ELASTIC STRUCTURE FOR SAFETY SHOES HAVING BODY CORRECTION FUNCTION AND SAFETY SHOES INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

The present disclosure suggests an elastic structure body for safety shoes and safety shoes including the same. The elastic structure body 300 according to some embodiments is formed in a midsole 30 arranged between a lower portion of an insole 40 and an upper portion of a penetration-resistant insert 20, and includes a plurality of upper recesses 330 recessed from an upper surface 310 toward a lower surface 320 by a predetermined depth. The plurality of upper recesses 330 are individually deformable. In this case, shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by a wearer's foot are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from an initial state in a vertical direction by the pressure of the foot and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and are restored to the initial state when the pressure by the foot is released.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an elastic structure body for safety shoes with a body correction function, and safety shoes including the same.

BACKGROUND

In general, shoes are used to protect feet, and their designs and functions are being changed and developing variously with the change of times and trend. Not only shoes (for example, safety shoes) having special purposes but also shoes having general purposes (for example, sneakers, walking shoes) have a tendency of emphasizing their functionalities, and thus most of the shoes emphasize breathableness and a water drainage property, and furthermore, shoes highlighting safety have come into the market.

That is, the trend of the related industry is to guarantee functionality and safety in shoes having general purposes such as sneakers or walking shoes, as well as shoes having special purposes, and in recent years, shoes having convexly curved outsoles and providing a good exercise effect when a user walks are in the spotlight. For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 706610 discloses a sole for seesaw footwear as a kind of the shoe described above.

An example of shoes having special purposes is safety shoes, which are used to reduce injuries of walkers or workers when an industrial accident occurs.

In Korea, Article 32 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act stipulates that a business owner shall provide a worker who works in places where material objects might fall on people, where people might be shocked or jammed in material objects, or where there might be hazards such as an electric shock or charging of static electricity, with safety shoes which are protective equipment suitable to a working condition, and every country has its corresponding regulations and tries to take necessary measure to protect workers' safety.

Safety shoes should be fabricated to satisfy predetermined standards and performance unlike general shoes, and in Korea, the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency validates safety shoes.

Since safety shoes are fabricated for the purpose of protecting wearers' feet from external shocks or hazards, the safety shoes include a toe cap, a penetration-resistant insert, etc. which are not included in general shoes. Accordingly, safety shoes may be fairly heavy and also may not provide good wearing sensation. In addition, a wearer in an industrial environment who works for a long time may easily feel fatigued due to inflexible safety shoes. In addition, when safety shoes are worn, there is a problem that shock pressure transmitted to the musculoskeletal system increases by 20-100% in comparison to the case where general shoes are worn.

To solve these problems, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1705144, titled “Safety Shoes Provided with Penetration-Resistant Insert-Integrated Outsole and Midsole having Good Breathableness, and Fabrication Method Thereof” discloses technology related to safety shoes having a penetration-resistant insert integrated into an outsole and having a midsole having good breathableness.

SUMMARY

Technical Objects

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an elastic structure body which can correct body imbalances and prevent diseases of a wearer, and also can strengthen muscles by using its mechanical structure and operation, and shoes including the same.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an elastic structure body which has an essential element inserted into safety shoes, such as a penetration-resistant insert, thereby solving problems of reduction of wearing sensation, increase of fatigue, and occurrence of shock/pressure, and also has an orthopedic function of remedying a physical problem of a human body, and safety shoes including the same.

According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, another object of the present disclosure is to provide an elastic structure body which can correct body imbalances and prevent diseases of a wearer, and also can strengthen muscles by using its mechanical structure and operation, and safety shoes including the same. The technical objects to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and there may be other technical objects.

