US20250302125A1

US20250302125A1 - Sport tights

Info

Publication number: US20250302125A1
Application number: US19/093,361
Authority: US
Inventors: Yasuho TAKII; Kouichi MONMA; Kyoko FUJIKAWA
Original assignee: Asics Corp
Current assignee: Asics Corp
Priority date: 2024-03-29
Filing date: 2025-03-28
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Also published as: CN120713310A; EP4631378A2; EP4631378A3

Abstract

Sport tights include a main body fabric, a first member, and a second member. The first member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of a first leg in a first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of a second leg in a second cylinder portion. The second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion. The sport tights include a first portion including the main body fabric, a second portion including the main body fabric and the first member, and a third portion including the main body fabric and the second member.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-057224 filed on Mar. 29, 2024, and the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-104784 filed on Jun. 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to sport tights.

2. Background Information

Conventional sport tights are known to support the movement of athletes during exercise or to support posture maintenance (Patent Literature 1, for example). Sport tights of this type are formed by combining materials having different tensile strengths, based on the required function.

PRIOR ART REFERENCE

Patent Literature

- Patent Literature 1: WO2013/179440

Sport tights are required to properly support the wearer's body while following the movement of the wearer's muscles during exercise. However, there is room for improvement in conventional sport tights in terms of proper support for the wearer's body.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and a general purpose thereof is to provide sport tights that can properly support the wearer's body during exercise.
Sport tights according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body fabric including a first cylinder portion configured to surround a first leg of a wearer, a second cylinder portion configured to surround a second leg of the wearer, and a third cylinder portion configured to surround buttocks of the wearer; a first member disposed on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body fabric; and a second member disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric. The sport tights include a first portion including the main body fabric, a second portion including the main body fabric and the first member, and a third portion including the main body fabric and the second member. Among the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the third portion has the lowest degree of stretchability. The first member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion. The second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a region in which multiple low-stretch elements are arranged;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first modification of a low stretch region;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second modification of the low stretch region;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a third modification of the low stretch region;

FIG. 8 is a front view that schematically illustrates a first modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a front view that schematically illustrates a second modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 10 is a front view that schematically illustrates a third modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a front view that schematically illustrates a fourth modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 12 is a front view that schematically illustrates a fifth modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 13 is a front view that schematically illustrates a sixth modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 14 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 17 is a front view that schematically illustrates a modification of the sport tights shown in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 18 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a front view that schematically 15 illustrates sport tights according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 20 ;

FIG. 22 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights shown in FIG. 20 ; and

