Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
i
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
73466-77D
1
DESCRIPTION
TIGHTS-TYPE LEG SUPPORT GARMENT
RELATED'APPLICATION
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent
Application No. 2,378;074 filed April 18, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a tights-type leg
support garment, and particularly relates to a stretchable
leg support garment in which stretchable portions having
relatively great straining forces are provided at specific
positions.
BACKGROUND ART
Among parts of the human body, the knees tend to
have orthopedic troubles most often, due to declines with
age of muscles and ligaments that support the knees;
injuries to the knees in sports, etc.
Recently, care'of injuries to the knees and
protection of the knees have been carried out by applying a
taping treatment or a corset to a part of the human body
that requires the same, occasionally.
However, the taping treatment is difficult to
carry out for oneself, and it is necessary to ask the
others, specifically the,specialists, to conduct the same
since the taping treatment requires skills that are not
available from inexperienced persons. Therefore, it
involves inconvenience in application and removal. Besides,
long-period application of the same should be avoided, since
it could cause skin disorders. Furthermore, the taping
treatment fixes the knee joint, thereby decreasing the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
r
73466-77D
1a
degree of freedom of the movement of the knee joint. On the
other hand, in the case where a corset is employed, the
degree of freedom of theyriovement of the knee joint likewise
decreases significantly,;sinee a corset does not provide
sufficient freedom to the patella.
Recently, various garments that support specific
muscles have been proposed (JP x(1922)-343868 A,
JP 4 (1992)-57902 A, JP 4 (1992)-50302 A, JP 8 (1996)-81807 A,
JP 9 (1997)-241906 A, JP 10 (1998)-280209 A, etC. ) .
Such garments having muscle-supporting functions
are generally provided with sere ehable portions having
relatively great straining forces at positions over or
beside muscles to be supported.
However, these garments having muscle-supporting
functions are designed no particularly from the viewpoint
of the protection of the knees.
As to the human body, even taking a standing
position causes the knees to warp. More specifically; a
force causing the legs to bend eonvexly with the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
medial side of each knee joint being a vertex is applied to the legs, thereby
applying more tension to he ligamentum collateralle of each knee joint on the
medial side thereof (the ligamentum collateralle on the medial side is
hereinafter referred to as ligamentum collateralle medialis): The ligamentum
collateralle medialis is covered With tendons on inferior sides of the
musculus
sartorius, the musculus semitendinosus; the musculus semimembraneous, and
the musculus gracilis; thereby being protected: However, if these muscles
fatigue or become weaken with age, it is impossible to resist against the
foregoing force with only the ligaments, and hence, the knees are made
unstable.
Meanwhile, few studies have been made on garments for supporting the
ligamentum collateralle medialis of the knee joint of the human body.
Statistics, however, show that there are considerably many cases of disorders
to
the ligamentum collateralle medialis of the knee joint, among the disorders of
the knee joint. Therefore, it has been found that, with a view to providing
sufficient support to the knees while securing the freedom of the movement of
the knees, studies should be focused on the ligamentum collateralle medialis.
The ligamentum colla.teralle medialis is located at a position slightly
posterior to the medial side of each knee joint, extending between the
vicinity
of an inferior end of the os femoris and the vicinity of a superior end of the
tibia.
On the lateral side of the knee joint; opposite to the ligamentum collateralle
medialis, the ligamentum collateralle lateralis is located, extending between
the vicinity of the inferior end of the os femoris and the vicinity of a
superior
end of the fibra. It should be noted, however, that cases of disorders of the
ligamentum collateralle lateralis are significantly less than cases of
disorders
of the ligamentum collateralle medialis~ namely, cases of disorder of the
ligamentum collateralle medialis are many. This is because that the
ligamentum collateralle medialis has a small tensile strength as compared with
that of the ligamentum collateralle lateralis; and hence, exhibits a small
degree
of extension before fracture. In other words; the ligamentum collateralle
medialis is inferior to 'the ligamentum collateralle lateralis in strength and
elasticity.
As described above, the ligamentum collateralle medialis is covered
with tendons on inferior sides of the musculus sartorius, the musculus
semitendinosus, the musculus semimembran.eous, and the musculus gracilis,
and is located at a position slightly posterior to the medial side of he knee
joint.
Therefore, there has been no mu~ele support garment that is focused on and
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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actually intended to provide the support of the ligarnentum collateralle
medialis.
The inventors of the present invention made studies centering on the
support of the ligamentum collateralle medialis and aimed to providing a leg
support garment that is capable of effectively protecting the knees and stably
maintaining the knee joints without decreasing the degree of freedom of the
movement of the knee joints, that provides a good feeling when worn, and that
is useful for preventing and reducing gonalgia caused by the instability of
the
knees, and further, for preventing injurie to the ligamentum collateralle
medialis caused by sports or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INTENTION
With the foregoing in mind; the present invention is to provide a leg
support garment as described below: It should be noted that the following
description includes auxiliary headings in brackets < > at the top of
respective sections of descriptions corresponding to claims, but these are
provided merely for conveniences in referring to the contents of the present
invention, and do not limit the present invention at all.
<Tights-type Leg Support Garment in General>
(1) A leg support garment of a tights type that has stretchability and is
applied in close contact with the human body so as to support the legs; the
leg
support garment comprising a stretchable part having a relatively great
straining force,
wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force
includes a stretchable portion (A~ having a relatively great straining force
that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on a medial
side of the knee joint of the human body and
on a superior side of the knee joint; extends through a
length of not less than 1/2 of that of the thigh, along at least one
selected from the musculus group consisting of the musculus
semitendinosus; the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis,
wherein the portion (A) is either a stretchable portion (A2) having a
relatively great straining force or a;stretchable portion (A3) having a
relatively
great straining force,
the portion (A2) being a stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that:
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substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as o surround the patella
through not less than approximately 7./4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of :an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a, side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or
the musculus coleus on the medial side and
on a superior 'side of the knee joint; extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus;
and the musculus gracilis; and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus,;
the portion (A3) being a stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body>
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so,as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least apart of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of the musculus gastrocnemius andlor
the muscuius coleus on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via a posterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembranosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely.
In he leg support garment-of a tights type of the present invention, the
stretchable portion (Aa having a relatively great straining force supports the
ligamentum collateralle medialis; and further, on the superior side of the
knee
joint, supports at least one selected-from the musculus group consisting of
the
musculus sartoriu.s, the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis that are located over the
ligamentum collateralle medialis and extend upward. Therefore, a power of
pulling up the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
that
supports the ligamentum col3.ateralle medialis is produced by the portion
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
extending upward in the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great
straining force, thereby increasing the power of supporting the ligamentum
collateralle medialis. Further, at least one of the musculus sartorius, the
musculus semitendinosus; the musculus semimembranosus, and the musculus
gracilis that support the knee joint'in cooperation with the ligamentum
collateralle medialis is also supported by the stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force: Therefore, the combined actions of these
make it possible to provide a leg support garment that is capable of
protecting
the knees and stably maintaining the knee joints without decreasing the
l0 degree of freedom of the movement of the knee joints, that provides a good
feeling when worn, and that is useful for preventing and reducing gonalgia
caused by the instability of the knees, and further, for preventing injuries
to
the ligamentum collateralle medialis caused by sports or the like.
Further, the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a
relatively great straining force isi a stretchable portion (A2) having a
relatively
great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side hereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or
the musculus soleus on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus.
According to the foregoing embodiment of (A2) especially, the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force covers at least
a
part of the inferior region of the patella; thereby supporting the patella as
if
pulling up the patella from the inferior side thereof. As a result, the
stability
of the knee joint is improved: Furthermore, at least one of the musculus
semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis
that are located on the medial side of the thigh, thereby increasing the power
of
pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that
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supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis. Consequently, a leg support
garment with an increased power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle
medialis is provided, which is preferable. Furthermore, at least one of the
musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus, and the musculus
gracilis that complement the function of the Iigamentum collateralle medialis
is
supported, which is also preferable.
Alternatively; the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A)
having a relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A3) having
a
relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side: thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of the musculus gastrocnemius andlor
the musculus soleus on the medial side and
on a superior Bide of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side o~ the thigh via a posterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembranosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major;
passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely.
According to the foregoing embodiment of (A3) especially, the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force is provided,
which
extends from the side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the musculus
soleus on the medial side upwards, hen passes the thigh obliquely in a spiral
form from the medial side to the lateral side thereof via the posterior side
thereof, and reaches the vicinity of the trochanter major. Therefore, it is
possible to support the patella as. if pulling up the same from the inferior
side
thereof, thereby improving the stability of the knee joint. Furthermore, it is
also possible to increase the power of pulling the stretchable portion having
a
relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle
medialis. Consequently; a leg support garment with an increased power for
supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which is
preferable. Furthermore, the museulus semitendinosus and/or the musculus
semimembranosus that complements the function of the ligamentum
collateralle medialis is supported, which is preferable.
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<Tights-type Leg Support Garment Having a Length from Waistline to
Superior Side of Ankle>
(2) The leg support garment according to the above item (1), being a
garment of a tights type that has a length capable of covering at least a
range
from a waistline to a superior side of the ankle.
According to the foregoing preferable embodiment of the present
invention, the leg support garment has a length capable of covering at least a
range from a waistline to a superior side of the ankle. Therefore, the power
of
pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that
l0 supports the ligamentum collateralTe medialis, described in the above item
(1),
is exerted further more intensely where the portion extends upward to the
superior part of the thigh. Consequently, this proxides a leg support garment
in which the power of supporting; the ligamentum Gollateralle medialis is
improved, which is preferable. Besides, since it is a tights-type garment, it
is
15 easy to wear, and suitable as ports wear.
(3) The leg support garment according to the above item (1) or (2),
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A2) having a
relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A2-1) having a
relatively great straining force that-further covers at least a part of a
superior
20 region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion (A2) having a relatively great straining
force
also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella. Therefore,
the
25' knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of
the
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved,
which
is preferable.
(4a The leg support garment according to the above item (1) or (2),
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A3) having a
30 relatively great straining force is'a stretchable portion (A3-1) having a
relatively great straining force that further covers at least a part of a
superior
region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
35 invention; the stretchable portion (A3) having a relatively great straining
force
also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella. Therefore,
the
knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved,
which
is preferable.
(5) The leg support garment according to any one of the above items (1)
to (3), wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force
further includes a stretchable portion (B) having-a relatively great straining
force that:
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along the
tractus iliotibialis via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
covers at least a part of an inferior region of the patella, or at
least a part of inferior and superior regions of the patella and
passes a side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the
musculus soleus on a lateral side of the same.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion (B) having a relatively great straining
force
is further provided. Therefore, the knee and leg are supported from the both
sides at the femoral region and the'lower leg region, and further, the
musculus
gastrocnemius and/or the musculus soleus are supported from their sides
without hindering their actions. Furthermore, the function of pressing the
trochanter major is enhanced further, thereby improving the connection
between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore; this
reinforces a function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint.
(6) The leg support garment according to 'the above item (1) or (2),
wherein
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (~ having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A.2') having a relatively
great
straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side- hereof
surrounds the patella through at least approximately 1/2 or
more of the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of
inferior and superior regions of the patella; and reaches a side of the
musculus gastrocnemius and/or the musculus soleus on the medial
side and
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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on a superior 'side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis; :and reaches a vicinity below the crotch
and a vicinity of the sulcus gluteus
and,
the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force further
includes a stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great straining force
that:
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along
the tractus iliotibialis via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
surrounds the patella through approximately 1/2 or more of
the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of inferior
and superior regions-of the patella and
passes aside of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the
musculus soleus on the lateral side.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces
supports the knee and leg from both sides in the femoxal region and the lower
leg region; without hindering the action of the musculus vastus lateralis and
the musculus vastus medialis on the anterior side of the thigh. Further, the
foregoing embodiment allows the knee joint to be supported as if wrapped from
the surrounding, thereby providing; more support to the knee joint. Besides,
the function of pressing the trochanter major is reinforced, thereby further
improving the connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum.
Therefore, the function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is
reinforced,
which is preferable.
(7) The leg support garment according to the above item (6), wherein.'
the stretchable portion (A2') having a relatively great straining force
includes two poxtions projecting toward the lateral side and covering a part
of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
the stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the medial side and covering a part of
the. inferior region and a part of the-superior region of the patella,
respectively
said two projecting portionsof the stretchable portion (A2') having a
relatively great straining forbe are arranged at positions opposite to said
two
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projecting portions of he stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great
straining force, respectively, the positions being slightly shifted to the
inferior
side from positions of said two portions of the stretchable portion (B')
having a
relatively great straining force, respectively
5 and
when viewed from the front, the portion of the stretchable portion (A2')
having a relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of
the
patella has a relatively greater area:
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
10 function described in the above item (6) is achieved. Meanwhile, in the
lower
leg region, on the medial side, the muscles are fewer and the tibia is in
contact
with the surface of the body, whereas on the lateral side. of the lower leg
region,
the musculus gastrocnemius is on the lateral side of the fibula. Therefore,
the
foregoing embodiment provides the support of the knee joint as if pulling the
medial side thereof having fewer muscles more intensely from the inferior
side,
thereby reinforcing the support of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, which
is preferable.
<Tights-type Leg Support Garment Having a Length from Waistline to Inferior
Side of Knee>
(8) The leg support garment according to;the above item (1), being a
garment of a tights type that has a length capable of covering at least a
range
from a waistline to an inferior side of the knee.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the leg support garment has a length capable of covering at least a
range from the waistline to the inferior side of the knee. Therefore, the
power
of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
that
supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis, described in the above item
(1),
is exerted more intensely where the portion extends upward to the superior
part of the thigh. Consequently; this provides a leg support garment in which
the power of supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis is improved,
which is preferable: Moreaver, since it is a tights-type garment, it is easy
to
wear, and suitable as sports wear: Particularly, it is suitably worn in high
temperature areas or in the hot season. Meanwhile, "having a length capable
of covering at least a range to the inferior side of he knee" described above
means that the garment reaches at least the inferior end of the patella or a
position below the same, and preferably, the garment has a hem line at a
position at least 3 cm to 5 cm below the inferior end of the patella.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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(9) The leg support garment according to the above item (8), wherein
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great
straining force is a stretchable portion (A22) having a relatively great
straining
force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately l/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
covers at least a part of the inferior region of the patella, thereby
supporting
the patella as if pulling up the patella from the inferior side thereof. As a
result, the stability of the knee joint is improved: Furthermore, at least one
of
the musculus semitendinosus; the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis that are located on the medial side of the thigh, thereby
increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis.
Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided; which is preferable.
Furthermore, at least one of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis that complement the function of
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is supported, which is preferable.
(10) The leg support garment according to the above item (9), wherein
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A.~2) having a relatively
great
straining force is a stretchable portion (A22-1) having a relatively great
straining force that further covers at least a part of a superior region of
the
patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of the periphery of
the patella on the medial side of the patella.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
12
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention; the stretchable portion (A22) having a relatively great straining
force
also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella. Therefore,
the
knee joint is supported therefrom'as well as from the inferior region of the
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved,
which
is preferable.
(11) The leg support garment according to the above item (8), wherein
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A~ having a relatively great
straining force is a stretchable portion (A23) having a relatively great
straining
force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferiox region of the
patella, and reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the high via a posterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembranosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion. having a relatively great straining force
is
present, extending from the medial side to the lateral side of the thigh via
the
posterior side thereof obliquely and spirally toward the vicinity of the
trochanter major, thereby supporting the patella as if;pulling up the same
from
the inferior side, and improving the stability of the knee joint. Furthermore,
the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining
force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis is increased. This
makes it possible to provide a leg support garment having an increased power
for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis, and hence, this is
preferable. Furthermore, this provides the support to the musculus
semitendinosus and/or the musculus semimembranosus that complements the
function of the ligamentum collateralle medialis as well, which is also
preferable.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
13
(12) The leg support garment according to the above item (11), wherein
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A23) having a relatively
great
straining force is a stretchable portion (A23-1) having a relatively great
straining force that further covers at least a part of a superior region of
the
patella by extending thereto approximately from'a vicinity of the periphery of
the patella on the medial side of he patella.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion (A33) having a'relatively great straining
force
also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella. Therefore,
the
knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of the
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee; which is preferable.
(13) The leg support garment according to any one of the above items
(8) to (12), wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great straining
force further includes a stretchable portion (B2) having a relatively great
straining force that:
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along the
tractus iliotibialis via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
covers at least a part of an inferior region of the patella; or at
least a part of inferior and superior regions of the patella and
reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus gastrocnemius
on the lateral side.
