JP7613765B2 - Foot Support - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act (1) Photos of "AGARU" supporters published on the official Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/bimax_supporter/) (Website publication date: February 5, 2023) (2) An introduction page for "AGARU" supporters published on the crowdfunding platform "Makuake" website (https://www.makuake.com/project/agaru/) (Website publication date: February 23, 2023) (3) The “How to Wear” of the “AGARU” supporter was posted on the official channel of the video site “YouTube” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rZ6xcKWpyQ) (Date posted on the video site: February 23, 2023) (4) The “How to Wear” of the “AGARU” supporter and key points were posted on the official channel of the video site “YouTube” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM3mhdiWXww) (Date posted on the video site: March 16, 2023) (5) The sales representative of Max Fancy Co., Ltd. shipped the “AGARU” supporter to the addresses on the shipping list (see the submission form for the Certificate of Exceptions to Loss of Novelty) (Date shipped: April 18, 2023).

The present invention relates to a foot support.

Conventionally, a heel-ankle supporter having elasticity that can be worn on the foot of a human body is provided, which is formed in a band-like shape and includes an ankle belt that can be wrapped around the ankle above the inner and outer ankles of the foot and fixed to the ankle, an inner cover surface that extends downward from the ankle belt and can cover the area near the inner ankle, a heel cover surface that extends from the inner cover surface and can cover the sole of the foot near the calcaneus, and an outer cover surface that extends from the heel cover surface and can cover the area near the outer ankle. The outer cover surface A heel-ankle supporter is known that has a heel hold belt, the end of which is fixed to the ankle belt and thus fixed in a stretched state to the ankle belt; and a talus pressing belt that is formed in a band shape, extends substantially forward from the outer cover surface, and is capable of pressing the talus toward the rear of the foot along the Chopart joint on the anterior side of the foot, and is also wrapped around the lateral side of the fibula and over the Achilles tendon, extending to above the lateral malleolus, thereby being fixed to the heel and the ankle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5808877

In the heel-ankle support described in Patent Document 1, the heel cover surface of the heel hold belt covers the area of the sole of the foot near the calcaneus. As a result, the arch of the foot cannot be effectively pulled up, making it difficult to form a good arch in the sole of the foot. In addition, the heel hold belt is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the inner ankle side and pulled up from the outer ankle side to the front of the foot, so even if the heel cover surface covered the arch of the foot, it would pull up the outer part of the sole of the foot, making it difficult to pull up the arch of the foot sufficiently.

The object of the present invention is to provide a foot support that can form a good sole arch.

The foot support of claim 1 is a stretchable foot support that can be worn on a human foot, comprising an ankle belt portion that is stretchable and bifurcated , and that is wrapped around the ankle from the lateral ankle side at a position above the lateral and medial ankles of the foot from both sides to cover the lateral ankle and can be fixed to the ankle; and a wraparound belt that is stretchable and band-shaped, that extends downward from the bifurcated branch of the ankle belt portion fixed to the ankle , and that is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the lateral ankle side to wrap around the instep while lifting up the arch of the foot. the ankle belt part is provided with an attached belt part, and a fixed belt part which is elastic and extends from the other end opposite to the one end connected to the branch part of the wrapping belt part, and which can be overlapped and fixed to the outer surface of the ankle belt part fixed to the ankle, opposite to the inner surface that contacts the foot, the fixed belt part being formed in a V-shape which branches into a first fixing part and a second fixing part from the other end of the wrapping belt part, and which is fixed so that the portion of the outer surface of the ankle belt part which corresponds to the lateral malleolus is sandwiched between the first fixing part and the second fixing part .

The outer surface of the ankle belt portion of the foot support of claim 2 may be provided with either a male or female hook-and-loop fastener, and the inner surface of the fixing belt portion which is overlaid on the outer surface of the ankle belt portion may be provided with the other of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners which is adhered to the one of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners.

The material of the foot support of claim 3 may be graphene.

According to the foot support of claim 1, the ankle belt portion is wrapped around the ankle from both sides and fixed, tightening the fibula portion and suppressing wobbling of the ankle. Furthermore, the wrapping belt portion is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the lateral malleolus side from the branching portion of the ankle belt portion, lifting the arch portion. This raises the position of the cuneiform bone, forming a good sole arch. In addition, the fixing belt portion is fixed overlapping the outer surface of the ankle belt portion while the wrapping belt portion is wrapped around the instep, so that the instep can be pressed and the talus bone pushed backward. This allows the body balance to be stably maintained, effectively improving the use of muscles such as the abdominal muscles and calves.