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a low stretch region in the sport tights shown in FIG. 20 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described by reference to the preferred embodiments. This does not intend to limit the scope of the present invention, but to exemplify the invention.
In the following, the present disclosure will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to each drawing. In the embodiments and modifications, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements, and the repetitive description will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of a member may be appropriately enlarged or reduced in each drawing in order to facilitate understanding. Further, in each drawing, part of a member less important in describing the embodiments may be omitted.
Also, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second”, are used to describe various constituting elements. However, such terms are used only to distinguish one constituting element from another and do not limit the constituting elements.
In the embodiments, as the terms for indicating directions, front and rear directions, vertical directions, and left and right directions may be used. Each direction means a direction with respect to the body of a wearer, who is a person wearing sport tights, when the person is standing. That is, the rear direction indicates the direction in which the wearer's back is facing, and the front direction indicates the direction opposite to the rear direction from the wearer. In sport tights, the side facing in the front direction is also referred to as the front side, and the side facing in the rear direction is also referred to as the back side. Further, the outer side in the left or right direction in sport tights may also be referred to as the outer side with respect to the constituting elements of the sport tights.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 1. FIG. 3 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 1. FIGS. 1 to 3 each show the shape of the sport tights 1 in a state of being worn by a wearer, in which illustration of the wearer is omitted.
The sport tights 1 are sport tights designed to be worn when the wearer performs exercise such as running. The sport tights 1 are also referred to as compression tights. The sport tights 1 are configured to support muscles during exercise by being in close contact with and compressing the wearer's body and also to reduce energy loss by restraining muscle vibration associated with exercise. In the following description, the sport tights 1 having a shape covering above the wearer's knees are described as an example. However, the sport tights 1 may also have a shape covering under the knees, such as near the ankles, of the wearer.
The sport tights 1 include a main body fabric 10. The main body fabric 10 constitutes a basic shape of the sport tights 1. The main body fabric 10 may have high degree of stretchability in any direction along the wearer's body. The main body fabric 10 is configured, for example, to include a chemical fiber, such as polyester and nylon. The main body fabric 10 may be entirely constituted by a single fabric or may be multiple fabrics integrated using an arbitrary joining method, such as sewing or welding.
The main body fabric 10 includes a first cylinder portion 12, a second cylinder portion 14, and a third cylinder portion 16. The first cylinder portion 12 is configured to surround a first leg of the wearer. The second cylinder portion 14 is configured to surround a second leg of the wearer. The third cylinder portion 16 is configured to surround the buttocks of the wearer. In the present embodiment, the third cylinder portion 16 is configured to further surround a lumbar region of the wearer. In this case, the front side of the third cylinder portion 16 is configured to surround an abdomen region of the wearer. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first leg is the wearer's right leg, and the second leg is the wearer's left leg.
The sport tights 1 further include a first low-stretch material as a first member. The degree of stretchability of the first low-stretch material is less than or equal to the degree of stretchability of the main body fabric 10. The degree of stretchability can be evaluated by an elongation ratio when a predetermined load is applied to a fabric or the like to stretch it in a predetermined direction (i.e., the ratio of the length in the predetermined direction when the predetermined load is applied, to the length before the predetermined load is applied). It can be said that the degree of stretchability is low when the elongation ratio is small, and the degree of stretchability is high when the elongation ratio is large. The first low-stretch material is configured to include a synthetic resin, for example. The first low-stretch material is attached, as multiple low-stretch elements 30, to the main body fabric 10 using a joining method such as printing. By attaching the first low-stretch material as multiple low-stretch elements 30 to the main body fabric 10, gaps are easily formed between the multiple low-stretch elements 30. Therefore, compared to the case where the first low-stretch material is attached as a sheet member, for example, to the main body fabric 10, breathability of the sport tights 1 can be ensured more easily, and the sport tights 1 can be made to follow the movement of the legs more easily.
The multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. The inner surface of the main body fabric 10 is a surface of the main body fabric 10 that faces the wearer's body. The outer surface of the main body fabric 10 is a surface of the main body fabric 10 opposite to the inner surface and is exposed to the outside when worn by the wearer. In the present embodiment, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged on the outer surface of the main body fabric 10.
The sport tights 1 further include an auxiliary fabric 50 as a second member. The auxiliary fabric 50 may have high stretchability in any direction along the wearer's body. The degree of stretchability of the auxiliary fabric 50 is not particularly limited and may be equivalent to the degree of stretchability of the main body fabric 10. The auxiliary fabric 50 is configured, for example, to include a chemical fiber, such as polyester and nylon. The auxiliary fabric 50 may be entirely constituted by a single fabric or may be multiple fabrics integrated using an arbitrary joining method, such as sewing or welding.
The size of the auxiliary fabric 50 is smaller than the size of the main body fabric 10. The auxiliary fabric 50 is provided continuously over a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a region corresponding to the third cylinder portion 16. Accordingly, the auxiliary fabric 50 integrally formed on the main body fabric 10 can be disposed at a position corresponding to a body part of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise. In the present specification, based on the center line with respect to the left and right directions of the first cylinder portion 12 when the sport tights 1 are placed flat on a flat surface and viewed from the front, the side region side of the body is defined as the outer thigh side of the first leg, and the side opposite to the outer thigh side is defined as the inner thigh side. For the second leg, the outer thigh side and the inner thigh side are defined in the same manner as for the first leg, except that the left and right sides are reversed.
The auxiliary fabric 50 is disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. The auxiliary fabric 50 may be disposed on a surface different from the surface on which the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged, of the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. In this case, since the multiple low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 do not interfere with each other in a portion where the main body fabric 10, the multiple low-stretch elements 30, and the auxiliary fabric 50 overlap, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 can be stably attached to the main body fabric 10.
In the present embodiment, the auxiliary fabric 50 is disposed on the inner surface of the main body fabric 10. Accordingly, since the auxiliary fabric 50 is less likely to be visually recognized from the outside when the wearer is wearing the sport tights 1, the design properties of the sport tights 1 can be easily improved.
The auxiliary fabric 50 may be attached to the main body fabric 10 at multiple positions on the surface of the auxiliary fabric 50 facing the main body fabric 10. For example, the auxiliary fabric 50 may be attached to the main body fabric 10 via multiple point-shaped adhesive members arranged at substantially equal intervals on the surface of the auxiliary fabric 50 facing the main body fabric 10. This can make the auxiliary fabric 50 less likely to shift from the position where it is disposed on the main body fabric 10, even when the wearer exercises strenuously. Also, compared to the case where the auxiliary fabric 50 and the main body fabric 10 are surface bonded, the sport tights 1 can be made to follow the wearer's movement more easily. The auxiliary fabric 50 may be attached to the main body fabric 10 at a position of the contour line or near the contour line on the surface of the auxiliary fabric 50 facing the main body fabric 10, using an arbitrary joining method, such as sewing or welding. Also, the auxiliary fabric 50 may be attached to the main body fabric 10 both at multiple positions and at a position of the contour line or near the contour line on the surface of the auxiliary fabric 50 facing the main body fabric 10.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a region in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged. A region in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged may also be referred to as a low-stretch region 32. As shown in FIG. 4 , in the low-stretch region 32, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 may be arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern on the main body fabric 10. The low-stretch region 32 has a shape extending in a predetermined direction (longitudinal direction in FIG. 4 ) and a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction (lateral direction in FIG. 4 ). The degree of stretchability in the predetermined direction of the low-stretch region 32 and the degree of stretchability in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction of the low-stretch region 32 may be different from each other.