According to the foregoing preferred embod~.ment of the present
invention, the stretchable portions (B2) having relatively great straining
forces
are further provided. Therefore, the knee is supported from both of the sides,
whereby the support of the knee is reinforced. Besides, the function of
pressing the trochanter major is reinforced, thereby further improving the
connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore,
the function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is reinforced:
(14) The leg support garment according to the above item (8), wherein:
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A22') having a relatively
great
straining force that:
substantially; covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
14
patella on a medial side thereof
surrounds the patella through at least approximately 1/2 or
more of the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of
inferior and superior regions of the patella, and reaches a side of a
superior part of the musculus gastrocnemius on the medial side
and
on a superior side of the knee joint; extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the museulus semimembranosus,
and the muscuTus gracilia, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch
and a vicinity of the sulcus gluteus
and,
the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force further
includes a stretchable portion (B2') having a relatively great straining force
that=
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along
the tractus iliotibialia via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
surrounds the patella through approximately 1/2 or more of
the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of inferior
and superior regions of the patella and
reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnerriius on the lateral side.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention; the stretchable portions. having relatively great straining forces
support the knee and leg from both sides in the femoral region and the lower
leg region, without hindering the action of the musculus vastus lateralis and
the musculus vastus medialis on the anterior side of he thigh. Further, the
knee joint is supported as if wrapped from the surrounding, whereby further
support of the knee joint is provided. Besides, the function of pressing the
trochanter major is reinforced, thereby further improving the connection
between the caput ossis fernoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, the function
of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is reinforced, which is
preferable.
(15) The leg support garment according to the item (14), wherein:
the stretchable portion (A22') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the lateral side and covering a part
of
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
the stretchable portion (B2') having a rela ively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the medial side and covering a part of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
5 said two projecting portions of the stretchable portion (A22') having a
relatively great straining force are arranged at positions opposite to said
two
projecting portions of the stretchable portion (B2') having a relatively great
straining force, respectively, the positions being slightly shifted to the
inferior
side from positions of said two portions of the stretchable portion (82')
having a
10 relatively great straining force, respectively
and
a vertex of the portion of he stretchable portion (A22') having a
relatively great straining foxce that covers the inferior region of the
patella is
positioned at center of the patella, or slightly on a lateral side from the
center.
15 According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
function described in the above item (14) is achieved. Meanwhile, in the lower
leg region, on the medial side, the muscles are fewer and the tibia is in
contact
with the surface of the body, whereas on the lateral side of the lower leg
region,
the musculus gastrocnemius is on the lateral side of the fibula. Therefore,
the
foregoing embodiment provides the support of the knee joint as if pulling the
medial side thereof having fewer muscles more intensely from the inferior
side,
thereby reinforcing the support of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, which
is preferable.
In addition to the forgoing items, the following items are disclosed .
(16) A leg support garment of a tights type that has a length capable of
covering at least a range from a waistline to a superior side of the ankle and
has stretchability and is applied in close contact with the surface of the
human
body so as to support the legs, the leg support garment comprising a
stretchable part having a relatively great straining force,
wherein the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is a stretchable portion (AL) having a relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thexeof so as to surround the patella through
not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the patella and to
cover at least a part of an inferior region of the patella, and reaches a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
16
side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the musculus soleus on the
medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial side
to a lateral side of the thigh via an anterior side thereof approximately
along the musculus sartoz~ius to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
passing a superior part of the musculus rectus femoris~
and further includes, on a superior side of a knee-joint-part of the
stretchable portion (AI) having a relatively great straining force, a
stretchable
portion (A.2') having a relatively great straining force that extends'
approximately along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus; the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis to a vicinity of the crotch or a vicinity of the sulcus
gluteus.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is
present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from the medial side to the
lateral
side of the thigh, and then, to the'trochanter major. In addition, the
stretchable portion (A2') having a relatively great straining force that
branches
therefrom on the superior side of the knee joint is present also; extending
through the thigh approximately along at least one selected from the museulus
group consisting of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis to the vicinity of the crotch or
the
vicinity of the suleus gluteus. The actions of these in combination further
increase the power of pulling the 'stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis.
Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which is preferable.
Furthermore, along with the musculus sartorius that complements the function
of the ligamentum collatexalle niedialis; at least one selected from the
musculus group consisting of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis is also supported, which is
preferable. Furthermore, the slretcha.ble portion having a relatively great
straining force hat is provided from the vicinity,of the trochanter major to
the
vicinity of the waist along the tractus iliotibialis provides a function of
pressing
the trochanter major; thereby improving the connection between the caput
ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, this further provides a function
of enhancing the stability of the hip joint, which is preferable.
(17) A leg support garmexit of a tights type that has a length capable of
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
1~
covering at least a range from a waistline to an inferior side of the knee and
has stretchability and is applied in close contact with the surface of the
human
body so as to support the legs, the leg support garment comprising a
stretchable part having a relatively great straining force,
wherein the stretchable portion having a :relatively great straining force
is a stretchable portion (A2I) having a relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately ~./4 of the periphery of the
patella and to coven at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via an anterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus sartorius to a vicinity of the
trochanter major, passing'a superior part of the musculus rectus
femoris~
and further includes, on a superior side of a knee-joint-part of the
stretchable portion (A21) having a relatively great straining force, a
stretchable
portion (A22') having a relatively '.great straining, force that extends
approximately along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus; he museulus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis to a vicinzty of the crotch or a vicinity of the sulcus
gluteus.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention; the stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces
are
present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from the medial side to the
lateral
side of the thigh, then, to the troehanter major. In addition, the stretchable
portion (A22') having a relatively great straining force that branches
therefrom
on the superior side of the knee joint is present, extending through the thigh
approximately along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus,'the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis to the vicinity of the crotch or the sulcus gluteus. The
actions of these in combination increases the power of pulling the stretchable
portion havinga relatively great traini.n:g force hat supports the ligamentum
collateralle medialis. ConsequEntly, a leg support garment with an increased
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
I8
power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which
is
preferable: Furthermore, along with the musculus artorius that
complements the function of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, at least one
selected from the musculus group consisting of the musculus semitendinosus,
the musculus semimembranosus; and the musculus gracilis is also supported,
which is preferable. Furthermore; the stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force that is provided from the vicinity of the trochanter
major
to the vicinity of the waist along the tractus iliotibialis provides a
function of .
pressing the trochanter major, thereby improving the connection between the
l0 caput ossis femoria and the acetabulum. Therefore; this further provides a
function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint, which is preferable.
(18) The leg support garment according to any one of the above items,
wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force further
includes:
a stretchable portion (C) -having a relatively great straining force that,
on the posterior side of the human body, covers a region extending from a
certain position in a range from the vertebrae lumbales to the os sacrum,
through an approximately middle part of the musculus gluteus maximus at
right and left, approximately in a direction along muscular fibers of the
musculus gluteus maximus via the top of the bulge of the hip or the vicinity
of
the same to at least the vicinity of trochanter majors and
a stretchable portion (D) having a relatively great straining force that,
on the anterior side of the human body, covers a region extending from a
position on the musculus rectus abdominis in the hypogastric region, obliquely
downward approximately in a direction along muscular fibers of the musculus
obliquus internus abdominis at right and left to the vicinity of the
trochanter
major.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portion (C) having a relatively great straining
force
is provided, which provides the firm support of the musculus gluteus maximus
in the muscular fiber direction thereof. Thus, it can play a large role in
supporting the rotating motion of the hips, preventing a decrease in the
rotating angle of the hips, and stabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior
direction. For an elderly person, it is effective in preventing falling down.
Furthermore, it can play a Iarge role in extending the hip joint in
anterior-posterior direction when running, jumping, and climbing up a slope.
Besides, the stretchable poxtion (D) having a relatively great straining force
is
CA 024823042004-10-14
19
provided; which supports a part of the musculus rectus abdominis and the
musculus obliquus internus'abdominis, thereby providing functions of reducing
lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and
preventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a rear view illustrating a reference embodiment of a
ti.ghts-type leg support garment as a reference example having a length from a
waistline to a superior side of the ankle (long tights type).
FIG. 2 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the Ieg support garment shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating another~reference embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 5
FIG: 7 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' Iine in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 6.
FIG: 9 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 10 is a front view of the leg support, garment shown in FIG. 9
FIG: 1~1 is a cross-sectional vievcl of the Ieg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
10:
FIG. I3 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 14 is a front view of he leg support garment shown in FIG. T3
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. I4.
FIG. 16 is a right- i.de view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
14.
FIG. 17 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type Ieg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 18 is a front view of'the leg support garment shown in FIG: I7
FIG. I9 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
an A-A' line in FIG. 18.
FIG: 20 is a right-side view of the leg upport, garment shown in FIG.
18.
FIG. 21 is a rear view illustrating an embodiment of a long-tights-type
5 leg support garment of the present invention:
FIG. 22 is a front view of he leg support garment shown in FIG. 21
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
10 22.
FIG. 25 is a rear view illustrating another embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a front view of the leg support .garment shown in FLG. 25
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
15 an A-A' line in FIG. 26.
FIG. 28 is a xight-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
26.
FIG. 29 is a rear view illustrating still another embodiment of a
long-ti:ghts-type leg support garment of the present invention.
20 FIG. 30 is a front view of the leg support:garment shown in FIG. 29
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
30.
FIG. 33 is a rear view illustrating still ar~other embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a front view of the leg support,garment shown in FIG. 33
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 34.
FIG. 36 is a xight-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
34.
FIG. 37 is a rear view illustrating still another embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a front view of the leg upport-garment shown in FIG. 37
FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 38.
FIG. 40 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
21
38.
FIG. 41 is a rear view illustrating still another embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG: 42 is a front view of the leg upport garment shown in FIG. 41
FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 42.
FIG. 44 is a right-side view ofthe leg support garment shown in FIG.
42.
FIG. 45 is a rear view illustrating still another embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 45
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 46.
FIG. 48 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
46.
FIG. 49 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 50 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 49
FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 50.
FIG. 52 is a right- ide view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
50.
FIG. 53 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 54 is 'a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 53
FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 54.
FIG. 56 is a right~side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
54.
FIG. 57 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 58 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 57
FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 58.
FIG. 60 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
58.
FIG. 61 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
22
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 62 is a front view of the leg support ,garment shown in FIG. 61
FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 62.
FIG. 64 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
62.
FIG. 65 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 66 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 65
FIG. 6? is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 66.
FIG. 68 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
66.
FIG. 69 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. ?0 is a front view of he leg support garment shown in FIG. 69
FIG. ?1 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. ?0.
FIG. ?2 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
70.
FIG. 73 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. ?4 is a front view of he leg support garment shown in FIG. 73
FIG. ?5 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 74.
FIG. ?6 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
74.
FIG. ?7 is a hear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. ?8 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. ?7
FIG. ?9 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 78.
FIG. 80 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
?8.
FIG. 81 is a rearview illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 82 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 81
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
23
FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 82.
FIG. 84 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
82.
FIG. 85 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 86 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 85
FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG: 86.
FIG. 88 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
86.
FIG. 89 is a rear view illustrating a reference embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 90 is a front view of the leg supportgarment shown in FIG. 89.
FIG. 9l is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 90.
FIG. 92 is a right-si:de view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
90.
FIG. 93 is a rear view illustrating another refexence embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 94 is a front view of the leg support';garment shown in FIG. 93.
FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 94.
FIG. 96 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
94.
FIG. 97 is a rear view illustrating an embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 98 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 97.
FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken along
an A-A' line in FIG. 98:
FIG. 100 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
98.
FIG. 101 is a rear view illustrating another embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 102 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG: 101.
FIG. 103 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken
along an A-A' line in FIGS 1U2.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
24
FIG. 104 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
102.
FIG. 105 is a rear view illustrating still another embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention.
FIG. 106 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 105.
FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken
along an A-A' line in FIG. 106.
FIG. 108 is a right-side view of the leg support gaxment shown in FIG.
106.
FIG. 109 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment
of a semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 110 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. I09.
FIG. 111 is a cross-sectibnal view of the leg support garment taken
along an A-A' line in FIG. 11U.
FIG: 112 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
110.
FIG. 113 is a rear view illustrating still another reference embodiment
of a semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 114 is a front view of the leg support garment shown in FIG. 113.
FIG. i15 is a cross-sectional view of the leg support garment taken
along an A-A' line in FIG. I14.
FIG. 116 is a right-side view of the leg support garment shown in FIG.
1I4.
FIG. 117 is a view showing a position of a sewing line for a main body of
a garment according to an embodiment the view: is obtained by drawing, on
FIG. 7, a sewing line for a main body of a garment whose leg part is formed in
a
cylindrical form.
FIG. 118 is a view showing a position of a sewing line for a main body of
a garment according to another embodiment the view is obtained by drawing,
on FIG. 8, a sewing line for a main body of a garment whose leg part is formed
in a cylindrical form.
FIG. 119 is a view showing a position of a sewing line for a main body of
a garment according to still another embodiment the view is obtained by
drawing, on FIG. 80, a sewing Iine for a main body of a garment whose leg part
is formed in a cylindrical form.
FIG. 120 is a cross-sectional conceptual process view illustrating the
cut-boss knitting technique in the circular knitting.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
FIG. 12i is a cross-sectional conceptual process view illustrating the
cut-boss knitting technique in the circular knitting:
FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional conceptual view of a circular-knitting
fabric obtained by the cut-boss knitting technique.
5 FIG. i23 is a view illustrating, in its right half and left half, a skeleton
system and a muscle system of a leg part of the human body viewed from the
anterior side, respectively:
FIG. 124 is a view illustrating, in its left half and right half, a skeleton
system and a muscle system of a leg part of the human body viewed from the
10 posterior side, respectively.
FIG. 12~ is a view illustrating a muscle system, partially a skeleton
system, of the right-side leg of the human body viewed from the lateral side.
FIG. 126 is a view illustrating a muscle system, partially a skeleton
system, of the right-side leg of the human body viewed from the medial side.
15 FIG. 127 is a partial rear view of the skeleton and ligaments in the
vicinity of the knee joint viewed from the posterior side.
FIG. 128 is a partial side view of the skeleton and ligaments in the
vicinity of the knee joint viewed from the medial side.
2o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description will depict specific embodiments of the
present invention; while referring to the drawings. In the description of the
present invention, a position in a leg support garment of the present
invention
where a stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force is
provided
25 is occasionally explained using names of parts ofthe human body, and names
of
muscles and bones. For easier understanding, first of all, the following
description will explain positions of bones and muscles of the human body used
in descriptions of the positions where stretchable portions having great
straining forces are placed and the like.
In FIG. 123, a right half thereof is a view illustrating a skeleton system
of a leg part of the human body viewed from the anterior side, and a left half
thereof is a view illustrating a muscle system of a leg part of the human body
viewed from the anterior side. In FIG. 124; a left half thereof is a view
illustrating a skeleton system of a leg part of the human body viewed from the
posterior side, and a right half thereof is a view illustrating a muscle
system of
a leg part of the human body viewed from the posterior side, respectively.
FIG.
12~ is a view illustrating a muscle system, partially a skeleton system, of
the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
26
right-side leg of the human body viewed from the lateral side. FIG. 126 is a
view illustrating a muscle system, partially a skeleton system, of the right-
side
leg of the human body viewed from the medial side. It should be noted that
descriptions of muscles and bones that are unnecessary for describing the
present invention are omitted in FIGS. 123 to 126.
In FIGS. 123 to 126; 701 denotes the musculus gluteus medius~ 702
denotes the musculus gluteus maximus~ 703 denotes the troehanter major 704
denotes the musculus vastus lateralis~ 705 denotes the tractus ili.otibialist
706
denotes the musculus adductor magnus~'707 denotes the musculus
semimembranosus~ 708 denotes the musculus semitendinosus~ 709 denotes the
musculus bicipitis femoris~ 710 denotes the musculus gracilis~ 711 denotes the
musculus sartorius~ '712 denotes the musculus vastus medialis~ 713 denotes the
condylus lateralis of the os femoris~ 714 denote the condylus medialis of the
os
femoris~ 715 denotes the patella part (the patella) 716 denotes the musculus
tibialis anterior 717 denotes the tibia 718 denotes the musculus soleus (718a
denotes the musculus soleus on the lateral side, and 718b denotes the
musculus soleus on the medial side) 719 denotes the musculus gastrocnemius
(719a denotes the musculus gastxocnemius on the lateral side, and 719b
denotes the musculus gastrocnemius on the medial side)'> 720 denotes the
musculus peroneus longus~ 72I denotes the lateral malleolus (the malleolus
lateralis)~ 722 denotes the medial malleolus (the malleolus medialis)~ 723
denotes the musculus rectos femoris~ 724 denotes the os femoris~ 725 denotes
the fibula 726 denotes the caput ~bulae~ 727 denotes the caput ossis femorisa
728 denotes the acetabulum~ and 729 denotes the os sacrum. It should be
noted that the vertebrae lurnbales include the first through fifth lumber
vertebras, though not shown, which are located on the superior side of the os
sacrum 729. Though not shown, the musculus rectos abdominis is located at
the center of the abdomen region, vertically from a superior part of the
abdomen region on the inferior side of the thorax to the hypogastric region.
Though not shown, the musculus obliquus externus abdominis is located at
each of the right and left sides of the musculus rectos abdominis, and its
muscular fibers are directed in an obliquely upward direction toward each
side.
