US20110107501A1

US20110107501A1 - Socks and production method of same

Info

Publication number: US20110107501A1
Application number: US12/737,261
Authority: US
Inventors: Takemasa Kawahara
Original assignee: Sea Shell Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sea Shell Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-07
Filing date: 2009-07-06
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: JP2010012175A; WO2010004966A1

Abstract

Improved sock or similar garment for preventing leg alignment problems is disclosed. The improved sock or similar garment has a structural region having an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity. When worn, the region forms a heel constricting band so as to join an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with a superior portion of the talus, wherein the heel constricting band divides the structure of the heel region in two.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sock or a similar garment that is suitable for smoothly guiding the calcaneum in an anterior direction and the talus in a posterior direction and preventing abnormal abduction of the ankle joint, in order to prevent leg alignment problems or leg impairments caused by an osseous chain arising from abnormal movements in the ankle joint, with an aim to prevent, treat, or correct ankle joint impairments.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, impairments of the lower body due to sports and other activities are said to arise from abnormal movements in which the ankle joint abducts, or in other words, a major axis of the foot is in a state of being oriented outwards with respect to an anterior-posterior axis of the tibia, when the foot undergoes dorsiflexion relative to the leg. This appears as an abnormal skeletal movement known as “knee-in toe-out” (i.e., the knee pointing inwards, and the toes pointing outwards; FIG. 1), and is regarded as a dynamic alignment problem. There also exists an abnormal skeletal movement in which the orientation of the knee and the toes is reversed, known as “knee-out toe-in” (i.e., the knee pointing outwards, and the toe pointing inwards; FIG. 2).
The former is particularly common, and is said to occur unwittingly in over 85% of people. Impairments that occur due to this abnormal movement becoming habitual are known as the “toe-out syndrome” in the field of sports impediments. An osseous chain from the femur to the tibia 104, the fibula 105, the talus 106, the calcaneum 107, and the foot (FIG. 4) induce abnormal movements in the lower body. This abnormal movement is through to be involved in over 80% of impairments of the lower body.
An abnormal movement in the ankle joint will now be described in detail. Ideally, the talus 106 optimally fits in between a medial malleolus 109 and a lateral malleolus 110, and fits in a position in which an articular surface is stable (FIG. 4). However, humans, having evolved from quadrupedalism, have limbs that have flexor-dominant characteristics. Therefore, due to a musculoskeletal structure in which the triceps surae, formed from the gastrocnemius 101 and the soleus 102, fuses with the Achilles tendon 103 and attaches to the calcaneum 107 (FIG. 3), the calcaneum 107 is subjected to an action of being pulled in a posterior direction, and when in a standing state, the calcaneum 107 is continuously guided in the posterior direction and the talus 106 slides in an anterior direction (FIG. 5).
Next, an abnormal movement in the ankle joint during dorsiflexion will be described. During knee flexion (i.e., dorsiflexion), the calcaneum 107 is subjected to an action of being pulled in a posterior direction, the calcaneum 107 is guided in the posterior direction, and the talus 106 slides in an anterior direction, to a greater extent than during a standing state (FIG. 5).
Therefore, both during knee flexion and in a standing state, the navicular bone 108 and the like drop downwards and cause the sole arch to collapse. When an attempt is made to bend the ankle while an abnormal state is present, the tibia 104 and the anteriorly displaced talus 106 interfere with each other (FIG. 5, dashed line part K). Therefore, a movement is subconsciously made so that the knee is moved inwards and the interference is avoided. This is the dynamic alignment problem known as “knee-in toe-out” described above (FIG. 1).
Routine abnormal movement of the lower body causes leg alignment problems; induces body axis displacement, flat foot, pronated foot, supinated foot, O-leg (i.e., genu varum), X-leg (i.e., genu valgum), hallux valgus, and similar impairments; and is also a factor in inducing waist pain, hip arthritis, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, and similar impairments. Therefore, the calcaneum being guided in the posterior direction is said to be a cause of the above impairments.
Leaving the condition described above uncorrected causes a malignant circle of chronic pain, an increase in the recurrence rate of an impairment, a decrease in recovery capacity, joint deformation, and a decrease in competitive abilities, and results in an increase in the time required for improvement and recovery.
Conventional measures for preventing, treating, and correcting each of the impairments described above include various taping techniques that aim to immobilize each of the joints where the abnormality is present. An example is a taping technique for immobilizing the respective joints in the ankle, the knee, or the waist where an impairment is present.
Meanwhile, with regards to flat feet, which is one symptom of a leg alignment problem, there has been proposed a sock in which a convex part is formed on an inner surface of a bottom part of the sock so as to follow a normal arch shape of the sole, with a view to maintaining an arch structure of the sole (e.g., Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2001-258928

