LEGGINGS AND SOCKS

Abstract

 Leggings 100 according to the present invention are furnished with a leggings main part 10 for covering the legs, wherein on the leggings main part 10 are formed: first legging patternings 21 situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands (81); second legging patternings 22 situated in areas on the upper side of the knees (91), along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles (82); third legging patternings 23 situated in areas on the upper side of the knees (91), along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles (83); and fourth legging patternings 24 situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles. Thus, leggings are made available that, supporting the wearer's muscles, can improve movement capacity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to leggings and socks. In particular, it relates to leggings and socks that can support the wearer's muscles. It is to be noted that the present application claims priority on the basis of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-172343, filed on October 21, 2021; the entire content of the application is incorporated into the present specification by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Athletic wear for improving athletic performance when sports and other athletic games are engaged in has become familiar in recent years. It is evident that needs with respect to athletic wear are very deep-seated. To take the example of golf: users who think they would like to raise their club-head speed and extend their flight distance even without daily strength training and stretching have become an appreciably numerous presence (reference is made to Patent Document 1, for example).

[0003] Also, the present-application applicant has disclosed, in Patent Document 2, clothing (shirts, pants, etc.) that, based on an approach (concept) that differs fundamentally from the conventional, improves athletic performance.

PRECEDENT TECHNICAL LITERATURE

Patent Documents

[0004] 

Patent Document 1: Japanese Pat. No. 4061336

Patent Document 2: Japanese Pat. No. 6409143

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Issues Invention is to Resolve

[0005] While the clothing (shirts, pants, etc.) that the present-application applicant disclosed in Patent Document 2 was clothing (shirts, pants, etc.) that can improve athletic performance extraordinarily, the present-application inventor, having investigated further, came up with novel clothing (leggings, socks) that even in the legs and feet can improve athletic performance, and arrived at the present invention.

[0006] A principal object of the present invention, brought about taking such points into consideration, is to make available leggings and socks that support the wearer's muscles to enable capacity for and flexibility in movement to be improved.

Means for Resolving the Issues

[0007] Leggings involving the present invention are leggings for clothing the lower half of the body the body of a wearer, and are furnished with a leggings main part for covering the legs, and a leggings opening provided in the upper end of the leggings main part. On the leggings main part are formed: first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands; second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles; third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles; and fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles.

[0008] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical form.

[0009] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the leggings main part.

[0010] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the leggings main part.

[0011] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each have a width of 30 mm or less.

[0012] In a preferred embodying mode, formed on the leggings main part further are fifth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the gastrocnemius muscles.

[0013] Other leggings involving the present invention are leggings for clothing the lower half of the body the body of a wearer, and are furnished with a leggings main part for covering the legs. On the leggings main part are formed: first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the ihotibialbands; second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles; third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles; fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles; sixth legging patternings constituted from psoas major patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, and iliacus patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the iliacus muscles; seventh legging patternings situated in areas on the lower side of the knees, on a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles and/or the peroneuslongus muscles; eighth legging patternings situated in areas on a portion of the peroneus brevis muscles; ninth legging patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles; and tenth legging patternings constituted from gluteus minimus patterning sections situated in sites following the gluteus minimus muscles, piriformis patterning sections situated in sites following the piriformis muscles, and sacrotuberous patterning sections situated in sites following the sacrotuberous ligaments.

[0014] In a preferred embodying mode, the sixth legging patternings have a V-shaped configuration.

[0015] In a preferred embodying mode, the seventh legging patternings have a herringboning-skis-like pattern.

[0016] In a preferred embodying mode, the second legging patternings and the third legging patternings have a wedging-skis-like pattern.

[0017] In a preferred embodying mode, the eighth legging patternings have a configuration constituted to cover a perimeter of the legs.

[0018] In a preferred embodying mode, the ninth legging patternings have a V-shaped configuration.

[0019] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the leggings main part.

[0020] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the leggings main part.

[0021] In a preferred embodying mode, the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical form.

[0022] Separate leggings involving the present invention are leggings for clothing the lower half of the body the body of a wearer, and are furnished with a leggings main part for covering the legs; wherein on the leggings main part are formed: first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibialbands; sixth legging patternings constituted from psoas major patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, and iliacus patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the iliacus muscles; ninth legging patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles; and tenth legging patternings constituted from gluteus minimus patterning sections situated in sites following the gluteus minimus muscles, piriformis patterning sections situated in sites following the piriformis muscles, and sacrotuberous patterning sections situated in sites following the sacrotuberous ligaments.

[0023] A sock involving the present invention is a sock for clothing the foot of a wearer, and is furnished with a sock main part for covering the foot; and a sock opening provided in the upper end of the sock main part. Formed on the sock main part are a first sock patterning (41) for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles, and a second sock patterning (42) extending from the Achilles tendon to cover the soleus muscle.

[0024] In a preferred embodying mode, at least a portion of the first sock patterning is of a configuration that, in a region to the toe side of the center locus between the toe and heel, makes a circuit encircling the sock. The second sock patterning has a V-shaped configuration.

[0025] In a preferred embodying mode, the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical form.

[0026] In a preferred embodying mode, the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the sock main part.

[0027] In a preferred embodying mode, the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the sock main part.

[0028] In a preferred embodying mode, the first sock patterning is 100 mm or less in width. The second sock patterning has a width of 30 mm or less.

[0029] Clothes involving the present invention is furnished with a leggings main part for covering the legs, and sock main parts for covering the feet. Formed on the leggings main part are: first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands; second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles; third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles, and fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles. Formed on the sock main parts are first sock patternings for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscles and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles, and second sock patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles.

[0030] In a preferred embodying mode, the leggings main part and the sock main parts are formed in continuity.

Effects of Invention

[0031] According to leggings of the present invention, since first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands, second legging patternings situated in areas along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles, third legging patternings situated in areas along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles, and fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles are formed on the leggings main part, the muscles can be activated by their being stimulated. Supporting the wearer's muscles as a result, the leggings can improve capacity for and flexibility in movement.

[0032] Also, according to socks of the present invention, since a first sock patterning for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles, and a second sock patterning extending from the Achilles tendon to cover the soleus muscle are formed on the sock main part, the muscles can be activated by their being stimulated. Supporting the wearer's muscles as a result, the socks can improve capacity for and flexibility in movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] 

Fig. 1 is a frontward perspective view illustrating the configuration of leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a rearward perspective view illustrating the configuration of the leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation illustrating the configuration of the leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation illustrating the configuration of the leggings 100 according to a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the location of the iliotibial band (81).