Further, though not shown, the musculus obliquus internus abdominis is
located substantially on the dorsal side of the musculus rectos abdomi:nis and
each musculus obliquus externus abdominis, and its muscular fibers are
directed approximately in an obliquely downward direction toward each of the
right and left sides from the center front line.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
27
For descriptions of the ligamentum collateralle medialis and the like, a
part of the skeleton and the ligaments in the vicinity of the knee joint is
shown
in FIGS. 127 and 128.
FIG. 127 is a rear view of the knee joint viewed from the dorsal side,
and an arrow A indicates the medial side of the body while an arrow B
indicates the lateral side of the body. FIG. 128 is a side view of the knee
joint
viewed from the medial side (the arrow A side); and an arrow D indicates the
anterior side of the body while an arrow E indicates the posterior side of the
body. FIG. 128 illustrates a state in which the knee is bent. 800 denotes the
iigamentum collateralle medialis: 803. denotes the ligamentum collateralle
lateralis. 803 denotes the condylus medialis of the tibia. 804 denotes the
condylus lateralis of the fibula: 805 denotes the meniscus medialis. 806
denotes the meniscus lateralis. 807 denotes the ligamentum cruciatus
posterior. 709' denotes apart of the tendon of the musculus biceps femoris,
and the muscle on the superior side of the same is not shown.
As explicit from these drawings, the ligamentum collateralle medialis is
located at a position slightly posterior to the medial side of the knee joint,
extending between the vicinity of the inferior end of the os femoris and the
vicinity of the superior end of the tibia.
It should be noted that the positions, shapes; and sizes of the bones and
muscles vary slightly with the ~dividual body, and the foregoing muscle and
skeleton charts illustrate a mere typical example.
The directions of the muscular fibers are lengthwise directions of thin
lines drawn in the muscles shown in the drawings, and these directions of the
muscular fibers are directions in which the muscles contract. It should be
noted that that the positions, shapes, and sizes of the bones and muscles vary
slightly with the individual body; and the foregoing muscle and skeleton
charts
illustrate a mere typical example.
Since, as described above., the positions, shapes, and sizes of the bones
and muscles vary slightly with the individual' body and the body itself varies
in
size, there is no harm even if thepositions on a garment of stretchable
portions
having relatively great straining forces and those having relatively small
straining forces are shifted slightly -from the predetermined specified
positions,
respectively, as long as they are in ranges such that the objects of the
present
invention can be achieved.
The following description will explain specific embodiments of a leg
support garment of the present invention while referring to drawings, to make
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
28
the present invention easily understood. However, the leg support garment of
the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings.
Furthermore, in the following description, the positions of stretchable
portions having relatively great straining forces and the like in the leg
support
garment of the present invention are described using names of muscles,
ligaments; tendons, and bones. This intends to describe a position of a
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force or the like in a
simpler manner, using names of muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, etc: of the
body, so as to indicate that the portion is to pass over, or in the vicinity
of, a
portion where the muscles, bones, and the like are located. In the garment
other than the stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces,
only specific small portions such as seam lines and others axe made of
portions
having particularly small stretchability or no stretchability, and most
portions
of the garment are made of fabrics having atretchability and straining forces
relatively smaller than those of the stretchable portions having relatively
great
straining forces. The matters described above apply to the other embodiments
described below.
In the present invention; "the stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force sub tantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint" means that the portion may not necessarily
cover
the entirety of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, but may cover a majority
of the same. More specifically, it means that, on the superior side of the
knee
joint, substantially the entirety of the ligamentum collateralle medialis is
covered with the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force,
while on the inferior side of the knee joint, only a part of the ligamentum
collateralle medialis to a position. corresponding to an inferior end of the
patella
is covered with the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force.
Furthermore, in the dravsrings illustrating the embodiments of the
garment of the present invention and of reference example, if FIGS. 1 to 4 are
taken as an example, 1 schematically denotes a position where the patella is
located it does not indicate a size of the patella. It also is used to
indicate a
central position of the knee joint. It should be noted that in a rear view of
the
garment according to the embodiment of the present invention also, the
marking of the position of the patella facilitates the understanding of the
garment of the present invention in the descriptions with reference to the
drawings: Therefore, the position of the patella is indicated with a circle of
a
broken line. In a cross-sectional view taken on an A-A' line and a side view
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
29
also, the position of the patella is indicated with a half-circle.
FIG. 1 is a rear view of an embodiment of a tights-type leg support
garment having a length capable of covering a range from a waistline to the
superior side of the ankle as a reference example (a long-type garment of this
kind is hereinafter referred to as "long-tights-type garment" also). FIG. 2 is
a
front view of the same. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken
along an A-A' line in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a side view of the garment obtained
when seen from the right side viewed in the front view (in this case, FIG. 2).
Such a side view obtained when seen from the right side viewed in the front
l0 view is hereinafter referred to as the right-side view simply.
The long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example shown
in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes a stretchable part having a relatively great
straining
force, which includes a portion 2 expressed as the stretchable portion (A)
having a relatively great straining force that is composed of a stretchable
portion (Al) 121 having a relatively great straining force. The stretchable
portion (Al) 121 having a relatively great straining force substantially
covers
the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the
human
body, extends approximately along the vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1
on
the medial side thereof so as to surround the patella l through not less than
approximately 1/4 (here, approximately 1.7/4) of he periphery of the patella 1
and to cover a part of an inferior-region 4 of the patella 1, reaches a side 5
of
the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soieus on the medial side, and
on the superior side of the knee point, extends from the medial side to the
lateral side of the thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately along
the
musculus sartorius 6 toward the vicinity of the trochanter major 8, passing a
superior part 7 of the musc~ulus rectus femoris.
According to the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference
example, the stretchable portion:121 having a relatively great straining force
covers a portion 4 of a part of an inferior region of the patella l so as to
support
the patella 1 as if pulling up the same from the inferior side, thereby
improving
the stability of the knee joint: The portion I21 further supports the musculus
sartorius 6 and extends from the: medial side tb the lateral side of the thigh
obliquely and spirally toward the vicinity of the trochanter major 8, thereby
increasing the power for pulling he stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3.
This makes it possible to provide a leg supg.ort garment having an increased
power for supporting the ligarnentum collateralle medialis 3, and hence, this
is
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
preferable. Furthermore, this provides the support to the musculus sartorius
6 that complements the function of the ligamentum cnllateralle medialis 3 as
well, which is also preferable:
FIGS. 5 to 8 are views illustrating another reference embodiment of a
5 long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example. FIG. 5 is a
rear
view of the same, FIG. 6 is a front view of the same, FIG. 7 is a cross-
sectional
view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 6, and FIG. $ is a right-
side
view of the same.
The reference embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS.
10 1 to 4 in the aspect that the portion 121 in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 to
4, which is expressed as the stretchable portion (.A1) having a relatively
great
straining force, further includes a stretchable portion 041-1) 122 having a
relatively great straining force that extends from the vicinity of the
trochanter
major 8 to the vicinity of the waist 10 along the tractus iliotibialis 9.
15 Therefore, the same portions as those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to
4
are designated with the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified,
and descriptions of the same are omitted. In the descriptions below as well,
as
to the embodiments shown in the drawings; the same portions as those in the
other embodiments previously shown in the drawings are designated with the
20 same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same are omitted.
Since the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example
further includes the stretchable portion GAl-1) 122 having a relatively great
straining force, which extends from the vicinity of the trochanter major 8 to
the
waist 10 alang the tractus iliotibialis 9, the same function as that
'explained
25 with reference to FIGS. l to 4 is enhanced further, as well as the function
of
intensely pressing the trochantex major 8 is enhanced also, thereby improving
the connection between the caput ossis fem.oris and the acetabulum. This is
preferable since further providing a function of enhancing the stability of
the
hip j oint.
30 Next, FIGS. 9 to 12 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the same; FIG. 10 is a front view of the same, FIG.
11 is
a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 10, and
FIG.
12 is a righ.t-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8~ namely, the portion
expressed as the stretchable portion (A1) 121 having a relatively great
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
31
straining force further covers at least a part of a superior region 11 of the
patella 1 by extending thereto approximately from a peripheral region of the
patella 1 on the medial side of the patella 1.
With the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example, the
same function as that explained with reference to FIGS: 5 to 8 is exhibited.
Besides, since the stretchable portion (A1) 121 having a relatively great
straining force also covers at least a part of the superior region 11 of the
patella
l, the knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region 4
of
the patella 1. Therefore, it allows more stability of the knee joint to be
achieved, which is preferable:
Next, FIGS. 13-to 16 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 13 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 14 is a front view of the same, FIG.
15
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 14, and
FIG. 16 is a right'side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4~ namely, the portion
expressed as the stretchable portion (A1) 121 having a relatively great
straining force further includes a stretchable portion (.A1-2) 123 having a
relatively great straining force. ' The stretchable portion (A1-2) 123 having
a
relatively great straining force extends obliquely upward from a side of the
musculus gastrocnemius on the medial side through the vicinity of a periphery
12 of the patella on the inferior side of the patella to the lateral side 13
of the
patella 1.
With the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example, the
same function as that explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 is exhibited.
Besides; the periphery of the patella 1 is covered from a side of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side, i:e., from the inferior medial side, and a
power of pulling up the same in an obliquely upward direction is exerted
thereto. Therefore, this provides more stability of the knee joint, and hence;
the present embodiment is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 17 to 20 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example:
FIG. 1'7 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 18 is a front view of the same, FIG.
19
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along-an A-A' line in FIG. 18, and
FIG. 20 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
32
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8~ namely, to the garment
shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a stretchable portion (B) having a relatively great
straining force as described below is added. Namely, the garment further
includes a stretchable portion (B) 124 having a relatively great straining -
force.
The stretchable 143 (B) 124 having a relatively great straining force extends
from a vicinity of the trochanter major 8 downward approximately along the
tractus iliotibialis 9 to the lateral side of the patella 1, covers a part of
an
inferior region l4 of the patella extending from the lateral side thereof, and
passes a side 15 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus on the
lateral side, thereby reaching the superior side l6 of the malleolus
lateralis.
The upper stretchable portion (Al-1) 122 having a relatively greater straining
force has a slightly greater width as compared with that shown in FIGS. 5 to
8,
at a position where the stretchable portion (B) 124 having a relatively great
straining force and the stretchable portion (Al) 121 having a relatively great
straining force are united therewith.
With the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example, the
same function as that explained-with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 is exhibited.
Besides, since the stretchable portion (B) 124 having a relatively great
straining force is further provided, the knee and leg are supported from the
both sides at the femoral region and the lower leg region, and further, the
musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus are supported from their
sides without hindering their actions. Furthermore, the function of pressing
the trochanter major 8 is enhanced further, thereby improving the connection
between the caput ossis fexnoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, this
reinforces a function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint.
Next, FIGS. 21 to 24 are views illustrating an embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a
rear view of the same, FIG. 22 is a front view of the same, FIG. 23 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 22, and FIG.
24 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the present embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is composed of a stretchable portion (A2) 130 having a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable-portion (A2) 130 having a
relatively great straining force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee Joint of the human body, and extends
approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
33
thereof so as to surround the patella 1 through not less than approximately
1/4
of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of an inferior region 4
of the
patella 1. Then, it reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus an the medial side: Furthermore; on the superior side of the
knee joint, the stretchable portion (A2) having a relatively great straining
force
extends through the thigh approximately along the musculus semitendinosus
21 to the vicinity of the sulcus gluteus 22.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portion 130
having a relatively great straining force to cover a part of the inferior
region 4
of the patella l, thereby support the patella 1 as if pulling up the patella l
from
the inferior side thereof. As a result, the stability of the knee joint is
improved.
Furthermore, the embodiment allows the portion 130 to support the musculus
semitendinosus 21 that is located on the medial side of the thigh; thereby
increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3.
Consequently; a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is provided, which is preferable.
Furthermore, the musculus semitendinosus that complements the function of
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is supported, which is also preferable.
Next, FIGS. 25 to 2$ are views illustrating another embodiment of a
long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a
rear view of the same; FIG: 26 is a front view of the same, FIG. 27 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 26, and FIG.
28 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the pre ent embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is composed of a stretchable portion (A2) 131 having a
relatively great straining force: The stretchable portion (A2) 131 having a
relatively great straining force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human body, and extends
approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side
thereof so as to surround the patella l through not less than approximately
l/4
of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of an inferior region 4
of the
patella 1. Then, it reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the medial side. Furthermore, on the superior side of the
knee joint, the portion (A2) 131 passes through the thigh approximately along
the musculus gracilis 23, and reaches the vicinity of he crotch 24.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
34
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portion 131
having a relatively great straining force to cover a part of the inferior
region 4
of the patella 1, thereby support the patella 1 as if pulling up the patella 1
from
the inferior side thereof As a result, the stability of the knee joint is
improved.
Furthermore, the embodiment allows the portion 131 to support the musculus
gracilis 23 that is located on the medial side of the thigh, thereby
increasing
the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining
force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3. Consequently, a
leg support garment with an increased power for supporting the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3 is provided, which is preferable. Furthermore, the
musculus gracilis that complements the function of the Iigamentum collateralle
medialis is supported, which is preferable.
Next, FLGS. 29 to 32 are views illustrating still another embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a
rear view of the same, FIG. 30 is a front view of the same, FIG. 31 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 30, and FIG.
32 is a right-side view ofthe same.
The garment of the present embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is composed of the stretchable portion (A2) 132 having a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion (.A2) 132
substantially
covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the knee joint of
the
human body, and extends approximately along the vicinity of a periphery of the
patella 1 on the medial side thereof so as to surround the patella 1 through
not
less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a
part
of an inferior region 4 of the patella 1. Then, it reaches a side 5 of the
musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus coleus on the medial side. Further.,
on the superior side of the knee joint, the portion (A2) 132 passes through
the
thigh approximately along both 25 of the musculus semitendinosus and the
musculus gracilis, and reaches the vicinity of the crotch 24 and the vicinity
of
the sulcus glutenus 22.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portion 132
having a relatively great straining force to cover a part of the inferior
region 4
of the patella l, thereby support the patella 1 as if pulling up the patella 1
from
the inferior side thereof. As a result, the stability of the knee joint is
improved.,
Furthermore, the embodiment allows the portion 132 to support both 25 of the
musculus semitendinosus and the musculus gracilis that are located on the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
medial side of the thigh; thereby increasing the power of pulling the
stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3. Consequently, a leg support garment with an
increased power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is
5 provided, which is preferab~:e: Furthermore, both of the musculus
semitendinosus and the musculus gracilis that complement the function of the
ligamentum collateralle medialis are supported, which is also preferable.
Next, FIGS. 33 to 36 are views illustrating still another embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support gaxment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a
10 rear view of the same, FIG. 34 is a front view of the same, FIG. 35 is a
cross-sectional:view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 34, and FIG.
36 is a right-side view o~ the same.
The garment of the present embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
15 great straining force is composed of a stretchable portion (A3) I33 having
a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion (A3) 133 having a
relatively great straining force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human body, and extends
approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side
20 thereof so as to surround the patella through not less than approximately
1/4 of
the periphery of the patella l and, to cover a part of an inferior region 4 of
the
patella 1. Then, it reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the medial side. Further, on the superior side of the knee
joint, the portion (A3) 133 extends upward from the medial side to the lateral
25 side of the thigh via the posterior side thereof approximately along the
musculus semitendinosus and the musculus semimembranosus 26 to a vicinity
of the trochanter major 8, passing over the musculus biceps femoris 27
obliquely.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment, the stretchable
30 portion (A3) 133 having a relatively great straining force is provided,
which
extends from the side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus
soleus on the medial side upwards, then passes the thigh obliquely in a spiral
form from the medial side to the lateral side thereof via the posterior side
thereof; and reaches the vicinity of the trochanter major 8. Therefore, it is
35 possible to support the patella 1 as if pulling up the same from the
inferior side
thereof, thereby improving the stability of the knee joint. Furthermore; it is
also possible to increase the power of pulling the stretchable portion having
a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
36
relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle
~medialis 3. Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for
supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is provided, which is
preferable. Furthermore, both of the musculus semitendinosus and the
musculus semimembranosus that complement the function of the ligamentum
collateralle medialis are supported, which is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 37 to 40 are views illustrating still another embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 3'7 is a
rear view of the same, FIG. 38 is a front view of the same, FIG. 39 is a
l0 cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 38, and
FIG.