In addition , due to the elasticity of the foot support, the V-shaped fixing belt pulls the periphery of the lateral malleolus toward the instep, which pulls up the Achilles tendon, calcaneus, and plantar muscle located near the lateral malleolus toward the instep. This prevents the heel from collapsing inward.

According to the foot support of claim 2 , the fixing belt part is fixed to the outer surface of the ankle belt part with a hook and loop fastener, so it can be fixed firmly without being affected by sweat, moisture, etc. Also, since the fixing belt part is fixed to the outer surface of the ankle belt part by a surface, the circumference of the lateral malleolus can be effectively pulled up.

According to the foot support of claim 3 , the use of graphene improves thermal conductivity and durability. In addition, it also provides far-infrared radiation and antibacterial properties. In addition, the elasticity and stretchability are improved, allowing it to fit snugly around the ankle.

FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each part of the skeleton of the left foot F. FIG. 2 shows the skeletal state of the left foot F with normal balance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the skeletal state of the left foot F when the balance is lost. FIG. 2 is a front view of the left foot F in the process of putting on the supporter 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of a left foot F wearing the supporter 1. FIG. 2 is a right side view of a left foot F wearing the supporter 1. 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the supporter 1 and each part of the left foot F when the supporter 1 is worn on the left foot F. FIG. 13 is a comparative photograph showing both legs of a subject from the front when wearing and not wearing the supporter 1. 13 is a comparative photograph of the subject's legs from behind when wearing and not wearing Supporter 1. 1 is a graph showing the results of confirmation test 1. 1 is a graph showing the results of confirmation test 2. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a left foot F wearing a supporter 100 (modified example). FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a left foot F wearing a supporter 200 (modified example).

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the configurations described below are not intended to be limiting and are merely illustrative examples. The drawings are used to explain the technical features that may be adopted by the present invention.

The configuration of the supporter 1 (hereinafter referred to as "supporter 1") will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Supporter 1 is a foot supporter and is available in two types, for right and left feet. The supporter 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is for the left foot, and the right foot version has a symmetrical shape to the left foot version. For ease of explanation, the orientation of supporter 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be described in the direction when worn on the left foot. Figure 1 shows the outer surface of supporter 1, and Figure 2 shows the inner surface of supporter 1. In this embodiment, the surface that comes into contact with the surface of the foot when supporter 1 is worn on the foot is the inner surface of supporter 1, and the opposite surface is the outer surface of supporter 1.

The supporter 1 is formed in a roughly Y-shape when viewed from the front, and from the top, is integrally provided with an ankle belt portion 3, a wrapping belt portion 4, and a fixing belt portion 5. The supporter 1 is made of a stretchable material, and in this embodiment, graphene is used. Graphene is a sheet-like material in which carbon atoms are linked in a hexagonal mesh-like pattern, and has excellent thermal conductivity and durability. By using graphene in the fabric of the supporter 1, the elasticity and stretchability of the supporter 1 are improved in addition to its thermal conductivity and durability. Therefore, the supporter 1 fits snugly against the surface of the foot, providing a flexible fit.

The ankle belt portion 3 is largely bifurcated upwards and is formed in a roughly V-shape when viewed from the front. The ankle belt portion 3 is symmetrical with respect to the center line O (see FIG. 2). When viewed from the outside of the supporter 1, the ankle belt portion 3 has a first winding portion 31 that extends diagonally upward to the right when viewed from the front, and a second winding portion 32 that extends diagonally upward to the left when viewed from the front. The first winding portion 31 and the second winding portion 32 are wound around the ankle from both sides and fixed to each other. The upper edge portion 3A of the ankle belt portion 3, which is sandwiched between the first winding portion 31 and the second winding portion 32, is roughly V-shaped when viewed from the front.

The branching angle θ (see FIG. 2) between the first winding portion 31 and the second winding portion 32 is preferably determined so that the upper edge 3A of the ankle belt portion 3 is approximately horizontal when the first winding portion 31 and the second winding portion 32 are wound around the ankle (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the branching angle θ is approximately 100°. The tip portions of the first winding portion 31 and the second winding portion 32 are approximately arc-shaped. As shown in FIG. 1, a hook-and-loop fastener 35, which is a female side, is attached to the entire area of the outer surface of the ankle belt portion 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a hook-and-loop fastener 11, which is a male side, is attached to the inner surface of the second winding portion 32. The hook-and-loop fastener 11 is freely attachable to and detachable from the hook-and-loop fastener 35 on the outer surface of the ankle belt portion 3.

