US20220354217A1 - Shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe includes a sole, an upper portion disposed above the sole and surrounding a foot insertion part, and a buffer including a lower surface and accommodated within the foot insertion part. The lower surface of the buffer includes a projection part projecting toward a facing surface that faces the lower surface, a recess part adjacent to the projection part and recessed from the projection part toward the upper portion, and a circumferential edge projection part projecting, around the recess part, toward the facing surface side with respect to the projection part. When the buffer receives a predetermined first load, the circumferential edge projection part contacts the facing surface whereas the projection part has no contact with the facing surface, and when the buffer receives a predetermined second load, which is larger than the first load, the circumferential edge projection part and the projection part contact the facing surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a U.S. National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/JP2019/024895, filed Jun. 24, 2019, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDField of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a shoe.
Background Information
• A shoe that includes a buffer member, such as a midsole, provided between the upper portion and the sole is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,109 describes footwear having a removable outsole, midsole, and upper portion. On the bottom surface of the midsole of the footwear, multiple protrusions are provided to mate with pockets on the outsole. The protrusions are separated by slots to mate with raised walls provided in the pockets. Also, the footwear is configured to be customized for each user by swapping the midsole, for example.
SUMMARY
• With regard to a shoe that includes a buffer member, it has been determined that to make a shoe feel smooth for a foot during insertion thereof into the shoe and ensure comfort, it is desirable to employ a softer buffer member to increase the displacement of the buffer member caused by a load received from the foot (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “load”). However, if the displacement of the buffer member caused by a load is increased, a change in the foot position within the shoe can increase under high load, such as during running, so that the stability and fit may degrade.
• Meanwhile, to improve the stability under high load, if the displacement of the buffer member caused by a load is decreased, the buffer member feels less smooth for the foot, which is disadvantageous in terms of the comfort.
• The footwear described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,109 is configured such that the midsole can be replaced to ensure the comfort according to the user's preference. However, with a single midsole, different properties cannot be obtained. Therefore, it has been determined that there is room for improvement in conventional footwear, in terms of obtaining both the comfort and the stability with balance.
• The present disclosure has been made in view of such an issue, and a purpose thereof is to disclose embodiments of a shoe that can provide both comfort and stability with balance.
• In response to the above issue, a shoe according to one embodiment includes a sole, an upper portion provided above the sole to surround a foot insertion part, and a buffer member accommodated within the foot insertion part. The lower surface of the buffer member can include a projection part projecting toward a facing surface that faces the lower surface, a recess part formed adjacent to the projection part and recessed from the projection part toward the upper portion, and a circumferential edge projection part projecting, around the recess part, toward the facing surface side with respect to the projection part. When the buffer member receives a certain first load, the circumferential edge projection part contacts the facing surface while the projection part has no contact with the facing surface. When the buffer member receives a certain second load, which is larger than the first load, the circumferential edge projection part and the projection part contacts the facing surface.
• Optional combinations of the above, and implementation of embodiments of the present invention, including the constituting elements and expressions, in the form of methods, apparatuses, programs, transitory or non-transitory storage medium storing programs, or systems can also be practiced as additional modes of the present invention.
• Embodiments of the present invention provide a shoe that can provide both the comfort and the stability with balance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a plan view that schematically illustrates a shoe according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a buffer member of the shoe shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 5 is a graph that shows relationships between the load and the displacement of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2 taken along line A-A;
• FIG. 7 is another longitudinal sectional view of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2 taken along line A-A;
• FIG. 8 is a plan view that illustrates contours of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2 and the upper portion;
• FIG. 9 is a plan view that illustrates a change in the contour of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 10 is another graph that shows relationships between the load and the displacement of the buffer member shown inFIG. 2;
• FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a buffer member including a deformation restricting unit, taken along line A-A;
• FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a buffer member including another deformation restricting unit, taken along line A-A;
• FIG. 13 is a sectional view, taken along line A-A, of a buffer member of which the widths of the medial side and the lateral side of a body part are different;
• FIG. 14 is a sectional view, taken along line A-A, of a buffer member of which the friction coefficients of the medial side and the lateral side of the body part are different;
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates a shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 16 is a side view of the shoe shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 17 is a plan view of the shoe shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the shoe shown inFIG. 15 taken along line B-B;
• FIG. 19 is a side view that illustrates another example of the shape of a link member in the shoe shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 20 is a side view that illustrates yet another example of the shape of the link member in the shoe shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 21 is a plan view of the buffer member according to a first modification;
• FIG. 22 is a plan view that illustrates a first exemplary shape of the buffer member according to a modification;
• FIG. 23 is a plan view that illustrates a second exemplary shape of the buffer member according to a modification;
• FIG. 24 is a plan view that illustrates a third exemplary shape of the buffer member according to a modification;
• FIG. 25 is a plan view that illustrates a fourth exemplary shape of the buffer member according to a modification;
• FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of the buffer member according to a modification, taken along line A-A;
• FIG. 27 is another longitudinal sectional view of the buffer member shown inFIG. 26, taken along line A-A; and
• FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a shoe according to a modification, taken along line B-B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following, the present invention 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 members, and the same description will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of a member can 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 embodiments can be omitted.