40 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the present embodiment has characteristics of both the
garment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 and that of FIGS: 21 to 24. More specifically,
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great
straining force includes a stretchable portion (A) 121 having a relatively
great
straining force and a stretchable portion (A1-1) 122 having a relatively great
straining force, as well as a stretchable portion (.A2') 140 having a
relatively
great straining force. The stretchable portion (A) 121 having a relatively
great
straining force substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the
medial
side of the knee joint ofthe human body, extends approximately along the
vicinity of a periphery of the patella l on the medial side thereof sows to
surround the patella 1 through not less than approximately 1/4 (here,
approximately 1.714) of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of
an
inferior region 4 of the patella 1, reaches a side 5 of the musculus
gastrocnemius and the musculus soieus on the medial side, and on the superior
side of the knee joint, extends from the medial side to the lateral side of
the
thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately along the musculus sartorius
6 to a superior region 7 of the musculus rectus femoris and the vicinity of
the
trochanter major 8 [(Al) 122]. The stretchable portion (A1-1) 122 having a
relatively great straining force extends from the vicinity of the trochanter
major 8 along the tractus iliotibialis 9 to the vicinity of the waist 10. On
the
superior side of the knee-joint-part of the stretchable portion (A) 121 having
a
relatively great straining force, the stretchable portion (A2') 140 having a
relatively great straining force is also arranged extending from a divergence
point 31 through the thigh approximately along the musculus semitendinosus
21 to the vicinity of the sulcus gluteus 22.
According to the foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
37
invention, the stretchable portion (A1) 121 and (A1-1) 122 having relatively
great straining forces are present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from
the
medial side to the lateral side of the thigh, then, over the trochanter major
8 to
the vicinity of the waist 10. In addition, the stretchable portion (A2') 140
having a relatively great training force that branches therefrom on the
superior side of the knee joint is present also, extending through the thigh
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus 21 to the vicinity of the
sulcus gluteus 22. The actions of these in combination further increase the
power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
l0 force that supports the ligaynentum collateralle medialis 3. Consequently,
a
leg support garment with an increased power for supporting the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3 is provided, which is preferable: Furthermore, not
only
the musculus sartorius 6 but also the musculus semitendinosus 21 that
complement the function of the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 are
supported, which is preferable. Furthermore, the stretchable portion (Al-1)
122 having a relatively great straining force that is provided from the
vicinity
of the trochanter major 8 to the vicinity of the waist 10 along the tractus
iliotibialis 9 provides a function of pressing the trochanter major, thereby
improving the connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum.
Therefore, this further provides a function of enhancing the stability of the
hip
joint, which is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 41 to 44 are views illustrating still another embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is a
rear view of the same, FIG. 42 is a front view of the same, FIG. 43 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A~' line in FIG. 42, and
FIG.
44 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the present embodiment has characteristics of both the
garment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 and that of FIGS. 25 to 28: More specifically, a
portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great
straining force includes a stretchable portion (A) 121 having a relatively
great
straining force and a stretchable', poxtion (A1-1) 122 having a relatively
great
straining force, as well as a stretchable portion (A2') 141 having a
relatively
great straining force. The stretchable portion (~ 121 having a relatively
great
straining force substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the
medial
side of the knee joint of the human body, extends approximately along the
vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial side thereof so as to
surround the patella 1 through not le s than approximately 1/4 (here,
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
38
approximately 1.7/4) of the periphery of the patella Land to cover a part of
an
inferior region 4 of the patella 1, reaches a side 5 of the musculus
gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus on the medial side, and on the superior
side of the knee joint, extends from the medial side to the lateral side of
the
thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately along the musculus sartorius
6 to a superior region 7 of the musculus rectus femmris and the vicinity of
the
trochanter major 8. The stretchable portion (Al-1) 122 having a relatively
great straining force extends from the vicinity of he trochanter major 8 along
the tractus iliotibialis 9 to the vicinity of the waist 10. On the superior
side of
the knee-joint-part of the stretchable portion (A) 121 having a relatively
great
straining force, the stretchable portion (A2') 141 having a relatively great
straining force is also arranged extending from a divergence point 31 through
the thigh approximately along the musculus gracilis 23 to the vicinity of the
crotch 24.
According to the Foregoing preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the stretchable portions (Al) 121 and (Al-1) 122 having relatively
great straining forces are present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from
the
medial side to the lateral side of the thigh; then, over the trochanter major
8 to
the vicinity of the waist 10. In addition, the stretchable portion (A2') 141
having a relatively great straining force that branches therefrom on the
superior side of the knee joint is present; extending through the thigh
approximately along the musculus gracilis 23 to the vicinity of the crotch 24.
The actions of these in combination increases the power of pulling the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that supports
the
ligamentum collateralle medialis 3: Consequently, a leg support garment with
an increased power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is
provided, which is preferable. Furthermore, not only the musculus sartorius 6
but also the musculus gracilis 23 that complement the function of the
ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 are also supported, which is preferable.
Furthermore, the stretchable portion (A1-1) 122 having a relatively great
straining force that is provided from the vicinity of the trochanter major 8
to
the vicinity of the waist 10 along the tractus iliotibialis 9 provides a
function of
pressing the trochanter major, thereby improving the connection between the
caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, this further provides a
function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint, which is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 45 to 48 are views illustrating still another embodiment of
a long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 45 is a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
39
rear view of the same, FIG. 46 is a front view of the same; FIG. 4'7 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 46, and FIG.
48 is a right-side view of the same:
The garment of the present embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A2') 142 having a relatively
great
straining force, and the stretchable part having a relatively great straining
force further includes a stretchable portion (B') 143 having a relatively
great
straining force. The stretchable portion (A2') 142 having a relatively great
straining force substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the
medial
side of the knee joint of the human body, extends approximately along a
vicinity of a periphery of the patella. 1 on the medial side thereof so as to
surround the patella 1 through at least more than approximatelyl/2 of the
periphery of the patella Land to cover a part of inferior and superior regions
4
and 11 of the patella, and reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and
the musculus soleus on the medial side. Further, on the superior side of the
knee joint; in the femoral region,-the stretchable portion (A2') 142 having a
relatively great straining force extends approximately along the musculus
semitendinosus and the musculus gracilis, and reaches the vicinity below the
crotch 24 and a vicinity of the sulcus gluteus 22. The stretchable portion
(B')
143 having a relatively great straining force extends from a side part of the
waist 10 approximately along the tractus iliotibialis 9 via a vicinity of the
trochanter major 8, then; approximately along the tractus iliotibialis 9 to
the
lateral side of the patella 1, surrounds the patella 1 through approximately
1/2
or more of the periphery of the patella 1 so as to cover apart of an inferior
region 32 and a superior region 33 of the patella l, and passes a side 15 of
the
musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus on the lateral side.
In the foregoing embodiment, two portions 4 and 11 of the stretchable
portion (A.2') 142 having relatively great straining forces project toward the
medial side therefrom and cover a part of the inferior region 4 and a part of
the
superior region 11 of the patella I, respectively. Besides, two portions 32
and
33 of the stretchable portion (B') 143 having relatively great straining
forces
project toward the lateral side therefrom and cover a part of the inferior
region
32 and apart of the superior region 33 of the patella l, respectively. Here,
the
two portions 4 and 11 of the stretchable portion (A2') 142 having a relatively
. great straining force are arranged opposite to the two portions 32 and 33 of
the
stretchable portion (B') 143-having a relatively great straining force,
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
respectively, and at positions slightly shifted to the inferior side from
positions
of the portions 32 and 33 of the stretchable portion (B') 143 having a
relatively
great straining force, respectively Furthermore; when viewed from the front,
the portion covering the inferior region 4 of the patella l, of the
stretchable
5 portion (A2') I42 having a relatively great straining force, has a
relatively
greater area.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portions
having relatively great straining forces to support the knee and leg from both
sides in the femoral region and the lower leg region, without hindering the
10 action of the musculus vastus lateralis and the musculus vastus medialis on
the anterior side of the thigh; and further, allows the knee joint to be
supported
as if wrapped from the surrounding; thereby providing further support of the
knee joint. Besides, the function: of pressing the trochanter major 8 is
reinforced, thereby further improving the connection between the caput ossis
15 femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, the function of enhancing the
stability of the hip joint is reinforced; which is preferable:
Furthermore, in the lower leg region, on the medial side, the muscles
are fewer and the tibia is in contact with the surface of the body. On the
other
hand, on the lateral side of the lower leg region, the musculus gastrocnemius
is
20 on the lateral side of the fibula. Therefore, the foregoing embodiment
provides
the support of the knee joint as if pulling the medial side thereof having
fewer
muscles more intensely from the inferior side; thereby reinforcing the support
of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, which is: preferable.
As described above, in the foregoing embodiment; as to the two portions
25 4 and 11 of the stretchable portion (A2') 142 having a relatively great
straining
force that project to the lateral side and cover a part of the inferior region
4 and
a part of the superior region ll of the patella l, respectively, and the two
portions 32 and 33 of the stretchable portion (B') 143 having a relatively
great
straining force that project to the medial ide and cover a part of the
inferior
30 region 32 and a part of the superior region 33 of the patella 1,
respectively, the
position of the projecting portion 4 is slightly inferior to the position of
the
projecting portion 32, and the position of the projecting portion 11 is
slightly
inferior to the position of the projecting portion 32. Therefore, this
provides
the support of the knee joint as if pulling the medial side thereof having
fewer
35 muscles more intensely from the inferior side, thereby reinforcing the
support
of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, which is preferable. However, the
projecting portion 4 may be at a position as high as the position of the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
41
projecting portion 32, or the projecting portion 11 may be at a position as
high
as a position of the projecting portion 33. Besides, the two poxtions 4 and 11
projecting toward the lateral side may further extend over the central line of
the anterior side of the leg toward the lateral side, while the portions 32
and 33
opposite thereto may further extend over the central line of the anterior side
of
the leg toward the medial side. Alternatively, the projecting portions 4 and
32
may be connected with each othex, and likewise, the projecting portions 11 and
33 may be connected with each other. Furthermore, the projecting portion 4
may be located at a position shifted slightly to the superior side of the
projecting portion 32, while the projecting poxtion II may be located at a
position shifted slightly to the superior side of the projecting portion 33.
Next, FIGS. 49 to 52 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 49 is a rear view of the same; FIG. 50 is a front view of the same, FIG.
51
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along: an A-A' line in FIG. 50,
and
FIG. 52 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. ~.7 to 20~ namely, to the
garment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20; stretchable portions having relatively great
straining forces obtained by modifying a stretchable portion (C) having a
relatively great straining force and a stretchable portion (D) having a
relatively
great straining force, respectively; are added as 'described below. Therefore,
the same portions as those in the' embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 are
designated with the same reference numerals; and descriptions of the same axe
omitted. However, the portions substantially the same as those shown in
FIGS. 17 to 20 still have a slight difference. Namely, the stretchable portion
(B) 124 having a relatively great straining force shown in FIGS. 17 to 20
reaches to the superior side 16 of the malleolus lateralis, while a
stretchable
poxtian (B) 124' having a relatively great straining force shown in FIGS: 49
to
52 reaches only the side 15 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus
soleus on the lateral side, and does not reach the superior side 16 of the
malleolus lateralis.
The other aspects are substantially the same as those of the
embodiment of the garment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, and stretchable portions
having relatively great straining forces described below are further provided.
There are provided a stretchable portion (C) 145 having a relatively
great straining force and a stretchable portion 146 having a relatively great
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
42
straining force. The stretchable portion (C) 145 having a relatively great
straining force includes right and left pax-ts that axe connected at a
position 35
corresponding to the fourth lumbar vertebra to the os sacrum on the posterior
side of the human body, and covers a region extending from the foregoing
position 35, through an approximately middle part of the musculus gluteus
maximus at right and left; approximately in a direction along muscular fibers
of the musculus gluteus maximus via the top of the bulge of the hip or the
vicinity of the same to at least the vicinity of trochanter major. The
stretchable portion 146 having a relatively great straining force includes
right
and left parts that are connected approximately in the vicinity of the
posterior
central position of the waist, and covers a region extending from the vicinity
of
the posterior central position of the waist to at least the flank at right and
left,
in contact with a part of the musculus latissimus dorsi, the musculus gluteus
medius, and the musculus obliquus externus abdominis. Therefore, the
stretchable portion (C) 145 having a relatively great straining force provides
the firm support of the musculus gluteus maximus in the muscular fiber
direction thereof. Thus; it can play a large role in supporting the rotating
motion of the hips, preventing a decrease in the rotating angle of the hips,
and
stabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior direction. For an elderly person,
it
is effective in preventing falling down: Furthermore, it can play a large role
in
extending the hip joint i.n anterior-posterior direction when running,
jumping,
and climbing up a slope. Moreover, the stretchable portion 146 having a
relatively great straining force provides the firmer support of a region from
the
posterior central position of the waist to the musculus latissimus dorsi, the
musculus gluteus medius, and the musculus obliquus externus abdominis at
right and left. Consequently; a function for complementing the function of
preventing backward inclination of the pelvis and keeping a stable position of
the pelvis is displayed.
Furthermore, the garment of the present embodiment includes a
stretchable portion (D) 147 having a relatively great straining force and a
stretchable portion 148 having a relatively great straining force. The
stretchable portion (D) 147 having a relatively great straining force includes
right and left parts that are connected with each other on the musculus rectus
abdominis 36 in the abdominal region, and covers a region extending from a
position on the musculus rectus abdominis in the hypogastric region, obliquely
downward approximately in a direction along muscular ~.bers of the musculus
obliquus intexnus abdominia to the vicinity of the trochanter major 8 at right
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
43
and left. The stretchable portion 148 having a relatively great straining
force
includes right and left parts that are connected with each other on the
musculus rectos abdominis 36 in the hypogastric region, and covers a region
extending from a position on the musculus rectos abdominis 36; obliquely
upward approximately in a direction along muscular fibers of the musculus
obliquus externus abdominis to at least the flank.
Therefore, the stretchable portion (D) 147 having a relatively great
straining force supports a part of the musculus rectos abdominis and the
musculus obliquus internus abdom.inis, thereby providing functions of reducing
lumbar lordosis, maintaining goad posture, making youthful figure, and
preventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains. Furthermore, the
stretchable portion 148 having a relatively great straining force supports a
part
of the musculus rectos abdominis and the musculus obliquus externus
abdominis, thereby providing functions of reducing lumbar lordosis,
maintaining good posture; making youthful figure, and preventing generation
of pains such as lumbar pains.
It should be noted that such portions (G) 145, 146, (D) 147, and 148 are
applicable to the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force
in
the other embodiments as required.
Next, FIGS. 53 to 56 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 53 is a rear view of the same; FIG. 54 is a front view of the same, FIG.
55
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 54, and
FIG. 56 is a right-side view of the same.
In the garment of the reference embodiment is substantially the same
as the leg support garment shown in FIGS. l to 4 in the aspect of the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that extends
upward from the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the knee
joint,
but differs from the garment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in the aspect of the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that extends
downward therefrom. More specifically, the portion 2 expressed as the
stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great straining force that
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the
knee joint of the human body, and extends approximately along a vicinity of a
periphery of'the patella I on the medial side thereof so as to surround the
patella through not less than approximately 114 (here; approximately 1.7/4) of
the periphery of the patella 1 arid to cover a part of an inferior region 4 of
the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
44
patella 1. On the other hand, a stretchable portion 150 having a relatively
great straining force that extends downward therefrom extends obliquely
through the anterior side of the lower leg region to the lateral side in a
direction toward the malleolus lateralis 16'. The stretchable portion 150
having a relatively great straining force; on the superior side of the knee
joint,
extends from the medial side to the lateral side of the thigh via the anterior
side thereof approximately along the musculus sartorius 6 to a vicinity of the
trochanter major 8, passing a superior part 7 of the musculus rectus femoris.
Therefore, the portion on the superior side of the knee joint displays the
same function as that in the ease of FIGS. 1 to 4, and the straining force is
exerted to both of the superior and inferior partsof the ligamentum
collateralle
medialis 3 so as to pull up the same obliquely outward. Therefore, this
provides the firmer support of the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3.
Next, FIGS. 57 to 60 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 57 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 58 is a front view of the same, FIG.
59
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along. an A-A' line in FIG. 58;
and
FIG. 60 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment resembles the garment
shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 in the aspect that a tretchable portion 151 having a
relatively great straining force surrounds the inferior side of the patella 1.
The former differs from the latter in the following aspect. Namely, the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force extends
obliquely
upward from a side of the museulus gastxoenemius on the medial side through
the vicinity 12 of the inferior side of the patella, further upward via the
lateral
side 13 of the patella 1 along the musculus vastus lateralis 37 and the
tractus
iliotibialis 9; and join in at a junction point 38 with a stretchable portion
having a relatively great training force that extends from the medial side to
the lateral side of the thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately
along
the musculus sartorius 6 to a vicinity of the trochanter major 8, passing a
superior part 7 of the musculus xeetus femoris, and further, along the tractus
iliotibialis 9 to the vicinity of the waist 10.
The foregoing embodiment allov~rs the garment to display the same
function as that of the garment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, and to provide more
stable support of the knee joint. Besides, as compared with the garment
shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the garment ofthe present embodiment further
includes the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
that
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
extends from the vicinity of the troehanter major 8 along the tractus
iliotibialis
9 to the vicinity of the waist 10. Therefore, the function of intensely
pressing
the trochanter major 8 is enhanced also, thereby improving the connection
between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, this further
5 provides a function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint. Thus, the
present embodiment is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 61 to 64 are views illustrating till another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg-support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 61 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 62 is a front view of the same, FIG.