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the (vastus medialis 82) and the vastus lateralis (83).

Fig. 7 is a frontward perspective view illustrating the configuration of a sock 200 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a rearward perspective view illustrating the configuration of the sock 200 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a right-side elevation illustrating the configuration of the sock 200 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a left-side elevation illustrating the configuration of the sock 200 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the extensor hallucis longus muscle (85) and the extensor digitorum longus muscles (86).

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the gastrocnemius muscle (84), the Achilles tendon (87), and the soleus muscle (88).

Fig. 13 is a front elevation illustrating the configuration of a shirt 300 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a rear elevation illustrating the configuration of the shirt 300 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a rearward perspective view illustrating the configuration of a modified example of leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a rear elevation illustrating the configuration of the modified example of the leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a front elevation illustrating the configuration of a separate modified example of leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a rear elevation illustrating the configuration of separate modified example of leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention.

MODES FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, an explanation of preferred modes of embodying the present invention will be made. Below in the drawings, for the sake of making the explanation concise, elements and regions exhibiting the same actions are labeled with the same reference marks, and reduplicating description in some instances will be either omitted or abbreviated. Furthermore, in every diagram the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in some cases do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional relationships accurately. Nevertheless, some dimensional relationships in designated drawings have been made coincident, and in those cases, from the dimensional and positional relationships in each diagram it is possible to derive the six primary views. It will be appreciated that inasmuch as the subject is garments (clothes) thickness in the six primary views often may be ignored.

[0035] Further, particulars that are necessary for implementing the present invention and are matters apart from the particulars specifically referred to in the present specification can be apprehended to be particulars of design for the person skilled in the art, based on conventional technology in the given field. The present invention can be implemented based on the content disclosed by the present specification and drawings, and on common technical knowledge in the given field. What is more, the present invention is not limited to the following embodying modes.

[0036] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are respectively a frontward oblique view (perspective view) and a rearward oblique view (perspective view) illustrating leggings 100 involving a mode of embodying the present invention. Also, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are respectively a front elevation and a rear elevation of the leggings 100, having been flattened into planar drawings, of the present embodying modes. And Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the location of the iliotibial band 81. Meanwhile, Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the vastus medialis muscles 82 and the vastus lateralis muscles 83.

[0037] Leggings of the present embodying modes are a clothes for clothing the lower half of a wearer's body; more specifically, they are for covering the lower half of the body from the waist to the knees or above the ankles. Further, leggings of the present embodying modes may be underwear (innerwear) or outer dress (outerwear), and the name may also be, other than "leggings," hosiery, stirrup pants, or tights.

[0038] As illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the leggings 100 are constituted from a leggings main part 10 that covers the legs 90, and a leggings opening 12 provided in the upper end 11 of the leggings main part 10. In the configuration of the present embodying modes, the leggings main part 10 is furnished with legging patternings 20 (21, 22, 23, and 24), wherein each of the legging patternings 20 (21, 22, 23, and 24) has a structure of angular oblong form (strip pieces). Specifically, formed on the leggings main part 10 are to begin with, first legging patternings 21 situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands 81. Next, second legging patternings 22 are formed situated in areas on the upper side of the knees 91, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles 82, and then third legging patternings 23 situated in areas on the upper side of the knees 91, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles 83. Furthermore, fourth legging patternings 24 are formed situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles 84.

[0039] To explain further: in the diagrammed leggings 100, the leggings main part 10 is constituted from an above-crotch section 10a that covers the buttocks 93 (or rise including the buttocks 93), and leg sections (below-crotch sections) 10b that cover the legs 90. The upper end 11 of the above-crotch section 10a is a region that corresponds to the waist of the user (wearer); therein an opening 12 is formed, into which go the legs 90 and the rise including the buttocks 93. The upper end 11 of the leggings 100 can be provided with rubber (or a tying cord) to impart the function of fastening the leggings 100 at the waist.

[0040] The leg sections (below-crotch sections) 10b of the leggings 100, then, include a right leg part 15a and a left leg part 15b. Into the interior of the right leg part 15a of the leggings 100, the user's (wearer's) right leg is inserted, and into the interior of the left leg part 15b of the leggings 100, the user's (wearer's) left leg is inserted. Also, the leggings 100 are of configuration such that from their lower ends 13 (lower ends of the leg sections 10b), the feet (ankles) come out.

[0041] In the configuration of the present embodying modes, the first legging patternings 21 are provided in locations on the thigh lateral sides of the leg sections (below-crotch sections) 10b of the leggings 100. Specifically, on the outer-side lateral face of the right leg part 15a and the outer-side lateral face of the left leg part 15b, the first legging patternings 21 are formed so as to follow the iliotibial bands 81.

[0042] Further, in locations slightly above the knees 91 on the leg sections (below-crotch sections) 10b of the leggings 100, second legging patternings 22 and third legging patternings 23 are provided. In the diagrammed example, the second legging patternings 22 and the third legging patternings 23 are disposed as a set in a herringboning-skis-like pattern, and are formed so as to control areas along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles 82 and the areas along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles 83.

[0043] And in locations on thigh rear sides of the leg sections (below-crotch sections) 10b of the leggings 100, the fourth legging patternings 24, situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles (not illustrated), are formed. The biceps femoris muscles are a portion of the so-called hamstrings located on the thigh rear sides; the presence of the fourth legging patternings 24 activates the biceps femoris muscles (or hamstrings) by their being stimulated, which can improve the movement capacity and flexibility of the wearer. In the diagrammed example, the fourth legging patternings 24 are formed extending to the middle of the rear sides of the thighs, but may be formed so as to be displaced from the center (center line) to accord with individual differences.

[0044] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are respectively a plan view and a rear elevation schematically illustrating the configuration of leggings 100, having been flattened into planar drawings, of the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the legging patternings 20 (first to fourth legging patternings 21, 22, 23, and 24) are formed on the leggings main part 10. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the legging patternings 20 are represented by diagonal lines.

[0045] Since the human body (skeleton and muscles) is basically bilaterally symmetrical, the legging patternings 20 (first to fourth legging patternings 21, 22, 23, and 24) each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical geometry. In reality, however, the roles of the muscles on the right side and the left side can be different (for example, in a right-handed person, muscles for throwing, etc. with the right hand are developed), and in that respect, there are instances in which it is preferable, in line with (tailored to) each individual, to form at least one of the first to fourth legging patternings 21, 22, 23, and 24 to be bilaterally asymmetrical, following the courses of the muscles on the right side and on the left side. In addition, when there is a situation in which for reasons such as the demands of design-as opposed to right-left differences (subtle differences in each individual) in location of the muscles-rendering a not bilaterally symmetrical disposition is desired, making changes within the range in which the legging patternings 20 (first to fourth legging patternings 21, 22, 23, and 24) in the present embodying modes exhibit their functionality is possible. Furthermore, in cases where, owing to reasons including the demands of design, altering the geometry is desired, making changes within the range in which the legging patternings 20 (first to fourth legging patternings 21, 22, 23, and 24) in the present embodying modes exhibit their functionality is possible.