• Also, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second”, are used to describe various constituting elements; however, such terms are used in order to distinguish one constituting element from another and do not limit the constituting elements.
First Embodiment
• In the following, a configuration of ashoe100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 1 is a plan view that schematically illustrates theshoe100 according to the first embodiment. Each drawing mentioned below, includingFIG. 1, illustrates a shoe for a right foot, unless otherwise specified. However, the description in the present specification is also applicable to a shoe for a left foot. Also, in each drawing mentioned below, illustration of a shoelace is omitted.
• Theshoe100 of the present embodiment can be used for walking shoes, running shoes, safety shoes, and sports shoes for tennis or basketball, for example, and the use of theshoe100 is not limited. Theshoe100 includes a sole10, anupper portion20, and abuffer member30. The sole10 is a portion to be in contact with the ground. Theupper portion20 includes afoot insertion part20athat surrounds an internal space for accommodating a foot. Theupper portion20 is fixed above the sole10 by bonding or the like. Thebuffer member30 is accommodated within thefoot insertion part20a. These will be detailed below.
Upper Portion
• A direction extending along a center line La with respect to a width direction of theupper portion20 will be referred to as a “longitudinal direction”, as shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, a width direction is perpendicular to the center line La. The direction toward the toe side along the center line La will be referred to as the “front side” or “front”, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the “rear side” or “rear”. Also, the direction from the lateral side toward the medial side of the foot along a width direction will be referred to as the “inner side” or “inward”, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the “outer side” or “outward”. In a state where theshoe100 is placed on a horizontal plane (hereinafter, referred to as a “horizontal state”), the upper portion side will be referred to as the “upper side” or “above”, and the opposite side will be referred to as the “lower side” or “below”. Also, in a horizontal state, a direction extending vertically will be referred to as a “vertical direction”.
• Also, in theupper portion20, a portion corresponding to the metatarsal bones with respect to a longitudinal direction will be referred to as a midfoot portion. Also, in theupper portion20, a portion in front of the midfoot portion in a longitudinal direction will be referred to as a forefoot portion, and a portion in the rear of the midfoot portion in a longitudinal direction will be referred to as a rearfoot portion. The forefoot portion is a portion that almost corresponds to the phalanges, and the rearfoot portion is a portion that almost corresponds to the tarsals. When the longitudinal length of theshoe100 is regarded as 100%, the midfoot portion almost corresponds to a region from 30% to 80% from the tip, occupying a range parallel with a straight line perpendicular to the center line La. Similarly, the forefoot portion almost corresponds to a region from 0% to 30% from the tip, and the rearfoot portion almost corresponds to a region from 80% to 100% from the tip.
• On the rear side of theupper portion20, a wearingopening20bthrough which a foot is inserted is provided. In a region of theupper portion20 in front of the wearingopening20b, acentral opening20cis provided. Along the edge of thecentral opening20cof theupper portion20,grommets20hare provided such that a shoelace passes therethrough. Inside thecentral opening20c, ashoe tongue70 is provided. Thecentral opening20cis not an essential configuration, and theupper portion20 can have a so-called monosock structure. Also, including thegrommets20hand theshoe tongue70 is not essential.
Buffer Member
• Thebuffer member30 will be described. Thebuffer member30 is formed of a flexible material and, when a wearer wears theshoe100, thebuffer member30 intervenes between the foot and the sole10 to cushion the impact applied to the foot. Thebuffer member30 functions as an insole.FIG. 2 is a plan view of thebuffer member30.FIG. 3 is a side view of thebuffer member30.FIG. 4 is a bottom view of thebuffer member30.
• In terms of providing both the comfort and the stability with balance, thebuffer member30 has been considered and the following findings have been obtained.FIG. 5 is a graph that shows relationships between the load and the displacement of thebuffer member30. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents displacement D, and the vertical axis represents a load F. The scale on each of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis represents relative levels with respect to a predetermined reference value. Each of the graph g1 and graph g2 shows the load F with respect to the displacement D (hereinafter, referred to as a “displacement gradient”). The graph g1 illustrates a case where the displacement gradient is larger than that of the graph g2, i.e., thebuffer member30 is softer. The graph g2 illustrates a case where the displacement gradient is smaller than that of the graph g1, i.e., thebuffer member30 is harder.
• To improve smoothness for a foot during insertion thereof, it is desirable that the displacement gradient is large and thebuffer member30 is soft, as shown in the graph g1. However, when the displacement gradient is large, the displacement D becomes excessive under high load, such as during running, which degrades the stability and durability. Accordingly, under high load, it is desirable that the displacement gradient is small and thebuffer member30 is hard, as shown in the graph g2. Considering the above, a configuration has been conceived in which the displacement gradient changes according to the magnitude of the load F received by the buffer member30 (see the graph g3). Also, it is found that, by making the contact area larger between thebuffer member30 and a facingsurface16, which faces the lower surface of thebuffer member30, when the load F is large, the displacement gradient changes. In the following, a configuration example for achieving the properties shown in the graph g3 will be described.
• The description returns toFIGS. 2-4. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, on atop surface30eof thebuffer member30,edge protruding parts30hand30jare provided. Theedge protruding parts30hand30jprotrude from thetop surface30esuch as to surround the vicinity of the heel, from the medial side to the lateral side. The top line of theedge protruding part30hon the medial side is positioned higher than the top line of theedge protruding part30jon the lateral side. Alternatively, the top line of theedge protruding part30jcan be positioned higher than the top line of theedge protruding part30h.
• As illustrated inFIG. 4, on alower surface30bof thebuffer member30, aprojection part32, arecess part34, and a circumferentialedge projection part36 are provided. Theprojection part32 projects toward the facingsurface16 that faces thelower surface30b. In the present embodiment, the facingsurface16 is exemplified by atop surface10bof the sole10. When an insole or the like intervenes between the sole10 and thebuffer member30, the facingsurface16 corresponds to the top surface of the insole or the like.