63
l0 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along: an A-A' line in FIG. 62,
and
FIG. 64 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a modification of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 to 60~ namely, the stretchable portion 151
having a relatively great straining force in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 57
15 to 60 further includes a stretchable portion 152 having a relatively great
straining force that extends from a junction position 39 downward, passes a
side of the musculus gastrocn~mzus and the musculus soleus on the lateral
side,
then reaches the superior side I6 of the malleolus lateralis.
With the foregoing embodiment, the same function as that of the
20 garment shown in FIGS. 57 to 60 is displayed, and further, the musculus
gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus are supported from their sides without
hindering their actions: Thus, the foregoing embodiment is preferable.
Next, FIGS. 65 to 68 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type: leg support garment as a reference example.
25 FIG. 65 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 66 is a front view of the same,
FIG. 67
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 66, and
FIG. 68 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the'reference embodiment is a modification of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16: This is characterized in that a
30 stretchable portion 153 having a relative great straining force completely
surrounds the patella 1. This further enhances the stability of the knee. It
should be noted that the other aspects other than the stretchable portion 153
having a relative great straining force are the same as those of the
stretchable
part having a relatively great straining force shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.
35 The foregoing embodiment allows the garment to display the same
function as that of the garment shown in FIGS. I3 to 16; and further provides
the more stable support of the knee joint.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
46
Next, FIGS. 69 to 72 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 69 is a rear view of the same; :FIG. 70 is a front view of the same, FIG.
71
is a cxoss-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 70, and
FIG. 72 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment according to the reference embodiment is a modification of
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The garment of the present
embodiment has the following characteristic common to the ieg support
garment shown in FIGS: 1 to 4: The portion 2 expressed as the stretchable
portion (Aa having a relatively great straining force that is composed of a
stretchable portion (A1) 121. having a relatively great straining force. The
stretchable portion (.A1) 121 having a relatively great straining force
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the
knee joint of the human body, extends approximately along the vicinity of a
I5 periphery of the patella 1 on the vmedial side thereof so as to surround
the
patella 1 through not less than approximately 1/4 (here, approximately 1.714)
of
the periphery of the patella l and to cover a part of an inferior region 4 of
the
patella 1, reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus
soleus on the medial side, and on the superior side of the knee joint, extends
from the medial side to the lateral side of the thigh via the anterior side
thereof
approximately along the musculus sartorius 6 toward the vicinity of the
trochanter major $, passing a superior part 7 of the musculus rectus femoris.
In the present embodiment, however, a triangle-shaped stretchable portion 154
having a relatively great straining force is further provided on the lateral
inferior side of the patella 1; and he vertex of the projecting portion 4
having a
relatively great straining force covering the inferior region of the patella 1
of
the stretchable portion 121 having a relatively great straining force is in
contact with a vertex 40 of the stretchable portion 154 having a relatively
great
straining force at a position on the inferior side of the patella 1 so as to
support
the knee from the right, left, and inferior sides. Therefore, the same
function
as that of the leg support garment shown in FIGS: 1 to 4 is exhibited, while
the
function of supporting the knee from the inferior side is reinforced. It
should
be noted that he projecting portion 4 of the stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region 4 of the
patella 1
and the stretchable portion I54 having a relatively great straining force may
overlap each other, rather than only with the vertex of the former. and the
vertex 40 of the latter being in contact with each other.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
Next, FIGS. 73 to 76 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type l:eg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 73 is a rear view of the same; FIG. 74 is a front view of the same, FIG.
75
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 74, and
FIG. 76 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS: 5 to S~ namely; the portion 2
expressed as the stretchable portion fA) having a relatively great straining
force includes a stretchable portion 122' having a relatively great straining
force that resembles a combination of the stretchable portions 121 and 122
having relatively great straining; forces. The stretchable portion 122'
substantially covers the ligamentum: collateralle 3 on the medial side of the
knee joint of the human body, extends approximately along the vicinity of a
periphery of the patella 1 on the medial side thereof so as to surround the
patella 1 through not less than approximately 1/4 (here, approximately 1.714)
of
the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of an inferior region 4 of
the
patella 1, and reaches a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the medial side. Then; from the side 5 of the musculus
gastrocnemius and the musculus-soleus on the medial side, the portion 122'
passes aside 41 of an inferior part of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the medial side to a superior side 42 of the malleolus
medialis. On the superior side of the knee joint, the portion 122' extends
from
the medial side to the lateral side of the thigh via the anterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus sartorius 6 toward the vicinity of the
trochanter major 8, passing a superior part 7 of the musculus rectus femoris.
Further, the portion 122' extends therefrom along the tractus iliotibialis 9
to
the vicinity of the waist 10. The stretchable portion 122' having the
relatively
great straining force slightly differs from the combination of the stretchable
portions 121 and 122 having relatively great straining forces in the aspect
that
the former further extends from the side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and
the musculus soleus via the inferior side 41 of the musculus gastrocnemius and
the musculus soleus to the superior side 42 of the malleolus medialis.
In the present embodiment; furthermore; a stretchable portion 155
having a relatively great straining force is provided, which extends from the
superior side of the patella 1 via the lateral side thereof, covers an
inferior
region 32 of the patella, and further, passes a side 43 of the musculus
gastrocnemius and the museulus' coleus on the lateral side downward to a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
48
superior side 16 of the malleolus lateralis.
Therefore, the same function as that of the garment of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is displayed, and further, since the foregoing garment
supports the knee joint from the medial and lateral sides, it provides the
more
stable support of the knee joint. lYloreover, since the stretchable portions
having relatively great straining forces passes along both the medial and
lateral sides of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus, they
support these musculus without hindering their actions. Thus, the foregoing
embodiment is preferable.
Next, FIGS. ?? to 80 axe views illustrating till another reference
embodiment ofa long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. ?? is a rear view of the same; FIG. ?8 is a front view of the same, FIG.
?9
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an, A-A' line in FIG. ?8,
and
FIG. 80 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12~ namely, the portion 2
expressed as the stretchable portion (~ having a relatively great straining
force includes a stretchable portion 156 having a relatively great straining
force that resembles a combination of the stretchable portions 121 and 122
having relatively great straining forces. The stretchable portion 156 having a
relatively great straini.n:g force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human body, extends
approximately along the vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side thereof so as to surround the patella 1 through not less than
approximately 1J4 (here, approximately 1.?/4) of the periphery of the patella
1
and to cover a part of an inferior region 4 and a superior region 11 of the
patella 1. Then, from a side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the medial side, the portion 156 extends via a side 41 of
an
inferior part of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus on the
medial side to a superior side 42 of the malleolus medialis. On the superior
side of the knee joint, the portion 156 extends from the medial side to the
lateral side of the thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately along
the
musculus sartorius 6 toward the vicinity of the trochanter major 8, passing a
superior part ? of the musculus rectus femoris. Further, the portion 156
extends therefrom along the traetus iliotibialis 9 to the vicinity of the
waist 10.
The stretchable portion 156 having the relatively great straining force
slightly
differs from the combination of the. stretchable portions 121 and 122 having
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
49
relatively great straining forces in the aspect that the medial inferior part
of
the former extends from the side 5 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus via a side 41 of an inferior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius
and the musculus soleus to a superior side 42 of the malleolus medialis.
Moreover, the garment of the reference embodiment greatly differs from
the garment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 in the aspect that the tretchable portion
156 having a relatively great ,straining force branches out at a divergence
point
44 and further covers a region extending herefrom downward along a lateral
side of the leg to the malleolus lateralis 16. More specifically, the
stretchable
portion 156 having a relatively great straining force further extends from the
divergence point 44 approximately along the tractus iliotibialis 9 to the
lateral
side of the patella 1, then, approximately-along a vicinity of a periphery of
the
patella 1 on a lateral side thereof so as to surround the patella through
approximately 1/2 or more of the periphery of the patella and to cover a part
of
and inferior region 32 and a superior region 3$ of the patella 1. Then, it
extends downward along a side 43 of the musculus gastrocnemius and the
musculus soleus on the lateral ide to the superior side 16 of the malleolus
lateralis.
The foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example allows the
same function as that of the garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to
12 to be displayed. Further, the power for pulling the stretchable portion
having a, relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3 is further increased, whereby the power for supporting
the Iigamentum collateralle medialis 3 is increased. Besides, since the knee
joint is supported fxom both of the medial and lateral sides, this provides
the
mare stable support ofthe knee joint: Moreover, since the stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force passes both of the medial and
lateral
sides of the musculus gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus, these muscles
are supported without hindering their activities. Thus, the present
embodiment is preferable.
Next; FIGS. 81 to 84 are, views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 81 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 82 is a front view of the same, FIG.
83
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG: 82, and
FIG. 84 is a right-side view of he same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment hown in FIGS. '17 to 20~ namely, in the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the stretchable portion
(A~ 121 having a relatively great;straining force and the stretchable portion
124' (B) having a relatively great straining force are in contact with each
other
at a position on the inferior side of the patella. Therefore, the same
portions
5 as those shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 are designated with the same reference
numerals in the drawings and descriptions of the same are omitted. However,
substantially the same portions as those shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 still have
slight differences namely, the stretchable portion (B) 124 having a relatively
great straining force reaches to the superior side l6 of the malleolus
lateralis,
10 while the stretchable portion (B) 124' having a relatively great straining
force
of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 81 to 84 stops at a side 15 of the musculus
gastrocnemius and the musculus soleus on the lateral side; not reaching the
superior side 16 of the malleolus lateralis.
The aspects other than the above are substantially the same as those of
15 the garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20.
More specifically, a vertex of a projecting portion 4 of the stretchable
portion 121 having a relatively gxeat straining force that covers a part of
the
inferior region of the patella 1 and a vertex of a projecting portion 14 of
the
stretchable portion 124' having a relatively great straining force that covers
a
20 part of the inferior region of the patella 1 are in contact with each other
at a
position on the inferior side of the patella 1, so as to support the knee from
the
right, left, and inferior sides of the same. Therefore, the same function as
that
of the leg support garment shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 is displayed, and the
function of supporting the knee from the inferior side is reinforced.
25 Next, FIGS. 85 to 88 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example.
FIG. 85 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 86 is a front view of the same, FIG.
87
is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 86, and
FIG. 88 is a right-side view of the same.
30 The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 81 to 84~ namely, in the
garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS: 81 to 84; the stretchable portion
(~ 121 having a relatively great straining force and the stretchable portion
(B)
I24' having a relatively great straining force are coupled with each other in
a
35 slightly wide range on the inferior ide of the patella, rather than in
point
contact with each other. Therefore, the same portions as those of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 81 to 84 are designated with the same reference
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
51
numerals in the drawings and descriptions of the same axe omitted.
More specifically; a portion: 4 of the stxetchable portion 121 having a
relatively great straining force that covers a part of the inferior region of
the
patella 1 and a portion 14 of the stretchable portion 124' having a relatively
great straining force that covers a part of the inferior region of the patella
l are
coupled with each other at a position on the inferior side of the patella 1,
so as
to support the knee from the right, left, and inferior sides of the same.
Therefore, the same function as that of the leg support garment shown in FIGS.
81 to 84 is displayed, and the function of supporting the knee from the
inferior
side is further reinforced:
It should be noted that in the case of the present embodiment, in the
case where the stretchable part'having a relatively great straining force is
formed by laminating stretchable fabrics in predetermined shapes an a
garment main body and sewing them, or the like, the coupling between the
portion 4 of the stretchable portion 121 having a relatively great straining
force
that covers a part of the inferior region of the patella l and the portion 14
of
the stretchable portion I24' having a relatively great straining force that
covers
a part of the inferior region of the patella 1 may be achieved by forming the
same with one piece of fabric in which the stretchable portions 121 and 124'
having relatively great straining forces axe continuously provided, so that
the
coupling therebetween has been achieved beforehand. Alternatively, the
stretchable portions 121 and 124' having relatively great straining forces may
be made of separate pieces of fabrics; respectively, and portions of the
fabrics
corresponding to the portions 4 and 14 may be overlapped and sewn so that the
coupling therebetween is achieved.
So far the present invention has been described with reference to
specific examples of the long-tights-type leg support garment, but any design
of
a garment in which an upper body part is added to the long-tights-type leg
support garment of the present invention as required is not excluded from the
present invention at all, as long as the object of the present invention is
not
inhibite d.
The following description will explain embodiments of a tights-type leg
support garment having a length capable of covering a range from a waistline
to the inferior side of the knee (a garment of this kind is hereinafter
referred to
as "semi-long-tights-type garment" also) while referring to the drawings.
Meanwhile, "having a length capable of covering at least a range to the
inferior
side of the knee" described above means that the garment reaches at least the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
52
inferior end of the patella or a position below the same, and preferably, the
garment has a hem line at a position at least 3 cm to 5 cm below the inferior
end of the patella: Furthermore, though not particularly limited, the garment
preferably has its lowest end at a middle position of the lower leg below the
knee or above the same. However, the present invention does not exclude any
garment having a hemline at a position below the same.
FLGS. 89 to 92 are views illustrating a reference embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference example. FIG. 89 is
a rear view of the same, FIG: 90 is a front view of the same, FIG. 91 is a
to cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' Iine in FIG. 90, and
FIG.
92 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is equivalent to a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment obtained by, from the
long-tights-type leg support garment shown in FIGS: 5 to 8, cutting away a
part lower than a position of the portion 4 of the stretchable portion 121
having
a relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of the
patella 1.
More specifically, a portion 2 expressed as the stretchable portion (A)
having a relatively great straining force includes a stretchable portion (A21)
121a having a relatively great straining force and a stretchable portion (A21-
1)
122a having a relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion (A21)
121a having a relatively great straining force substantially covers the
ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human
body, extends approximately along the vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1
on
the medial side thereof so as to surround the patella l through not less than
approximately 1/4 (here, approximately 1.7/4) of the periphery of the patella
1
and to cover a part of an inferior region 4 of the patella l, and on the
superior
side of the knee joint, extends from the medial side to the lateral side of
the
thigh via the anterior side thereof approximately along the rnusculus
sartorius
6 toward the vicinity of the trochanter major 8, passing a superior part 7 of
the
musculus rectus femoris. The stretchable portion (A21-1) 122a having a
relatively great straining force extends from the vicinity of the trochanter
major 8 to the vicinity of the waist 10 along the tractus iliotibialis 9. The
lower end of the hemline in the present embodiment is at a position 5 cm lower
than the inferior end of the patella (the semi-long-tights-type garments of
the
embodiments described below have the same hem line positions, unless
otherwise specified)
The semi-long-tights-type leg support garment shown in FIGS. 89 to 92
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
53
is, according to the foregoing reference embodiment as a reference example,
arranged so that the stretchable portion (;A2I) 121a having a relatively great
straining force covers a portion 4 of a part of an inferior region of the
patella 1
so as to support the patella 1 as if pulling up the 'san~.e from the inferior
side,
thereby improving the stabi:l.ity of the knee joint. The portion 121a further
supports the musculus sartorius 6 and extends from the medial side to the
lateral side of the thigh obliquely and spirally toward the vicinity of the
trochanter major 8, thereby increasing the power for pulling the stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3. This makes it possible to provide a leg support
garment having an increased 'power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle
medialis 3, and hence, this is preferable. Furthermore, this provides the
support to the musculus sartorius 6 that complements the function of the
ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 as well, which is also preferable.
Furthermore, the portion 121a includes the stretchable portion (.A21-1) 122
having a relatively great straining force, which extends upward further from
the vicinity of the trochantex major 8 to the waist 10 along the tractus
iliotibialis 9. Therefore, the function of intensely pressing the trochanter
major 8 is enhanced, thereby improving the connection between the caput ossis
femoris and the acetabulum. This is preferable since further providing a
function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint.
Next, FIGS. 93 to 96 are views illustrating another reference
embodiment of a semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference
example. FIG. 93 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 94 is a front view of the
same, FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line
in
FIG. 94, and FIG. 96 is a right-side-view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 89 to 92~ namely, to the
garment shown in FIGS. 89 to 92, a stretchable portion (B2) 124a having a
relatively great straining force as described below is ,added. Namely, the
garment further includes a stretchable portion (B2) 124a having a relatively
great straining force. The stretchable portion (B2) 124a having a relatively
great straining force extends from a vicinity of the trochanter major 8
downward approximately along the tractus iliotibialis 9 to the lateral side of
the patella 1, covers a part of an inferior region 14 of the patella extending
from the lateral side thereof
The upper portion (A21-1) 122a having a relatively greater straining
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
54
force has a slightly greater width as compared with that shown in FIGS. 89 to
92, at a position where the stretchable portion (B2) 124a having a relatively
great straining force and the stretchable portion (A21) 121a having a
relatively
great straining force are united therewith.
With the foregoing reference-embodiment as a reference example, the
same function as that explained with reference to FIGS. 89 to 92 is exhibited.