[0046] The width of the legging patternings 20 of the present embodying modes is, for example, 30 mm or less (in the diagrammed instance, for example, 25 mm ±5 mm, or otherwise 10 mm to 30 mm, approximately). Specifically, the width of the first legging patternings 21, the width of the second legging patternings 22, the width of the third legging patternings 23, and the width of the fourth legging patternings 24 each is 30 mm or less (in one example, 25 mm). Nevertheless, the width of the legging patternings 20 is not limited to being 30 mm or less, and as long as efficacy is demonstrated, may exceed that, while likewise, also the lower limit of the width of the legging patternings 20 can be 25 mm ± 5mm, or otherwise fall below 10 mm.

[0047] Also, as may be clearly understood from Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, from the locations of these muscles (iliotibial bands 81, vastus medialis muscles 82, and vastus lateralis muscles 83) and from the formation location of the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, and the third legging patternings 23 illustrated in Fig. 1 through Fig. 4, the respective corresponding relationships are definitive. As to the fourth legging patternings 24, their biceps femoris muscles are a portion of the so-called hamstrings, which are located on the thigh rear side; they are positioned on the rear side of the thigh muscles illustrated in Fig. 6; while not illustrated in the figure, their locations may be clearly understood.

[0048] The material constituting the leggings main part 10 of the present embodying modes is fabric that is typically employed for garments (particularly that which is suitable for leggings), and that as a garment (leggings) has suitable stretchability. It should be understood that "stretchability" herein means what for garments is a suitable property, not what especially demands the restorative capability of rubbers (elastomers). Examples that can be cited of the material (fabric) constituting the leggings main part 10 are: synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., nylon, polyurethane, etc.), natural-fiber textiles (e.g., cotton fiber (cottons), silk fiber (silks), etc.), mixed-yarn synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., nylon-polyurethane blended textiles, etc.), or textiles blended from natural-fiber textiles and synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., cotton-polyester mixed yarns, etc.), as well as blended textiles of a plurality of kinds (natural-fiber textiles (cottons, etc.)/nylon/polyurethane textiles, rayon textiles/acrylic textiles/polyester textiles, acrylic textiles/polyester textiles/rayon textiles/polyurethane textiles, etc.).

[0049] In the present embodying modes, the legging patternings 20, (that is, the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24) are constituted from a taping medium. Constituted from a taping medium, the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24, imparting stimulation to these muscle sites on the leggings 100 (namely, the iliotibial bands 81, the vastus medialis muscles 82, the vastus lateralis muscles 83, and the biceps femoris muscles 84), can assist the muscles by activating them. In one example of the present embodying modes, the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24 are constructed by the taping medium being affixed to the reverse side of the leggings main part 10 (surface thereof that is not exposed, surface along the body). Alternatively, the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24 can also be constructed by the taping medium being affixed to the obverse side of the leggings main part 10 (surface thereof that is exposed). It should be understood that constructing the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24 by the taping medium being affixed to both the obverse side and the reverse side of the leggings main part 10 is also possible.

[0050] Also, the taping media (21, 22, 23, and 24) that constitute the legging patternings 20 can be made a cloth material (herein, cotton (for example, 40-count cotton smooth)), and with heat-sensitive adhesive (or iron-on adhesive) having been applied to a cloth surface that is brought into contact with (fixed to/adhered to) a surface (herein, inner surface) of the leggings main part 10 (clothing), by heating it with a heater (in this case, an iron), the given taping medium can be attached (adhesively fixed) to the leggings main part 10 (clothes main part). In this implementation, the presence of the cloth fabric (contact surface, cotton) indirectly stimulates the skin. It should be understood that in order that the taping media (21, 22, 23, and 24) not come off/slip out of place despite being laundered, the taping media may be sewn on to attach them to the leggings main part 10 (they may be anchored to it). In that case, one-time fixing them in place by iron-on gluing, and then sewing them with thread is handier.

[0051] Then further, in a modified example of the present embodying modes, the leggings patterning 20 (specifically, the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24) are constituted from ink-impressed figures that are formed by ink being printed on. That is, the legging patternings 20 (21, 22, 23, and 24) are formed by printing, as opposed to the above-described taping medium. In a preferred example of the present embodying modes, the ink-impressed figures constituting the legging patternings 20 are formed by silkscreen printing.

[0052] Silk screen printing (screen printing and silk printing), a type of stencil printing, is a technique in which apertures (pores) are made in a mesh-like screen, and to print ink is cast only into the aperture areas. Its origins are in the fact that in the past, the screens were made of silk, but with screens of mesh form today, owing to durability issues, cloth of synthetic fiber such as polyester or nylon (there can be metal instances too) instead of silk is employed as the mesh medium for stencil prints. In the silkscreen printing, the mesh in a made-up screen and the fabric (in this case, cotton) are brought into close contact, after which ink is placed on the mesh in the made-up screen, and next a squeegee is pressed hard against the top of the mesh and moved in a fixed direction across the entire surface of the mesh (or designated locations where printing is desired), whereby printing is executed by ink being pressed through the holes in the mesh and out onto the fabric. It should be noted that, inasmuch as the silkscreen printing technique is general with printing onto clothes, it is not a uniquely special technique, such that it enables production costs to be lowered, while from a technical aspect the degree of stability is high.