Technical Solving Means

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an elastic structure body mounted in shoes, wherein the elastic structure body is formed in an insole arranged between a wearer' foot and an upper portion of an outsole, and includes a plurality of upper recesses recessed from an upper surface toward a lower surface by a predetermined depth, wherein the plurality of upper recesses are individually deformable, wherein shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot are deformed as the elastic structure body is compressed from an initial state in a vertical direction by direct vertical pressure of the wearer's foot, and are restored to the initial state when the pressure by the wearer's foot is released, and wherein, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air induced in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points passes through a member which is attached to the upper portion of the insole and is in direct contact with the wearer's foot, and is diffused toward intended points of the sole corresponding to the pressing points, such that a force generated by the air taps the intended points.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an elastic structure body mounted in shoes, wherein the elastic structure body is formed in a midsole arranged between a wearer' foot and an outsole, and includes a plurality of upper recesses recessed from an upper surface toward a lower surface by a predetermined depth, wherein the plurality of upper recesses are individually deformable, wherein shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from an initial state in a vertical direction by vertical pressure of the wearer's foot, and are restored to the initial state when the pressure by the wearer's foot is released, and wherein, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air induced in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points passes through a member which is attached to an upper portion of the midsole and is in direct contact with the wearer's foot, and is diffused toward intended points of the sole corresponding to the pressing points, such that a force generated by the air taps the intended points.

There is provided shoes employing the above-described elastic structure bodies. Herein, the shoes include shoes for general purposes, and shoes for special purposes.

Advantageous Effects

The elastic structure body and the safety shoes including the same according to some embodiments can reduce inconvenience of related-art safety shoes and can enhance wearing sensation, and can absorb, distribute, buffer, and reduce pressure, shock or weight through its mechanical structure and operation.

In addition, the elastic structure body and the safety shoes including the same according to some embodiments include the upper recesses which are individually deformed and restored according to a difference in the pressure, such that body imbalances can be corrected and diseases can be prevented through diffused air.

In addition, the elastic structure body and the safety shoes including the same according to some embodiments can prevent degradation and damages in the musculoskeletal system, and can enhance bloodstream through a normal walking process of a wearer, and can noticeably reduce the fatigue that a wearer working in industrial settings for a long time feels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing respective elements of a safety shoe including an elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an upper surface and a lower surface of a midsole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating the midsole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating examples of a side surface of an elastic structure body having a plurality of upper recesses, a plurality of lower recesses, and a plurality of empty spaces;

FIG. 3B is a view illustrating examples of a side surface of an elastic structure body having a plurality of upper recesses and a plurality of support portions;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating a process in which the shape of the upper recess is deformed and restored according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5C are views to illustrate a correlation between positions of the upper recesses and foot reflex zones according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5B and 5D are views to illustrate a correlation between the positions of the upper recesses and spine reflex zones according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a correlation between the positions of the upper recesses and results of measuring a body of a wearer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating an upper surface and a lower surface of an insole including an elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the insole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating degrees of correction of body imbalances by the safety shoe including the elastic structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

EXPLANATION OF SIGNS

10:	outsole	20:	penetration-resistant insert
30:	midsole	40:	insole
50:	toe cap	60:	uppers
300:	elastic structure body	310:	upper surface of elastic
			structure body
320:	lower surface of elastic	330:	upper recess
	structure body
340:	support portion	350:	lower recess
360:	empty space	370:	airing passage

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, such that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can easily embody the present disclosure. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, portions having nothing to do with explanation are omitted to clearly explain the present disclosure.

Throughout the specification, when a certain portion is referred to as being “coupled to” another portion, the corresponding term has the substantially same meaning as terms “connected,” “bonded,” “secured,” “fastened,” or the like, and, when a certain element is referred to as being “installed” on a certain place, the corresponding term has the substantially same meaning as terms “disposed,” “arranged,” or the like.

In addition, when a certain portion is referred to as “including” a certain element, the certain portion does not exclude other elements and further includes the other elements unless the context clearly indicates. In addition, when a certain element is referred to as being “between a certain portion and another portion,” not only “all parts of the certain element but also “a part” of the certain element are positioned within a distance, a space, or a region from the certain portion to another portion, and a “vertical direction” refers to a direction indicated by the arrows in the drawings.

In the present specification, the term “shoes” is used to include shoes for special purposes and shoes for general purposes. Herein, the shoes for the special purposes may be shoes like safety shoes, and the shoes for the general purposes may be shoes like sneakers, walking shoes, and men's dress shoes. In addition, the above-mentioned safety shoes, sneakers, walking shoes, and men's dress shoes are merely examples, and other kinds of shoes or shoes of other purposes are all included in the shoes.