Besides, since the stretchable portion (B2) 124a having a relatively great
straining force is further provided, the knee is supported from the both
sides.
Thus, the function of supporting the knee joint is reinforced. Furthermore,
the function of pressing the trochanter major 8 is enhanced fuxther, thereby
improving the connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum.
Therefore, this reinforces a function of enhancing the stability of the hip
joint.
Next, FIGS. 97 to 100 are views illustrating an embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG. 97 is
a rear view of the same, FIG. 98 is a front view of the same, FIG. 99 is a
cross-sectional view of the same taken along anA-A' line in FIG. 98, and FIG.
100 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the present embodiment is equivalent to a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment obtained by, from the
long-tights-type leg support garment shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, cutting away a
part lower than a position of the portion 4 of the stretchable portion 121
having
a relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of the
patella 1.
The portion expressed as the stretchable poxtion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is composed of a stretchable portion (A22) 130a having a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion (A22) 130a having a
relatively great straining force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human body, and extends
approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side
thereof so as to surround the patella 1 through not less than approximately
1l4
of the periphery of the patella l and to cover a part of an inferior region 4
of the
patella l; and then, reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side. - Furthermore, on the superior side of the
knee joint, the stretchable portion (A22) 130a extends through the thigh
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus 21 to the vicinity of the
sulcus gluteus 22.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portion
130a having a relatively great straining force to cover apart of the inferior
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
region 4 of the patella 1, thereby support the patella 1 as if pulling up the
patella 1 from the inferior ide thereof. As a result, the stability of the
knee
joint is improved. Furthermore; the embodiment allows the portion 130a to
support the musculus semitendinosus 21 that is located on the medial side of
5 the thigh, thereby increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum
collateralle medialis 3. Consequently, a leg support garment with an
increased power for supporting the'ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is
provided, which is preferable. Furthermore, the musculus semitendinosus
10 that complements the function of the ligamentum collateralle medians is
supported; which is also preferable:
Next, FIGS. 101 to 104 are views illustrating another embodiment of a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FTG. 101
is a rear view of the same, FIG: 102 is a front view of the same, FIG. 103 is
a
15 cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 102, and
FIG.
104 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the present embodiment is equivalent to a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment obtained by, from the
long-tights-type leg support garment shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, cutting away a
20 part lower than a position of the portion 4 of the stretchable portion 131
having
a relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of the
patella 1.
The portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A~ having a relatively
great straining force is composed of a stretchable portion 131a having a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion 131a having a
25 relatively great straining force, substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee ;toint o~ the human body, and extends
approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side
thereof so as to surround the patella 1 through not less than approximately
ll4
of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of an inferior region 4
of the
30 patella l, and then, reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side: Furthermore, on the superior side of the
knee joint, the portion 131a passes through the thigh approximately along the
musculus gracilis 23, and reaches the vicinity, of the crotch 24.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portion
35 131a having a relatively great straining force to cover a part of the
inferior
region 4 of the patella l, thereby support the patella l as if pulling up the
patella 1 from the inferior side thereof As a result, the stability of the
knee
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
56
joint is improved. Furtherxn.ore; the embodiment allows the portion 131a to
support the musculus gracilis' 23'that is located on the medial side of the
thigh,
thereby increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle
medialis 3. Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for
supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis 3 is provided, which is
preferable. Furthermore, the musculus gracilis that complements the
function of the ligamentum collateralle-medialis is supported, which is
preferable.
Next, FIGS. 105 to 108 are views illustrating still another embodiment
of a semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present invention. FIG.
105 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 106 is a front view of the same, FIG. 107
is
a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line in FIG. 106, and
FIG.
108 is a right-side view of the' same.
The garment of the present embodiment is equivalent to a
semi-long-tights-type leg support garment obtained by, from the
long-tights-type leg support garment shown in FIGS. 45 to 48, cutting away a
part lower than a position of the portion 32 that covers a part of the lateral
inferior region of the patella 1.
The garment of the present embodiment is a leg support garment in
which the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (.A22') 142a having a
relatively
great straining force, and the stretchable part having a relatively great
straining force further includes a stretchable portion (B2') 143a having a
relatively great straining force. The stretchable portion (A.22') 142a having
a
relatively great straining force substantially covers the ligamentum
collateralle
3 on the medial side of the knee joint of the human body, extends
approximately along the vicinity of a periphery of the patella 1 on the medial
side thereof so as to surround the patella l through at least more than
approximatelyl/2 of the periphery of the patella 1 and to cover a part of
inferior
and superior regions 4 and 11 of the patella l, and reaches a side of a
superior
part of the musculus gastrocnemius on the medial side: Further, on the
superior side of the knee joint; in the femoral region, the stretchable
portion
{A22') 142a having a relatively great straining force extends approximately
along the musculus semitendinosus and the musculus gracilis, and reaches the
vicinity below the crotch 24 and a vicinity of the sulcus gluteus 22. The
stretchable portion (B2') 143a having a relatively great straining force
extends
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
57
from a side part of the waist 10 approximately along the tractus iliotibialis
9
via a vicinity of the trochanter major 8, then, approximately along the
tractus
iliotibialis 9 to the lateral side of he patella 1; surrounds the patella 1
through
approximately 1/2 or more of the periphery of the patella 1 so as to cover a
part
of an inferior region 32 and a superior region 33 of the patella l; and
reaches a
side of a superior part of the musculus gastrocnemius on the lateral side.
In the foregoing embodiment, two portions 4 and 11 of the stretchable
portion (A22') 142a having relatively great straining forces project toward
the
medial side therefrom and cover a part of the inferior region 4 and a part of
the
superior region 11 of the patella I, respectively. Besides, two portions 32
and
33 of the stretchable portion (BZ') 143a having relatively great straining
forces
project toward the lateral side therefrom and cover a part of the inferior
region
32 and a part ofthe superior region 33 of the patella I, respectively. Here,
the
two portions 4 and 11 of the stretchable portion (A22') 142a .having a
relatively
great straining force are arranged opposite to the two portions 32 and 33 of
the
stretchable portion (BZ') I43a having a relatively great straining force,
respectively, and at positions slightly shifted to the inferior side from
positions
of the portions 32 and 33 of the stretchable portion (B2') 143a having a
relatively great straining force, respectively Furthermore, when viewed from
the front, the portion covering the inferior region 4 of the patella 1, of the
stretchable portion (.A.22') I42a having a relatively great straining force,
has a
relatively greater area.
The foregoing preferred embodiment allows the stretchable portions
having relatively great straining forces to support the knee and leg from:
both
sides in the femoral region and the lower leg region, without hindering the
action of the musculus vastus lateralis and the musculus vastus medialis on
the anterior side of the thigh, and further, allows the knee joint to be
supported
as if wrapped from the surrounding, thereby providing further support of the
knee joint. Besides, the function of pressing the trochanter major 8 is
reinforced; thereby further improving the connection between the caput ossis
femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, the function of enhancing the
stability of the hip joint is reinforced, which is preferable.
Furthermore, in the lower leg region; on the medial side, the muscles
are fewer and the tibia is in contact with the surface of the body. On the
other
hand, on the lateral side of the lower leg region, the musculus gastrocnemius
is
on the lateral side of the fibula. Therefore, the foregoing embodiment
provides
the support of the knee joint as if pulling the medial side thereof having
fewer
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
58
muscles more intensely from the,inferiar side, thereby reinforcing the support
of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, which is preferable.
As described above, in he foregoing embodiment, as to the two portions
4 and 11 of the stretchable portion (A22') 142a having a relatively great
straining force that project to the lateral side and cover a part of the
inferior
region 4 and a part of the superior region 11 of the patella 1; respectively,
and
the two portions 32 and 33 of the stretchable portion (B2') 143a having a
relatively great straining force that project to the medial side and cover a
part
of the inferior region 32 and a part'of the superior region 33 of the patella
1,
respectively, the position of the projecting portion 4 is slightly inferior to
the
position of the projecting portion 32, and the position of the projecting
portion
11 is slightly inferior to the position of the projecting portion 32.
Therefore,
this provides the support of the knee joint as if pulling the medial side
thereof
having fewer muscles more intensely from the inferior side, thereby
reinforcing
the support of the ligamentum coll~teralle medialis, which is preferable.
However, the projecting portion 4 may be at a position as high as the position
of
the projecting portion 32, ox the projecting portion ~1 may be at a position
as
high as a position of the projecting portion 33: Besides, the two portions 4
and
11 projecting toward the lateral side may further extend over the central line
of
the anterior side of the leg toward the lateral side, while the portions 32
and 33
opposite thereto may further extend over the central line of the anterior side
of
the leg toward the medial side: Alternatively, the projecting portions 4 and
32
may be connected with each other, and likewise, the projecting portions 11 and
33 may be connected with each other. Furthermore, the projecting portion 4
may be located at a position shifted slightly to the superior side of the
projecting portion 32, while the projecting portion 11 may be located at a
position shifted slightly to the superior ide of the projecting portion 33.
Next, FIGS. 109 to 112 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a semi-Iong-tights-type leg support garment as a reference
example. FIG. 109 is a rear view of the same, FIG. 110 is a front view of the
same, FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line
in
FIG. 110, and FIG. 112 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 93 to 96~ namely, in the
garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 93 to 96, the stretchable portion
(A21) l2la having a relatively great straining force and the stretchable
portion
(B2) 124a having a relatively great training force are brought in contact with
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
each other at a position on the inferior side of the patella. Therefore, the
same
portions as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 93 to 96 are designated
with the same reference numerals in the drawings and descriptions of the same
are omitted.
More specifically, a projecting portion 4 of the stretchable portion l2la
having a relatively great straining force that covers a part of the inferior
region
of the patella 1 and a projecting portion 14 ofthe stretchable portion 124a
having a relatively great straining force that covers a part of the inferior
region
of the patella 1 are coupled with each other at a position on the inferior
side of
the patella l, so as to support the knee from the right, left, and inferior
sides of
the same. Therefore; the same function as that of the leg support garment
shown in FIGS. 93 to 96 is displayed. Besides; since the portions denoted with
4 and 14 are brought into contact with each other, the hems of the garment are
stably positioned on the inferior sides of the knees, and the loosening of the
garment, such as the sliding up, hardly takes place.
Next, FIGS. 113 to 116 are views illustrating still another reference
embodiment of a semi-long-tights-type leg support garment as a reference
example. FIG. 113 is a rear view of the same; FIG. i14 is a front view of the
same, FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along an A-A' line
in
FIG. 114, and FIG. 116 is a right-side view of the same.
The garment of the reference embodiment is a garment as a
modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 109 to 112 namely, in the
garment of the embodiment shown in FIGS: 109 to 112, the stretchable portion
(A2) 121a having a relatively great straining force and the stretchable
portion
(BZ) 124a having a relatively great straining force are coupled with each
other
in a slightly wide range on the inferior side of the patella, rather than in
point
contact with each other. Therefore, the same portions as those of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 109 to 112 are designated with the same reference
numerals in the drawings and descriptions of the same are omitted.
More specifically, a projecting portion 4 of the stretchable portion 121a
having a relatively great straining force that covers a part of the inferior
region
of the patella 1 and a projecting portion l4 of the stretchable portion 124a
having a relatively great straining force that covers a part of the inferior
region
of the patella 1 are coupled with each other at a position on the inferior
side of
the patella l, so ws to support the knee from the right, left, and inferior
sides of
the same. Therefore, the same function as that of the leg support garment
shown in FIGS. 109 to 112 is displayed, and the function of supporting the
knee
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
from the inferior side is further reinforced.
It should be noted that in the case of the present embodiment, in the
case where the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force is
formed by laminating stretchable fabrics in predetermined shapes on a
5 garment main body and sewing them, or the like, the coupling between the
portion 4 of the stretchable portion 121a having a relatively great straining
force that covers a part of the,in~erior region of the patella 1 and,the
portion 14
of the stretchable portion 124a having a relatively great straining force that
covers a part of the inferior region of the patella 1 may be achieved by
forming
10 the same with one piece of fabric in which the stretchable portions 121a
and
124a having relatively great straining forces are continuously provided, so
that
the coupling therebetween has been achieved beforehand. Alternatively, the
stretchable portions 121a and 124a having relatively great straining forces
may
be made of separate pieces of fabrics, respectively, and portions of the
fabrics
15 corresponding to the portions 4 and 14 may be overlapped and sewn so that
the
coupling therebetween is achieved.
So far, several embodiments of semi-long-tights-type leg support
garments have been described with reference to the drawings. The present
invention, however, is not limited to these, and the various kinds of
20 long-tights-type leg support garments described above with reference to the
drawings may be applied as semi-long-tights-typ~ garments by cutting away
the portions lower than the knee.
Furthermore, any design of a garment in which an upper body part is
added to the semi-long-tights-type leg support garment of the present
invention
25 as required is not excluded from the present invention at all, as long as
the
object of the present invention is not inhibited. As to the ankle-length leg
support garment of the present invention, any garment of this type to which a
piece of fabric traversing the sole is attached so as to connect both sides of
the
hem of each leg part is not excluded from the present invention at all.
30 Meanwhile, in the long-tights-type and semi-long-tights-type leg
support garments, any seam line of the main body of the garment preferably
does not run through at least a region covering the ligamentum collateralle in
the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force located over
the
ligamentum collateralle on the medial side of the knee joint.
35 More specifically, as to the leg support garment of the present invention
of any type, the long-tights-type or the semi-Iong-tights-type; it is
necessary to
form a portion covering the leg part into a cylindrical form, and applicable
as a
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
6I
method for forming the leg part into a cylindrical form is; for instance, a
method for rolling a flat fabric into a cylindrical form and seaming a hem on
one side of the fabric and a hem on the other side of the fabric together. In
the
case where a fabric is thus shaped in a cylindrical form by seaming the same,
conventionally it is usual hat the sawing is carried out so that the seam line
passes the medial side of the leg part.
In the present invention, it is preferable to design the garment so that
the seam line of the main body of the garment does not run through at least a
region thereof covering the ligamentum collateralle in the stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force located on the ligamentum
collateralle
on the medial side of the knee joint: To facilitate the understanding, the
seam
line of the main body of the'garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical
form is described below, taking concrete examples with reference to a few of
the
drawings.
FIG. 117 is a drawing in which a seam line of the main body of the
garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical form is drawn into FIG. 7.
More specifically, FIG. 117 illustrates an embodiment in the case where a seam
line 50 of the main body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a
cylindrical form runs on a medial side of the leg part. The garment is
designed so that the seam line 50 of the main body of the garment whose leg
part is formed in a cylindrical form passes on a hem of a part of the
stretchable
portion 121 having a relatively great straining force located over the
ligamentum collateralle 3 on the medial side of the knee joint, avoiding at
least
a region thereof immediately above the ligamentum collateralle 3. Thus, the
description "does not run tlaraugh at least a region covering the ligamentum
collateralle in the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force
located on the ligamentum collateralle on the medial side of the knee joint"
is
used so as to mean that the seam line is allowed to run on the hem of the
region covering the ligamentum collateralle of the stretchable portion having
a
relatively gxeat straining farce. Of course, the garment maybe designed so
that the seam line passes through positions slightly distanced from the region
covering the ligamentum collateralle of the stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force; without running on the hem of the region of
the
ligamentum collateralle at all.
Next, FIG. 118 is a view illustrating another embodiment different from
that shown in FIG. 117, for explaining a position of the seam line of the main
body of the garment. FIG. 118 is a drawing in which the seam line of the main
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
62
body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical form is drawn
into FIG. 8. More specifically, FIG. 118 illustrates an embodiment in the case
where a seam line 5l of the maix~ body of the garment whose leg part is formed
in a cylindrical form runs on a lateral side of the leg part. In the case
where
the seam line of the main body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a
cylindrical form runs on a lateral side of the leg part, the seam line by no
means runs through at least a region covering the ligamentum collateralle in
the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force located on
the
ligamentum collateralle on the medial side of the knee joint. Therefore, such
a
seam line basically may be allowed to run through any position as long as the
position is on the lateral side of the leg part. However, in the case where a
certain stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force exists
on
the lateral side of the leg part, it ispreferable to design the garment so
that, if
possible, the seam line shoulds for instance, pass along the hem of the same,
avoiding the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force, or
that the seam line should be located at a position slightly distanced from the
region covering the ligamentum collateralle of the stretchable portion having
a
relatively great straining force: In the example shown in FIG. 118, the seam
line 5I of the main body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a
cylindrical form is provided along the hem on one side of the stretchable
portion 121 having a relatively great straining force in an upper part of the
garment, and then, passes through approximately the center of the side part of
the garment; slightly away from the stretchable portion 121 having a
relatively
great straining force, in a lower part from a position at a distance of
approximately 1/3 of the total length of the garment from the waistline 10.