[0053] Examples that can be cited as inks for leggings printing in silkscreen printing are plastisol (ink), and water-based rubber (ink). In factories that carry out large-volume printing (large-lot projects of 300-plus runs) plastisol is often used, while in factories of medium scale (small-lot projects on the order of 50 runs) water-based ink is often used. It will be appreciated that with the clothes (leggings 100) of the present embodying modes, silkscreen printing is utilized, but as long as the efficacy of clothes (leggings 100) of the present embodying modes can be obtained, other printing (e.g., inkjet direct printing, etc.) may be employed. Also, the printing ink (ink for leggings printing) of the present embodying modes is compounded with minerals (powders). In one example, the printing ink of the present embodying modes is adjusted to a concentration at which minerals (minerals that are known as so-called power stones (e.g., radium ore, germanium, quartz, "terahertz ore," tourmaline, etc.), or a blend of several kinds of minerals) of 325-mesh particle size (about 44 microns)-per 500 square centimeters of ink, appropriate amounts from among 0.1 g to 0.5 g of each kind (in single examples, one, two, or three kinds)-will be compounded. It should be noted that 500 square centimeters of ink is a surface area equivalent to the printing surface area on one pair of leggings. It should also be noted that this concentration is one example; it can be altered/adjusted to what is appropriate and suitable to accord with the conditions under which it is used. Furthermore, additives other than minerals (powders) may equally well be included. A mineral powder of at least one kind (or a blended mineral powder of two or more kinds) selected from the group consisting of radium ore, germanium, quartz, terahertz ore, and tourmaline can be utilized as the mineral powder. Here, it is preferable that a mineral powder of this sort be contained in the taping media (21, 22, 23, and 24) that constitute the above-described legging patternings 20.

[0054] According to leggings 100 of the present embodying modes, since the first legging patternings 21 situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands 81, the second legging patternings 22 situated in areas along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles 82, the third legging patternings 23 situated in areas along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles 83, and the fourth legging patternings 24 situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles (not illustrated) are formed on the leggings main part 10, the muscles (81, 82, 83, and 84) can be activated by their being stimulated. Supporting the wearer's muscles as a result, the leggings can improve movement capacity and flexibility. What is more, according to experiments by the inventor in the present application, it was confirmed that when leggings 100 of the present embodying modes are worn the legs and loins become strengthened; it was confirmed that an elderly person for whom walking was a trying experience came to be able to walk; and it was confirmed that when worn by sports athletes, those person's performance level rose. It should be noted that while "taping," in which tape is stretched directly on the body-often used especially by athletes-works to protect muscles, with the technology of the present embodying modes gentle stimulation, in contrast to strong stimulation from affixing tape directly, is availed of, and as it were, the technology thus may be referred to as "noncontact-type indirect taping."

[0055] Further, in an implementation in which the first legging patternings 21, the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, and the fourth legging patternings 24 that constitute the legging patternings 20 each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the leggings main part 10, differences in tactile and other properties (differences in texture, and differences in softness, stretchability, surface smoothness, and other material properties) between the fabric (cotton) portion of the leggings main part 10 and the areas that have been printed onto (the legging patternings 20) arise, with the differences in properties activating the muscles to assist capacity for movement. It will be appreciated that even if these differences in properties are slight, since it suffices that the ink-impressed figures (legging patternings 20), rather than support muscles and other parts of the body to fulfill the function of improving capacity for movement, are a trigger of muscle stimulation (where the body is a mass of delicate sensors), even with the differences in properties due to presence of the ink-impressed figures being slight, effectiveness in improving capacity for movement can be exhibited. It should be noted that in instances in which minerals are compounded into the ink (or else the taping medium), there can be a possibility that influence from the minerals (e.g., negative ions, terahertz waves, static electricity, far infrared rays, hormesis, etc.) proves to be a stimulant to the muscles.

[0056] Further, in a preferred example of the present embodying modes, the ink-impressed figures constituting the legging patternings 20 (21 to 24) are formed by silkscreen printing. In implementations with ink-impressed figures, compared with implementations prepared utilizing a taping medium, preparation by printing (especially, preparation by silk-screen printing) is better suited for manufacturing in small-rod as well as massive-rod production, wherein manufacturing costs thus can be kept under control. Furthermore, in taping-medium implementations, repeated laundering or the like could lead to the taping medium peeling off, so in order to prevent that, sewing the taping medium fast to the legging with thread is desirable, but doing so raises manufacturing costs. By comparison with taping-medium implementations, constituting the legging patternings 20 with ink-impressed figures in leggings 100 of the present embodying modes enables them, with the peeling-off of a taping medium being diminished, to be made long-lasting, and at the same time enables manufacturing costs to be kept in check since there is no need for the work of sew-fastening with thread.

[0057] Next, while referring to Fig. 7 through Fig. 10, a description of a sock 200 involving the present embodying modes will be made. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are respectively a frontward oblique view (perspective view) and a rearward oblique view (perspective view) illustrating a sock 200 involving a mode of embodying the present invention. Also, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are respectively a front elevation and a rear elevation of the sock 200, having been flattened into planar drawings, of the present embodying modes. Here, in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the sock patternings 40 on the sock 200 are represented by diagonal lines.

[0058] Further, Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the extensor hallucis longus muscle 85 and the extensor digitorum longus muscles 86. Then Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of muscles for explaining the locations of the vastus medialis muscles 82 and the vastus lateralis muscles 83. It will be appreciated that Fig. 12 also illustrates the location of the gastrocnemius muscle 84.

[0059] Socks of the present embodying modes are clothes (a type of footwear) that clothe the wearer's feet (or the feet and a portion of the legs). What is more, a sock 200 of the present embodying modes may be a five-toe sock or may be a split-toe (tabi-like) sock.

[0060] As illustrated in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the sock 200 is constituted from a sock main part 30 that covers the foot 94, and a sock opening 32 provided in the upper end 31 of the sock main part 30. The foot 94 (toes 95) can be put in through the sock opening 32 in the sock 200. In the configuration of the present embodying modes, the sock patternings 40 (41 and 42) are formed in the sock main part 30. The sock patternings 40 comprise a first sock patterning 41 and a second sock patterning 42. The first sock patterning 41 is a figure that covers a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle 85 and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscle 86. The second sock patterning 42, then, is a figure that extends from the Achilles tendon 87 to cover the soleus muscle 88.

[0061] In the makeup of the present embodying modes, at least a portion of the first sock patterning 41 is of a configuration that, as illustrated in Fig. 7, in a region to the toe 95 side of the center locus (dashed line 99 in Fig. 10) between the toe 95 and the heel 96, makes a circuit encircling the sock. In the diagrammed example, the first sock patterning 41 is formed in an annular geometry so as to cover the instep of the foot and the sole of the foot. The width of the first sock patterning 41 is, for example, 100 mm or less, and in a preferred example, is 70 mm ±10 mm. Meanwhile, the second sock patterning 42, as illustrated in Fig. 8, has a V-shaped configuration. The width of the second sock patterning 42 is, for example, 30 mm or less (in the diagrammed instance, for example, 25 mm ±5 mm, or otherwise 10 mm to 30 mm, approximately).

[0062] By referring to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, it will be understood that the first sock patterning 41 is formed to cover a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle 85 and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles 86, wherein the second sock patterning 42 then extends to cover the Achilles tendons 87 and the soleus muscle 88.

