direction. The specification may also describe the X-axis direction
as the left direction or the right direction, the Y-axis direction
as the front direction or the back direction, and the Z-axis
direction as the upward direction or the downward direction. When
the wearing article 100 is viewed from the top, the observer's
right side will be referred to as the "right", and the observer's
left side will be referred to as the "left". Also, in the X-axis
direction, the direction from a big toe 131 to a little toe 134
will be referred to as "outward" or "the outer side", and the
direction from the little toe 134 to the big toe 131 will be
referred to as "inward" or "the inner side".
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the wearing article 100 has the form
of a sock that mainly holds a portion from the malleoli to the toe
part. The wearing article 100 mainly comprises a stretch part 110,
a toe holder 117, a heel holder 114, a body part 120, and an ankle
part 122. The stretch part 110 is a part that stretches, when the
wearing article 100 is worn on a human foot, along the shape of the
foot and applies, to the foot, contractile force in its shrinking
direction due to resilience. The stretch part 110 will be described
later.
[0027] The body part 120 is a cylindrical part that mainly holds a
portion between the malleoli and the toe. To the toe side of the
body part 120 is connected the toe holder 117 for holding the toes.
To the ankle side of the body part 120 is connected the ankle part
122 of a cylindrical shape for holding at least part of the ankle.
The body part 120 and the ankle part 122 may be integrally formed
by knitting a cylindrical shape from yarn, for example.
(Toe Holder)
[0028] The wearing article 100 comprises, on the toe side, the toe
holder 117 for holding the toes. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toe
holder 117 includes a big toe sheath 112 and a toe sheath 116. The
big toe sheath 112 is a bag-shaped part for holding at least part
of the big toe 131. The big toe sheath 112 is a bag-shaped part for
holding the big toe 131 independently of the other toes. The toe
sheath 116 is a bag-shaped part for holding the four toes from a
second toe 132 through the little toe 134. The toe holder 117 may
be formed by knitting bag shapes from yarn, for example.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the heel holder 114 is formed in a
bag shape capable of holding at least part of a heel 135. The heel
holder 114 may be formed by knitting a bag shape from yarn, for
example. The heel holder 114 is connected to a heel hole 120c
provided in a part corresponding to the heel 135 in the body part
120.
(Stretch Part)
[0030] The stretch part 110 includes multiple band parts, which are
band-like bodies that each stretch, when the wearing article 100 is
worn on a human foot, along the shape of the foot and apply, to the
foot, contractile force in its shrinking direction due to
resilience. More specifically, the stretch part 110 includes a
first band part 102, a second band part 104, a connecting band part
106, and a third band part 108, which each have stretching
properties so as to come into contact with a certain region
respectively when the wearing article 100 is worn on a human foot.
The stretch part 110 of the wearing article 100 applies a load on
the big toe flexor muscles, thereby relaxing the extensor muscles
and reducing swelling of the calf or fatigue of the foot. The
stretch part 110 is formed of a material having greater stretching
properties than the body part 120. Particularly, the stretch part
110 is formed of a sheet material having a higher elastic limit and
a lower elastic modulus than the body part 120. The stretch part
110 may be formed of a fabric into which a highly elastic material,
such as rubber, is woven. Also, the stretch part 110 may be formed
of a material thicker than that of the body part 120.
(First Band Part)
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first band part 102 is formed to
be in contact with a region extending from the base of the big toe
131 on a sole 128 side through an inner side part 137 of the foot
to the vicinity of a malleolus 127 on an instep 129 side.
Accordingly, the first band part 102 can apply contractile force to
the region extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the sole
128 side through the inner side part 137 to the vicinity of the
malleolus 127. Specifically, the end part on the toe side of the
first band part 102 is formed to extend from the base of the second
toe 132 to the base of the big toe 131. As an example, the width of
the first band part 102 may be in the range of 18 mm to 28 mm, and
may suitably be in the range from 20 mm to 26 mm inclusive. In the
present specification, the vicinity of a malleolus 127 means a
range including the area of the malleolus 127 and the area within
30 millimeters around the edge of the malleolus 127.
(Second Band Part)
[0032] The second band part 104 is formed to be in contact with a
region extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the instep 129
side through the inner side part 137, the sole 128, and an outer
side part 138 to the vicinity of the other malleolus 127.