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, the taping technique described above does not encompass a view or a technique that focuses on the fact that the calcaneum being guided in the posterior direction is a cause of the above impairments, and instead merely immobilizes each joint where an abnormality is present. Therefore, the taping technique does not result in a fundamental solution of the problem, in which the calcaneum is no longer guided in the posterior direction. Also, since each of the joints is immobilized to restrict its movement, a problem is presented in that the range of movement of the joint is limited, and adequate motor performance cannot be achieved. Also, in addition to the problems presented by the laboriousness of taping, and by taping not being effective unless performed by a person who is skilled to a certain extent, there also exists an economic issue of used tapes not being able to be reused. As a result, the taping technique is currently not often used during light exercise or in everyday life. However, in order to prevent impairments in the ankle joint, it is preferable to implement some sort of preventative care on a routine basis.
In the invention according to Patent Document 1, a convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the bottom part of the sock so as to follow an innate normal lateral arch and a longitudinal arch or either one of the arches, whereby the sole is maintained in a normal shape. However, the configuration addresses only one symptom; i.e., flat feet, and thus does not have any action of correcting the ankle itself, and does not have an effect of preventing or treating the leg alignment problem itself.
The leg alignment problem is a phenomenon in which the calcaneum is pulled in the posterior direction due to the lack of a muscle in the lower leg that has sufficient strength to counteract the calf, and therefore cannot be fundamentally resolved using methods such as muscle strength training or insertion of an insole into a shoe.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sock or a similar garment for implementing preventative care on a routine basis to prevent leg alignment problems and impairments induced thereby, such as shin splints, by preventing, treating, and correcting ankle joint impairments, or, specifically, by smoothly guiding the calcaneum in the anterior direction and the talus in the posterior direction during dorsiflexion, preventing abnormal abduction of the ankle joint, and correcting abnormal movements of the lower body induced through the osseous chain due to abnormal movements in the ankle joint.

Means Used to Solve the Above-Mentioned Problems

In order to resolve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is configured as follows. A sock or a similar garment according to a first aspect is a sock or a similar garment having a structural region having a different elastic intensity at a heel region covering the calcaneal tuberosity, characterized in that, when worn, a heel constricting band formed so as to join an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with a superior portion of the talus is provided as an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, wherein the heel constricting band divides the structure of the heel region in two.
A sock or a similar garment according to a second aspect is a sock or a similar garment having a structural region having a different elastic strength at a heel region covering the calcaneal tuberosity, characterized in that, when worn, a heel constricting band formed so as to join an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with a superior portion of the talus, an upper heel constricting band formed so as to join the medial and lateral malleoli with the superior portion of the talus, and a lower heel constricting band formed so as to join an inferior end of the calcaneum near the toes with the superior portion of the talus are provided as an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, wherein the heel constricting band divides the structure of the heel region in two.
A method for manufacturing a sock or a similar garment according to a third aspect is a method for manufacturing the sock or a similar garment according to a first aspect formed into a cylindrical shape by a circular knitting machine, characterized in that the heel region is formed by using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual reduction in stitches to form an ankle-side heel region of the heel region divided in two by the heel constricting band as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band; subsequently using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity to form the heel constricting band; and thereafter using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual increase of stitches to form a toe-side heel region as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band.
A method for manufacturing a sock or a similar garment according to a fourth aspect is a method for manufacturing the sock or a similar garment according to a second aspect formed into a cylindrical shape by a circular knitting machine, characterized in that the heel region is formed by using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity to form the upper heel constricting band; using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual reduction of stitches to form an ankle-side heel region divided in two by the heel constricting band as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band; subsequently using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity to form the heel constricting band; using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual increase of stitches to form a toe-side heel region as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band; and thereafter using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity to form the lower heel constricting band.