• The arrangement of theprojection part32 is not particularly limited, and theprojection part32 in the present embodiment is disposed at a position corresponding to the heel. The shape of theprojection part32 is also not particularly limited, and theprojection part32 in the present embodiment is an insular portion having a planar shape of an ellipse of which the longitudinal dimension is larger than the width dimension. Ellipses in the present disclosure include, in addition to an ellipse, a shape similar to an ellipse, such as an oval. Therecess part34 is formed adjacent to theprojection part32 and recessed from theprojection part32 toward theupper portion20 side. In a width direction, therecess part34 intervenes between theprojection part32 and the circumferentialedge projection part36. Therecess part34 in the present embodiment is circumferentially formed to surround theprojection part32 in plan view. The circumferentialedge projection part36 projects, around therecess part34, toward the facingsurface16 side with respect to theprojection part32.
• In the present embodiment, to change the displacement gradient, the contact area between thebuffer member30 and the facing surface16 (top surface10b) is made to change according to the load F. More specifically, when thebuffer member30 receives a predetermined first load F1 (low load), the circumferentialedge projection part36 contacts the facingsurface16 whereas theprojection part32 has no contact with the facingsurface16; when thebuffer member30 receives a predetermined second load F2 (high load), both the circumferentialedge projection part36 and theprojection part32 contacts the facingsurface16. When theprojection part32 contacts the facingsurface16, the contact area increases accordingly and the load F per unit area decreases, so that the displacement gradient changes.
• For example, the first load F1 can be set based on a load F that thebuffer member30 receives from a foot when the foot is inserted into the shoe or during slow walking. The second load F2 can be set based on a load F that thebuffer member30 receives from a foot during running. The second load F2 is larger than the first load F1.
• FIGS. 6 and 7 are also referred to. Each ofFIGS. 6 and 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of thebuffer member30 taken along line A-A and shows a cross section in the middle in a longitudinal direction of theprojection part32.FIG. 6 shows a state where thebuffer member30 receives the first load F1, andFIG. 7 shows a state where thebuffer member30 receives the second load F2. In the present embodiment, thebuffer member30 is not bonded to the facingsurface16 and is movable within thefoot insertion part20a. Accordingly, upon reception of the load F, thebuffer member30 is deformed in a width direction, so that the dimension in a width direction of thebuffer member30 increases.
• In the case of the low load shown inFIG. 6, the circumferentialedge projection part36 contacts the facingsurface16, and alower surface32dof theprojection part32 is spaced away upward from the facingsurface16, with a space S32 formed in between. When the load F increases from the state shown inFIG. 6, the circumferentialedge projection part36 is deformed to expand in a width direction while contacting the facingsurface16. Concurrently, theprojection part32 moves downward, and the space S32 gradually decreases with the load F increasing; when the load F exceeds a threshold, the space S32 disappears. At that time, thelower surface32dof theprojection part32 contacts the facingsurface16, and theprojection part32 is deformed so as to vertically collapse. As the load F further increases, the contact area between the lower surface of theprojection part32 and the facingsurface16 increases, so that the state reaches that shown inFIG. 7. Thus, in the case of the high load as shown inFIG. 7, the contact area between thebuffer member30 and the facingsurface16 increases and the load F per unit area decreases, so that the displacement gradient decreases, compared to the case of the low load shown inFIG. 6.
• When the longitudinal dimension of theprojection part32 is smaller, a longitudinal range in which the displacement gradient can be changed is narrower. Accordingly, the longitudinal dimension of theprojection part32 is desirably large. Therefore, theprojection part32 in the present embodiment has a planar shape of an ellipse of which the longitudinal dimension is larger than the width dimension.
• The circumferentialedge projection part36 can be configured to have no contact with the facingsurface16 in a no-load state in which a foot is not inserted. However, in the present embodiment, the circumferentialedge projection part36 is configured to contact the facingsurface16 also in a no-load state.
• It is desirable that theprojection part32 can move downward smoothly from a low load state to a high load state. Accordingly, thebuffer member30 in the present embodiment includes abody part35 that includes the circumferentialedge projection part36, and amovable part33 that includes theprojection part32. Providing thebody part35 and themovable part33 separately can facilitate moving of theprojection part32.
• Thebody part35 has an outer shape extending along thefoot insertion part20ain plan view (see alsoFIGS. 2 and 3). In a middle part in a width direction of thebody part35, anaccommodation part37 is provided to accommodate at least part of themovable part33. Theaccommodation part37 in the present embodiment has a shape that can accommodate substantially the entiremovable part33. Theaccommodation part37 in this example has a planar shape of an ellipse of which the longitudinal dimension is larger than the width dimension. In the present embodiment, to make themovable part33 move gently, an innercircumferential surface37jof theaccommodation part37 is formed into a tapered shape of which the lower side is narrower. When a downward load F is applied to thebuffer member30, themovable part33 slides within theaccommodation part37 of thebody part35 to move downward. Theaccommodation part37 includes anopening part37hprovided in a middle part in a width direction of thebody part35.
• An outercircumferential surface33eof themovable part33 has a shape corresponding to the innercircumferential surface37j. In other words, the outercircumferential surface33eof themovable part33 has a planar shape of an ellipse of which the longitudinal dimension is larger than the width dimension. The outercircumferential surface33eof themovable part33 has a truncated elliptical cone shape along the innercircumferential surface37j. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the vertical dimension of themovable part33 is smaller than that of the circumferentialedge projection part36, and themovable part33 has a size such that it hangs, at the outercircumferential surface33e, on theaccommodation part37.
• There will now be described a planar shape of thebuffer member30.FIG. 8 is a plan view that shows a relationship between aperipheral wall surface30pof thebuffer member30 and thefoot insertion part20aof theupper portion20. Theperipheral wall surface30pis a side surface extending along the outer circumference of thebuffer member30. If the width of thebuffer member30 is too large, insertion of thebuffer member30 into theupper portion20 will be difficult. Accordingly, a space S1 in a width direction between theperipheral wall surface30pof thebuffer member30 and thefoot insertion part20aof theupper portion20 is larger than a space S2 in a longitudinal direction between thebuffer member30 and theupper portion20. The space S1 is the sum of a space S1(a) and a space S1(b) on both sides in a width direction, and the space S2 is the sum of a space S2(a) and a space S2(b) on both sides in a longitudinal direction.
• Extension in a planar direction of thebuffer member30 will be described.FIG. 9 is a plan view that shows a planar contour of thebuffer member30 receiving a load. InFIG. 9, a planar contour of thebuffer member30 in a no-load state is indicated by a dotted line, and a planar contour receiving the second load F2 is indicated by a solid line. To distribute the load F in a width direction, thebuffer member30 in the present embodiment is configured such that extension E1 in a width direction of thebuffer member30 receiving the load F becomes larger than extension E2 in a longitudinal direction thereof. The extension E1 is the sum of extension E1 (a) and extension E1 (b) on both sides in a width direction, and the extension E2 is the sum of extension E2(a) and extension E2(b) on both sides in a longitudinal direction.