Specifically, the end part on the toe side of the second band part
104 is formed to extend from the base of the second toe 132 to the
base of the big toe 131. By providing the second band part 104,
contractile force can be applied to the region extending from the
base of the big toe 131 on the instep 129 side through the inner
side part 137, the sole 128, and the outer side part 138 to the
vicinity of the other malleolus 127. As an example, the width of
the second band part 104 may be in the range of 11 mm to 19 mm, and
may suitably be in the range from 13 mm to 17 mm inclusive. The
width of the second band part 104 may be smaller than that of the
first band part 102.
(Connecting Band Part)
[0033] The connecting band part 106 will be described mainly with
reference to FIGS. 3-5. In the embodiment, the connecting band part
106 is formed to be in contact with a region extending from the
vicinity of the first band part 102 on an extended line thereof
through the rear side of the foot to the vicinity of the second
band part 104 on an extended line thereof. Specifically, the
connecting band part 106 is directly or indirectly connected to the
first band part 102 and the second band part 104. By providing the
connecting band part 106, contractile force can be applied to the
region in contact with the connecting band part 106, including the
rear side of the foot. Also, since the connecting band part 106
integrally connects to the first band part 102 and the second band
part 104, contractile force can be continuously applied to the
regions in contact with the first band part 102 and the second band
part 104. The connecting band part 106 may be in contact with a
region extending from the outer side part 138 to the inner side
part 137 above the heel 135 and near the malleoli 127, for example.
As an example, the width of the connecting band part 106 may be in
the range of 11 mm to 19 mm, and may suitably be in the range from
13 mm to 17 mm inclusive. The width of the connecting band part 106
may be smaller than that of the first band part 102.
[0034] If a band part is in contact with a toe crotch 133 between
the big toe 131 and the second toe 132 for a long time, the toe
crotch 133 may be injured. Therefore, the stretch part 110 of the
embodiment is formed so as not to include a part in contact with
the toe crotch 133. The end parts of the first band part 102 and
the second band part 104 on the big toe 131 side are not connected
to each other. Accordingly, the first band part 102 and the second
band part 104 are vertically separated by a part corresponding to
the toe crotch 133. Compared to the case where the stretch part 110
includes a part in contact with the toe crotch 133, the possibility
of injuring the toe crotch 133 can be reduced.
(Third Band Part)
[0035] If the contractile force is excessively applied to the inner
side part 137 of the foot, the user may feel incongruity.
Accordingly, the stretch part 110 of the embodiment includes the
third band part 108 that is in contact with a region closer to the
outer side part 138 of the foot. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the
third band part 108 is formed to be in contact with a region
extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the instep 129 side
through the outer side part 138 to the vicinity of the other
malleolus 127 and to be connected to the second band part 104 and
the connecting band part 106. In the embodiment, the end part on
the toe side of the third band part 108 is formed to extend from
the base of the second toe 132 to the base of the big toe 131. As
an example, the width of the third band part 108 may be in the
range of 18 mm to 28 mm, and may suitably be in the range from 20
mm to 26 mm inclusive. The width of the third band part 108 may be
substantially identical with that of the first band part 102.
[0036] The third band part 108, the connecting band part 106, and
the second band part 104 constitute a ring band body. In terms of
reduction of the load on the toe crotch 133, the end parts of the
third band part 108 and the second band part 104 on the big toe 131
side are not connected to each other. Accordingly, the third band
part 108 and the second band part 104 are vertically separated by a
part corresponding to the toe crotch 133.
[0037] If the contractile force of the stretch part 110 is unevenly
applied, the user may feel incongruity. Accordingly, the respective
band parts of the embodiment are arranged along different regions
of a foot. The first band part 102, the second band part 104, and
the third band part 108 may be provided parallel to each other;
however, in the embodiment, they are not provided parallel to each
other in terms of moderation of uneven application of the
contractile force.
[0038] Although the first band part 102, the second band part 104,
the connecting band part 106, and the third band part 108 may be
separately formed, they are integrally formed in the embodiment.
Compared to the case where the band parts are separately formed,
the strength of the connecting parts can be ensured, and the time
and effort for manufacturing can be reduced.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first band part 102, the second
band part 104, the connecting band part 106, and the third band
part 108 may form intersection parts in which band parts intersect
each other. If the material is doubly provided in the intersection
parts, such double-ply parts will be thicker, which may reduce
comfort. Accordingly, the intersection parts of the embodiment have
a single-ply structure without overlap of the material, although it
seems to be a double-ply structure. Therefore, such an intersection
part is integrally formed of the material having the same thickness
as the first band part 102. The first band part 102 intersects the
second band part 104. The intersection part 103 of the first band
part 102 and the second band part 104 may be formed on the inner
side part 137 of the foot or on the sole 128, for example. The
intersection part 103 may be formed near the arch part of the
foot.