The wrapping belt portion 4 is formed in a generally band-like shape extending downward from the lower portion of the ankle belt portion 3, and has a bilaterally symmetrical shape with respect to the center line O (see FIG. 2). The width (length perpendicular to the length direction) of the wrapping belt portion 4 tapers from the upper portion on the ankle belt portion 3 side to the center portion in the length direction, and is generally the same width from the center portion to the lower portion. The width of the center portion in the length direction of the wrapping belt portion 4 is approximately 1/4 of the width of the ankle belt portion 3. Of the two widthwise edges of the wrapping belt portion 4, the outer edge portion 41 on the first winding portion 31 side is gently curved toward the center line O side, continuing from the outer edge portion 311 on the first winding portion 31 side of the ankle belt portion 3, and extends linearly downward from the center portion in the length direction to the lower portion. The outer edge 42 of the wrapping belt part 4 on the second winding part 32 side also curves gently toward the center line O, continuing from the outer edge 321 of the ankle belt part 3 on the second winding part 32 side, and extends linearly downward from the center to the bottom in the length direction.

The fixed belt portion 5 is bifurcated downward from the lower end of the wrapping belt portion 4, and is formed in a generally V-shape that is generally upside down when viewed from the front. The fixed belt portion 5 has a first fixed portion 51 and a second fixed portion 52. The first fixed portion 51 extends diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the front, moving away from the center line O (see FIG. 2) to the right. The first fixed portion 51 is slightly along the opposite side (right side) of the center line O. The second fixed portion 52 extends diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the front, moving away from the center line O to the left, shorter than the first fixed portion 51. The second fixed portion 52 is also slightly along the opposite side (left side) of the center line O. A substantially rectangular hook-and-loop fastener 11, which is the male side, is attached to the inner surface of the first fixed portion 51, and a substantially rectangular hook-and-loop fastener 12, which is the male side, is attached to the inner surface of the second fixed portion 52. These hook-and-loop fasteners 11 and 12 can be attached and detached from the hook-and-loop fastener 35 on the outer surface of the ankle belt portion 3.

Regarding the method of manufacturing the supporter 1 having the above configuration, for example, the wrapping belt portion 4 and the fixing belt portion 5 are manufactured as a single unit in advance, and the ankle belt portion 3 is manufactured as a separate part. Next, the connecting portion 10, which is the portion where the lower portion of the ankle belt portion 3 and the upper end portion of the wrapping belt portion 4 are overlapped, is sewn together with a sewing machine. In this way, the supporter 1 is manufactured in which the ankle belt portion 3, the wrapping belt portion 4, and the fixing belt portion 5 are integrated into a strip shape. Then, the outer edge of the supporter 1 is reinforced by sewing together the edge portion 9 along the outer edge of the supporter 1.

With reference to Figure 3, the bones of the foot on which the supporter 1 acts and their functions will be described. Figure 3 illustrates the position of each bone that constitutes the left foot F. When the supporter 1 is worn on the foot, it acts mainly on four bones: the fibula 21, the talus 22, the cuneiform bone 23, and the calcaneus 24. The fibula 21 is the outer, thinner of the two bones that extend from the knee to the ankle, and absorbs shocks applied to the foot. A lateral malleolus 28 protrudes outward from the lower part of the left side, which is the outer side of the fibula 21. The thick bone on the inner side is the tibia 20. A medial malleolus 29 (see Figure 6) protrudes inward from the lower part of the right side, which is the inner side of the tibia 20.

The talus 22 is a small bone located below the fibula 21 between the foot that touches the ground and the leg above the ankle. The talus 22 serves as a fulcrum to support the body's weight during movement, thereby maintaining a stable balance of the body. The talus 22 is said to be a bone that affects lower back pain and knee pain. The cuneiform bone 23 is one of the bones that make up the tarsal bones near the heel of the foot, and is composed of the first cuneiform bone 231, the second cuneiform bone 232, and the third cuneiform bone 233. The cuneiform bone 23 forms a good arch in the sole of the foot and softens the sole, absorbing shock to the foot when walking. The calcaneus 24 is the bone in the heel of the foot, which directly contacts the ground to support the body's weight and holds the plantar muscles and Achilles tendon, thus strongly affecting the stability of the body.