Effect of the Invention

When the sock or a similar garment according to the first aspect is worn, a strong contracting force exerted by the heel constricting band pulls the calcaneum in an anterior direction, the talus and the calcaneum can be guided to an appropriate position, and an abnormal movement in the ankle joint can be corrected.
Also, in the sock or a similar garment according to the second aspect, a strong contracting force exerted by the upper heel constricting band and the lower heel constricting band makes it possible to prevent the heel constricting band from being displaced from an appropriate position joining the area near the tip of the calcaneal tuberosity with the superior portion of the talus during intense exercise or a similar situation.
Correcting the abnormal movement in the ankle joint as described above also resolves abnormal movement of the lower body induced by the osseous chain. As a result, body axis displacement, flat foot, pronated foot, supinated foot, O-leg (i.e., genu varum), X-leg (i.e., genu valgum), hallux valgus, and similar alignment problems; and waist pain, hip arthritis, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, and similar impairments, are resolved.
The method for manufacturing a sock or a similar garment according to the third and fourth aspects also makes it possible to readily form a complex configuration of the heel region of the sock or a similar garment according to the present invention using a circular knitting machine.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description shall now be provided, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, of guiding each of the calcaneum 107 and the talus 106 to a normal position. In order to prevent, treat, or correct ankle joint impairments; and prevent leg alignment problems and leg impairments caused by the osseous chain arising from abnormal movements in the ankle joint, it is vital to prevent a movement of the calcaneum 107 in the posterior direction and a sliding movement of the talus 106 in the anterior direction (FIG. 5), and guide each of the calcaneum 107 and the talus 106 to a normal position on an everyday basis. Effective means for achieving same involves applying an external force on the calcaneum 107 in a diagonally upward anterior direction. Standard talocrural articular surface and subtalar articular surface structures of an average human mean it is preferable that the calcaneum 107 is guided from the area near a distal end portion of the calcaneum 107 towards a superior portion of the talus 106 along a directional axis β′ oriented at an angle a′ of approximately 45° to approximately 55° relative to a horizontal direction (FIG. 6). The calcaneum 107 is thereby guided to the normal position in the anterior direction, and the talus 106 is, in contrast, caused to slide to the normal position in the posterior direction.
A best mode for realizing the sock or similar garment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments.
A sock or a similar garment according to the present invention includes a short sock, a thigh-high sock (reaching up to the center of the thigh), an over-the-knee sock (reaching up to just over the knee), a high sock (reaching up just below the knee), a three-quarter sock (reaching the shin), a boot sock (reaching up to the center of the shin), a crew sock (slightly longer than a short sock), a sneaker sock, and other socks, as well as panty-stockings, tights, and other worn garments that cover the heel region. A description will now be given for a first embodiment, using a short sock.