[0040] If the first band part 102 is diverted around a thenar 136,
the curvature will be greater around the thenar 136, so that the
contractile force will be dispersed and the effect may be reduced.
Accordingly, the first band part 102 of the embodiment includes a
thenar part 124 that is in contact with at least part of the thenar
136, as shown in FIG. 2. Compared to the case where the first band
part 102 is diverted around the thenar 136, the curvature of the
band part can be made smaller.
[0041] The toe holder 117 includes a notch part 115, which is a
notch corresponding to the toe crotch 133 between the big toe 131
and the second toe 132. If the stretch part 110 is arranged
excessively closer to the big toe 131 side of the notch part 115,
the contractile force may be applied more to the inner side part
137 of the foot, so that the user may feel incongruity.
Accordingly, in the embodiment, an end part 102b of the first band
part 102 on the big toe 131 side is provided so as to cross an
extended line Lc that is extended along the notch edge of the notch
part 115. With such arrangement, uneven application of contractile
force can be moderated. Similarly, an end part 108b of the third
band part 108 on the big toe 131 side is also provided so as to
cross the extended line Lc extended along the notch edge of the
notch part 115. The toe holder 117 may be connected to the end part
102b of the first band part 102 on the big toe 131 side or the end
part 108b of the third band part 108 on the big toe 131 side.
[0042] There will now be described an exemplary process for
manufacturing the wearing article 100 of the embodiment configured
as set forth above. FIG. 6 is a flowchart that shows a
manufacturing process 140 of the wearing article 100.
[0043] (1) By knitting, for example, the first band part 102, the
second band part 104, the connecting band part 106, and the third
band part 108 of the stretch part 110 are integrally formed
(S141).
[0044] (2) By knitting, for example, the body part 120 is
integrally formed with the stretch part 110 that has been already
formed (S142). At the time, the ankle part 122 may be integrally
formed with the body part 120.
[0045] (3) By knitting, for example, the toe holder 117 including
the big toe sheath 112 and the toe sheath 116 is formed (S143).
[0046] (4) By knitting, for example, the heel holder 114 is formed
(S144).
[0047] (5) By sewing, for example, the toe holder 117 is connected
to an opening 120b on the front side of the body part 120
(S145).
[0048] (6) By sewing, for example, the heel holder 114 is connected
to the heel hole 120c of the body part 120 (S146).
[0049] Thereafter, through the processes of inspection, packing,
and the likes, the wearing article 100 is manufactured. In the
manufacturing process 140, the order of the processes may be
changed, part of the processes may be omitted, some processes may
be merged, a process may be divided into multiple processes, or
another process may be added, as needed.
[0050] There will now be described an exemplary method of using the
wearing article 100 of the embodiment configured as set forth
above.
[0051] (1) Cover the big toe 131 with the big toe sheath 112, and
set a front end part 110b of the stretch part 110 to the big toe
131 and second toe 132 side.
[0052] (2) Cover the heel 135 with the heel holder 114, and set a
rear end part 110c of the stretch part 110 to the malleoli 127
side.
[0053] (3) Position the first band part 102 so as to be in contact
with a region extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the
sole 128 side through the inner side part 137 of the foot to the
vicinity of the malleolus 127 on the instep 129 side.
[0054] (4) Position the second band part 104 so as to be in contact
with a region extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the
instep 129 side through the inner side part 137, the sole 128, and
the outer side part 138 to the vicinity of the other malleolus
127.
[0055] (5) Position the connecting band part 106 so as to be in
contact with a region extending from the vicinity of the first band
part 102 on the extended line thereof through the rear side of the
foot to the vicinity of the second band part 104 on the extended
line thereof.
[0056] (6) Position the third band part 108 so as to be in contact
with a region extending from the base of the big toe 131 on the
instep 129 side through the outer side part 138 to the vicinity of
the other malleolus 127.
[0057] By using the wearing article 100 of the embodiment in this
way, the big toe flexor muscles are compressed and the extensor
muscles are relaxed, thereby reducing swelling of the calf or
fatigue of the foot.
[0058] There will now be described the effects of the wearing
article 100 of the embodiment configured as set forth above.