“Safety shoes” suggested in the present disclosure may be shoes which are fabricated to satisfy required standards and performance, and an “elastic structure body” is an element that is included in the safety shoes, and may have its shape deformed by interaction between a wearer's foot and an inner configuration of the safety shoes, and may be restored to its original state.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments illustrated in the drawings relate to safety shoes, and are examples of the present disclosure, and the right scope of the present disclosure is applicable not only to shoes having other special purposes in addition to safety shoes, but also, to shoes of general purposes such as sneakers, walking shoes, or the like. When the present disclosure is applied to shoes of general purposes, a penetration-resistant insert 20 and a toe cap 50 may be excluded from the explained safety shoes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, general shoes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outsole 10, a midsole 30, an insole 40, and uppers 60, and may not include the penetration-resistant insert 20 and the toe cap 50. Configurations and functions of the outsole 10, the midsole 30, the insole 40, and the uppers 60 are the same as or similar to those of the safety shoes. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by referring to the safety shoes as an example.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating respective elements of a safety shoe including an elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The safety shoe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outsole 10, a penetration-resistant insert 20, a midsole 30, an insole 40, a top cap 50, and uppers 60.

The outsole 10 forms an exterior of the safety shoe and directly comes into contact with a bottom. Therefore, the outsole 10 may be formed with a material which is not easily damaged and is not slippery.

The penetration-resistant insert 20 is formed of a sheet of a thickness of a few centimeters (cm), and serves to protect a wear's foot from hazards which may penetrate through the bottom of the safety shoe. Steel, a bulletproof fiber, and/or a knife-proof material may be used to fabricate the penetration-resistant insert 20. FIG. 1 depicts that the penetration-resistant insert 20 is arranged between the outsole 10 and the midsole 30. Alternatively, the penetration-resistant insert 20 may be arranged between the midsole 30 and the insole 40. When the present disclosure is applied to shoes having a general purpose as described above, the penetration-resistant insert 20 may not be required and thus the midsole 30 and the outsole 10 may be configured to be in direct contact with each other. An exemplary embodiment of this will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The midsole 30 may be arranged between the outsole 10 and the insole 40 to reduce a shock transmitted from the bottom. The midsole 30 may be fabricated with a material having elasticity, such as rubber, urethane, PU, TPR, PVC, and/or silicon. The elastic structure body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed in the midsole 30.

The insole 40 is configured to come into direct contact with the wearer's foot, and may be referred to as a shoe insert. The insole 40 absorbs sweat generated on the foot and moisture in the safety shoe, and performs a cushion role. The insole 40 may be fabricated with a material having elasticity, such as rubber, urethane, PU, TPR, PVC, and/or silicon, like the midsole 30. According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic structure body may be formed in the insole 30.

The toe cap 50 is formed at a leading end of the safety shoe to cover wearer's toes. Steel and/or a reinforced plastic material may be used to fabricate the toe cap 50. When the present disclosure is applied to shoes having a general purpose as described above, the toe cap 50 may not be required.

The uppers 60 form the exterior of the safety shoe along with the outsole 10, and cover the entire foot of the wearer.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the midsole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The elastic structure body 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is formed in the midsole 30 arranged between a lower portion of the insole 40 and an upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20. The elastic structure body 300 is illustrated as being divided into a front portion and a rear portion of the midsole 30, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a middle portion of the midsole 30. In the present embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 is divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30, and according to an embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 may be positioned in any one of the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30.

As described above, an alternative embodiment in which the elastic structure body 300 is formed in the insole 40 is possible. Since the shape of the insole 40 and the shape of the midsole 30 are substantially similar to each other, a person skilled in the art can easily apply the elastic structure body 300 applied to the midsole 30 to the insole 40. An exemplary embodiment of this will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The midsole 30 may have an edge projection 32 formed on a lower side thereof and facing inwardly to allow the penetration-resistant insert 20 to be inserted thereinto, and the elastic structure body 300 may be formed by injection molding separately from the midsole 30 and may be coupled to a penetration hole 34 pre-formed on the midsole 30.

When the present disclosure is applied to shoes having a general purpose, such as sneakers, walking shoes, or men's dress shoes, the penetration-resistant insert may not be required and thus the edge projection 32 may not be required in the midsole 30.

The elastic structure body 300 may include a plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d which are recessed from an upper surface 310 of the elastic structure body 300 toward a lower surface 320 by a predetermined depth. According to an embodiment, the plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d are configured to be deformable individually. In the present embodiment, the plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b are formed on the upper surface 310 of the midsole 30.