Next, FIG. 119 is a view illustrating still another embodiment different
from that shown in FIGS: 117 and 118; for explaining a position of the seam
line of the main body of the garment: FIG. 119 is a drawing in which the seam
line of the main body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical
form is drawn in FIG. 80. More specifically, FIG. 118 illustrates another
embodiment in the case where a seam line 52 of the main body of the garment
whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical form runs on a lateral side of the
leg
part. In the example shown in FIG. 118, the seam line 52 of the main body of
the garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical form is provided along a
hem on the posterior side of the stretchable portion 156 having a relatively
great straining force. By sewing the garment through the foregoing line, the
seam line runs on the hem of the stretchable portion 156 having a relatively
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
63
great straining force. Therefore, the seam line by no means independently
appears on the garment, thereby hardly harming the appearance of the
garment. Consequently, an advantage in that the design of the garment is not
impaired is achieved. Particularly in the case where the stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force is composed of a patch of a fabric,
the
sewn portions constitute sewn portions where the patch of the fabric and the
main body of the garment are sewn together. Therefore, the design of the
garment is not impaired. Furthermore, since the sewn portions are such
commonly sewn portions, the leg support garment of the present invention can
be formed with fewer sewn portions: The foregoing is a mere example, but in
the case where the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force
extends on the lateral side of the leg part of the garment, approximately from
the upper end to the lower end of the garnent; it is preferable that the seam
line of the main body of the garment whose leg part is formed in a cylindrical
form is provided along the hem of the stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force, since the aforementioned advantages and the like can be
achieved.
The foregoing description explains the seam line of the main body of the
garment in the case where the leg part thereof is formed in a cylindrical
form,
while referring to a few concrete examples, but the present invention is not
limited to the concrete examples shown in the drawings.
As described above, with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, in which the seam line of the main body of the garment does not run
through at least a region covering the ligamentum collateralle in the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force located over the
ligamentum collateralle on the nedial side of the knee joint, the
insufficiency of
the power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis can be avoided
the insufficiency of the power is caused in the case where a seam line runs
through at least a region covering the ligamentum collateralle medialis in.
the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force located over the
ligamentun collateralle nedialissince the stretchability is decreased by the
seam line. Therefore, with the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the straining force of the stretchable portion having a great straining force
located over the ligamentum collateralle nedialis is displayed sufficiently,
which is preferable.
In a garment of the presena invention, a stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force may be formed by laminating a stretchable
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
64
fabric having a predetermined shape on the main body of the garment and
sewing it, or by laminating a stretchable fabric having a predetermined shape
on the main body of the garment and bonding it. Particularly, according to the
former method, a garment having durability can be produced easily. Of course,
a leg support garment of the present invention may be formed by preparing
stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces and other
portions
as respective parts of predetermined shapes and seaming them together.
However, such sewing is complex and takes a lot of labor.
Furthermore, for example, a stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force may be formed by stretching and laminating a stretchable
fabric having a predetermined shape on the main body of the garment and
sewing or bonding it. These 'methods are favorable when applying a stronger
straining force by the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force.
Furthermore, a stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force may be formed by impregnating or coating a predetermined part of the
main body fabric of the garment 'with a solution or emulsion of a synthetic
resin
or rubber having elasticity followed by drying, or by laminating a film of a
synthetic resin or rubber having elasticity on a predetermined part of the
main
body fabric of the garment. According to these methods, a stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force can be obtained with a relatively
small
thickness. As the synthetic resin having elasticity, suitable elastic resins
such
as polyurethane resins, polyester elastomer resins, etc. may be used.
Furthermore, a stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force may be formed by changing the knitting stitch of a stretchable fabric
that
forms the main body of the garment to a stitch with a greater straining force.
According to this method; because lamination also is not necessary, a
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force can be formed
thinner. The definition of the method in which a stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force is formed by changing the knitting stitch as
described also includes a method of forming a stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force by using, among the fiber materials forming
the
main body of the garment, an elastic fiber thicker than those used in other
portions, and a method of forming the same by increasing the density of the
elastic fiber as compared with the other portions. According to any one of
these methods, because.lamination also is not necessary, a stretchable portion
having a relatively great straining force can be formed further thinner. ,
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
Furthermore, in the case where the circular-knitting fabric is used as
the fabric that forms the garment; it is possible to form the stretchable
portions
having great straining forces by the cut-boss knitting method.
Among the above-described methods for forming a stretchable portion
5 having a relatively great straining force, preferred are the method of
laminating a stretchable fabric having a predetermined shape on the main
body of the garment and sewing it, and the method of stretching and
laminating a stretchable fabric having a predetermined shape on the main
body of the garment and sewing it. According to these methods, the straining
ZO force of the stretchable fabric ewn to the main body of the garment may be
slightly smaller than, the .same ~s, or larger than the straining force of the
stretchable fabric of the main body of the garment. This is because lamination
of a stretchable fabric on the main body of the garment results in increased
straining force in the laminated part. The degree of the straining force of
the
15 fabric to be laminated may be chosen as appropriate depending on the type
of
the garment, intended use, preference of the wearer, etc.
Meanwhile; to facilitate the understanding, the technique for forming
the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force by the
aforementioned cut-boss knitting method will be described below, with
20 reference to FIGS. 120 to 122.
FIGS. 120 to 122 are cross-sectional conceptual process views
illustrating the cut-boss knitting technique in the circular knitting. A side
indicated by a dotted arrow A is a front side of the circular knitting fabric,
and
a side indicated by a dotted arrow B is a back side of the circular knitted
fabric.
25 First of all, as shown in FIG. 120; when a front yarn 61 and a back yarn
62 are supplied to a circular knitting machine for knitting, an intermediate
yarn 63 is inserted between the front yarn 61 and the back yarn 62 so that the
front, intermediate, and back yarns 61, 63, and 62 are supplied together to
the
circular knitting machine so as to be knitted in a portion that is to have a
30 relatively greater straining force by means of the cut-boss technique.
These
portions are portions between arrows 64a and 64b and between arrows 64c and
64d (it should be noted that the intermediate yarn 63 is indicated with an
alternate long and short dash Iine for conveniences sake.) In a portion to be
formed as the portion having a relatively small straining force, like the
portion
35 between the arrows 64b and 64c; the intermediate yarn 63 is not inserted
between the front and back, yarns 61 and 62 thereby floated on the back side,
so
that the portion is knitted with only the front and back yarns 61 and 62.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
66
Subsequently, the intermediate yarn 63 thus floated is cut at the positions
indicated by the arrows 64a, 64b64c, and 64d. Consequently; as shown in
FIG. 121, portions zi and za compose stretchable portions having relatively
great straining forces in which the intermediate yarn 63 is inserted, while a
portion z2 composes a stretchable portion having a relatively small straining
force that is knitted with only the front and back yarns 1 and 2.
FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional conceptual view illustrating a circular
knitting fabric obtained by the cut-boss knitting technique. 61a is a front
surface part of the circular knitting fabric on 'which the front yarn 61
appears,
62a is a back surface part of the circular knitting fabric on which the back
yarn
62 appears, 63a is a reinforcing layer composed of the intermediate yarn 63,
portions zi and zs are stretchable portions having relatively great straining
forces, and z2 is a stretchable portion having a relatively small straining
force.
In the present invention; the stretchable portion having a relatively
great straining force and the stretchable portion having a relatively small
straining force may be formed by only the cut-boss knitting technique as
described above, or alternatively, in addition to the foregoing technique, a
technique of varying the straining force by the stitch adjustment in each
course
of the circular knitting fabric may be used in combination.
Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that a stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force has a straining force of 0.3
N to
4 N approximately in its length direction. Within this range of straining
force,
the functions of the present invention are exhibited effectively, and moreover
compressive feeling is not too strong, and wearing comfort is excellent. Even
if the straining force of a stretchable portion having a relatively smaller
straining force exceeds 0.3 Nit is justified as long as the straining force is
smaller than those of any of the strong straining portions formed in the
garment.
In the case where straining forces of fabrics used as a stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force and a stretchable portion
having a relatively small straining force are measured, the following tensile
test is carried out.
A 2.5 cm x 16:0 cm (width x length) sample is formed so that the fabric
warp direction (wale direction) is the lengthwise direction of the sample. The
sample is placed so that the lengthwise direction is directed in the vertical
direction, and both ends of the sample are gripped with clips. The sample is
placed to the constant-speed extension-type tensile tester ("AUTOGRPH
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
67
AG-500D" manufactured by Shimazu Corporation), with an upper grip length
and a lower grip length being set to be 2:5 cm and 3.5 cm, respectively, and
hence, a space between grips set to be 10.0 cm. The sample is stretched at a
rate of 30~2 cm/min, up to a stretching degree of 80%. Here, a stress applied
to the sample when the stretching degree is 30 % is recorded as a stretching
force (unit: N) [1 gf ~ 0.0098 N]. Then, the stress applied to the sample
stretched to the stretching degree of 80 % is removed, and the sample
contracts
toward its original length. Here, a stress applied to the sample when the
stretching degree is recovered to approximately 30 °/ is measured as a
straining force (unit: N): The foregoing tensile tester is set so that these
values are recorded automatically. It should be noted that each of the
stretching force and the straining force was determined by measuring two
samples and averaging the obtained values.
Here, the stretching degree (%) is a value expressed as [(d-e)/e]x100
where d represents a length in a stretching direction ofa fabric in a
stretched
state, and a represents an original length of the sample before stretched
(i.e., a
space between grips).
It should be noted that the sample to be used for the measurement of
the stretchability and the straining force preferably has the size as
described
above, but if a sample of this size cannot be cut out from the garment to be
measured, a smaller sample may be used. However, because measurement
error increases as the size of the ample decreases; it is preferable that a
sample as large as possible is cut out and measured.
The width of a stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force in a garment of the present invention is not particularly limited, and
it
may be chosen as appropriate depending on the part where the stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force is present, the strength of
the
straining force of the material used, the means for forming the stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force, the purpose of use of the
garment (for instance; the degree of disorder of the knee of the wearer, the
part
that suffers from the disorder, the aim of preventing disorder; and the type
of
the sports played), whether the wearer is an adult or a child, etc. to the
extent
so that the object of the present invention is achieved. Besides, the width
necessarily varies with the part where it is applied. Therefore; it is
difficult to
specify the width numerically in general, but if the portion has a very small
width, almost in a line form, it is useless, and the portion preferably has an
average width of not less than 2 cm, and more preferably not less than 3 cm:
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
68
Normally, the portion preferably has a width of not more than 15 cm where the
portion is widest, and more preferably not more than 13 cm:
Of course, the width of a stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force may be partially smaller or greater depending on the part to
the
extent so that the object of the present invention is achieved.
In the present invention; he various stretchable portion having
relatively great straining forces for supporting the muscles are mainly
provided
in directions approximately along the directions of fibers of the muscles and
ligaments except for specific details. By so doing, the contraction of the
l0 muscles and the functions of the ligaments are supported without impairing
the function of the muscles and ligaments.
Furthermore, a garment of the present invention may preferably use,
as-a stretchable fabric, a polyurethane fiber-containing power net that is a
polyurethane fiber-containing stretch raschel knitted fabric, a polyurethane
fiber-containing two-way stretch tricot knitted fabric that is a polyurethane
fiber-containing tricot knitted fabric, a polyurethane fiber-containing
circular
knitting fabric, etc. Therefore, compared with a conventional supporter using
a relatively thick pile fabric or neoprene sheet, etc., a fabric having a
thickness
in a range as used when making a usual garment, e.g. from about 0.3 mm to
about 0.8 mm, may be used. Thus; a garment can be provided that reduces
the wearer's appearance little. such as the figure when worn; fits well to the
body, and has relatively goad ventilation: The kind of the power net includes,
for example, a plane power net; satin power net, two-way stretch raschel,
"TRISKIN" (trademark of Urabe Corporation), etc.
It is not necessary that all stretchable portions having relatively great
straining forces have the same training force, and they may have different
straining forces depending on the part.
The kind of fiber yarns forming the fabric of the garment is not
particularly limited, and various fiber yarns may be used, such as various
synthetic fiber yarns made of polyester, nylon, etc.; natural fiber yarns made
of
cotton, wool, silk, etc., semisynthetic fiber yarns :made of rayon, etc.,
elastic
fiber yarns made of polyurethane, etc., mixed fiber yarns made of mixtures of
at least two kinds of these, a covering yarn, a water-absorptive quick-dry
yarn,
and other processed yarns:
In the ease where an elastic yarn is used, a yarn made of elastic fibers
alone may be used. Iioweve~, it is more pxeferable to use an elastic fiber
yarn
that is covered with another fiber such as the aforementioned water-absorptive
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
69
quick-dry yarn, a synthetic fiber yarn with an excellent water-repellency, or
a
natural fiber yarn, etc.; depending on the purpose.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As the garment of the present invention, leg support garments that
exhibit functions described below are provided.
(1) More specifically, a leg support garment of the present invention is a
leg support garment of a tights type that has stretchability and is applied in
close contact of the human body so as to support the legs, the leg support
garment comprising a stretchable part having a relatively great straining
force,
wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force
includes a stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great straining force
that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on a medial
side of the knee joint of the human body and
on a superior ide of the knee joint; extends through a
length of not less than 1/2 of that of the thigh, along at least one
selected from the m:uaculus group consisting of the musculus
semitendinosus; the musculus semimen~branosus, and the
musculus gracilis;
wherein the portion (A~ is either a stretchable portion (A2) having a
relatively great straining force or a stretchable portion (A3) having a
relatively
great straining force,
the portion (A2) being a stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that:
substantially covers he ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as o surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or
the muscuius soleus on the medial sides and
on a superior-side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one elected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus,:
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
a
the portion (A3) being a stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that=
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
5 extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1l4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least apart of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches aside of the musculus gastrocnemius andlor
l0 the musculus soleus on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via a posterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembranosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
15 passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely.
Therefore, in the Teg support garment of a tights type of the present
invention, the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great straining
force
supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis, and further, on the superior
side of the knee joint, supports at least one selected from the musculus group
20 consisting of the musculus sartorius, the musculus semitendinosus, the
musculus semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis that are located over
the ligamentum collateralle medialis and extend upward. Therefore, a power
of pulling up the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
foxce
that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis is produced by the portion
25 extending upward in the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively great
straining force, thereby increasing the power of supporting the ligamentum
collateralle medialis. Further, at least one of the musculus sartorius, the
musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus, and the musculus
gracilis that support the knee joint in cooperation with the ligamentum
30 collateralle medialis is also supported by the stretchable portion having a
relatively great straining force. Therefore, the combined actions of these
make it possible to provide a leg support garment that is capable of
protecting
the knees and stably maintaining the knee joints without decreasing the
degree of freedom of the movement of the knee joints, that provides a good
35 feeling when worn, and that is useful for preventing and reducing gonalgia
caused by the instability of the knees, and further, for preventing injuries
to
the ligamentum collateralle medialis caused by sports or the like.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
71
Furthermore, the portion ;expressed as the stretchable portion (A)
having a relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A2) having
a
relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
l0 patella, and reaches a side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or
the musculus coleus an the medial sides and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus.
By so doing, the stretchable portion -having a relatively great straining
force
covers at least a part of the inferior region of the patella, thereby
supporting
the patella as if pulling up the patella from the inferior side thereof. As a
result, the stability of the knee joint is improved: Furthermore, at least one
of
the musculus semitendinos~us, the musculus semimembxanosus, and the
musculus gracilis that are located on the medial side of the thigh, thereby
increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis.
Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which is preferable.
Furthermore, at least one of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis that Complement the function of
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is supported, which is also preferable.
Alternatively; the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A~
having a relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A3) having
a
relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends appxoximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
72
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side, of he musculus gastrocnemius andlor
the musculus soleus on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via a posterior side thereof
approximately along fhe musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembxanosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely:
By so doing, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is
provided, which extends from the ide of the musculus gastrocnemius andJox
the musculus soleus on the medial side upwards; then passes the thigh
obliquely in a spiral form from the medial side to the lateral side thereof
via
the posterior side thereof, and reaches the vicinity of the trochanter major.
Therefore, it is possible to support the patella as if pulling up the same
from
the inferior side thereof, thereby improving the stability of the knee joint.
Furthermore, it is also possible to increase the power of pulling the
stretchable
portion having a relatively great straining force that supports the ligamentum
collatexalle medialis. Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased
power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which
is
preferable. Furthermore, the rnuseulus semitendinosus and/or the musculus
semimembranosus that complements the function of the ligamentum
collateraile medialis is supported; which is preferable.
(2) The leg support garment is a leg support garment described i.n the
above item (1) arranged accordirsg to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention in which the leg support garment is a garment of a tights type that
has a length capable of covering at least a range from a waistline to a
superior
side of the ankle. By so doing, the leg support garment has a length capable
of
covering at least a range from a waistline to a superior side of the ankle.
Therefore, the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis, described
in
the above item (I), is exerted further more intensely where the portion
extends
upward to the superior part of the thigh. Consequently, this provides a leg
support garment in which the power of supporting the ligamentum collateralle
medialis is improved, which is preferable: Besides, since it is a tights-type
garment, it is easy to wear, and suitable as sports wear.