In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the shape of each low-stretch element 30 has a long side direction and a short side direction. In specific, the shape of each low-stretch element 30 is a substantially rhombic shape. The low-stretch elements 30 are arranged in an orientation such that the diagonals of each low-stretch element 30 are respectively directed along longitudinal and lateral directions in FIG. 4 . A longitudinal direction of each low-stretch element 30 is a short side direction, and a lateral direction of each low-stretch element 30 is a long side direction. In this case, in the low-stretch elements 30, the degree of stretchability in a direction along a long side direction is lower than the degree of stretchability in a direction along a short side direction. Therefore, it is easier to design the low-stretch region 32 such that the degree of stretchability in a direction along a long side direction of the low-stretch elements 30 is lower than the degree of stretchability in a direction along a short side direction of the low-stretch elements 30. Thus, by adjusting the long side direction and the short side direction of the low-stretch elements 30 constituting the repeating pattern, the degree of stretchability of the low-stretch region 32 can be given a directional property.
In the low-stretch region 32, the repeating pattern of the arrangement of the multiple low-stretch elements 30 may be a repeating pattern in which the interval between low-stretch elements 30 is different at each position within the low-stretch region 32. Also, the size, shape, or orientation of a low-stretch element 30 may be different at each position where it is disposed. Accordingly, the degree of stretchability can be continuously changed at each position within the low-stretch region 32.
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first modification of the low-stretch region 32. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second modification of the low-stretch region 32. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a third modification of the low-stretch region 32. In each of the modifications shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the explanation for matters in common with the low-stretch elements 30 and the low-stretch region 32 of the present embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the shape of each of low-stretch elements 30A arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern in a low-stretch region 32A is a substantially circular shape. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the shape of each of low-stretch elements 30B arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern in a low-stretch region 32B is a substantially square shape. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the shape of each of low-stretch elements 30C arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern in a low-stretch region 32C is a substantially equilateral triangular shape. Each of the low-stretch elements 30A-30C need not necessarily have a long side direction and a short side direction. In other words, with regard to each of the low-stretch elements 30A-30C, the length in a longitudinal direction and the length in a lateral direction may be substantially identical in each figure.
On the outer side of at least one of the first cylinder portion 12 or the second cylinder portion 14, the low-stretch region 32 may be provided entirely in an area along a vertical direction, may be provided in 30% or more of the area along the vertical direction, may be provided in 50% or more of the area along the vertical direction, or may be provided in 80% or more of the area along the vertical direction. The proportion of the low-stretch region 32 in the first cylinder portion 12 is calculated as the proportion of the length of a line segment connecting the upper end and the lower end of the low-stretch region 32 when the vertical dimension of the outer side of the first cylinder portion 12 is assumed to be 100%. The proportion of the low-stretch region 32 in the second cylinder portion 14 is calculated as the proportion of the length of a line segment connecting the upper end and the lower end of the low-stretch region 32 when the vertical dimension of the outer side of the second cylinder portion 14 is assumed to be 100%.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the low-stretch regions 32 include at least a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a region corresponding to the back side of the lumbar region of the wearer in the third cylinder portion 16. Accordingly, since the low-stretch regions 32 are arranged at positions corresponding to body parts of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise, the wearer's body during exercise can be supported more properly.
The sport tights 1 include a first portion including the main body fabric 10, a second portion including the main body fabric 10 and the low-stretch elements 30 as the first member, a third portion including the main body fabric 10 and the auxiliary fabric 50 as the second member, and a fourth portion including the main body fabric 10, the low-stretch elements 30, and the auxiliary fabric 50. The first portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 are not provided. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first portion corresponds to the gaps between the multiple low-stretch elements 30 within the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, the gaps between the multiple low-stretch elements 30 within the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, a portion around the hem of the first cylinder portion 12, and a portion around the hem of the second cylinder portion 14.
The second portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 are provided but the auxiliary fabric 50 is not provided. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the second portion corresponds to a portion where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are provided within the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, and a portion where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are provided within the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14.
The third portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 are not provided but the auxiliary fabric 50 is provided. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the third portion corresponds to a portion where the low-stretch elements 30 are not provided within the region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a portion where the low-stretch elements 30 are not provided within the region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a portion where the low-stretch elements 30 are not provided within the region corresponding to the third cylinder portion 16.
The fourth portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 are provided. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the fourth portion corresponds to a portion where the low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 are provided within a region corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary between the inner thigh side and the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a portion where the low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 are provided within a region corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary between the inner thigh side and the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a portion corresponding to the back side of the lumbar region of the wearer in the third cylinder portion 16.
Among the first, second, third, and fourth portions, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the fourth portion has the lowest degree of stretchability. The degree of stretchability of the second portion and the degree of stretchability of the third portion may be the same or may be different. When the degree of stretchability of the low-stretch elements 30 is higher than the degree of stretchability of the auxiliary fabric 50, the degree of stretchability of the second portion is higher than the degree of stretchability of the third portion. When the degree of stretchability of the low-stretch elements 30 is lower than the degree of stretchability of the auxiliary fabric 50, the degree of stretchability of the second portion is lower than the degree of stretchability of the third portion. When the degree of stretchability of the low-stretch elements 30 is equal to the degree of stretchability of the auxiliary fabric 50, the degree of stretchability of the second portion is equal to the degree of stretchability of the third portion.
Thus, in the sport tights 1 of the present embodiment, the degree of stretchability of each portion can be set with high flexibility, based on how the low-stretch elements 30 as the first member and the auxiliary fabric 50 as the second member are arranged with respect to the main body fabric 10. Therefore, the sport tights 1 can properly support the wearer's body during exercise.
With reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 , modifications of the sport tights 1 will be described. In each of the modifications shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 , the explanation for matters in common with the sport tights 1 of the present embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 8 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1A according to a first modification of the sport tights 1. The position of the upper edge of the sport tights 1A is lower than that of the sport tights 1. In specific, the sport tights 1A differ from the sport tights 1 in that the third cylinder portion 16 is not configured to surround the lumbar region of the wearer. With such a configuration, the feeling of pressure on the lumbar region and also on the abdomen region opposite to the lumbar region can be reduced.
FIG. 9 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1B according to a second modification of the sport tights 1. The size of the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1B is smaller than that in the sport tights 1. In specific, the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1B is provided continuously over a region corresponding to part of the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a region corresponding to part of the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a region corresponding to the third cylinder portion 16. With such a configuration, since the proportion of a highly stretchable region in the sport tights 1B is higher than that in the sport tights 1, the sport tights 1B can follow the wearer's movement more easily.
FIG. 10 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1C according to a third modification of the sport tights 1. The size of the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1C is larger than that in the sport tights 1. In specific, the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1C is provided continuously over a region corresponding to the entire inner thigh side and part of the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12, a region corresponding to the entire inner thigh side and part of the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14, and a region corresponding to the third cylinder portion 16. With such a larger auxiliary fabric 50, the femoral muscles can be supported more effectively, and the swaying of the soft tissues of the thighs can be effectively restrained.