[0059] The wearing article 100 of the embodiment comprises the
first band part 102, the second band part 104, and the connecting
band part 106, which each have stretching properties so as to come
into contact with a certain region respectively when the wearing
article 100 is worn on a human foot. The first band part 102 is
formed to be in contact with a region extending from the base of
the big toe 131 on the sole 128 side through the inner side part
137 of the foot to the vicinity of a malleolus 127. The second band
part 104 is formed to be in contact with a region extending from
the base of the big toe 131 on the instep 129 side through the
inner side part 137 of the foot, the sole 128, and the outer side
part 138 of the foot to the vicinity of the other malleolus 127.
The connecting band part 106 is formed to be in contact with a
region extending from the vicinity of the first band part 102 on
the extended line thereof through the rear side of the foot to the
vicinity of the second band part 104 on the extended line thereof.
With such a configuration, the characteristics similar to those of
straw sandals suitable for walking can be reproduced in a wearing
article that can be easily worn. Particularly, contractile force
can be applied to a region extending from the base of the big toe
131 to the vicinity of the malleoli 127 and to the rear side of the
foot. Accordingly, the big toe flexor muscles are compressed and
the extensor muscles are relaxed, thereby reducing swelling of the
calf or fatigue of the foot.
[0060] In the wearing article 100 of the embodiment, the first band
part 102 intersects the second band part 104. With such a
configuration, the intersection part 103 of the first band part 102
and the second band part 104 can be brought in close contact with
the foot.
[0061] The wearing article 100 of the embodiment also comprises the
third band part 108 that has stretching properties so as to come
into contact with a certain region when the wearing article 100 is
worn on a human foot and that is in contact with a region extending
from the base of the big toe 131 on the instep 129 side through the
outer side part 138 of the foot to the vicinity of the other
malleolus 127 and connected to the connecting band part 106. With
such a configuration, since the third band part 108 is in contact
with a region over the outer side part 138, excessive application
of contractile force of the stretch part 110 to the inner side part
137 can be reduced, compared to the case where the third band part
108 is not provided. Also, since the third band part 108 is
provided across the instep 129 side in an oblique direction, the
stretch part 110 can be brought in close contact with the foot.
[0062] In the wearing article 100 of the embodiment, the first band
part 102, the second band part 104, the connecting band part 106,
and the third band part 108 are integrally formed. With such a
configuration, when the wearing article 100 is worn, the positional
relationships between the band parts are less likely to be
disordered, so that the wearing article 100 can be worn more
easily, compared to the case where the band parts are separately
formed. Also, the wearing article 100 can be brought in close
contact with the foot.
[0063] In the wearing article 100 of the embodiment, the first band
part 102 includes a part that is in contact with at least part of
the thenar 136. With such a configuration, the first band part 102
applies contractile force to the thenar 136 and can be brought in
close contact with the thenar 136.
[0064] The wearing article 100 of the embodiment comprises the toe
holder 117 that includes the notch part 115 corresponding to the
toe crotch 133 between the big toe 131 and the second toe 132, and
the end part 102b of the first band part 102 on the big toe 131
side is provided so as to cross the extended line Lc extended along
the notch edge of the notch part 115. With such a configuration,
the first band part 102 is shifted outward, so that excessive
application of contractile force to the inner side part 137 of the
foot can be moderated.
[0065] The present invention has been described with reference to
the embodiment. The embodiment is intended to be illustrative only,
and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and changes could be developed within the scope of
claims of the present invention and that such modifications and
changes also fall within the scope of claims of the present
invention. Therefore, the description in the present specification
and the drawings should be regarded as exemplary rather than
limitative.
(Modifications)
[0066] Hereinbelow, modifications will be described. In the
modifications, like reference characters designate like or
corresponding constituting elements and members in the embodiment.
Accordingly, the same description therefor already provided in the
embodiment will be appropriately omitted, and configurations
different from the corresponding configurations of the embodiment
will be intensively described.
[0067] Although the embodiment describes an example in which the
wearing article 100 is integrally formed with socks, the
application is not limited thereto. The wearing article 100 may
also be integrally formed with other wearing articles folded around
feet, such as tights, stockings, Japanese socks (tabi), supporters,
and insoles. Also, the wearing article 100 may be formed separately
from such wearing articles.
[0068] Although the embodiment describes an example in which the
toe sheath 116 holds the four toes from the second toe 132 through
the little toe 134, the application is not limited thereto. For
example, a toe sheath may be independently provided for each
toe.
[0069] In the drawings used for the description, hatching is
provided on part of the members in order to clarify the
relationships between the members; however, such hatching is not
provided to limit the materials of the members.
* * * * *