• FIGS. 6 and 7 are now referred to. Thebody part35 and themovable part33 can be formed of various materials having desired properties. For example, thebody part35 can be formed of resin foam, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) resin and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin. Themovable part33 can be formed of the same material as thebody part35 or can be formed of a different material. Each of thebody part35 and themovable part33 can include a single member or can includes multiple members. Also, thebody part35 and themovable part33 can be separate bodies, or a foam material having different hardness, such as a GEL material, can be disposed inside or on a surface. In this case, smoothness for a foot or cushioning properties can be changed.
• The hardness of thebuffer member30 will be described. The hardness of the material of thebody part35 and the hardness of the material of themovable part33 can be the same or can be different. In the present embodiment, the hardness of the material of themovable part33 is higher than the hardness of the material of thebody part35. With thesofter body part35, the shoe feels smooth for a foot under low load, and, with the hardermovable part33, high rigidity can be obtained and the stability can be ensured easily under high load. When the area occupied by themovable part33 is large, themovable part33 can be formed softer than thebody part35 in order to obtain the cushioning properties. Also, to obtain a desired property, thebody part35 can be formed harder than themovable part33.
• The hardness of the material of thebody part35 can be entirely uniform or can be partially different. Particularly, aportion35eand aportion35jof thebody part35 located respectively on the lateral side and the medial side with respect to themovable part33 can be formed of materials having different hardness. In the present embodiment, the hardness of the material of theportion35jon the medial side is higher than the hardness of the material of theportion35eon the lateral side. When a high load is applied to the medial side during exercise, deformation can be restrained, so that the stability can be ensured easily. When the shoe is employed as a shoe used for a sport played in a court in which a load is applied to the lateral side of the shoe, for example, theportion35ecan be harder than theportion35j.
Deformation Restricting Unit
• With reference toFIGS. 10-12, a deformation restricting unit (deformation restrictor)18 will be described. When thebuffer member30 is excessively deformed upon reception of a high load, the stability may be degraded. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, thedeformation restricting unit18 restricts a predetermined amount or more of deformation of thebuffer member30.
• FIG. 10 is a graph that shows relationships between the load F and the displacement D of thebuffer member30 when thedeformation restricting unit18 is provided and that corresponds toFIG. 5. InFIG. 10, the graph g3 shows a case where thedeformation restricting unit18 is not provided, and the graph g4 shows a case where thedeformation restricting unit18 is provided. When thedeformation restricting unit18 is provided and when the load exceeds a third load F3, the displacement D is restrained, so that the displacement gradient becomes smaller. The third load F3 is set higher than the second load F2, and the displacement gradient changes at three stages according to the load F. In this configuration, the stability in the region where the load F is the third load F3 or higher can be ensured. The third load F3 can be set based on a load F that thebuffer member30 receives from a foot during especially high-intensity exercise.
• The configuration of thedeformation restricting unit18 is not particularly limited. For example, thedeformation restricting unit18 can be disposed on a part that faces thelower surface30bor theperipheral wall surface30pof thebuffer member30.FIG. 11 is a sectional view of thebuffer member30 including thedeformation restricting unit18 taken along line A-A and corresponds toFIG. 6.FIG. 11 shows a state where the third load F3 is applied. In the example ofFIG. 11, thedeformation restricting unit18 includes a protrudingpart16pthat protrudes from the facingsurface16, and anabutting part36mprovided on thebuffer member30. The abuttingpart36min this example is an inner wall in a width direction of a lowersurface recess part36dprovided on thelower surface30bof the buffer member30 (the lower surface of the circumferential edge projection part36). When thebuffer member30 receives the third load F3, the abuttingpart36mabuts onto the protrudingpart16p, so that deformation in a width direction of the circumferentialedge projection part36 is restricted.
• FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the buffer member including anotherdeformation restricting unit18 taken along line A-A and corresponds toFIG. 11. In the example ofFIG. 12, the abuttingpart36mis provided on a side surface of the circumferential edge projection part36 (theperipheral wall surface30pof the buffer member30), and the protrudingpart16pis positioned off thelower surface30bof the buffer member30 (the lower surface of the circumferential edge projection part36). When thebuffer member30 receives the third load F3, the abuttingpart36m, provided on a side surface of the circumferentialedge projection part36, abuts onto the protrudingpart16p, so that deformation in a width direction of the circumferentialedge projection part36 is restricted. Although each ofFIGS. 11 and 12 shows an example in which two protrudingparts16pare provided, a single protrudingpart16por three or moreprotruding parts16pcan be provided.
• Thedeformation restricting unit18 can also be configured by increasing a friction coefficient μ of thelower surface30bof the buffer member30 (the lower surface of the circumferential edge projection part36) or the facingsurface16. Increasing the friction coefficient μ restricts the move of the circumferentialedge projection part36, thereby restricting the deformation of thebuffer member30, for example.
• The friction coefficient μ can be changed by changing the asperities or the surface roughness of the lower surface of the circumferentialedge projection part36. For example, to change the surface roughness, a mirror finish or embossing can be performed on the lower surface of the circumferentialedge projection part36. The friction coefficient μ can be changed also by attaching a member having a different friction coefficient to a surface of thebody part35. In this embodiment, attaching a low-friction material can decrease the friction coefficient and attaching a high-friction material can increase the friction coefficient μ. Further, the friction coefficient μ can be changed also by applying a material that can change the lubrication properties to a surface of thebody part35.
• FIG. 13 is now referred to. The dimension in a width direction of a part of theportion35eon the lateral side that is in contact with the facingsurface16 and the dimension in a width direction of a part of theportion35jon the medial side that is in contact with the facingsurface16 can be the same or can be different.FIG. 13 is a sectional view, taken along line A-A, of thebuffer member30 of which the widths of the medial side and the lateral side of thebody part35 are different and corresponds toFIG. 6. In cross sectional view ofFIG. 13, a dimension Wcj on the medial side of thebody part35 is larger than a dimension Wce on the lateral side of thebody part35. In this example, since the dimension Wcj is larger than the dimension Wce, the contact area between the facingsurface16 and the circumferentialedge projection part36 becomes larger and so does the frictional force, so that the circumferentialedge projection part36 is less likely to move. As a result, lowering of the inner side is restricted, so that the stability can be ensured easily. Considering the load balance between the medial side and the lateral side under high load, the dimension Wce can be larger than the dimension Wcj.