FIG. 11 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1D according to a fourth modification of the sport tights 1. The shape of the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1D is different from that in the sport tights 1. In specific, the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1D has a shape of which the contour line is snaking in each of the region corresponding to the first cylinder portion 12 and the region corresponding to the second cylinder portion 14. With such snaking contour lines, the auxiliary fabric 50 can be disposed appropriately in areas where support is required, and, in addition, the sport tights 1D can be configured to be lighter in weight.
FIG. 12 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1E according to a fifth modification of the sport tights 1. The size of a low-stretch region 32 in the sport tights 1E is smaller than that in the sport tights 1. In specific, among the low-stretch regions 32 in the sport tights 1E, the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14 are smaller in a vertical direction than the corresponding low-stretch regions 32 in the sport tights 1. More specifically, with respect to the vertical dimension on the outer side of at least one of the first cylinder portion 12 or the second cylinder portion 14, the vertical dimension of the corresponding low-stretch region 32 may be 50% or less or may be 40% or less. With the low-stretch regions 32 formed relatively small, the capability to follow and the breathability can be improved, and, in addition, the sport tights 1E can be configured to be lighter in weight.
FIG. 13 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 1F according to a sixth modification of the sport tights 1. A low-stretch region 32 in the sport tights 1F is larger in a vertical direction than that in the sport tights 1. In specific, a low-stretch region 32 is disposed entirely on the outer side of at least one of the first cylinder portion 12 or the second cylinder portion 14 and also entirely on the corresponding outer side of the third cylinder portion 16. With a low-stretch region 32 formed from a hem portion to a lumbar region, supporting force can be applied to an area over the corresponding outer thigh side and lumbar region.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 2. FIG. 16 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 2. With regard to the sport tights 2 of the present embodiment, the explanation for matters in common with the sport tights 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
The sport tights 2 include the main body fabric 10 and the first low-stretch material as the first member. The main body fabric 10 of the present embodiment is the same as the main body fabric 10 of the first embodiment. The first low-stretch material is attached, as multiple low-stretch elements 30, to the main body fabric 10 using a joining method such as printing. The low-stretch elements 30 and the low-stretch regions 32 of the present embodiment are the same as the low-stretch elements 30 and the low-stretch regions 32 of the first embodiment.
The sport tights 2 differ from the sport tights 1 of the first embodiment in including a second low-stretch material as the second member. The degree of stretchability of the second low-stretch material is less than or equal to the degree of stretchability of the main body fabric 10. The second low-stretch material is configured to include silicone rubber, for example. The second low-stretch material is attached, as a silicone sheet, for example, to the main body fabric 10 using a joining method such as printing. The second low-stretch material is disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10.
The second low-stretch material is attached, to the main body fabric 10, as a first extending portion 70 extending from a position corresponding to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16 toward the hem of the first cylinder portion 12 and a second extending portion 72 extending from a position corresponding to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16 toward the hem of the second cylinder portion 14. The first extending portion 70 branches off from the position corresponding to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16 and includes a first front extending portion extending through a position corresponding to the front thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a first rear extending portion extending through a position corresponding to the rear thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12. The second extending portion 72 branches off from the position corresponding to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16 and includes a second front extending portion extending through a position corresponding to the front thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14 and a second rear extending portion extending through a position corresponding to the rear thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14.
The first front extending portion and the first rear extending portion may be formed continuously with each other or may be formed discontinuously. In the present embodiment, the first front extending portion and the first rear extending portion are formed continuously as branching off from the position corresponding to the wearer's buttock. Since the first front extending portion and the first rear extending portion are continuously formed, it is possible to impart a difference in stretchability while reducing a sense of incongruity felt by the wearer.
Further, the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 may also be formed continuously with each other or may be formed discontinuously. In the present embodiment, the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 are discontinuous in a center part on the back side of the third cylinder portion 16. The center part on the back side is often sewn; in such cases, by making the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 discontinuous in the center part on the back side, the flexibility in sewing can be ensured more easily.
The vertical dimension (length) of each of the first front extending portion and the first rear extending portion is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 50% or more, 80% or more, or 90% or more of the vertical dimension of the first cylinder portion 12. For the second front extending portion and the second rear extending portion, the same dimensions as the first front extending portion and the first rear extending portion may be adopted.
Accordingly, in the sport tights 2, the degree of stretchability along the extending direction of each of the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 can be made particularly low. Therefore, muscle vibration associated with exercise can be restrained, and various degrees of stretchability can be achieved with the multiple low-stretch elements 30.
The multiple low-stretch elements 30 may be arranged at least in a first region 74 that overlaps with at least part of the first extending portion 70 and in a second region 76 that overlaps with at least part of the second extending portion 72. In the example shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 , the first region 74 includes a region corresponding to the front thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the rear thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12. The second region 76 includes a region corresponding to the front thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14 and a region corresponding to the rear thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. The first region 74 and the second region 76 constitute the fourth portion.
Accordingly, in the sport tights 2, the degree of stretchability can be made particularly low in the first region 74 and the second region 76. Also, the degree of stretchability can be made lower in a region corresponding to a body part of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise.
The first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 may be disposed on the same surface as the surface on which the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged, of the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. In specific, the multiple low-stretch elements 30, the first extending portion 70, and the second extending portion 72 may be arranged on the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. Accordingly, with the arrangement of the multiple low-stretch elements 30, the first extending portion 70, and the second extending portion 72, for example, the design properties can be enhanced.
In a region where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 and the first extending portion 70 overlap in the first region 74, the first extending portion 70 may be attached to cover an area of the main body fabric 10 where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are attached. Similarly, in a region where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 and the second extending portion 72 overlap in the second region 76, the second extending portion 72 may be attached to cover an area of the main body fabric 10 where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are attached. In this case, the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 of sheet shape, for example, may be provided over the areas of the main body fabric 10 where the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are attached by printing or the like, so that the sport tights 2 can be manufactured easily.
With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19 , a modification of the sport tights 2 will be described. In the modification shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 , the explanation for matters in common with the sport tights 2 of the present embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 17 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 2A according to a modification of the sport tights 2. FIG. 18 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 2A. FIG. 19 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 2A.