With reference to Figure 4, the correct position of the foot will be explained. Figure 4 illustrates the position of each bone of the left foot F in the correct position, with (A) showing the left foot F from behind and (B) showing the left foot F from the inside (right side). In the left foot F in the correct position, as shown in (A), the tibia 20, talus 22, and calcaneus 24 are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction (see straight line P shown in Figure 4(A)). In this state, as shown in (B), the cuneiform bone 23 is raised upward, so a beautiful arch of the sole of the foot is formed that is curved in an arc (see curve Q shown in Figure 4(B)). The arch of the sole of the foot plays an important role as a spring and cushion when walking or exercising. In other words, if the left foot F is in the correct position, a good arch of the sole of the foot is formed, so that the impact from the ground G can be absorbed and the burden on the foot, joints, and waist is reduced. In addition, since the position of the calcaneus 24 is straight, walking and exercising with a firm step is possible.

With reference to FIG. 5, the bad foot position will be explained. FIG. 5 illustrates the position of each bone of the left foot F in a bad position, where (A) is a view of the left foot F from behind, and (B) is a view of the left foot F from the inside (left side). For example, as shown in (A), when the heel of the left foot F is tilted inward, the talus 22 and the calcaneus 24 are shifted inward (right side), so that the fibula 21, talus 22, and calcaneus 24 are not aligned vertically, but are bent inward (see curve P shown in FIG. 5(A)). In this state, as shown in (B), the position of the cuneiform bone 23 (see FIG. 3) is lowered, so that the arch of the sole of the foot collapses and becomes flat (see curve Q shown in FIG. 5(B)). When force is applied to the left foot F in this state, the heel collapses inward and the sole of the foot collapses to the ground G, so that a large load is placed on the joints and waist connected to the left foot F. In addition, if the heel collapses too much, it is difficult to walk properly, which is likely to have a negative effect on motor nerves. It also makes the whole body unstable, which can lead to poor posture and general fatigue.

The supporter 1 of this embodiment fixes the ankle to prevent the ankle from wobbling, while lifting the sole of the foot to form a sole arch, preventing heel inversion (inward twisting) and eversion (outward twisting) and correcting the foot to the correct position. This allows the user to use their muscles correctly, effectively improving muscle usage.

The procedure for putting on the supporter 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Note that in this embodiment, the procedure will be described taking as an example a case where the supporter 1 for the left foot is put on the left foot F. The procedure for putting on the supporter 1 mainly consists of the following three steps.

<First step>
First, the supporter 1 is placed on the outside of the ankle of the left foot F in the orientation shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the upper edge 3A of the ankle belt part 3 is placed on the ankle from the side of the lateral ankle 28 at a position above the lateral ankle 28 and the medial ankle 29, and the first winding part 31 is wound backward, and then the second winding part 32 is wound forward (see arrow A1 in Fig. 6). Then, the ankle belt part 3 covers the lateral ankle 28 from the left side and fastens it to the ankle without slack, and the tip of the second winding part 32 is overlapped on the tip of the first winding part 31 on the side of the medial ankle 29 (see Fig. 8). In this state, the hook-and-loop fastener 11 on the inner surface of the second winding part 32 is attached to the hook-and-loop fastener 35 on the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3, so that the ankle belt part 3 is fixed to the ankle. At this time, the upper edge 3A of the ankle belt part 3 is approximately horizontal.

<Second step>
Next, in the state shown in Fig. 6, the wrapping belt part 4 hanging down from the lower part of the ankle belt part 3 is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the outside (see arrow A2 in Fig. 6), firmly covering the arch part and pulling it strongly towards the inner ankle 29 (see arrow A3 in Fig. 7). This causes the arch part to be pulled up strongly.