[0063] The material constituting the sock main part 30 in the present embodying modes is fabric that is typically employed for garments (particularly, fabric that is suited to leggings), and that for garments (socks) has suitable stretchability. It should be understood that "stretchability" herein means what for garments is a suitable property, not what especially demands the restorative capability of rubbers (elastomers). Examples that can be cited of the material (fabric) constituting the sock main part 30 are: natural-fiber textiles (e.g., cotton fiber (cottons), silk fiber (silks), wool, linen, etc.), synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc.), mixed-yarn synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., nylon-polyurethane blended textiles, etc.), or textiles blended from natural-fiber textiles and synthetic-fiber textiles (e.g., cotton-polyester mixed yarns, etc.), as well as blended textiles of a plurality of kinds (e.g., natural-fiber textiles (cotton, etc.)/nylon/polyurethane textiles, rayon textiles/acrylic textiles/polyester textiles, acrylic textiles/polyester textiles/rayon textiles/polyurethane textiles, etc.).

[0064] In the present embodying modes, the sock patternings 40 (that is, the first sock patterning 41 and the second sock patterning 42) are constituted from a taping medium. Constituted from a taping medium, the first sock patterning 41 and the second sock patterning 42 imparting stimulation to these muscle sites on the sock 200 (that is, the extensor hallucis longus muscle 85, the extensor digitorum longus muscle 86, the Achilles tendon 87, and the soleus muscle 88), can assist the muscles by activating them.

[0065] Also, the taping media (41 and 42) that constitute the sock patternings 40 can be made a cloth material (herein, cotton (for example, 40-count cotton smooth)), and with heat-sensitive adhesive (or iron-on adhesive) having been applied to a cloth surface that is brought into contact with (fixed to/adhered to) a surface (herein, inner surface) of the sock main part 30 (clothing), by heating it with a heater (in this case, an iron), the given taping medium can be attached (adhesively fixed) to the sock main part 30 (clothes main part). In this implementation, the presence of the cloth fabric (contact surface, cotton) indirectly stimulates the skin. It should be understood that in order that the taping media (41 and 42) not come off/slip out of place despite being laundered, the taping media may be sewn on to attach them to the sock main part 30 (they may be anchored to it). In that case, one-time fixing them in place by iron-on gluing, and then sewing them with thread is handier.

[0066] Then further, in a modified example of the present embodying modes, the sock patternings 40 (specifically, the first sock patterning 41 and the second sock patterning 42) are constituted from ink-impressed figures that are formed by ink being printed on. That is, the sock patternings 40 (41 and 42) are formed by printing, as opposed to the above-described taping medium. In a preferred example of the present embodying modes, the ink-impressed figures constituting the sock patternings 40 are formed by silkscreen printing. It will be appreciated that inasmuch as explanation of the ink-impressed figures would be in common with that of the above-described leggings 100, it will be omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. Nevertheless, in accordance with the conditions/specifications/effects called for in the socks 200 as appropriate, compared with the ink-impressed figures in the legging patternings 20 (21, 22, 23, and 24) of the leggings 100, the printing, components, etc. of the ink-impressed figures for the sock patternings 40 (41 and 42) may be modified, or the same factors may be employed. And here it is preferable also that mineral powder described above be contained in the taping media (41 and 42) that constitute the sock patternings 40.

[0067] According to socks 200 of the present embodying modes, since the first sock patterning 41 for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle 85 and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles 86, and the second sock patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscle are formed on the sock main part, the muscles can be activated by their being stimulated. Supporting the wearer's muscles as a result, the socks can improve movement capacity and flexibility. What is more, according to experiments by the inventor in the present application, it was confirmed that wearing socks 200 of the present embodying modes made for light-footedness. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the heels of a disabled person whose heels, with numbness in the feet, would not touch the ground came to reach it, such that the disabled person could walk normally putting the heels down. Here, with the technology of the socks 200 also, in the same way as with the above-described leggings 100, gentle stimulation, in contrast to strong stimulation from affixing tape directly, is availed of, and the technology thus may be referred to as "noncontact-type indirect taping."

[0068] What is more, socks 200 of the present embodying modes can be worn in combination with leggings 100 of the present embodying modes. In addition, an article in which the leggings main part 10 of the leggings 100 and the sock main parts 30 of the socks 200 are joined to put them in the form of stockings, and legging patternings 20 (21 to 24) and sock patternings 40 (41 and 42) are created on this article of stockings form may be constructed.

[0069] Also, the leggings 100 (and/or socks 200) of the present embodying modes can be combined with a shirt 300, illustrated in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 respectively present a front-side view and a rear-side view of the shirt 300 of the present embodying modes.

[0070] The shirt (T-shirt) 300 of the present embodying modes is furnished with an upper-body piece 110 for covering the upper half of the body, and an upper-body support unit 120 formed on the upper-body piece upper-body piece 110. The upper-body support unit 120 includes an upper-body first support section 121 situated in sites following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, an upper-body second support section 122 situated in sites following the supraspinatus muscles, and an upper-body third support section 123 situated in sites following the teres major muscles.

[0071] The upper-body first support section 121 is constituted from a pair of structures of angular oblong form (strip pieces) 121a and 121b that extend along a portion of the psoas major muscles. The pair of strip pieces 121a and 121b extend downward from a point 121c that corresponds to the location that is the starting point of the upper end of the psoas major muscles. The upper-body second support section 122 is constituted from a pair of structures of angular oblong form (strip pieces) 122a and 122b that extend along a portion of the supraspinatus muscles. The upper-body third support section 123 is constituted from a pair of structures of angular oblong form (strip pieces) 123a and 123b that extend along a portion of the teres major muscles. In a preferred single example of the shirt 300, the upper-body first support section 121, the upper-body second support section 122, and the upper-body third support section 123 are constituted from a taping medium. In another preferred single example of the shirt 300, the upper-body first support section 121, the upper-body second support section 122, and the upper-body third support section 123 are constituted from ink-impressed figures (typically, formed by silkscreen printing). Here, the printing ink of the present embodying modes can be compounded with minerals (powders). Inasmuch as explanation of the ink-impressed figures for the shirt 300 (specifically, the upper-body first support section 121, the upper-body second support section 122, and the upper-body third support section 123) would be in common with that of the above-described leggings 100, it will be omitted for the sake of simplifying the description.
And it is preferable that mineral powder of this sort also be contained in the taping media that constitute the upper-body first support section 121, the upper-body second support section 122, and the upper-body third support section 123.