The sport tights 2A differ from the sport tights 2 in that the ranges in which the low-stretch regions 32 are provided in the sport tights 2A are different from those in the sport tights 2. The low-stretch regions 32 in the sport tights 2A include a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. The first region 74 in the sport tights 2A includes a region corresponding to the front thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the rear thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12. The second region 76 in the sport tights 2A includes a region corresponding to the front thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14 and a region corresponding to the rear thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a front view that schematically illustrates sport tights 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a rear view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 3. FIG. 22 is a side view that schematically illustrates the sport tights 3. With regard to the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment, the explanation for matters in common with the sport tights 1 of the first embodiment or the sport tights 2 of the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
The sport tights 3 include the main body fabric 10, the first low-stretch material as the first member, and the second low-stretch material as the second member. The main body fabric 10 of the present embodiment is the same as the main body fabric 10 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
The first low-stretch material of the present embodiment may be the same material as the first low-stretch material of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The first low-stretch material is attached, as multiple low-stretch elements 30, to the main body fabric 10 using a joining method such as printing. As in the first embodiment, by attaching the first low-stretch material as multiple low-stretch elements 30 to the main body fabric 10, gaps are easily formed between the multiple low-stretch elements 30. Therefore, compared to the case where the first low-stretch material is attached as a sheet member, for example, to the main body fabric 10, breathability of the sport tights 1 can be ensured more easily, and the sport tights 1 can be made to follow the movement of the legs more easily.
The multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. In the present embodiment, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged on the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged at least in a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the wearer's first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the wearer's second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. A region in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged in the present embodiment may also be referred to as a low-stretch region 32E. The low-stretch region 32E will be detailed later.
The second low-stretch material of the present embodiment may be the same material as the second low-stretch material of the second embodiment. The second low-stretch material is attached, as a silicone sheet, for example, to the main body fabric 10 using a joining method such as printing. The second low-stretch material is disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10.
The second low-stretch material as the second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the wearer's second leg in the second cylinder portion 14.
The second low-stretch material as the second member is attached, to the main body fabric 10, as a first extending portion 80 extending through the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg toward the hem in the first cylinder portion 12 and a second extending portion 82 extending through the region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the wearer's second leg toward the hem in the second cylinder portion 14. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the upper end of the first extending portion 80 and the upper end of the second extending portion 82 are located respectively at positions corresponding to the wearer's buttocks in the third cylinder portion 16. However, the upper end of the first extending portion 80 may be located in the first cylinder portion 12, and the upper end of the second extending portion 82 may be located in the second cylinder portion 14. Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the lower end of the first extending portion 80 is located above the hem of the first cylinder portion 12, and the lower end of the second extending portion 82 is located above the hem of the second cylinder portion 14. However, the lower end of the first extending portion 80 may be located at the hem of the first cylinder portion 12, and the lower end of the second extending portion 82 may be located at the hem of the second cylinder portion 14.
The first extending portion 80 includes a first rear extending portion 84 extending through the back body of the first cylinder portion 12 toward the hem and a first front extending portion 86 extending through an area of the first cylinder portion 12 closer to the front body side than the first rear extending portion 84 toward the hem. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the first front extending portion 86 extends through the front body of the first cylinder portion 12 toward the hem. The first rear extending portion 84 may extend along the rear edge of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg on the first cylinder portion 12. Also, the first front extending portion 86 may extend along the front edge of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg on the first cylinder portion 12. This can support the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg while not interfering with the stretching or contracting of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg.
The second extending portion 82 includes a second rear extending portion 88 extending through the back body of the second cylinder portion 14 toward the hem and a second front extending portion 90 extending through an area of the second cylinder portion 14 closer to the front body side than the second rear extending portion 88 toward the hem. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the second front extending portion 90 extends through the front body of the second cylinder portion 14 toward the hem. The second rear extending portion 88 may extend along the rear edge of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's second leg on the second cylinder portion 14. Also, the second front extending portion 90 may extend along the front edge of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's second leg on the second cylinder portion 14. This can support the outer thigh side of the wearer's second leg while not interfering with the stretching or contracting of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's second leg.
The first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 are connected at a first connection position 92. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the first connection position 92 is located at a position where the upper end of the first rear extending portion 84 and the upper end of the first front extending portion 86 meet and that corresponds to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16. The position of the first connection position 92 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 20 to 22. For example, the first connection position 92 may be located at a position where the lower end of the first rear extending portion 84 and the lower end of the first front extending portion 86 meet and that corresponds to the first cylinder portion 12. Thus, since the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 are connected to each other, the positional relationship in a vertical direction between the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 can be maintained easily, so that the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg can be supported better. However, the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 need not necessarily be connected to each other.
The second rear extending portion 88 and the second front extending portion 90 are connected at a second connection position 94. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the second connection position 94 is located at a position where the upper end of the second rear extending portion 88 and the upper end of the second front extending portion 90 meet and that corresponds to the wearer's buttock in the third cylinder portion 16. The position of the second connection position 94 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 . For example, the second connection position 94 may be located at a position where the lower end of the second rear extending portion 88 and the lower end of the second front extending portion 90 meet and that corresponds to the second cylinder portion 14. Thus, since the second rear extending portion 88 and the second front extending portion 90 are connected to each other, the positional relationship in a vertical direction between the second rear extending portion 88 and the second front extending portion 90 can be maintained easily, so that the outer thigh side of the wearer's second leg can be supported better. However, the second rear extending portion 88 and the second front extending portion 90 need not necessarily be connected to each other.
The sport tights 3 include a first portion including the main body fabric 10, a second portion including the main body fabric 10 and the low-stretch elements 30 as the first member, and a third portion including the main body fabric 10 and the second low-stretch material as the second member. The first portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which none of the low-stretch elements 30, the first extending portion 80, and the second extending portion 82 are provided. The second portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 are provided but neither the first extending portion 80 nor the second extending portion 82 is provided. The third portion is a portion of the main body fabric 10 in which the low-stretch elements 30 are not provided but one of the first extending portion 80 or the second extending portion 82 is provided.
Unlike the sport tights 1 of the first embodiment and the sport tights 2 of the second embodiment, the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment may not include a fourth portion that includes the main body fabric 10, the first member, and the second member. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the low-stretch elements 30 need not be arranged in either a region in which the first extending portion 80 is disposed or a region in which the second extending portion 82 is disposed.
Among the first, second, and third portions, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the third portion has the lowest degree of stretchability. That is, the degree of stretchability of the third portion is lower than the degree of stretchability of the second portion.