<Third step>
With the arch of the foot pulled up strongly by the wrapping belt 4, the instep of the left foot F is covered from above while the fixing belt 5 is pulled strongly toward the lateral ankle 28. Then, on the outer surface of the ankle belt 3 covering the lateral ankle 28, the first fixing part 51 is pulled backward above the lateral ankle 28 (see arrow A4 in FIG. 7), and the second fixing part 52 is pulled backward below the lateral ankle 28 (see arrow A5 in FIG. 7). Then, with the part corresponding to the lateral ankle 28 sandwiched between the first fixing part 51 and the second fixing part 52 (see FIG. 9), the hook-and-loop fastener 12 on the inner surface of the first fixing part 51 and the hook-and-loop fastener 13 on the inner surface of the second fixing part 52 are attached to the hook-and-loop fastener 35 on the outer surface of the ankle belt 3, respectively. In this way, the supporter 1 is attached to the left foot F (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

Referring to FIG. 9, the action and effect on each bone of the foot when the supporter 1 is worn will be described. The tibia 20 and fibula 21 are fixed by wrapping the ankle belt portion 3 around the ankle. This makes it possible to suppress wobbling of the ankle. Furthermore, the wrapping belt portion 4 is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the lateral malleolus 28 side and pulled strongly toward the medial malleolus 29 side while firmly covering the arch of the foot, so that the cuneiform bone 23 can be effectively lifted. This makes it easy to form a sole arch that curves in an arc. Even if the foot is tilted inward or outward, the lifting of the cuneiform bone 23 allows the foot that has been tilted inward or outward to be returned to the correct central position.

In addition, when the wrapping belt part 4 is wrapped around the instep of the left foot F, the fixed belt part 5 is overlapped and fixed on the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3, so that the instep is pressed and the talus bone 22 is pushed backward. This allows the balance of the body to be stably maintained, effectively improving the use of muscles such as the abdominal muscles and calf muscles.

The first and second fixing parts 51 and 52 of the fixing belt part 5 are fixed so as to sandwich the lateral malleolus 28 between them. Due to the elasticity of the supporter 1, the first and second fixing parts 51 and 52 pull the periphery of the lateral malleolus 28 towards the instep (see arrows E1 and E2 in Figure 9). As a result, the Achilles tendon, calcaneus 24, and plantar muscle located near the lateral malleolus 28 are pulled towards the instep, correcting the heel to a stable and correct position. This prevents the heel from collapsing inwards.

In addition, in the supporter 1, the first fixing part 51 and the second fixing part 52 of the fixing belt part 5 are fixed to the hook and loop fastener 35 on the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3 by the hook and loop fastener 12 on the inner surface of the first fixing part 51 and the hook and loop fastener 13 on the inner surface of the second fixing part 52, so that it is not easily affected by sweat or moisture and can be fixed firmly. In addition, because the first fixing part 51 and the second fixing part 52 are fixed to the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3 by their surfaces, the circumference of the lateral malleolus 28 can be effectively pulled up.

Two confirmation tests were conducted to confirm the effect of the supporter 1 of this embodiment. In confirmation test 1, the effect of correcting the foot position by wearing the supporter 1 was verified. In confirmation test 2, the change in the amount of use of the rectus abdominis and gastrocnemius muscles by wearing the supporter 1 was verified. They will be explained in order below.

Confirmation test 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In this test, a person with valgus symptoms in the right foot was used as the subject, and the change in the position of both feet was compared when the supporter 1 was not worn and when it was worn. Reference lines P1 to P4 shown in Figure 10 indicate the center lines of each foot when each foot is in the correct position. Center line O shown in Figure 11 indicates the center line of both legs when each foot is in the correct position.

First, the position of the subject's feet and the balance of the body when not wearing the braces will be examined. As shown in the left photo of Figure 10, when the legs of the subject are viewed from the front when not wearing the braces, it can be seen that the right foot is shifted and tilted outward (in the direction of the arrow A1) with respect to the reference line P1. Accordingly, the left foot is slightly dragged by the right foot, and as a result, the entire body is tilted in the direction A1. Also, as shown in the left photo of Figure 11, when the legs of the subject are viewed from the back when not wearing the braces, the heel of the right foot is tilted in the direction A1 and the outer malleolus is significantly protruding in the direction A1. From this, it can be seen that the right foot has a strong symptom of eversion. Furthermore, the imaginary line C1 connecting the positions of the heel, ankle, and calf is curved and tilted in the direction A1, and the entire right leg is tilted in the direction A1. Accordingly, the left leg is also dragged toward the right leg (in the direction A1), and it can be seen that the entire body is shifted and tilted in the direction A1 with respect to the center line O.