First Embodiment

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 through 10. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a sock 1 of the present invention according to the first embodiment, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an action of forces, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings that show an action on the ankle joint when the sock 1 according to the present invention is being worn.
In the drawings, numeral 1 denotes the sock according to the present invention, numeral 20 denotes an inelastic region, and numeral 30 denotes an angle-adjusting region. Also, numeral 20 a denotes a heel constricting band, numeral 20 b denotes an upper heel constricting band, and numeral 20 c denotes a lower heel constricting band. In addition, numeral 40 denotes a foot insertion opening region, numeral 50 denotes an ankle region, numeral 60 denotes an instep-sole region, and numeral 70 denotes a toe region.
The sock 1 is provided with the heel constricting band 20 a, the upper heel constricting band 20 b, and the lower heel constricting band 20 c formed as the inelastic region 20 woven together as a structure having a strong elastic intensity, and with the angle-adjusting region 30 formed between each of the constricting bands (FIG. 7). Other regions, namely the foot insertion opening region 40, the ankle region 50, the instep-sole region 60, and the toe region 70 have a structure that is identical to those of a regular sock.
The sock 1 may be made of natural yarn, synthetic yarn, or another material used in a regular sock. Examples include cotton, acrylic, wool, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, hemp, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or a combination of the above.
The inelastic region 20 is inserted with a rubber thread having a strong elastic intensity and formed so as to be inelastic. The heel constricting band 20 a is peripherally provided so as to pass by an area near the distal end of the calcaneal tuberosity and the superior portion of the talus when worn. The upper heel constricting band 20 b is peripherally provided so as to pass by the respective inferior ends of the medial and lateral malleoli in substantially horizontal orientation when worn. The lower heel constricting band 20 c is peripherally provided so as to pass by an area near the distal end of the talus near the toes and the arch of the foot substantially vertical orientation when worn. The structure of each of the inelastic regions 20 may depend on the material used or the knitting method, as long as the elastic intensity required for each of the inelastic regions 20 can be obtained.
The angle-adjusting regions 30 are formed so as to have a three-dimensional bowl-like shape covering the heel region. The number of stitches in the angle-adjusting region 30, or a position at which reverse rotating knitting is commenced, are varied as appropriate in order to adjust an angle at which the heel constricting band 20 a, sandwiched by the angle-adjusting regions, is integrally knitted.
As shown in FIG. 8, the heel constricting band 20 a is peripherally provided so as to pass by the area near the distal end of the calcaneal tuberosity and the superior portion of the talus when worn, and the orientation of a line β linking the distal end z of the calcaneum and a point y on the superior portion of the talus, or specifically, the orientation of a stretching force generated by the heel constricting band 20 a, is at an angle a relative to the horizontal. A configuration in which the angle a is approximately 40° to approximately 60° makes it possible to allow for individual differences in the structure of the talocrural articular surface and the subtalar articular surface due to age, gender, or a similar variable.
The upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c constrict an area above and an area below the heel constricting band 20 a so that the orientation of the heel constricting band 20 a, which has been configured at the angle a, does not become displaced from the angle a when the wearer performs an exercise or a similar movement, so that the calcaneum is guided to the normal position in a stable manner.
When the sock according to the present invention is worn, even in a standing state, the calcaneum portion is subjected to an intense contracting force from the heel constricting band 20 a (FIGS. 9 and 10). As a result, the calcaneum is guided to the normal position in the anterior direction, and a sliding movement of the subtalar joint causes the talus to be guided in the posterior direction and inserted between the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus in an adequate manner. Since no force acts in another direction, the motor capacity of the entire ankle joint remains undiminished. Also, as a result of an intense contracting force from each of the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c respectively formed above and below the heel constricting band 20 a (FIGS. 9 and 10), the angle-adjusting region 30 and the heel constricting band 20 a are prevented from becoming displaced, and it becomes possible to guide the calcaneum and the talus to the normal position in a stable manner.
Also, during dorsiflexion, the calcaneum portion is subjected to an even more intense contracting force from the heel constricting band 20 a. As a result, the calcaneum is guided to the normal position in the anterior direction, and a sliding movement of the subtalar joint causes the talus to be guided in the posterior direction and inserted in between the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus in an adequate manner. Since no force acts in another direction, the motor capacity of the entire ankle joint remains undiminished. Also, as a result of an intense contracting force from each of the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c respectively formed above and below the heel constricting band 20 a, the angle-adjusting region 30 and the heel constricting band 20 a are prevented from becoming displaced, and it becomes possible to guide the calcaneum to the normal position in a stable manner.
Wearing the sock according to the present invention corrects the abnormal movement in the ankle joint, thereby making it possible to prevent a variety of impairments of the ankle joint and resolving abnormal movement of the lower body induced by an osseous chain. Therefore, axis displacement, flat foot, pronated foot, supinated foot, O-leg (i.e., genu varum), X-leg (i.e., genu valgum), hallux valgus, and similar alignment problems; and waist pain, hip arthritis, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, and similar impairments, are resolved.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the sock according to the previous embodiment is applied to stockings.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing stockings according to the present embodiment. In the drawing, numeral 21 denotes an inelastic region, and numeral 31 denotes an angle-adjusting region.
Specifically, the stockings according to the present embodiment are stockings having a plurality of structural regions, each of which having a different elastic intensity when worn, wherein a heel constricting band 21 a passing by an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity and a superior portion of the talus, an upper heel constricting band 21 b passing by the medial and lateral malleoli and the superior portion of the talus, and a lower heel constricting band 21 c passing by an inferior end of the calcaneum near the toes the superior portion of the talus are, when worn, formed as an inelastic region 21 woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, and an angle-adjusting region 31 formed by reverse rotating knitting is provided between each of the constricting bands.
The stockings may be made of nylon, polyurethane, or another material used in regular stockings, and the structure of each of the inelastic regions 21 may depend on the material used or the knitting method, as long as the elastic intensity required for each of the inelastic regions 21 can be obtained.
Wearing the stockings according to the present embodiment corrects the abnormal movement in the ankle joint, thereby making it possible to prevent a variety of impairments of the ankle joint and resolving abnormal movement of the lower body induced by an osseous chain, as with the previous embodiment. Therefore, axis displacement, flat foot, pronated foot, supinated foot, O-leg (i.e., genu varum), X-leg (i.e., genu valgum), hallux valgus, and similar alignment problems; and waist pain, hip arthritis, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, and similar impairments, are resolved.