Details of the low-stretch region 32E will now be described. As described previously, the low-stretch region 32E is disposed at least in a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the wearer's first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the wearer's second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. In each low-stretch region 32E, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern on the main body fabric 10. Also, in each low-stretch region 32E, the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions is greater than the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions. This can ensure the high degree of stretchability in the vertical directions in which the muscles mainly stretch and contract, while increasing the support for the inner thigh side of each of the first leg and the second leg of the wearer.
FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a low stretch region 32E. The repeating pattern of the multiple low-stretch elements 30 included in the low-stretch region 32E includes multiple linearly arranged portions 34 in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged along a predetermined direction. In FIG. 23 , in the interest of simplicity, only one linearly arranged portion is marked with the reference numeral 34. However, each group of multiple low-stretch elements 30 arranged in parallel with the linearly arranged portion 34 constitutes a linearly arranged portion 34. That is, in FIG. 23 , seven linearly arranged portions 34 are illustrated.
The extending direction of the linearly arranged portions 34 is a direction closer to the left and right directions than to the vertical directions and may be parallel to the left and right directions. The interval between adjacent linearly arranged portions 34 is wider than the interval between adjacent low-stretch elements 30 in a linearly arranged portion 34. With such a configuration, the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions can be made greater than the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions in each low-stretch region 32E, as described above. Also, the ratio between the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions and the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions can be easily adjusted simply by adjusting the angle of the extending direction of the linearly arranged portions 34.
Each low-stretch region 32E of the present embodiment may be the same as any of the low-stretch regions 32 and 32A to 32C shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 . Also, each low-stretch region 32E may be a region in which any of the low-stretch elements 30A to 30C shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 are arranged in a repeating pattern same as that shown in FIG. 23 . Further, the low-stretch regions 32 in the first and second embodiments may be the same as the low-stretch regions 32E of the present embodiment.
There will now be described modifications of the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment. The sport tights 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can also be said to be a modification of the sport tights 3. In this case, the low-stretch elements 30 in the sport tights 1 are an example of the second member in the present embodiment. Also, the auxiliary fabric 50 in the sport tights 1 is an example of the first member in the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the sport tights 1 include the fourth portion in which the low-stretch elements 30 and the auxiliary fabric 50 are arranged on the main body fabric 10. However, the sport tights 1 as a modification of the present embodiment may or may not include the fourth portion. Similarly to above, the sport tights 1A to 1F shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 can also be said to be modifications of the sport tights 3.
The sport tights 2A shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 can also be said to be a modification of the sport tights 3. In this case, the low-stretch elements 30 in the sport tights 2A are an example of the first member in the present embodiment. Also, the first extending portion 70 and the second extending portion 72 in the sport tights 2A are an example of the second member in the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 , the sport tights 2A include the fourth portion in which the low-stretch elements 30 are arranged in a region in which the first extending portion 70 or the second extending portion 72 is disposed on the main body fabric 10. However, the sport tights 2A as a modification of the present embodiment may or may not include the fourth portion.
As described above, the sport tights 3 according to the present embodiment include the main body fabric 10, the first member, and the second member. The main body fabric 10 includes the first cylinder portion 12 configured to surround the wearer's first leg, the second cylinder portion 14 configured to surround the wearer's second leg, and the third cylinder portion 16 configured to surround the wearer's buttocks. Each of the first member and the second member is disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric 10. The first member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. The second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion 12 and a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion 14. Also, the sport tights 3 include the first portion including the main body fabric 10, the second portion including the main body fabric 10 and the first member, and the third portion including the main body fabric 10 and the second member. Among the first, second, and third portions, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the third portion has the lowest degree of stretchability.
Accordingly, while supporting the inner side and the outer side of the wearer's each thigh, the sport tights 3 support the outer side more strongly. Therefore, the sport tights 3 support the inner thigh side, where expansion and contraction of skin due to exercise such as running is relatively large, while minimizing inhibition of skin movement and support more strongly the outer thigh side, where expansion and contraction of skin due to exercise such as running is relatively small, thereby properly supporting the wearer's body during exercise. In addition, by controlling the movement of the skin, the movement of the muscles associated with the skin can also be controlled.
The second member in the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment may be attached, to the main body fabric 10, as the first extending portion 80 extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg toward the hem in the first cylinder portion 12 and the second extending portion 82 extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg toward the hem in the second cylinder portion 14.
In this way, by disposing the second member in a continuous shape in a direction along the wearer's femur, shifting of the soft tissues such as to rotate around the femur, caused by landing impact or the like, can be restrained. If the second member with such a shape is disposed on the inner thigh side, the movement of the skin on the inner thigh side is likely to be inhibited; however, by disposing the second member on the outer thigh side, such inhibition of skin movement can be minimized. By controlling the movement of the skin, the movement of the muscles associated with the skin can also be controlled.
The first extending portion 80 in the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment may include the first rear extending portion 84 extending through the back body of the first cylinder portion 12 toward the hem and the first front extending portion 86 extending through an area of the first cylinder portion 12 closer to the front body side than the first rear extending portion 84 toward the hem. This facilitates disposing the first extending portion 80 away from the center of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg, thereby supporting the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg while not interfering with the stretching or contracting of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg.
In the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment, the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 may be connected at a position corresponding to the third cylinder portion 16. When the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 are connected to each other, the positional relationship in a vertical direction between the first rear extending portion 84 and the first front extending portion 86 can be maintained easily, so that shifting of the soft tissues in the thigh of the wearer's first leg such as to rotate around the femur can be restrained.
In the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment, the first member may be attached as the multiple low-stretch elements 30 to the main body fabric 10. This facilitates ensuring breathability of the sport tights 3.
In the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment, the multiple low-stretch elements 30 may be arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern. Also, in a region in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged, the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions of the wearer's body may be greater than the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions of the wearer's body. This can ensure the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions in which the muscles mainly stretch and contract, while increasing the support for the inner thigh side of each of the first leg and the second leg of the wearer.
In the sport tights 3 of the present embodiment, the repeating pattern may include multiple linearly arranged portions 34 in which multiple low-stretch elements 30 are arranged along a predetermined direction. The extending direction of the linearly arranged portions 34 may be a direction closer to the left and right directions than to the vertical directions. Further, the interval between adjacent linearly arranged portions 34 may be wider than the interval between adjacent low-stretch elements 30 in a linearly arranged portion 34. Accordingly, in each low-stretch region 32E, the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions can be made greater than the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions. Also, the ratio between the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions and the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions can be easily adjusted simply by adjusting the angle of the extending direction of the linearly arranged portions 34.
The present disclosure has been described based on embodiments. The embodiments are intended to be illustrative only, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications to a combination of constituting elements or processes in the embodiments could be developed and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, when the embodiments set forth above are generalized, the following aspects are obtained.