• FIG. 14 is now referred to. The friction coefficient μ between thebody part35 and the facingsurface16 can be entirely uniform or can be partially different. When the friction coefficient μ is made partially large, the move and deformation of the relevant part can be made smaller.FIG. 14 is a sectional view, taken along line A-A, of thebuffer member30 of which the friction coefficients μ of the medial side and the lateral side of thebody part35 are different and corresponds toFIG. 6.
• In the example shown inFIG. 14, a friction coefficient μj between theportion35jon the medial side and the facingsurface16 is larger than a friction coefficient μe between theportion35eon the lateral side and the facingsurface16. In this embodiment, when a high load is applied to the medial side during exercise, deformation can be restrained, so that the stability can be easily ensured. Considering the load balance between the medial side and the lateral side under high load, the friction coefficient μe can be made larger than the friction coefficient μj.
• There will now be described the features of theshoe100 according to the first embodiment configured as described above. Theshoe100 according to the first embodiment includes the sole10, theupper portion20 provided above the sole10 to surround thefoot insertion part20a, and thebuffer member30 accommodated within thefoot insertion part20a. On thelower surface30bof thebuffer member30, there are provided theprojection part32 projecting toward the facingsurface16 that faces thelower surface30b, therecess part34 formed adjacent to theprojection part32 and recessed from theprojection part32 toward theupper portion20 side, and the circumferentialedge projection part36 projecting, around therecess part34, toward the facingsurface16 side with respect to theprojection part32. When thebuffer member30 receives a predetermined first load F1, the circumferentialedge projection part36 contacts the facingsurface16 whereas theprojection part32 has no contact with the facingsurface16. When thebuffer member30 receives a predetermined second load F2, which is larger than the first load F1, the circumferentialedge projection part36 and theprojection part32 contact the facingsurface16.
• With this configuration, in the case of a low load in which theprojection part32 has no contact with the facingsurface16, the displacement of thebuffer member30 caused by the load can be increased, so that the shoe feels smooth for the foot. Also, in the case of a high load in which theprojection part32 contacts the facingsurface16, the displacement of thebuffer member30 caused by the load can be decreased, so that the stability can be ensured.
• The space S1 in a width direction between theperipheral wall surface30pof thebuffer member30 and theupper portion20 is larger than the space S2 in a longitudinal direction between theperipheral wall surface30pand theupper portion20. In this embodiment, since the space S1 in a width direction is larger, thebuffer member30 can be easily inserted into thefoot insertion part20a.
• In a width direction, therecess part34 intervenes between theprojection part32 and the circumferentialedge projection part36. Extension in a width direction of thebuffer member30 receiving a downward load is larger than extension in a longitudinal direction thereof. In this embodiment, since a received load can be distributed in a width direction, the stability and the comfort can be adjusted.
• Thedeformation restricting unit18 is provided to restrict a predetermined amount or more of deformation of thebuffer member30. In this embodiment, excessive deformation can be restricted. Also, with the changes at multiple (three) stages, the stability under high load can be further ensured.
• Thedeformation restricting unit18 is disposed on a part that faces thelower surface30bor an outer peripheral side surface of thebuffer member30. In this embodiment, excessive deformation can be restricted, with a simple configuration.
• Thedeformation restricting unit18 includes the protrudingpart16pprotruding from the facingsurface16. In this embodiment, excessive deformation can be restricted, with a simple configuration.
• Thebuffer member30 includes thebody part35 that includes the circumferentialedge projection part36, and themovable part33 that includes theprojection part32. Thebody part35 has an outer shape extending along thefoot insertion part20aand includes theaccommodation part37 that accommodates at least part of themovable part33. When a downward load is applied to thebuffer member30, themovable part33 moves downward with respect to thebody part35. In this embodiment, since themovable part33 is provided separately, themovable part33 can smoothly move downward when a load is applied. Also, since themovable part33 is provided separately, the components can be manufactured on the respectively suitable conditions.
• Theaccommodation part37 includes theopening part37hprovided in a middle part in a width direction of thebody part35. In this embodiment, since theopening part37his provided, themovable part33 can move downward within the openingpart37h.
• The innercircumferential surface37jof theaccommodation part37 is formed into a tapered shape. In this embodiment, by adjusting the tapered shape, displacement caused by a load can be easily adjusted to achieve a desired property.
• The outer circumferential surface of themovable part33 has a shape corresponding to the innercircumferential surface37j. In this embodiment, themovable part33 can move smoothly.
• When thebuffer member30 receives the first load F1, themovable part33 is positioned away upward from the facingsurface16. In this embodiment, under low load, displacement caused by the load can be made larger, thereby improving smoothness for a foot during insertion thereof.
• Themovable part33 has a planar shape of an ellipse of which a longitudinal dimension is larger than a width dimension. In this embodiment, since the longitudinal dimension is larger, the load-displacement characteristics can be adjusted in a longitudinally large range.
• The hardness of the material of themovable part33 is different from the hardness of the material of thebody part35. In this embodiment, since each of thebody part35 and themovable part33 can be formed of a material having suitable hardness, desired load-displacement characteristics can be easily achieved.
• The hardness of the material of thebody part35 is different between theportion35jon the medial side and theportion35eon the lateral side thereof, between which along a width direction themovable part33 is disposed. In this embodiment, since each of the medial side portion and the lateral side portion can be formed of a material having suitable hardness, desired load-displacement characteristics can be easily achieved.
• The area of thebody part35 in contact with the facingsurface16 is different between theportion35jon the medial side and theportion35eon the lateral side of thebody part35, between which themovable part33 is disposed. In this embodiment, since each of the areas can be set considering the load balance between the medial side and the lateral side under high load, desired load-displacement characteristics can be easily achieved.
• The friction coefficient between thebody part35 and the facingsurface16 is different between theportion35jon the medial side and theportion35eon the lateral side of thebody part35, between which themovable part33 is disposed. In this embodiment, since each of the friction coefficients can be set considering the load balance between the medial side and the lateral side under high load to adjust the deformation properties, desired load-displacement characteristics can be easily achieved.
Second Embodiment