Next, the position of the feet of the subject and the balance of the body when wearing the braces are examined. As shown in the photograph on the right side of FIG. 11, when the legs of the subject are worn and viewed from the front, the position of the right foot is corrected in the A2 direction by the supporter 1, and the whole right leg is located on the reference line P3, as compared with when not wearing the braces. The position of the left foot is also corrected in the A2 direction by the supporter 1, as with the right foot, and the whole left leg is located on the reference line P4. As a result, the whole body is corrected in the A2 direction, and the left and right balance is improved. Also, when the legs of the subject are worn and viewed from the rear as shown in FIG. 11, the position of the lateral malleolus is corrected in the A2 direction, and the calf moves inward and stands up and down, as compared with when not wearing the braces, so that the symptoms of eversion of the right foot are alleviated. Furthermore, the virtual line C2 connecting the positions of the heel, ankle, and calf is almost in a straight line compared to the virtual line C1, and is nearly parallel to the center line O. From this, it can be seen that the inclination of the whole right leg is corrected in the A2 direction. The position of the left foot is also corrected by the supporter 1 in the same manner as the right foot, so that the center line of the entire body is almost on the center line O, resulting in a good balance between the left and right sides.

These results demonstrate that wearing Supporter 1 on both feet corrects the position of the feet and improves the balance of the entire body.

The confirmation test 2 will be explained with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. In this test, three subjects A, B, and C walked on a walking machine for three minutes while wearing and without the supporter 1, and electromyography was performed on the rectus abdominis (muscle located in the front of the abdomen) and gastrocnemius (calf). The supporter 1 was worn on both feet.

Figure 12 shows the results of electromyography of the rectus abdominis muscles of three subjects. The vertical axis is the integral value of the amplitude of the rectus abdominis muscles. For subject A, muscle usage improved by 121% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. For subject B, muscle usage improved by 135% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. For subject C, muscle usage improved by 147% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. Thus, when Supporter 1 was worn, rectus abdominis muscle usage improved by an average of 134% compared to when not wearing the support. These results demonstrate that wearing Supporter 1 on both legs improves rectus abdominis muscle usage.

Figure 12 shows the results of electromyography of the gastrocnemius muscles of three subjects. The vertical axis is the integral value of the amplitude of the gastrocnemius muscles. For subject A, muscle usage improved by 101% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. For subject B, muscle usage improved by 148% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. For subject C, muscle usage improved by 142% when wearing the support compared to when not wearing it. Thus, when Supporter 1 was worn, gastrocnemius muscle usage improved by an average of 130% compared to when not wearing the support. These results demonstrate that wearing Supporter 1 on both feet improves gastrocnemius muscle usage.

From the results of Confirmation Test 2 above, it is presumed that by wearing Supporter 1 on the foot, the position of the foot is corrected to the correct position and the sole arch is well formed, which in turn improves the balance of both legs, thereby improving the movement efficiency of each part and the amount of muscle used. Therefore, by wearing Supporter 1 on the foot, it is expected to have the effect of improving the movement efficiency of each part of the body and improving the amount of muscle used throughout the body. In addition, as the amount of muscle used throughout the body is improved, it is also expected to have the effect of maintaining the shape of the body.

As described above, the supporter 1 of this embodiment is a foot supporter that has elasticity and can be worn on the foot of a human body. The supporter 1 includes an ankle belt portion 3, a wrapping belt portion 4, and a fixing belt portion 5. The ankle belt portion 3 is formed in a bifurcated shape and is wrapped around the ankle from the lateral ankle 28 side at a position above the lateral ankle 28 and the medial ankle 29 of the foot, covering the lateral ankle 28 and fixing it to the ankle. The wrapping belt portion 4 is formed in a belt shape and extends downward from the bifurcated lower part of the ankle belt portion 3, and is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the lateral ankle 28 side and is wrapped around the instep while lifting the arch of the foot. The fixing belt portion 5 extends from one end of the wrapping belt portion 4 on the fixing belt portion 5 side and the other end opposite, and is a portion that can be fixed by overlapping it on the outer surface of the ankle belt portion 3.

The ankle belt section 3 is wrapped around both sides of the ankle and fixed in place, tightening the fibula and preventing the ankle from wobbling. Furthermore, the wrapping belt section is wrapped around the bottom of the ankle belt section 3 from the lateral malleolus 28 side and around the sole of the foot, lifting the arch of the foot. This raises the position of the cuneiform bone, forming a good arch in the sole of the foot. In addition, the fixing belt section 5 is fixed over the outer surface of the ankle belt section while the wrapping belt section 4 is wrapped around the instep of the foot, so that the instep can be pressed and the talus bone pushed backwards. This allows the body's balance to be stably maintained, effectively improving the use of muscles such as the abdominal muscles and calves.