The expression “being deformed individually” means that a degree or a shape of deformation of each recess may vary according to a wearer. That is, pressure and/or pressure directions applied to the plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d may vary according to weight, shapes of feet, or a walking habit of the wearer, and accordingly, the degrees or shapes of deformation of the plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d may be different from one another.

For example, when a user wears the shoes (including shoes having a special purpose and shoes having a general purpose) to which the elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied, the shapes of the second group of upper recesses 330c, 330d positioned on the rear portion of the midsole 30 may not be deformed even if the shapes of the first group of upper recesses 330a, 330b positioned on the front portion of the midsole 30 are deformed. Alternatively, only the shapes of some of the first group of upper recesses positioned on the front portion of the midsole 30 may be deformed.

In addition, the plurality of upper recesses 330: 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d may include the upper recesses 330a, 330b formed on the front portion of the midsole 30 (hereinafter, the “first group of upper recesses”), and the upper recesses 330c, 330d formed on the rear portion of the midsole 30 (hereinafter, the “second group of upper recesses”), and may be formed at positions set according to a predetermined criterion, respectively.

In addition, the elastic structure body 300 may further include a plurality of airing passages 370 formed to penetrate through the elastic structure body 300 in the vertical direction. These airing passages 370 may help in circulating air in the safety shoe.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the elastic structure body 300 may further include a plurality of support portions 340: 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d formed on a lower side thereof. The plurality of support portions 340: 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d may be positioned on the lower surface 320 of the midsole 30, and may protrude downward from the lower surface 320 and may be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses 330 in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body 300.

That is, the plurality of support portions 340: 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d are positioned on downward extension lines (virtual line) of the upper recesses 330. When a certain element is positioned on the downward extension line (virtual line) of the upper recess 330, the upper recess 330 and the element will be referred to as “being positionally matched 1:1” or briefly as “being matched 1:1.”

All of the plurality of upper recesses 330 are not necessarily matched 1:1 with all of the plurality of support portions 340: 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, but preferably, ⅓ or more of the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be matched 1:1 with ⅓ or more of the plurality of supporting portions 340. Herein, the numerical value “⅓” is an example.

The respective shapes of the upper recesses 330 and the support portions 340 and the 1:1 matching structure may be variously changed, and other exemplary embodiments of this will be described below with reference to FIG. 3B.

According to the above-described configuration, the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot F of the wearer are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from an initial state in the vertical direction by the pressure by the foot F and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and are restored to the initial state as the pressure by the foot F is released. That is, when pressure is applied from top to bottom by the foot F, the elastic structure body 300 may be compressed between the foot F and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and may have its thickness reduced in comparison to that in the initial state.

In this case, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air compressed in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points is diffused to surrounding regions.

As described above, the elastic structure body 300 can absorb, distribute, and reduce the pressure through its mechanical structure, and also, can correct body imbalances and can prevent diseases through air diffused from the upper recesses.

When the present disclosure is applied to shoes having a general purpose, such as sneakers, walking shoes, or men's dress shoes, the penetration-resistant insert 20 may not be required. Accordingly, the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot F of the wearer are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from the initial state in the vertical direction by the pressure by the foot F and the outsole 10, and are restored to the initial state as the pressure by the foot F is released. That is, when pressure is applied from top to bottom by the foot F, the elastic structure body 300 may be compressed between the foot F and the outsole 10, and may have its thickness reduced in comparison to that in the initial state. A technical effect achieved by the deformation and restoration of the shapes of the upper recesses, and the diffusion of air due to the above-described configuration is the same as or similar to that of the above-described safety shoe.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of an elastic structure body 300 suggested in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating examples of a side surface of an elastic structure body having a plurality of upper recesses, a plurality of lower recesses, and a plurality of empty spaces.

The elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3A (Hereinafter, an “embodiment of FIG. 3A”) may be configured to include the plurality of upper recesses 330, the plurality of lower recesses 350, and the plurality of empty spaces 360.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the upper recesses 330 and the plurality of lower recesses 350 do not fluidly communicate with each other, and the empty space 360 is formed between adjacent upper recesses 330 (or between adjacent lower recesses 350).

The elastic structure body 300 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3A is formed in the midsole 30 arranged between the lower portion of the insole 40 and the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20. The elastic structure body 300 is illustrated as being divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a middle portion of the midsole 30. In addition, in the present embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 is divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30, and according to an embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 may be positioned in any one of the front end or the rear end of the midsole 30. As described above, an alternative embodiment in which the elastic structure body 300 is formed in the insole 40 is possible.

Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 3A will be described in detail, and a detailed description of the common elements to those of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B will be omitted, and the difference therefrom will be highlighted.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the plurality of lower recesses 350 are formed to be recessed from the lower surface 320 toward the upper surface 310 by a predetermined depth, and are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses 330 in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body 300. That is, the plurality of lower recesses 350 are positioned on downward extension lines (virtual lines) of the upper recesses 330. That is, the plurality of upper recesses 330 and the plurality of lower recesses 350 may be positionally matched 1:1 with each other or may have a 1:1 matching structure.

All of the plurality of upper recesses 330 are not necessarily formed at positions corresponding to all of the plurality of lower recesses 350, but preferably, ⅓ or more of the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be formed at positions corresponding to ⅓ or more of the plurality of lower recesses 350. Herein, the numerical value “⅓” is an example.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be matched 1:1 with the plurality of lower recesses 350, respectively, and may face each other, and the elastic structure body 300 may be supported by a plurality of support portions 340 formed between the plurality of lower recesses 350.

In addition, the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be recessed from the upper surface 310 of the elastic structure body 300 by a distance d1, and the plurality of lower recesses 350 may be recessed from the lower surface 320 of the elastic structure body 300 by a distance d2, and the shapes of the upper recesses and the lower recesses may be changed to various shapes such as a “U” shape, a “V” shape, and a shape according to a purpose of using. Referring to FIG. 3A, a double three-level U shape variation, a double two-level U shape variation, a double two-level V shape variation, a double three-level V shape variation, and a double three-level shape variation are illustrated in sequence.

In the initial state, the plurality of support portions 340 may be in contact with the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20 or may be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance before pressure is applied, and may be collinear with the lower surface 320 of the elastic structure body 300 or may protrude downward from the lower surface 320.

In addition, the elastic support body 300 according to an embodiment may include the plurality of empty spaces 360 formed therein and distinguished from the plurality of lower recesses 350 and the plurality of upper recesses 330, and the plurality of lower recesses 350 and the plurality of empty spaces 360 may be individually deformable.

The plurality of empty spaces 360 may be deformed as they are compressed from the initial state in the vertical direction between the foot F and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and may be restored to the initial state when pressure by the foot F disappears.

Hereinafter, still another embodiment of an elastic structure body 300 suggested in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3B. The elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3B may be a variation of the elastic structure body 300 of the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B.

The elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3B (hereinafter, an “embodiment of FIG. 3B”) includes a plurality of upper recesses 330 and a plurality of support portions 340.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the plurality of support portions 340 protrude downward from the lower surface 320, and are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses 330 in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body 300. That is, the upper recesses 330 and the support portions 340 may have a 1:1 matching structure, respectively.

The elastic structure body 300 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3B is formed in the midsole 30 arranged between the lower portion of the insole 40 and the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20. The elastic structure body 300 is illustrated as being divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a middle portion of the midsole 30. In addition, in the present embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 is divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the midsole 30, and according to an embodiment, the elastic structure body 300 may be positioned in any one of the front end or the rear end of the midsole 30. As described above, an alternative embodiment in which the elastic structure body 300 is formed in the insole 40 is possible.

Hereinafter, the embodiment of FIG. 3B will be described in detail, and a detailed description of the common elements to those of other embodiments will be omitted, and the difference therefrom will be highlighted.

Similarly to those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the plurality of upper recesses 330 and the plurality of support portions 340 are matched 1:1 with each other, respectively, and may face each other.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the upper recesses 330 and the plurality of support portions 340 do not fluidly communicate with each other, and lower surfaces 320 are formed between adjacent upper recesses 330 (or between adjacent support portions 340).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be recessed from the upper surface 310 of the elastic structure body 300 by a predetermined distance d1, and the shapes thereof may be changed to various shapes such as a U shape, a V shape, and a shape according to a purpose of using. Referring to FIG. 3B, a four-level shape variation, a two-level U shape variation, a two-level V shape variation, a three-level V shape variation, and a three-level shape variation are illustrated in sequence.