Aspect 1

Sport tights, including:

- a main body fabric including a first cylinder portion configured to surround a first leg of a wearer, a second cylinder portion configured to surround a second leg of the wearer, and a third cylinder portion configured to surround buttocks of the wearer;
- a first member disposed on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body fabric; and
- a second member disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric,
- wherein the sport tights include a first portion including the main body fabric, a second portion including the main body fabric and the first member, a third portion including the main body fabric and the second member, and a fourth portion including the main body fabric, the first member, and the second member, and
- wherein, among the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the fourth portion has the lowest degree of stretchability.

According to Aspect 1, the degree of stretchability of each portion can be set with high flexibility, based on how each of the first member and the second member is arranged with respect to the main body fabric. Therefore, in Aspect 1, the wearer's body during exercise can be properly supported.

Aspect 2

The sport tights according to Aspect 1,

- wherein the first member may be a low-stretch material,
- wherein the degree of stretchability of the low-stretch material may be less than or equal to the degree of stretchability of the main body fabric, and
- wherein the low-stretch material may be attached as multiple low-stretch elements to the main body fabric.

According to Aspect 2, since the low-stretch material is attached as multiple low-stretch elements to the main body fabric, gaps are easily formed between the multiple low-stretch elements. Therefore, breathability of the sport tights can be easily ensured.

Aspect 3

The sport tights according to Aspect 2,

- wherein the multiple low-stretch elements may be arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern, and
- wherein, in a region in which the multiple low-stretch elements are arranged, the degree of stretchability in a predetermined direction may be different from the degree of stretchability in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

According to Aspect 3, the degree of stretchability of a region in which multiple low-stretch elements are arranged can be given a directional property. Accordingly, in Aspect 3, arrangement of the region in which multiple low-stretch elements are arranged and the directional property of the degree of stretchability can be set based on a part of the sport tights that is likely to stretch or contract in conjunction with the wearer's movement and the directional property of the part, for example. Therefore, the wearer's body during exercise can be supported more properly.

Aspect 4

The sport tights according to Aspect 2 or 3,

- wherein the third cylinder portion may be configured to further surround a lumbar region of the wearer, and
- wherein the multiple low-stretch elements may be arranged at least in a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion, a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion, and a region corresponding to a back side of the lumbar region in the third cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 4, since the low-stretch regions are arranged at positions corresponding to body parts of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise, the wearer's body during exercise can be supported more properly.

Aspect 5

The sport tights according to Aspect 4,

- wherein the second member may be an auxiliary fabric provided continuously over a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion, a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion, and a region corresponding to the third cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 5, the auxiliary fabric integrally formed on the main body fabric can be disposed at a position corresponding to a body part of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise. Also, according to Aspect 5, the auxiliary fabric is disposed together with the multiple low-stretch elements on the auxiliary fabric, so that the support for the wearer's body during exercise can be further improved.

Aspect 6

The sport tights according to Aspect 5,

- wherein the auxiliary fabric may be attached to the main body fabric at multiple positions on a surface of the auxiliary fabric facing the main body fabric.

According to Aspect 6, the auxiliary fabric can be made less likely to shift from the position where it is disposed on the main body fabric, even when the wearer exercises strenuously.

Aspect 7

The sport tights according to Aspect 5 or 6,

- wherein the multiple low-stretch elements may be arranged on the outer surface of the main body fabric, and
- wherein the auxiliary fabric may be disposed on the inner surface of the main body fabric.

According to Aspect 7, a region in which multiple low-stretch elements are arranged and a region in which the auxiliary fabric is disposed are formed respectively on different surfaces of the main body fabric. Accordingly, since the multiple low-stretch elements and the auxiliary fabric do not interfere with each other in a portion where the main body fabric, the multiple low-stretch elements, and the auxiliary fabric overlap, the multiple low-stretch elements and the auxiliary fabric can be stably attached to the main body fabric. Also, in Aspect 7, the auxiliary fabric is disposed on the inner surface of the main body fabric. Accordingly, since the auxiliary fabric is less likely to be visually recognized from the outside when the wearer is wearing the sport tights, the design properties of the sport tights can be easily improved.

Aspect 8

The sport tights according to Aspect 2 or 3,

- wherein the low-stretch material may be a first low-stretch material,
- wherein the second member may be a second low-stretch material,
- wherein the degree of stretchability of the second low-stretch material may be less than or equal to the degree of stretchability of the main body fabric, and
- wherein the second low-stretch material may be attached, to the main body fabric, as a first extending portion extending from a position corresponding to a buttock of the wearer in the third cylinder portion toward a hem of the first cylinder portion and a second extending portion extending from a position corresponding to a buttock of the wearer in the third cylinder portion toward a hem of the second cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 8, the degree of stretchability along the extending direction of each of the first extending portion and the second extending portion can be made particularly low. Therefore, muscle vibration associated with exercise can be restrained, and various degrees of stretchability can be achieved with the multiple low-stretch elements.

Aspect 9

The sport tights according to Aspect 8,

- wherein the multiple low-stretch elements may be arranged at least in a first region that overlaps with at least part of the first extending portion and in a second region that overlaps with at least part of the second extending portion.

According to Aspect 9, the degree of stretchability can be made particularly low in the first region and the second region.

Aspect 10

The sport tights according to Aspect 9,

- wherein the first region may be a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg or a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion, and
- wherein the second region may be a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg or a region corresponding to the inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 10, the degree of stretchability can be made lower in a region corresponding to a body part of the wearer for which support is particularly required during exercise.

Aspect 11

The sport tights according to Aspect 9 or 10,

- wherein, in a region where the multiple low-stretch elements and the first extending portion overlap in the first region, the first extending portion may be attached to cover an area of the main body fabric where the multiple low-stretch elements are attached.

According to Aspect 11, the first extending portion of sheet shape, for example, may be provided over an area of the main body fabric where the multiple low-stretch elements are attached by printing or the like, so that the manufacture can be facilitated.