[0072] Here, the upper-body piece 110 constituting the shirt 300 of the present embodying modes is made up of a trunk portion 115, consisting of a front waist 115a and a rear waist 115b, and a collar section 111 and sleeve sections 112. In this example, the lower edge 119 of the trunk portion 115 is situated along the periphery of the loins or the groin. Since the shirt 300 (upper-body piece 110) of the present embodying modes is in the form of a T shirt, the collar section 111 is round-necked and not a collar such as is on ordinary shirts (e.g., dress shirts), but there may be a collar. Likewise, the sleeve sections 112 are short sleeves, but the shirt may be of such morphology as long-sleeved, three-quarter-sleeved (or elbowlength-sleeved), or sleeveless. While a trunk portion 115 in which a front waist 115a and a rear waist 115b are stitched together is readily fashioned, it may equally well be a seamless, unitary item.

[0073] According to the shirt (clothes) 300 of the present embodying modes, since on an upper-body piece 110 for covering at least a portion of the upper half of the body, the upper-body support unit 120 is formed, with the upper-body support unit 120 including the upper-body first support section 121 situated in a site following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, the upper-body second support section 122 situated in a site following the supraspinatus muscles, and the upper-body third support section 123 situated in a site following the teres major muscles, the muscles are activated by their being supported, enabling the meridians of the Conception Vessel and the Governing Vessel to be made to flow spontaneously. As a result, the shirt, supporting the muscles (or the entire body including muscles, joints, etc.) of the wearer during sports, during heavy lifting, and when being cared for, can improve capacity for and flexibility in movement.

[0074] Then in the configuration of a shirt (clothes) 300 of the present embodying modes, the ink-impressed figures constituting the upper-body support patternings 120 being fashioned by silkscreen printing produces differences in tactile and other properties (differences in texture, with the softness, stretchability, surface smoothness, and other material properties being different) between the T-shirt fabric (cotton) area and the areas that are printed onto (the upper-body support patternings 120), with the differences in properties activating the muscles to assist capacity for movement. It will be appreciated that even if the differences in properties are slight, since it suffices that the ink-impressed figures (upper-body support patternings 120), rather than supporting muscles and other parts of the body to fulfill the function of improving capacity for movement, are a trigger of muscle stimulation (where the body is a mass of delicate sensors), even with the differences in properties due to presence of the ink-impressed figures being slight, effectiveness in improving capacity for movement can be exhibited. It should be noted that in instances in which minerals are compounded into the ink, there can be a possibility that influence from the minerals (e.g., negative ions, terahertz waves, static electricity, far infrared rays, hormesis, etc.) proves to be stimulation for the muscles. In one example of the present embodying modes, ink-impressed figures constituting the upper-body support patternings 120 are formed on the obverse side (exposed surface) of the upper-body piece 110 to construct the upper-body first printed-on patterning 121, the upper-body second printed-on patterning 122, and the upper-body third printed-on patterning 123. By the same token, ink-impressed figures (upper-body support patternings 120) can be formed on the reverse side (surface along the body) of the upper-body piece 110 to construct the upper-body first printed-on patterning 121, the upper-body second printed-on patterning 122, and the upper-body third printed-on patterning 123.

[0075] Then not only may leggings 100 of the present embodying modes be combined with a shirt 300 involving the present embodying modes, the leggings 100 and the shirt 300 of the present embodying modes may be of a "bodysuit" morphology in which they are unitary. Furthermore, the socks 200 of present embodying modes may be combined therewith. The configuration of a bodysuit of the present embodying modes may be provided with buttons, a zipper(s), etc. in a portion of the bodysuit (such as the back) to make it easier to put on and take off. Bodysuits of the present embodying modes include coveralls for construction sites, coveralls for factory work (for example, car maintenance, etc.), full-body tights, wet suits employed for surfing and scuba diving, swimsuits, and the like.

[0076] Furthermore, leggings 100 of the present embodying modes can be modified as illustrated in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 is a rearward perspective view, which corresponds to the above-described Fig. 2, illustrating the configuration of a modified example of leggings 100 involving the present embodying modes. Meanwhile, Fig. 16 is a rear elevation, which corresponds to the above-described Fig. 4, illustrating the configuration of the modified example of leggings 100 involving the present embodying modes.

[0077] With the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, formed thereon further are fifth legging patternings 25 situated in sites following a portion of the gastrocnemius muscles 84 (reference is made to Fig. 12). In other words, on the reverse side of the right leg part 15a and the reverse side (rear side) of the left leg part 15b of the leggings main part 10 illustrated in Fig. 2 or Fig. 4, the fifth legging patternings 25 are further formed to follow a portion of the gastrocnemius muscles 84. The width and other conditions for the fifth legging patternings 25 are according as those described above (for example, of the legging patternings 24 or 21). The fifth legging patternings 25 being present activates the gastrocnemius muscles 84 by stimulating them, which can improve capacity for and flexibility in the wearer's movement.

[0078] In addition, leggings 100 of the present embodying modes can also be modified as illustrated in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are respectively, a front elevation and a rear elevation, which correspond to the above-described Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, illustrating the configuration of a modified example of leggings 100 involving the present embodying modes. It should be understood that the width and other conditions of the modified example of novel legging patternings (26, 27, 28, 29, and 50) are according as those described above (for example, of the legging patternings 24, etc.).

[0079] With the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, sixth legging patternings 26 are further formed on the above-described leggings 100 (specifically, those illustrated in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16).

[0080] The sixth legging patternings 26, as illustrated in Fig. 17, are constituted from a psoas major patterning 26a situated in a site following at least a portion of the psoas major muscle (not illustrated), and an iliacus patterning 26b situated in a site following at least a portion the iliacus muscle (not illustrated). The psoas major patterning 26a and the iliacus patterning 26b extend upward from a spot 26c that corresponds to a location that is the starting point of the lower end of the psoas major muscle. In the diagrammed example, the sixth legging patternings 26 have a V-shaped configuration with the spot 26c as the intersection (linking site).

[0081] Also, with the leggings 100 of the present embodying modes, the second legging patternings 22 and the third legging patternings 23 have a wedging-skis-like configuration. And moreover with leggings 100 of the present embodying modes, seventh legging patternings 27 are formed. The seventh legging patternings 27 are situated in areas on the lower side of the knees (91), on a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (not illustrated) and/or the peroneus longus muscles (not illustrated). In the diagrammed example, the seventh legging patternings 27 are of a herringboning-skis-like pattern. In this example, the second legging patternings 22 and the third legging patternings 23 are disposed in correspondence with the seventh legging patternings 27, that is, formed so that the wedging-skis-like pattern and the herringboning-skis-like pattern match.