• With reference toFIGS. 15-20, a configuration of ashoe200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the drawings and description of the second embodiment, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements and members in the first embodiment. Repetitive description already provided in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and configurations different from those in the first embodiment will be intensively described.FIG. 15 is a perspective view that schematically illustrates theshoe200 according to the second embodiment.FIG. 16 is a side view of theshoe200.FIG. 17 is a plan view of theshoe200.FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 17. InFIGS. 15 and 16, illustration of the shoe tongue is omitted.
Link Member
• Theshoe200 of the present embodiment differs from theshoe100 of the first embodiment in including alink member52, and the other configurations are similar to those in the first embodiment. Accordingly, thelink member52 will be intensively described. When thebuffer member30 receives the load F and gets deformed, the space between theupper portion20 and the instep becomes larger, which may impair the fit. Accordingly, theshoe200 of the present embodiment includes thelink member52 that deforms, when thebuffer member30 receives the load F and gets deformed, theupper portion20 in conjunction with the deformation of thebuffer member30.
• Thelink member52 in the present embodiment includes asole side part52d,extension parts52p, and fixedparts52fThesole side part52dis a portion that intervenes between the sole of the foot and thetop surface30eof thebuffer member30 and that extends in a substantial width direction. Theextension parts52pare portions that extend respectively from both ends in a width direction of thetop surface30eand extend in a substantially vertical direction. The fixedparts52fare portions provided respectively at top edges of theextension parts52pand fixed to theupper portion20. The fixedparts52fare respectively fixed, by sewing or the like, to regions on both sides in a width direction of theupper portion20 between which thecentral opening20cis provided. The fixedparts52fcan be fixed integrally with theupper portion20 by thegrommets20h. For example, thesole side part52d,extension parts52p, and fixedparts52fcan be integrally formed of a flexible sheet member, such as cloth.
• As illustrated inFIG. 17, thelink member52 in the present embodiment is provided at a position other than the wearingopening20bof theupper portion20. Also, theextension parts52pof thelink member52 are fixed to theupper portion20 via the fixedparts52f, in front of the wearingopening20b. In this embodiment, thebuffer member30 can be easily inserted into thefoot insertion part20athrough the wearingopening20band removed through the wearingopening20b.
• As illustrated inFIG. 18, thesole side part52dis disposed in contact with or closer to thetop surface30eof thebuffer member30. When the load F is applied from the sole of the foot, downward tension T acts on theextension parts52pand thetop surface30eof thebuffer member30. When the tension T acts on theextension parts52p, downward force P acts, in conjunction therewith, on the fixedparts52fand theupper portion20. As a result, theupper portion20 is drawn downward, moderating the expansion of the space between theupper portion20 and the instep. In other words, since thelink member52 intervenes between the sole of the foot and thetop surface30eof thebuffer member30, theupper portion20 and thelink member52 are lowered together with thebuffer member30. With this mechanism, theupper portion20 and thebuffer member30 can fit onto the foot.
• Thelink member52 can include a cylindrical portion or a bag-shaped portion for wrapping the foot, in terms of ensuring support. In this embodiment, when thebuffer member30 is deformed, theupper portion20 can be certainly drawn downward.
• FIGS. 19 and 20 are side views that illustrate other examples of the shape of thelink member52. Thelink member52 shown inFIG. 19 differs from thelink member52 shown inFIG. 16 in including arear portion52hextending from the midfoot portion toward the rear side, and the other configurations are similar to those in thelink member52 shown inFIG. 16. Therear portion52hcan extend to a region corresponding to the heel. An upper portion part of therear portion52his fixed to the inner side of theupper portion20 by sewing or the like. In this example, a rear end part of therear portion52his formed into a cylindrical shape.
• Thelink member52 shown in the example ofFIG. 20 differs from thelink member52 shown inFIG. 16 in including a front portion52jextending from the midfoot portion toward the front side, and the other configurations are similar to those in thelink member52 shown inFIG. 16. The front portion52jcan extend to a region corresponding to the toe. The front portion52jcan be formed into a bag shape or a cylindrical shape for wrapping the forefoot portion of the inserted foot. In this example, the front portion52jis formed into a bag shape of which the front side is closed. An upper portion part of the front portion52jcan be fixed to the inner side of theupper portion20 but is not fixed in this example.
• Theshoe200 of the present embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, and, in addition, since theupper portion20 is drawn downward in conjunction with deformation of thebuffer member30, the space between theupper portion20 and the instep does not become excessively large under high load, which improves the fit. Also, the comfort under low load can be maintained.
• Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. Each of the abovementioned embodiments merely describes a specific example for carrying out the present invention. The embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various design modifications, including changes, addition, and deletion of constituting elements, can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of ideas of the invention defined in the claims. In the aforementioned embodiments, matters to which design modifications can be made are described with the expression of “of the embodiment”, “in the embodiment”, or the like. However, it is not unallowable to make a design modification to a matter without such expression. Also, the hatching provided in the drawings does not limit the materials of the objects with the hatching.
Modifications
• In the following, modifications will be described. In the drawings and description of the modifications, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements and members in the embodiments. Repetitive description already provided in the embodiments will be omitted as appropriate, and configurations different from those in the embodiments will be intensively described.
First Modification
• Although the first embodiment describes an example in which thebuffer member30 includes a singlemovable part33, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thebuffer member30 can include multiplemovable parts33.FIG. 21 is a plan view of thebuffer member30 according to the first modification and corresponds toFIG. 2. In thebuffer member30 shown inFIG. 21, multiplemovable parts33 are provided to be spaced away from each other in a longitudinal direction. In thebuffer member30 of this example, amovable part33 of oval shape in plan view is provided in each of a portion corresponding to the heel and a portion corresponding to the toe. The positions of themovable parts33 are not limited thereto, and eachmovable part33 can be arranged in a part where the load F is more likely to be applied. Considering the load balance between the front side and the rear side under high load, amovable part33 can be provided in one of the portion corresponding to the heel and the portion corresponding to the toe.