In addition, the first fixing part 51 and the second fixing part 52 are spaced apart from each other and slightly bent to the right and left of the center line O, so that a V shape can be formed that allows the lateral malleolus 28 of the foot to be positioned on the inside, and the length can be secured so that the ankle belt part 3 can be securely fixed to the outer surface.

In the above description, the lower part of the ankle belt portion 3 is an example of the "branch portion" of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The supporter 1 is produced by sewing together the ankle belt portion 3, the wrapping belt portion 4, and the fixing belt portion 5, which are prepared in advance as separate parts, but the ankle belt portion 3, the wrapping belt portion 4, and the fixing belt portion 5 may be produced as a single unit from the beginning. The branching angle of the ankle belt portion 3 is approximately 100°, but may be other angles. The tip portions of the first wrapping portion 31 and the second wrapping portion 32 of the ankle belt portion 3 are approximately arc-shaped, but may also be rectangular. The width of the wrapping belt portion 4 may be narrower or wider than in the above embodiment. The first fixing portion 51 of the fixing belt portion 5 is designed to be longer than the second fixing portion 52, but for example, they may be the same length, or the second fixing portion 52 may be longer. In the above embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener 35 is the female side, and the hook-and-loop fasteners 11, 12, and 13 are the male side, but the genders may be reversed.

The fixing belt part 5 is formed in a V-shape and branches into a first fixing part 51 and a second fixing part 52, but it does not have to be branched. For example, the supporter 100 shown in FIG. 14 and the supporter 200 shown in FIG. 15 are modified versions of the supporter 1 of the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the fixing belt part 500 of the supporter 100 is not branched and has a single fixing part 510. The fixing part 510 extends in a roughly strip-like shape from the wrapping belt part 4 wrapped around the sole of the foot, over the instep, and toward the upper side of the lateral malleolus 28 of the ankle belt part 3. The fixing part 510 is fixed to the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3 with the wrapping belt part 4 pulling up the arch part. Even with such a supporter 100, the wrapping belt part 4 can pull up the position of the cuneiform bone, so a good sole arch can be formed.

The fixed belt part 502 of the supporter 200 shown in FIG. 15 is also not branched, but has a single fixed part 520. The fixed part 520 extends in a roughly strip-like shape from the wrapping belt part 4 wrapped around the sole of the foot, over the instep, and toward the underside of the lateral malleolus 28 of the ankle belt part 3. The fixed part 520 is fixed over the outer surface of the ankle belt part 3 with the wrapping belt part 4 pulling up the arch part. Even with this type of supporter 200, the wrapping belt part 4 can pull up the position of the cuneiform bone, so a good sole arch can be formed.

The material of the supporter 1 is graphene, but any stretchable material other than graphene may be used.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Supporter 3 Ankle belt section 4 Wrapping belt section 5 Fixed belt section 31 First winding section 32 Second winding section 51 First fixed section 52 Second fixed section 100 Supporter 200 Supporter

Claims (3)

A foot supporter having elasticity that can be worn on a human foot,
an ankle belt portion that is stretchable and bifurcated and that is wrapped around the ankle from the lateral ankle side at a position above the lateral and medial ankles of the foot so as to cover the lateral ankle and be fixed to the ankle;
a wrap-around belt part that is stretchable and formed in a belt shape, extends downward from the bifurcated branch of the ankle belt part fixed to the ankle , and is wrapped around the sole of the foot from the lateral malleolus side to wrap around the instep while lifting the arch of the foot;
a fixed belt part that is stretchable and extends from an end portion of the wrapping belt part opposite to an end portion connected to the branching part, and that can be overlapped and fixed to an outer surface of the ankle belt part fixed to the ankle opposite to an inner surface that contacts the foot ,
The foot support is characterized in that the fixing belt portion is formed in a V-shape branching into a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion from the other end of the wrapping belt portion, and the portion of the outer surface of the ankle belt portion corresponding to the lateral malleolus is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion . The outer surface of the ankle belt portion is provided with either a male or female hook-and-loop fastener,
2. The foot support according to claim 1 , characterized in that the inner surface of the fixed belt portion that is overlaid on the outer surface of the ankle belt portion is provided with one of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners, the other of which is adhered to the one of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners. 3. The foot support according to claim 1, wherein the material of the foot support is graphene.

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