Aspect 12

Sport tights, including:

- a main body fabric including a first cylinder portion configured to surround a first leg of a wearer, a second cylinder portion configured to surround a second leg of the wearer, and a third cylinder portion configured to surround buttocks of the wearer;
- a first member disposed on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body fabric; and
- a second member disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric,
- wherein the sport tights include a first portion including the main body fabric, a second portion including the main body fabric and the first member, and a third portion including the main body fabric and the second member,
- wherein, among the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the third portion has the lowest degree of stretchability,
- wherein the first member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion, and
- wherein the second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 12, while supporting the inner side and the outer side of the wearer's each thigh, the sport tights support the outer side more strongly. Therefore, the sport tights support the inner thigh side, where expansion and contraction of skin due to exercise such as running is relatively large, while minimizing inhibition of skin movement and support more strongly the outer thigh side, where expansion and contraction of skin due to exercise such as running is relatively small, thereby properly supporting the wearer's body during exercise. In addition, by controlling the movement of the skin, the movement of the muscles associated with the skin can also be controlled.

Aspect 13

The sport tights according to Aspect 12,

- wherein the second member may be attached, to the main body fabric, as a first extending portion extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg toward a hem in the first cylinder portion and a second extending portion extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg toward a hem in the second cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 13, since the second member is disposed in a continuous shape in a direction along the wearer's femur, shifting of the soft tissues such as to rotate around the femur, caused by landing impact or the like, can be restrained. If the second member with such a shape is disposed on the inner thigh side, the movement of the skin on the inner thigh side is likely to be inhibited; however, by disposing the second member on the outer thigh side, such inhibition of skin movement can be minimized.

Aspect 14

The sport tights according to Aspect 13,

- wherein the first extending portion may include a first rear extending portion extending through a back body of the first cylinder portion toward the hem and a first front extending portion extending through an area of the first cylinder portion closer to a front body side than the first rear extending portion toward the hem.

According to Aspect 14, the first extending portion can be easily disposed away from the center of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg, which enables support of the outer thigh side of the wearer's first leg while not interfering with deformation of the skin due to stretching or contracting of the vastus lateralis muscle in the quadriceps muscle of the wearer's first leg.

Aspect 15

The sport tights according to Aspect 14,

- wherein the first rear extending portion and the first front extending portion may be connected at a position corresponding to the third cylinder portion.

According to Aspect 15, since the positional relationship in a vertical direction between the first rear extending portion and the first front extending portion can be maintained easily, shifting of the soft tissues in the thigh of the wearer's first leg such as to rotate around the femur can be restrained.

Aspect 16

The sport tights according to any one of Aspects 12 through 15,

- wherein the first member may be attached as multiple low-stretch elements to the main body fabric.

According to Aspect 16, since the first member is attached as multiple low-stretch elements to the main body fabric, gaps are easily formed between the multiple low-stretch elements. Therefore, breathability of the sport tights can be easily ensured.

Aspect 17

The sport tights according to Aspect 16,

- wherein the multiple low-stretch elements may be arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern, and
- wherein, in a region in which the multiple low-stretch elements are arranged, the degree of stretchability in vertical directions of the wearer's body may be greater than the degree of stretchability in left and right directions of the wearer's body.

According to Aspect 17, while increasing the support for the inner thigh side of each of the first leg and the second leg of the wearer, the high degree of stretchability in the vertical directions in which the skin mainly stretches and contracts can be ensured.

Aspect 18

The sport tights according to Aspect 17,

- wherein the repeating pattern may include multiple linearly arranged portions in which the multiple low-stretch elements are arranged along a predetermined direction,
- wherein an extending direction of the linearly arranged portions may be a direction closer to the left and right directions than to the vertical directions, and
- wherein an interval between adjacent linearly arranged portions may be wider than an interval between adjacent low-stretch elements in a linearly arranged portion.

According to Aspect 18, in a region in which multiple low-stretch elements are arranged, the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions can be made greater than the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions. Also, the ratio between the degree of stretchability in the vertical directions and the degree of stretchability in the left and right directions can be easily adjusted simply by adjusting the angle of the extending direction of the linearly arranged portions.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Sport tights, comprising:

a main body fabric including a first cylinder portion configured to surround a first leg of a wearer, a second cylinder portion configured to surround a second leg of the wearer, and a third cylinder portion configured to surround buttocks of the wearer;

a first member disposed on at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body fabric; and

a second member disposed on at least one of the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body fabric,

wherein the sport tights include a first portion including the main body fabric, a second portion including the main body fabric and the first member, and a third portion including the main body fabric and the second member,

wherein, among the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, the first portion has the highest degree of stretchability, and the third portion has the lowest degree of stretchability,

wherein the first member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an inner thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion, and

wherein the second member is disposed at least in a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the first leg in the first cylinder portion and a region corresponding to an outer thigh side of the second leg in the second cylinder portion.

2. The sport tights according to claim 1,

wherein the second member is attached, to the main body fabric, as a first extending portion extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the first leg toward a hem in the first cylinder portion and a second extending portion extending through a region corresponding to the outer thigh side of the second leg toward a hem in the second cylinder portion.

3. The sport tights according to claim 2,

wherein the first extending portion includes a first rear extending portion extending through a back body of the first cylinder portion toward the hem and a first front extending portion extending through an area of the first cylinder portion closer to a front body side than the first rear extending portion toward the hem.

4. The sport tights according to claim 3,

wherein the first rear extending portion and the first front extending portion are connected at a position corresponding to the third cylinder portion.

5. The sport tights according to claim 1,

wherein the first member is attached as a plurality of low-stretch elements to the main body fabric.

6. The sport tights according to claim 5,

wherein the plurality of low-stretch elements are arranged in a predetermined repeating pattern, and

wherein, in a region in which the plurality of low-stretch elements are arranged, a degree of stretchability in vertical directions of the wearer's body is greater than a degree of stretchability in left and right directions of the wearer's body.

7. The sport tights according to claim 6,

wherein the repeating pattern includes a plurality of linearly arranged portions in which the plurality of low-stretch elements are arranged along a predetermined direction,

wherein an extending direction of the linearly arranged portions is a direction closer to the left and right directions than to the vertical directions, and

wherein an interval between adjacent linearly arranged portions is wider than an interval between adjacent low-stretch elements in a linearly arranged portion.