(3) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(1) or (2) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
73
invention wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A2) having
a relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A2-1) having a
relatively great straining force that further covers at least a part of a
superior
region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella.
By so doing, the stretchable portion (A2) having a relatively great straining
force also covers at leash a part of the superior region of the patella.
Therefore,
the knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of
the
patella; thereby allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved,
which
is preferable.
(4) Furthermore; the leg support'garment according to the above item
(1) or (2) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A3) having
a relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (.A3-1) having a
relatively great straining force that further covers at least a part of a
superior
region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella. By so doing, the
stretchable portion (A3) having a relatively great straining force also covers
at
least a part of the superior region of the patella. Therefore, the knee joint
is
supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of the patella,
thereby
allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved, which is preferable.
(5) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to any one of the
above items (I) to (3) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great
straining force further includes a stretchable portion (B) having a relatively
great straining force that:
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along the
tractus iliotibialis via--a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
covers at least a part of an inferior region of the patella, or at
least a part of inferior and superior regions of the patella and
passes a side of the musculus gastrocnemius andlor the
musculus soleus on a lateral side of the same.
By so doing, the stretchable portion (B) having a relatively great straining
force
is further provided. Therefore, the knee and leg are supported from the both
sides at the femoral region and the lower leg region, and further, the
musculus
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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gastrocnemius andlor the musculus soleus are supported from their sides
without hindering their actions. Furthermore, the function of pressing the
trochanter major is enhanced further, thereby improving the connection
between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, this
reinforces a function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint.
(6) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(1) or (2) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention wherein:
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A2') having a relatively great
straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof
surrounds the patella through at least approximately 1/2 or
more of the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of
inferior and superior regions of the patella, and reaches a side of the
musculus gastrocnemius and/or the musculus soleus on the medial
side and
on a superior side ofthe knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch
and a vicinity of the sulcus gluteus
and,
the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force further
includes a stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great straining force
that:
extends from a side part of the vsraist approximately along
the tractus iliotibialis via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
surrounds the patella through approximately 112 or more of
the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of inferior
and superior regions of the patella and
passes a side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the
musculus soleus on the lateral side.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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By so doing, the stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces
supports the knee and leg from both sides in the femoral region and the lower
leg region, without hindering the action of the musculus vastus lateralis and
the musculus vastus medialis on the anterior side of the thigh. Further; the
foregoing embodiment allows he knee joint to be supported as if wrapped from
the surraunding, thereby providing more support to the knee joint. Besides,
the function of pressing the trochanter major is reinforced; thereby further
improving the connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum.
Therefore, the function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is
reinforced,
which is preferable.
(7) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(6) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein:
the stretchable portion (A2') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the lateral side and covering a part
of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
the stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the medial side and covering a part of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
said two projecting portions of the stretchable portion (A2') having a
relatively great straining force are arranged at positions opposite to said
two
projecting portions of the stretchable portion (B') having a relatively great
straining force, respectively, he positions being slightly shifted to the
inferior
side from positions of said two portions of the stretchable portion (B')
having a
relatively great straining force, respectively
and
when viewed from the front, the portion of the stretchable portion (A2')
having a relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of
the
patella has a relatively greater area.
By so doing, the function described in the above item (15) is achieved.
Meanwhile, in the lower leg region; on the medial side, the muscles are fewer
and the tibia is in contact with the surface of the body, whereas on the
lateral
side of the lower leg region, the musculus gastrocnemius is on the lateral
side
of the fibula. Therefore, the foregoing embodiment provides the support of the
knee joint as if pulling the medial side thereof having fewer muscles more
intensely from the inferior side, thereby reinforcing the support of the
ligamentum collateralle medialis, which is preferable.
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
76
(8) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(1) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein the leg support garment is a garment of a tights type that has a
lengtk
capable of covering at least a range from a waistline to an inferior side of
the
knee. By so doing, the leg support garment has a length capable of covering at
least a range from the waistline to the inferior side of the knee. Therefore,
the
power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis, described in the
above item (1), is exerted more intensely where the portion extends upward to
the superior part of the thigh: Consequently, this provides a leg support
garment in which the power of supporting the ligamentum collateraile medialis
is improved, which ispxeferable. Moreover, since it is a tights-type garment,
it is easy to wear, and suitable as sports wear: Particularly, it is suitably
worn
in high temperature areas or in the hot season.
(9) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(8) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a
relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A22) having a relatively great
straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approxi:m:ately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than. approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches aside of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch or
of the sulcus gluteus.
By so doing, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
covers at least a part of the inferior region of the patella, thereby
supporting
the patella as if pulling up the patella from the inferior side thereof. As a
result, the stability of the knee joint is improved. Furthermore, at least one
of
the musculus semitendinosus; the musculus semimembranosus, and the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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musculus gracilis that are located on the medial side of the thigh, thereby
increasing the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively
great
straining force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis.
Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which is preferable.
Furthermore, at least one of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis that complement the function of
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is supported, which is preferable.
(10) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(9) is arrange according to a preferred-embodiment of the present invention
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A22) having a
relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A22-1) having a
relatively great straining force that further covers at least a part of a
superior
region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella.
By so doing, the stretchable portion (A22) having a relatively great straining
force also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella.
Therefore,
the knee joint is upported therefrom' as well as from the inferior region of
the
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee joint to be achieved,
which
is preferable.
(11) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(8) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a
relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A23) having a relatively great
straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as o surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of'an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via a posterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus semitendinosus and/or the
musculus semimembranosus to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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passing over the musculus biceps femoris obliquely:
By so doing, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is
present, extending from the medial side to the lateral side of the thigh via
the
posterior side thereof obliquely and spirally toward the vicinity of the
trochanter major, thereby supporting the patella as if pulling up the same
from
the inferior side, and improving the stability of the knee joint. Furthermore,
the power of pulling the stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining
force that supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis is increased. This
makes it possible to provide a Ieg support garment having an increased power
for supporting the ligamentum collateralle medialis, and hence, this is
preferable. Furthermore, this provides the support to the musculus
semitendinosus andlor the musculus semimembranosus that complements the
function of the ligamentum collateralle medialis as well, which is also
preferable.
(12) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(11) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A23) having a
relatively great straining force is a stretchable portion (A23-1) having a
relatively great straining force that further covers at least a part of a
superior
region of the patella by extending thereto approximately from a vicinity of
the
periphery of the patella on the medial side of the patella.
By so doing, the stretchable portion (A33) having a relatively great straining
force also covers at least a part of the superior region of the patella.
Therefore,
the knee joint is supported therefrom as well as from the inferior region of
the
patella, thereby allowing more stability of the knee, which is preferable.
(13) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to any one of the
above items (8) to (12) is arranged according to a;preferred embodiment of the
present invention wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great
straining force further inclddes a stretchable portion (B2) having a
relatively
great straining force that:
extends from a side part of the waist approximately along the
tractus iliotibialis via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
covers at least a part of an inferior region of the patella, or at
least a part of inferior and superior regions of the patella and
reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus gastrocnemius
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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on the lateral side.
By so doing, the stretchable portions (B2) having relatively great straining
forces are further provided. Therefore, the knee is supported from both of the
sides, whereby the support of the knee is reinforced. Besides, the function of
pressing the trochanter major is reinforced, thereby further improving the
connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore,
the function of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is reinforced.
(14) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the above item
(8) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein:
the portion expressed as the stretchable portion (A) having a relatively
great straining force is a stretchable portion (A22') having a relatively
great
straining force that:
substantially 'covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof
surrounds the patella through at least approximately 1/2 or
more of the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of
inferior and superior regions of the patella, and reaches a side of a
superior part of the musculus gastrocnemius on the medial side
and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends approximately
along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting of
the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,
and the musculus gracilis, and reaches a vicinity below the crotch
and a vicinity of the ~ulcus gluteus
and,
the stretchable part having a relatively great straining force further
includes a stretchable portion (B2') having a relatively great straining force
that:
extends from. a side part of the waist approximately along
the tractus iliotibiali5 via a vicinity of the trochanter major, then,
approximately along the tractus iliotibialis to a lateral side of the
patella
surrounds the patella through approximately 1/2 or more of
the periphery of the patella so as to cover at least a part of inferior
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
$~
and superior regions of the patella and
reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the lateral side.
By so doing, the stretchable portions having relatively great straining forces
support the knee and leg from both sides in the femoral region and the lower
leg region, without hindering the action of the musculus vastus lateralis and
the musculus vastus medialis on, the anterior side of the thigh. Further, the
knee joint is supported as if wrapped from the surrounding, whereby further
support of the knee joint is provided. Besides; the function of pressing the
trochanter major is reinforced, thereby further improving the connection
between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum. Therefore, the function
of enhancing the stability of the hip joint is reinforced, which is
preferable.
(15) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to the item (I4) is
arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein:
the stretchable portion (A22') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the lateral side and covering a part
of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
the stretchable portion (B2') having a relatively great straining force
includes two portions projecting toward the medial side and covering a part of
the inferior region and a part of the superior region of the patella,
respectively
said two projecting poxtions of the stretchable portion (A22') having a
relatively great straining force are arranged at positions opposite to said
two
projecting portions of the stretchable portion (B2') having a relatively great
straining force, respectively, the positions being slightly shifted to the
inferior
side from positions of said two portions of the stretchable portion (B2')
having a
relatively great straining force, respectively
and
a vertex of the portion of he stretchable pox~tian (A22') having a
relatively great straining force that covers the inferior region of the
patella is
positioned at center of the patella, or slightly on a lateral side from the
center.
By so doing, the function described in the above item (29) is achieved.
Meanwhile, in the lower leg region, on the medial side, the muscles are fewer
and the tibia is in contact with the surface of the body, whereas on the
lateral
side of the lower leg region; the musculus gastrocnemius is on the lateral
side
of the fibula. Therefore, the foregoing embodiment provides the support of the
knee joint as if pulling the medial side thereof having fewer muscles more
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
s1
intensely from the inferior side, thereby reinforcing the support of the
ligamentum collateralle medialiswhich is preferable.
In addition to the forgoing items, the following items are available to a
leg support garment.
(16) A leg support-garment of a tights type that has a length capable of
covering at least a range from a waistline to a superior side of the ankle and
has stretchability and is applied in close contact with the surface of the
human
body so as to support the legs; the leg support garment comprising a
stretchable part having a relatively great straining force,
wherein the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is a stretchable portion (Al) having a relatively great straining force that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the medial
side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella through
not less than approximately ll4 of the periphery of the patella and to
cover at least a part of an,inferior region of the patella, and reaches a
side of the musculus gastrocnemius and/or the musculus soleus on the
medial side and
on a superior side of the knee joint, extends from a medial side
to a lateral side of the thigh via an anterior side thereof approximately
along the musculus sartorius to a vicinity of the trochanter major,
passing a superior part of the musculus rectos femoris~
and further includes, on a superior side of a knee-joint-part of the
stretchable portion (Al) having a relatively great' straining force, a
stretchable
portion (A2') having a relatively great straining force that extends
approximately along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis to a vicinity of the crotch or a vicinity of the sulcus
gluteus.
By so doing, the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining
force is present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from the medial side to
the
lateral side of the thigh, and then, to the trochanter major. In addition, the
stretchable portion (A2') having a relatively great straining force that
branches
therefrom on the superior side of he knee joint is present also, extending
through the thigh approximately along at least one selected from the musculus
group consisting of the musculus' sernitendinosus; the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis to the vicinity of the crotch or
the
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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vicinity of the sulcus gluteus. The actions of these in combination further
increase the power of pulling the tretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that supports the'ligamentum collateralle medialis.
Consequently, a leg support garment with an increased power for supporting
the ligamentum collateralle medialis is provided, which is preferable.
Furthermore, along with the musculus sartorius that complements the function
of the ligamentum collateralle medialis, at least one selected from the
musculus group consisting of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis is also supported, which is
preferable. Furthermore, the stretchable portion having a relatively great
straining force that is provided from the vicinity of the trochanter major to
the
vicinity of the waist along the tractus iliotibialis provides a function of
pressing
the trochanter major, thereby improving the connection between the caput
ossis femoris and the acetabulum: Therefore, this further provides a function
of enhancing the stability of the hip joint, which is preferable.
(17) Furthermore, a leg support garment of a tights type that has a
length capable of covering at Ieast a range from a waistline to an inferior
side
of the knee and has stretchability and is applied in close contact with the
surface of the human body so as to support the legs; the leg support garment
comprising a stretchable part having a relatively great straining force,
wherein the stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force
is a stretchable portion (AZl:) having a relatively great straining force
that:
substantially covers the ligamentum collateralle on the
medial side of the knee joint of the human body
extends approximately along a vicinity of a periphery of the
patella on a medial side thereof so as to surround the patella
through not less than approximately 1/4 of the periphery of the
patella and to cover at least a part of an inferior region of the
patella, and reaches a side of a superior part of the musculus
gastrocnemius on the medial side and
on a superior ide of the knee joint, extends from a medial
side to a lateral side of the thigh via an anterior side thereof
approximately along the musculus sartorius to a vicinity of the
trochanter major, passing a uperior part of the musculus rectus
femoris~
and further includes, on a superior side of a knee-joint-part of the
stretchable portion (A21) havinga relatively great straining force, a
stretchable
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
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portion (A22') having a relatively-great straining force that extends
approximately along at least one selected from the musculus group consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus; 'the musculus semimembranosus, and the
musculus gracilis to a vicinity of the crotch or a vicinity of the sulcus
gluteus.
By so doing, the stretchable portions having relatively great straining
forces are present in a spiral form, extending obliquely from the medial side
to
the lateral side of the thigh, then, to the trochanter major: In addition, the
stretchable portion (A22') having a relatively great straining force that
branches therefrom on the superior side of the knee joint is present,
extending
through the thigh approximately along at least one selected from the musculus
group consisting of the musculus'semitendinosus; the musculus
semimembranosus, and the musculus gracilis to the vicinity of the crotch or
the
sulcus gluteus. The actions ofthese in combination increases the power of
pulling the stretchable portion havinga relatively great straining force that
supports the ligamentum collateralle medialis. Consequently, a leg support
garment with an increased power for supporting the ligamentum collateralle
medialis is provided, which is preferable. Furthermore, along with the
musculus sartorius that complements the function of the ligamentum
collateralle medialis, at least one selected from the musculus group
consisting
of the musculus semitendinosus, the musculus semimembranosus,, and the
musculus gracilis is also supported, which is preferable. Furthermore, the
stretchable portion having a relatively great straining force that is provided
from the vicinity of the trochanter major to the vicinity of the waist along
the
tractus iliotibialis provides a function of pressing the trochanter major;
thereby
improving the connection between the caput ossis femoris and the acetabulum.
Therefore; this further provides a function of enhancing the stability of the
hip
joint, which is preferable.
(18) Furthermore, the leg support garment according to any one of the
above items (8) to (15) is arranged according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention wherein the stretchable part having a relatively great
straining force further includes:
a stretchable portion (C) having a relatively great straining force that,
on the posterior side of the human body, covers a region extending from a
certain position in a range from the vertebrae lumbales to the os sacrum,
through an approximately middle part of the musculus gluteus maximus at
right and left, approximately in a direction along muscular fibers of the
musculus gluteus maximus via the top of the bulge of the hip or the vicinity
of
CA 02482304 2004-10-14
$4
the same to at least the vicinity of trochanter major and
a stretchable portion (D) having a relatively great straining force that,
on the anterior side of the human body, covers a region extending from a
position on the musculus rectus abdominis in the hypogastric region, obliquely
downward approximately in a direction along muscular fibers of the musculus
obliquus internus abdominis at right and left to the vicinity of the
trochanter
major.
By so doing, the stretchable portion (C) having a relatively great straining
force
is provided, which provides the firm support of the musculus gluteus maximus
in the muscular fiber direction thereof. Thus, it can play a large role in
supporting the rotating motion of the hips, preventing a decrease in the
rotating angle of the hips; and stabilizing the pelvis in anterior-posterior
direction. For an elderly person, it is effective in preventing falling down.
Furthermore, it can play a large role in extending the hip joint in
anterior-posterior direction when running, jumping, and climbing up a slope.
Besides, the stretchable portion (D) having a relatively great straining force
is
provided, which supports a part of the musculus rectus abdominis and the
musculus obliquus internus abdominis, thereby providing functions of reducing
lumbar lordosis, maintaining good posture, making youthful figure, and
preventing generation of pains such as lumbar pains.
As described above, he leg support garments of the present invention
are advantageously used as leg support garments such as long tights for
sports,
semi-long tights for sports, etc., that are capable of effectively protecting
the
knees and stably maintaining the knee joints without decreasing the degree of
freedom of the movement of the knee joints, that ,provides a good feeling when
worn, and that is useful for preventing and reducing gonalgia of the knees,
and
further, for preventing injuries to the ligamentum collateralle medialis
caused
by sports or the like.