Next, a method for manufacturing the socks according to the first embodiment will now be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic knitting development diagram of the sock 1.
When manufacturing the sock 1, a circular knitting machine is used. In the circular knitting machine, a plurality of needle beds are provided on an outer peripheral surface of a cylinder, and a plurality of needles move up and down to perform knitting. First, forward rotating knitting, in which the cylinder is made to rotate in a forward direction and knitting is performed, is used to form a foot insertion opening region 40. As with a regular sock, the foot insertion opening region 40 is formed by inserting a rubber thread while integrally weaving a ground yarn and an underside yarn so as to prevent displacement originating in the shin region. An ankle region 50 is formed by forward rotating knitting in continuation from the foot insertion opening region 40. The structural width of the ankle region 50 may be varied according to the type of sock.
Next, the upper heel constricting band 20 b is formed by forward rotating knitting. A rubber thread having a strong elastic intensity is simultaneously inserted so as to constrict the respective inferior end of the medial and lateral malleoli in a substantially horizontal direction.
Once the upper heel constricting band 20 b is completely formed, an instep-side lower side A of the upper heel constricting band 20 b is in a standby state. Reverse-rotating knitting, in which the cylinder is rotated alternatingly in forward and backward directions and weaving is performed, is initiated on a sole-side lower side of the upper heel constricting band 20 b only. An ankle-side angle-adjusting region 30 is then formed into a trapezoidal shape while stitches are gradually reduced.
Next, the heel constricting band 20 a is formed by forward rotating knitting. A rubber thread having high elasticity is simultaneously inserted so as to constrict the area near the distal end of the calcaneal tuberosity and the superior portion of the talus. Here, an inclined side B of the trapezoid formed by reverse rotating knitting, the lower side A of the upper heel constricting band 20 b in a standby state, and an upper side C of the heel constricting band 20 a are sewn together when formation of the heel constricting band 20 a is commenced, and the ankle-side angle-adjusting region 30 is formed into a three-dimensional, half-bowl shape covering the heel region.
Next, a toe-side angle-adjusting region 30 is formed into a trapezoidal shape by performing reverse rotating knitting on a sole side only, and gradually increasing stitches. As a result, the reverse rotating knitting causes a part D of a lower side of the heel constricting band 20 a to be in a standby state. Normally, the toe-side angle-adjusting region 30 is formed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the ankle-side angle-adjusting region 30.
Next, the lower heel constricting band 20 c is formed by forward rotating knitting. A rubber thread having high elasticity is simultaneously inserted so as to constrict the space between the area near a distal end of the talus towards the toes and the arch of the foot in a substantially vertical direction. Here, the part D of a lower side of the heel constricting band 20 a in a standby state, an inclined side E of the trapezoid formed by reverse rotating knitting, and an instep-side upper side F of the lower heel constricting band 20 c are sewn together when formation of the lower heel constricting band 20 c is commenced, and the toe-side angle-adjusting region 30 is formed into a three-dimensional, half-bowl shape covering the heel region. The ankle-side and toe-side angle-adjusting regions 30, divided into two by the heel constricting band 20 a, fulfill a function of integrally covering the heel region. Also, by changing the number of stitches in the angle-adjusting region 30, or by changing the position at which a gradual decrease or a gradual increase in stitching in the region is commenced, the angle of the heel constricting band 20 a with respect to the horizontal direction is adjusted to approximately 40° to 60°. Having the angle a be approximately 40° to approximately 60° makes it possible to allow for individual differences in the structure of the talocrural articular surface and the subtalar articular surface depending on age, gender, or a similar variable. The sock 1 according to the present invention is characterized in that the heel constricting band 20 a is formed during the forming of a heel region and the structure of the heel region is divided into two. The angle-adjusting region 30, divided into two, adjusts and maintains the angle of the heel constricting band 20 a.
Next, an instep-sole region 60 is formed by forward rotating knitting. To complete, a toe region 70 is formed, by performing reverse rotating knitting on a sole-side only and gradually decreasing and increasing stitches, so as to have a three-dimensional bowl-like shape covering the toes. An opening region of the toe region 70 is sewn using a sewing region 80 and a waste yarn portion 90 is trimmed off to complete manufacture of the sock 1.
In the sock 1 according to the first embodiment, the heel constricting band 20 a, the upper heel constricting band 20 b, and the lower heel constricting band 20 c are provided; however, the calcaneum and the talus can be guided and the effect of the present invention can be exhibited using a configuration in which only the heel constricting band 20 a is provided without the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c. However, in order to prevent the heel constricting band 20 a from becoming displaced and to maintain stability in guiding the calcaneum and the talus to the normal position when the wearer is performing an intense exercise or a similar action, it is preferable to provide the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c and to constrict each area above and below the heel constricting band 20 a. In an instance in which a sock 1 having only the heel constricting band 20 a is being worn, it is also possible to constrict a position corresponding to the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c using a rubber band or a similar material in order to prevent displacement. A method for manufacturing the sock 1 having only the heel constricting band 20 a may be the method for manufacturing the sock 1 according to the first embodiment described above without the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c being formed, wherein the ankle-side angle-adjusting region 30 is formed in continuation from the ankle region 50, then the heel constricting band 20 a, the toe-side angle-adjusting region 30, and the instep-sole region 60 are sequentially formed to form the heel region.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the respective structural width of the heel constricting band 20 a, 21 a, the upper heel constricting band 20 b, 21 b, and the lower heel constricting band 20 c, 21 c can be modified according to purpose of use and body shape. For example, in a sock for sports use, the structural width of the upper heel constricting band 20 b and the lower heel constricting band 20 c may be increased in order to further prevent the heel constricting band 20 a from becoming displaced.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be used in an industrial setting by e.g. sock manufacturers, retailers, and similar businesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a state of “knee-in toe-out”;
FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state of “knee-out toe-in”;
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which the triceps surae is fused with the Achilles tendon;
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the skeleton in the ankle joint;
FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an abnormal state of the ankle joint during knee flexion;
FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which the abnormal ankle joint is guided to a normal position;
FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a sock of the present invention according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an action of forces;
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an action on the ankle joint when the sock according to the present invention is being worn;
FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an action on the ankle joint when the sock according to the present invention is being worn;
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the stocking of the present invention according to the second embodiment; and
FIG. 12 is a schematic knitting development diagram of the sock according to the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