[0082] Also, with leggings 100 of the present embodying modes, eighth legging patternings 28, situated in areas on a portion of the peroneus brevis muscles (not illustrated) are formed. In the diagrammed example, the eighth legging patternings 28 are constituted to cover a perimeter of the legs 90. It should be understood that they may be constituted not to make a circuit completely encircling a perimeter of the legs 90, but may be of morphology such as to have a cleft(s) between the front side and the rear side.

[0083] Still further, on leggings 100 being diagrammed, as illustrated in Fig. 18, ninth legging patternings 29 extending from the Achilles tendons (87) to cover the soleus muscles (88) are formed. These ninth legging patternings 29 have substantially the same structure and function as the above-described second sock patterning 42 of the sock 200 (reference is made to Fig. 8). In the configuration example illustrated in Fig. 18, the ninth legging patternings 29 have a V-shaped configuration.

[0084] In addition, on leggings 100 of the present embodying modes, as illustrated in Fig. 18, tenth legging patternings 50 are formed. The tenth legging patternings 50 are constituted from gluteus minimus patternings 51 situated in sites following the gluteus minimus muscles (not illustrated), piriformis patternings 52 situated in sites following the piriformis muscles (not illustrated), and sacrotuberous patternings 53 situated in sites following the sacrotuberous ligaments (not illustrated).

[0085] With the tenth legging patternings 50 of the present embodying modes, the piriformis patternings 52 can impart stimulation to the piriformis muscles, making it easier to maintain one's up-and-down and front-and-back balance. It is preferable that the piriformis patternings 52 be formed to extend from one end to the other end of the piriformis muscles (starting point to ending point). And while depending on the wearer's figure, there will be cases where they are not formed to follow the entirety of the piriformis muscles, they preferably are created putting together a lineup of sizes (or otherwise are made to order) in forms such that the one end and the other end (the start point and the end point) of the piriformis muscles may correspond to the start point and the end point of the piriformis patternings 52 to the extent possible. Therein, the gluteus minimus patternings 51 and the sacrotuberous patternings 53 can stimulate the gluteus minimus muscles and the sacrotuberous ligaments, activating (enhancing) them. That is, the gluteus minimus muscles and the sacrotuberous ligaments, both being muscles that support the movement of the loins, can activate (enhancing) those muscles to strengthen the loins and prevent lumbar pain.

[0086] According to the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, inasmuch as first legging patternings 21 situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial band 81, second legging patternings 22 situated in areas along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles 82, third legging patternings 23 situated in areas along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles 83, fourth legging patternings 24 situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles, sixth legging patternings 26 constituted from psoas major muscles patternings 26a and iliacus patternings 26b, seventh legging patternings 27 situated in areas on a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscle and/or the peroneus longus muscles, eighth legging patternings 28 situated in areas on a portion of the peroneus brevis muscles, ninth legging patternings 29 extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles, and tenth legging patternings 50 constituted from gluteus minimus patternings 51, piriformis patternings 52, and sacrotuberous patternings 53, are formed on the leggings main part 10, the corresponding respective muscles can be activated by their being stimulated. Supporting the wearer's muscles as a result, the leggings can improve capacity for and flexibility in movement.

[0087] Next, the effects of embodying examples when leggings 100 (in some cases, together with a shirt 300) and socks 200 of the present embodying modes have been fit on will be specifically described.

Example 1: Male

[0088] When a volunteer with knee osteoarthritis spent one week with leggings 100 fitted on, knee pain for 20 years post-accident vanished. The volunteer proved able to bend and stretch smoothly without pain. In addition, the volunteer no longer required the dual knee orthoses of a foremost world-renowned manufacturer within the volunteer's prefecture (a Miyagi Prefecture manufacturer), regular intra-articular injections (joint injections, knee joint injections) of hyaluronic acid, nor rehabilitation.

Example 2: Female

[0089] For an individual suffering from pain due to a hip deformity, on letting herself be fitted with a shirt 300 (reference is made to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14) and leggings 100, the pain was alleviated, making it so that she could walk comfortably.

Example 3: Female

[0090] For an individual who, owing to advanced age, would walk slowly and with a forward stoop, on letting herself be fitted with a "Relive Shirt" 300 and leggings 100, her body straightened out, making it so that she could walk comfortably.

Example 4: Female

[0091] For an individual for whom, owing to advanced age, climbing stairs was hard and a handrail had been indispensable, on letting herself be fitted with a "Relive Shirt" 300 and leggings 100, it turned out she could walk stably, and the handrail became unnecessary.

Example 5: Female in Her 80s (Doctor in Active Practice)

[0092] For an individual who with a curved spine owing to advanced age had difficulty walking, on letting herself be fitted with a "Relive Shirt" 300 and leggings 100, it turned out she could walk stably.

Example 6: Male in His 40s (Person with Hemiparesis Disability)

[0093] For an individual for whom, with a contracture in his left foot, his heel would not touch down, on letting himself be fitted with socks 200, it turned out his heel touched down.

Example 7: Male in His 50s

[0094] For an individual for whom, with feet that tended to become swollen, his feet felt heavy, on letting himself be fitted with socks 200, the swelling went away.

Example 8: Woman in Her 50s

[0095] On letting herself be fitted with socks 200, longer-distance walking became easier.

[0096] In the foregoing, the present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, yet having been made that way, the description is not limiting subject matter-various modifications are of course possible. The above-described embodying modes as well as the configuration of the modified examples as well as the techniques are mutually applicable. For example, in the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 2, in the buttocks area, the piriformis patternings 52 may be formed, or else the tenth legging patternings 50 may be formed. In the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 2, in place of the fourth legging patternings 24, the ninth legging patternings 29 may be formed. Furthermore, in the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 1, the sixth legging patternings 26 may be formed. Moreover, from the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, the eighth legging patternings 28 may be eliminated. Alternatively, the eighth legging patternings 28 and/or ninth legging patternings 29 may be eliminated from, and the fifth legging patternings 25 formed in, the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 18. Furthermore, with the leggings 100 illustrated in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, constructing leggings of simplified geometry, in which the second legging patternings 22, the third legging patternings 23, the seventh legging patternings 27, and the eighth legging patternings 28 have been omitted are possible. Even with leggings of geometry simplified in this way, efficacy is demonstrated.