• Also, the size or deformation properties of each of themovable parts33 in the forefoot portion and the rearfoot portion can be adjusted. In this embodiment, when the rearfoot portion is easily deformable while the forefoot portion is highly repulsive, for example, the rearfoot portion can be given the cushioning properties while the forefoot portion can be given the repulsive force during running or the like, thereby providing a shoe suitable for runners who land on their heels. Also, by providing multiplemovable parts33, the sizes or deformation properties of themovable parts33 can be changed based on the landing pattern of each wearer.
Other Modifications
• Although the first embodiment describes an example in which the protrudingpart16pis provided as thedeformation restricting unit18, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the protrudingpart16p, a sheet member can be provided between thebody part35 and themovable part33 to increase the frictional force therebetween. Also, onto a surface of one of thebody part35 and themovable part33, a tape having a high friction coefficient can be attached, for example.
• The first embodiment describes an example in which themovable part33 has a planar shape of an ellipse. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and themovable part33 can have various shapes depending on a desired property. In the following, first through fourth exemplary shapes of themovable part33 will be described.FIGS. 22-25 are plan views that respectively illustrate the first through fourth exemplary shapes of thebuffer member30 and that each correspond toFIG. 2. In thebuffer member30 having the first exemplary shape illustrated inFIG. 22, themovable part33 has a planar shape that longitudinally extends from the portion corresponding to the heel to a portion corresponding to the midfoot portion. In this embodiment, when the portion corresponding to the heel is made easily deformable while the midfoot portion is made highly repulsive, for example, the portion corresponding to the heel can be given the cushioning properties while the midfoot portion can be given the repulsive force during running or the like, thereby providing a shoe suitable for runners who land on their heels. Also, by providing themovable part33 having such a shape, the size or deformation properties of themovable part33 can be changed based on the landing pattern of each wearer.
• In thebuffer member30 having the second exemplary shape illustrated inFIG. 23, themovable part33 has a planar shape that longitudinally extends from the portion corresponding to the heel to the portion corresponding to the toe. In this way, themovable part33 can have various longitudinal lengths from part of thebuffer member30 to the entire region thereof, depending on a desired property. Also, when themovable part33 having such a shape is provided, by making themovable part33 softer when the comfort, not the exercise use, is considered important, a shoe of which the amount of deformation is large can be provided.
• In thebuffer member30 having the third exemplary shape illustrated inFIG. 24, themovable part33 has a planar shape that longitudinally extends from the portion corresponding to the heel to the portion corresponding to the midfoot portion. In this example, themovable part33 has a shape in which the portion corresponding to the midfoot portion is located closer to one side in a width direction (such as the lateral side). When themovable part33 having such a shape is provided, by making themovable part33 softer and making thebody part35 harder, a shoe that is highly effective in restraining pronation can be provided.
• In thebuffer member30 having the fourth exemplary shape illustrated inFIG. 25, themovable part33 has a planar shape of a polygon. In this example, themovable part33 has a planar shape of a hexagon that extends from the portion corresponding to the midfoot portion to the portion corresponding to the toe. When themovable part33 having such a shape is provided, the shoe can achieve more easily the properties suitable for runners who land on their forefoot portions. Having a polygonal shape is not essential, and each angular part can be formed into a curved shape.
• Although the first embodiment describes an example in which theprojection part32 and the circumferentialedge projection part36 are formed separately, the present invention is not limited thereto. Theprojection part32 and the circumferentialedge projection part36 can be formed integrally.FIGS. 26 and 27 are longitudinal sectional views, taken along line A-A, of thebuffer member30 in which theprojection part32 and the circumferentialedge projection part36 are formed integrally, which correspond toFIGS. 6 and 7.FIG. 26 shows thebuffer member30 in a no-load state, andFIG. 27 shows thebuffer member30 receiving the second load F2.
• As illustrated inFIG. 26, the contour of a cross section on the facingsurface16 side of theprojection part32 located between portions of therecess part34 forms a substantial M-shape. The circumferentialedge projection part36 is in contact with the facingsurface16 at two or more positions with theprojection part32 located in between. In cross sectional view ofFIG. 26, the total dimensions of regions in the circumferentialedge projection part36 in contact with the facingsurface16 in a no-load state can be 30% or more of a width dimension Wa of theentire buffer member30. More specifically, the sum of the dimension Wce in a width direction of the region in contact with the facingsurface16 on the lateral side of the circumferentialedge projection part36 and the dimension Wcj in a width direction of the region in contact with the facingsurface16 on the medial side of the circumferentialedge projection part36 can be 30% or more of the width dimension Wa. Also, the sum of the dimension Wce and the dimension Wcj can be 70% or less of the width dimension Wa.
• Also, in cross sectional view ofFIG. 26, a vertical distance Hp between aportion32pof theprojection part32, which is located vertically closest to the facingsurface16, and the facingsurface16 can be 2 mm or greater in a no-load state. Also, the vertical distance Hp can be 10 mm or less.
• Also, in cross sectional view ofFIG. 26, a vertical distance Hd between aportion34dof therecess part34, which is located vertically farthest from the facingsurface16, and theportion32pcan be 1 mm or greater in a no-load state. Also, the vertical distance Hd can be 13 mm or less.
• Also, in cross sectional view ofFIG. 26, a vertical thickness Ha of thebuffer member30 along a vertical line that passes through theportion32pcan be 10 mm or greater in a no-load state. Also, the vertical thickness Ha can be 30 mm or less.
• As illustrated inFIG. 27, when thebuffer member30 receives the second load F2, theprojection part32 contacts the facingsurface16, as is the case in the first embodiment.
• Although the second embodiment describes an example in which thesole side part52dintervenes between the sole of the foot and thetop surface30eof thebuffer member30, the present invention is not limited thereto.FIG. 28 is a sectional view of ashoe300 according to a modification taken along line B-B and corresponds toFIG. 18. The present modification differs from the second embodiment in that thesole side part52dintervenes between thebuffer member30 and the sole10, and the other configurations are similar to those in the second embodiment. In the present modification, theextension parts52pextend respectively from both ends in a width direction of thesole side part52d. According to the present modification, similarly to the second embodiment, theupper portion20 and thelink member52 are lowered together with thebuffer member30, so that theupper portion20 and thebuffer member30 can fit onto the foot.
• Each of the abovementioned modifications provides functions and effects similar to those of the aforementioned embodiments.
• Optional combinations of the aforementioned embodiments and modifications can also be practiced as additional embodiments of the present invention. Such an additional embodiment made by combination has the effect of each of the combined embodiments and modifications.
• Embodiments of the present invention relate to a buffer member of a shoe and is applicable to a shoe.