- 1 Sock of the invention
- 20, 21 Inelastic region
- 20 a, 21 a Heel constricting band
- 20 b, 21 b Upper heel constricting band
- 20 c, 21 c Lower heel constricting band
- 30, 31 Angle-adjusting region
- 40 Foot insertion opening region
- 50 Ankle region
- 60 Instep-sole region
- 70 Toe region
- 80 Sewing region
- 90 Waste yarn portion
- 101 Gastrocnemius
- 102 Soleus
- 103 Achilles tendon
- 104 Tibia
- 105 Fibula
- 106 Talus
- 107 Calcaneum
- 108 Navicular bone
- 109 Medial malleolus
- 110 Lateral malleolus

Claims

1. A sock or a similar garment comprising:

a heel region covering the calcaneal tuberosity including a plurality of structural regions, each of which region having a different elastic intensity;

one of the structural regions being an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, wherein an inelastic region forms a heel constructing band woven so as to pass by an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity and a superior portion of the talus, when worn, and divides the structure of the heel region in two.

2. A sock or a similar garment comprising:

one of the structural regions being an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, wherein the inelastic region forms a heel constructing band woven so as to pass by an area near a tip of the calcaneal tuberosity and a superior portion of the talus, when worn, and so divides the structure of the heel region in two,

an upper heel constricting band woven so as to pass by medial and lateral malleoli and the superior portion of a talus, wherein the upper heel constricting band being an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity, and

a lower heel constricting band woven so as to pass by an inferior end of the calcaneum near the toes and the superior portion of the talus, wherein the lower heel constricting band being an inelastic region woven together into a structure having a strong elastic intensity.

3. A method for manufacturing the sock or similar garment according to claim 1, comprising the steps, forming by a circular knitting machine, of:

forming, by using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual reduction in stitches, an ankle-side heel region divided in two by the heel constricting band, the ankle-side heel region being formed as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band;

forming the heel constricting band by using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity; and

forming, by using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual increase in stitches, a toe-side heel region divided in two by the heel constricting band, the toe-side heel region formed as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band.

4. A method for manufacturing the sock or similar garment according to claim 2, comprising the steps, forming by a circular knitting machine, of:

forming the upper heel constricting band by using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity;

forming the heel constricting band by using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity;

forming, by using reverse rotating knitting and a gradual increase in stitches, a toe-side heel region divided in two by the heel constricting band, the toe-side heel region formed as a region for adjusting the angle of the heel constricting band; and

forming the lower heel constricting band by using forward rotating knitting while inserting a yarn having a strong elastic intensity.