In the initial state, the plurality of support portions 340 may be in contact with the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20 or may be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance before pressure is applied, and may be collinear with the lower surface 320 of the elastic structure body 300 or may protrude downward from the lower surface 320.

Another exemplary structure of the upper recesses, the lower recesses, and the support portions applied to the elastic structure body 300 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4, and one operation according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to this structure. One operation according to the present disclosure, which will be described with reference to FIG. 4, is applicable to the embodiments described with reference to the other drawings.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating a process in which the shape of the upper recess is deformed and is restored according to an embodiment. FIG. 4A illustrates the elastic structure body 300 (the 1:1 matching structure of the upper recess and the lower recess) according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4B illustrates the elastic structure body 300 according to another embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3B (the 1:1 matching structure of the upper recess and the support portion).

Referring to FIG. 4A, in an initial state (a), the elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment includes the upper recess 330 and the lower recess 350 which face each other in the vertical direction (that is, 1:1 matching), and the empty space 360 distinguished from each recess. The upper surface 310 of the elastic structure body 300 is in contact with the lower portion of the insole 40, and the lower surface 320 of the elastic structure body 300 is in contact with the upper portion of the penetration-resistance insert 20 as a kind of support portion 340. Accordingly, the support portion 340 performs a role of a post of transmitting a weight. Of course, a part of the elastic structure body 300 may not be in contact with the lower portion of the insole 40 or the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20, and may be spaced apart therefrom, and the shape of the elastic structure body 300 is not limited to that illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in an initial state (a), the elastic structure body 300 according to an embodiment may have a 1:1 matching structure in which the upper recess 330 and the support portion 340 correspond to each other, and the upper surface 310 of the elastic structure body 300 is in contact with the lower portion of the insole 40, and the support portion 340 protrudes downward from the lower surface 320 of the elastic structure body 300 and is in contact with the upper portion of the penetration-resistant plate 20. Accordingly, the support portion 340 may perform a role of a post of transmitting a weight. Of course, a part of the elastic structure body 300 may not be in contact with the lower portion of the insole 40, and may be spaced apart therefrom, and the shape of the elastic structure body 300 is not limited to that illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in a deformation state (b), when pressure P is applied from the insole 40 by the wearer's foot, the elastic structure body 300 in each example is subjected to a reaction force by the penetration-resistant insert 20, and is compressed from the initial state in the vertical direction. The elastic structure body 300 is compressed between the insole 40 and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and has its thickness reduced in comparison to that in the initial state. According to circumstances, the elastic structure body 300 may be deformed and compressed in the horizontal direction in addition to the vertical direction when being compressed.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a restoration state (c) of FIG. 4 is the same as the initial state (a) of FIG. 4. When the foot is taken off from the ground or pressing points are changed, the pressure P may be released or mitigated, and accordingly, the elastic structure body 300 is restored or returns to the initial state. In this case, as the shape of the upper recess 330 is deformed and restored, air compressed or condensed in the upper recess 330 is diffused to surrounding regions, and a force of the air is transmitted to the wearer's foot.

The plurality of upper recesses 330 may be formed at positions set according to a predetermined criterion, and accordingly, the force caused by air may be diffused toward a plurality of points which are specified in advance on the sole of wearer's foot. Although a user wearing the safety shoes may have difficulty in recognizing the force, there is an effect that the force caused by air taps the sole of user's foot, and the elastic structure body 300 may simply perform a role of buffering against shocks, and also, may help in correcting body imbalance and strengthening muscles.

Hereinafter, the positions of the plurality of upper recesses 330 will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the positions of the plurality of upper recesses 330 according to an embodiment may be set based on foot reflex zones or spine reflex zones. FIGS. 5A and 5C are views to illustrate a correlation between the positions of the upper recesses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the foot reflex zones, and FIGS. 5B and 5D are views to illustrate a correlation between the positions of the upper recesses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the spine reflex zones.

Herein, the foot reflex zones mean that all of the parts of the human body are reduced and reflected on the feet which are parts of the body. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be formed at respective positions of the elastic structure body 300 in the midsole 30 (1: adrenals, 2: kidney, 3: ureter, 4: bladder, 5: frontal sinus, 6: pituitary, 7: cerebellum, 8: trigeminal nerve, 10: cerebrum, 11: neck, 14: thyroid gland, 15: eye, 16: ear, 17: trapezius, 18: lung, bronchi, 19: heart, 21: stomach, 22: pancreas, 23: duodenum, 24: small intestine, 25: transverse colon, 29: liver, 30: gallbladder, 31: appendix, 32: ileocecal valve, 33: ascending colon, 35: genital gland).