[0097] What is more, when leggings 100 of the present embodying modes are to be constructed for athletes, for example, they may be rendered adding to the illustrated patterns further patterns that would improve functionality still more. Likewise, when socks 200 of the present embodying modes are to be employed as baseball stirrup socks, they can be rendered so as to harmonize with the design (structure, function) of baseball stirrup socks. Also, with the configuration of a shirt 300 of the present embodying modes, when it is to be for patient care, given the difficulties with dressing a patient/the patient changing clothes, it may be rendered in a form with buttons or a zipper(s) attached to make it so that the front opens. This functionality (a zipper, etc.) in order that opening be easier can also be applicable to leggings 100 and/or socks 200. It should be understood that while shirts have mainly been explained in the form of T-shirts, for golf, since shirts with a collar are fundamentally required, it is preferable that they be configured as shirts with a collar.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0098] According to the present invention, leggings and socks that, supporting the wearer's muscles, can improve capacity for and flexibility in movement can be made available.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0099] 

10: Leggings main part

11: Upper end of leggings main part

12: Leggings opening

15a, 15b: Right leg part, Left leg part

13: Lower end of leggings main part

20: Legging patternings

21 to 24: First to fourth legging patternings

25: Fifth legging patternings

26 to 29: Sixth to ninth legging patternings

30: Sock main part

31: Upper end of sock main part

32: Sock opening

40: Sock patternings

41, 42: First and second sock patternings

50: Tenth legging patternings

51: Gluteus minimus patterning

52: Piriformis patterning

53: Sacrotuberous patterning

81: Iliotibial band; 82: Vastus medialis

83: Vastus lateralis

84: Biceps femoris muscle

85: Extensor hallucis longus muscle

86: Extensor digitorum longus muscles

87: Achilles tendon

88: Soleus muscle

90: Leg

91: Knee

93: Buttock

94: Foot

95: Toe

96: Heel

100: Leggings

120: Upper-body support patternings

200: Sock

300: Shirt (T-shirt)

Claims

1. Leggings for clothing the lower half of the body of a wearer, the leggings comprising:

a leggings main part for covering the legs; and

a leggings opening provided in the upper end of the leggings main part;

wherein formed on the leggings main part are

first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands,

second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles,

third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles, and

fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles.

2. The leggings set forth in claim 1, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical geometry.

3. The leggings set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the leggings main part.

4. The leggings set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the leggings main part.

5. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, and the fourth legging patternings each have a width of 30 mm or less.

6. The leggings set forth in claim 1, wherein formed on the leggings main part further are fifth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the gastrocnemius muscles.

7. Leggings for clothing the lower half of the body of a wearer, the leggings comprising:

a leggings main part for covering the legs; wherein formed on the leggings main part are

first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands,

second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles,

third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles,

fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles,

sixth legging patternings constituted from psoas major patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, and iliacus patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the iliacus muscles,

seventh legging patternings situated in areas on the lower side of the knees, on a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles and/or the peroneus longus muscles,

eighth legging patternings situated in areas on a portion of the peroneus brevis muscles,

ninth legging patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles, and

tenth legging patternings constituted from gluteus minimus patterning sections situated in sites following the gluteus minimus muscles, piriformis patterning sections situated in sites following the piriformis muscles, and sacrotuberous patterning sections situated in sites following the sacrotuberous ligaments.

8. The leggings set forth in claim 7, wherein the sixth legging patternings have a V-shaped configuration.

9. The leggings set forth in claim 7 or 8, wherein the seventh legging patternings have a herringboning-skis-like pattern.

10. The leggings set forth in claim 9, wherein the second legging patternings and the third legging patternings have a wedging-skis-like pattern.

11. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 7 through 10, wherein the eighth legging patternings have a configuration constituted to cover a perimeter of the legs.

12. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 7 through 11, wherein the ninth legging patternings have a V-shaped configuration.

13. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 7 through 12, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the leggings main part.

14. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 7 through 12, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the leggings main part.

15. The leggings set forth in any one of claims 7 through 12, wherein the first legging patternings, the second legging patternings, the third legging patternings, the fourth legging patternings, the sixth legging patternings, the seventh legging patternings, the eighth legging patternings, the ninth legging patternings, and the tenth legging patternings each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical geometry.

16. Leggings for clothing the lower half of the body of a wearer, the leggings comprising:

a leggings main part for covering the legs; wherein formed on the leggings main part are

first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands,

sixth legging patternings constituted from psoas major patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the psoas major muscles, and iliacus patterning sections situated in sites following at least a portion of the iliacus muscles,

ninth legging patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles, and

tenth legging patternings constituted from gluteus minimus patterning sections situated in sites following the gluteus minimus muscles, piriformis patterning sections situated in sites following the piriformis muscles, and sacrotuberous patterning sections situated in sites following the sacrotuberous ligaments.

17. A sock for clothing the foot of a wearer, the sock comprising:

a sock main part for covering the foot; and

a sock opening provided in the upper end of the sock main part;

wherein
formed on the sock main part are

a first sock patterning for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles, and

a second sock patterning extending from the Achilles tendon to cover the soleus muscle.

18. The sock set forth in claim 17, wherein:

at least a portion of the first sock patterning is of a configuration that, in a region toward the toe end from the center locus between the toe and heel, makes a circuit encircling the sock; and

the second sock patterning has a V-shaped configuration.

19. The sock set forth in claim 17 or 18, wherein the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are disposed in a bilateral-symmetrical geometry.

20. The sock set forth in any one of claims 17 through 19, wherein the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are constituted from a taping medium affixed to at least either the obverse side or the reverse side of the sock main part.

21. The sock set forth in any one of claims 17 through 19, wherein the first sock patterning and the second sock patterning each are constituted from ink-impressed figures formed by ink being printed on the sock main part.

22. The sock set forth in any one of claims 17 through 21, wherein:

the first sock patterning is 100 mm or less in width; and

the second sock patterning is 30 mm or less in width.

23. Clothes comprising:

a leggings main part for covering the legs; and

sock main parts for covering the feet;

the clothes

being formed with, on the leggings main part,

first legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the iliotibial bands,

second legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus medialis muscles,

third legging patternings situated in areas on the upper side of the knees, along the origin of the vastus lateralis muscles, and

fourth legging patternings situated in sites following a portion of the biceps femoris muscles; and

being formed with, on the sock main parts,

first sock patternings for covering a portion of the extensor hallucis longus muscles and a portion of the extensor digitorum longus muscles, and

second sock patternings extending from the Achilles tendons to cover the soleus muscles.

24. The clothes set forth in claim 23, wherein the leggings main part and the sock main parts are formed in continuity.

Drawing