Claims (21)

1. A shoe, comprising:

a sole;

an upper portion disposed above the sole and configured to surround a foot insertion part; and

a buffer member including a lower surface and accommodated within the foot insertion part,

the lower surface of the buffer member including a projection part projecting toward a facing surface that faces the lower surface, a recess part adjacent to the projection part and recessed from the projection part toward the upper portion, and a circumferential edge projection part projecting, around the recess part, toward the facing surface side with respect to the projection part,

when the buffer member receives a predetermined first load, the circumferential edge projection part contacts the facing surface whereas the projection part has no contact with the facing surface, and

when the buffer member receives a predetermined second load, which is larger than the first load, the circumferential edge projection part and the projection part contact the facing surface.

2. The shoe according toclaim 1, wherein a space in a width direction between a peripheral wall surface of the buffer member and the upper portion is larger than a space in a longitudinal direction between the peripheral wall surface and the upper portion.

3. The shoe according toclaim 1, wherein

the recess part intervenes between the projection part and the circumferential edge projection part in a width direction, and

extension in a width direction of the buffer member receiving a downward load is larger than extension in a longitudinal direction thereof.

4. The shoe according toclaim 1, further comprising a deformation restrictor configured to restrict a predetermined amount or more of deformation of the buffer member.

5. The shoe according toclaim 4, wherein the deformation restrictor is provided on a part that faces the lower surface or an outer peripheral side surface of the buffer member.

6. The shoe according toclaim 5, wherein the deformation restrictor comprises a protruding part protruding from the facing surface.

7. The shoe according toclaim 1, wherein

the buffer member comprises a body part including the circumferential edge projection part, and a movable part including the projection part,

the body part has an outer shape extending along the foot insertion part and includes an accommodation part configured to accommodate at least part of the movable part, and

when a downward load is applied to the buffer member, the movable part moves downward with respect to the body part.

8. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein the accommodation part includes an opening part disposed in a middle part in a width direction of the body part.

9. The shoe according toclaim 8, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the accommodation part has a tapered shape.

10. The shoe according toclaim 9, wherein an outer circumferential surface of the movable part extends along the inner circumferential surface.

11. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein, when the buffer member receives the first load, the movable part is positioned away upward from the facing surface.

12. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein the movable part is one of a plurality of movable parts provided with a space in between along a longitudinal direction.

13. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein the movable part has a planar shape of an ellipse of which a longitudinal dimension is larger than a width dimension.

14. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein a hardness of a material of the movable part is different from a hardness of a material of the body part.

15. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein a hardness of a material of the body part is different between a medial side portion and a lateral side portion thereof, between which along a width direction the movable part is disposed.

16. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein an area of the body part in contact with the facing surface is different between a medial side portion and a lateral side portion of the body part, between which the movable part is disposed.

17. The shoe according toclaim 7, wherein a friction coefficient between the body part and the facing surface is different between a medial side portion and a lateral side portion of the body part, between which the movable part is disposed.

18. The shoe according to any one ofclaim 1, further comprising a link member configured to draw the upper portion downward when the buffer member receives a downward load.

19. The shoe according toclaim 18, wherein the link member is fixed to a position other than a wearing opening of the upper portion.

20. The shoe according toclaim 19, wherein the link member comprises a sole side part positioned on a top surface side of the buffer member, and an extension part that extends upward from each of both ends in a width direction of the sole side part.

21. The shoe accordingclaim 18, wherein the link member includes a cylindrical portion or a bag-shaped portion that is capable of wrapping a foot.

Images