In addition, the spine reflex zones mean that the spine of the human body is reduced and reflected on the feet, which are parts of the body. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be formed at respective positions (1: cervical vertebral, 2: thoracic vertebral, 3: lumbar vertebral, 4: sacrum, 5: coccyx) of the elastic structure body 300 in the midsole 30.

The positions of the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be set based on a result of measuring the wearer's body.

FIG. 6 is a view to illustrate body measurements. Referring to FIG. 6, a correlation between the positions of the upper recesses and the results of measuring the wearer's body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

A process of measuring the body of a person who is expected to wear may include the following steps of:

{circle around (1)} the person expected to wear stepping on a sensing device (foot scan device);

{circle around (2)} calculating, by a computing device connected to the sensing device, a result of measurement (reflecting the shapes of the feet and balance of the body) as shown in FIG. 6, by using a dedicated program or software installed in the computing device;

{circle around (3)} precisely measuring the sizes of the feet; and

{circle around (4)} determining positions of the upper recesses by reflecting the results of measuring in steps {circle around (2)} and {circle around (3)} by using the foot reflex zones of FIG. 5C and the spine reflex zones of FIG. 5D.

The elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above is included in the safety shoes and has an orthopedic function for remedying the body, and may be formed in the midsole and may absorb, distribute, and reduce pressure through its mechanical structure and operation. In addition, imbalance of the body can be corrected and disease can be prevented, and muscles can be strengthened through air diffused from the elastic structure body including the upper recesses which are individually deformed and restored.

An elastic structure body inserted into or embedded in another position of the safety shoe will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating an upper surface and a lower surface of an insole including an elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the insole including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The elastic structure body 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has the same characteristics as those of the elastic structure body 300 inserted into or embedded in the midsole as described above, and thus a redundant explanation thereof will be omitted.

The elastic structure 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is formed in the insole 40 facing the wearer's foot and arranged on the upper portion of the penetration-resistant insert 20. The elastic structure body 300 is illustrated as being divided into the front portion and the rear portion of the insole 40. However, this should not be considered as limiting, and the elastic structure body 300 may be formed in a middle portion of the insole 40.

The insole 40 may have a thickness relatively thinner than that of the midsole 30, and may have a member 41 attached to the upper portion thereof to be in direct contact with the wearer's foot. In addition, the elastic structure body 300 may be formed by injection molding separately from the insole 40, and may be coupled to a penetrating hole 44 pre-formed in the insole 40.

The elastic structure body 300 includes a plurality of upper recesses 330a, 330b recessed from the upper surface 310 toward the lower surface 320 by a predetermined depth, and the plurality of upper recesses 330a, 330b are individually deformable.

For example, even when the shapes of the first group of upper recesses 330a formed on the front portion of the insole 40 are deformed, the shapes of the second group of upper recesses 330b formed on the rear portion of the insole 40 may not be deformed.

In addition, the plurality of upper recesses 330 include the first group of upper recesses 330a formed on the front portion of the insole 40, and the second group of upper recesses 330b formed on the rear portion of the insole 40, and the plurality of upper recesses 330 may be formed at respective positions set according to a predetermined criterion.

Furthermore, the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot F of the wearer are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from the initial state in the vertical direction by the pressure by the foot F and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and are restored to the initial state as the pressure by the foot F is released. That is, when pressure is applied from top to bottom by the foot F, the elastic structure body 300 may be compressed between the foot F and the penetration-resistant insert 20, and may have its thickness reduced in comparison to that in the initial state.

In this case, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air compressed in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points is diffused to surrounding regions.

The elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above is included in the safety shoes and has an orthopedic function for remedying the body, and may be formed in the midsole and may absorb, distribute, and reduce pressure through its mechanical structure and operation. In addition, imbalance of the body can be corrected and disease can be prevented, and muscles can be strengthened through air diffused from the elastic structure body including the upper recesses which are individually deformed and restored.

The elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above with reference to various drawings is included in the safety shoes and has an orthopedic function for remedying the body, and may be formed in the insole and may absorb, distribute, and reduce pressure through its mechanical structure and operation. In addition, imbalance of the body can be corrected and disease can be prevented, and muscles can be strengthened through air diffused from the elastic structure body including the upper recesses which are individually deformed and restored.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating degrees of correction of body imbalance achieved by the safety shoes including the elastic structure body according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first drawing compares a body state of a subject A before the subject A wore the safety shoes including the elastic structure body, and a body state after the subject wore the safety shoes for about 39 days.

Before the subject wore the safety shoes, the left pressure was measured as 48.23%, the right pressure was measured as 51.77%, the front pressure was measured as 35.89%, and the rear pressure was measured as 64.11%. However, after the subject wore the safety shoes, the left pressure was measured as 49.45%, the right pressure was measured as 50.55%, the front pressure was measured as 61.54%, and the rear pressure was measured as 38.46%.

It can be seen that the pressure concentrated on the rear portion was shifted to the front portion and body imbalance was corrected to have pressure distribution of a normal body type.

In addition, regarding colors appearing in the drawings, it can be seen that a large dark-red area interpreted as pressure concentrated on the rear portion appeared before the subject wore the safety shoes, but the entire shape of the feet looked normal, and the dark-red area was noticeably reduced after the subject wore the safety shoes. In explaining more specifically in relation to the foot relax zones, a portion where the rear pressure was measured as 64.11% before the subject wore the safety shoes is related to genital organs, and as excessive pressure was applied to that portion, it was determined that functions related to bladder or prostate or a function of eliminating waste matter were degraded.

In addition, in explaining in association with the entire shapes of the feet, a middle portion of the left foot appeared to be cut before the subject wears the safety shoes. It was determined that the subject A has cavus feet having a very high arch. That is, it is interpreted that the muscle of the subject A protecting the spine is weak and the subject A is vulnerable to diseases related to the spine, such as lumbar herniated intervertebral disc.

In addition, in explaining in association with the spine reflex zones, shapes of toes did not appear before the subject A wore the safety shoes, and it was determined that the bloodstream is not smooth in shoulder, neck, and head of the subject A, and the subject has a body type exposed to diseases related to shoulder, neck, and head.

It can be seen that the kyphoscoliosis imbalance body type was enhanced to reach a normal body type after the subject wore the safety shoes. In addition, symptoms such as lumbar herniated intervertebral disc, frozen shoulder, headache, degradation of the bladder function, indigestion, stress, depression, feeling of fatigue of the subject A were improved.

The second drawing compares a body state of a subject B before the subject B wore the safety shoes including the elastic structure body, and a body state after the subject wore the safety shoes for about 17 days.

Similarly to the subject A, the subject B had the effect of correcting body imbalance and reducing symptoms by wearing the safety shoes suggested in the present disclosure.

These results may also be identified when body states of about 1500 subjects of different environments and different ages before they wore the safety shoes and body states after they wore the safety shoes are compared.

It will be understood that the above descriptions are merely for an example, and a person skilled in the related art could easily change to other specific forms without changing the technical idea of the present disclosure or essential features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are exemplary from all aspects, and should not be considered as limiting. For example, each element described in the singular form may be embodied in a distributed form, and also, elements described in the distributed form may be embodied as being coupled to each other.

The scope of the present disclosure should be defined not by the detailed description, but by the appended claims, and the meaning and the scope of the claims and all changes or changed forms derived from the equivalent concept thereof should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An elastic structure body mounted in shoes, wherein the elastic structure body is formed in an insole arranged between a wearer' foot and an upper portion of an outsole, and comprises a plurality of upper recesses recessed from an upper surface toward a lower surface by a predetermined depth,

wherein the plurality of upper recesses are individually deformable,

wherein shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot are deformed as the elastic structure body is compressed from an initial state in a vertical direction by direct vertical pressure of the wearer's foot, and are restored to the initial state when the pressure by the wearer's foot is released, and

wherein, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air induced in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points passes through a member which is attached to the upper portion of the insole and is in direct contact with the wearer's foot, and is diffused toward intended points of the sole corresponding to the pressing points, such that a force generated by the air taps the intended points.

2. The elastic structure body of claim 1, wherein the elastic structure body further comprises a plurality of lower recesses recessed from the lower surface toward the upper surface by a predetermined depth,

wherein the plurality of lower recesses are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body.

3. The elastic structure body of claim 1, wherein the elastic structure body further comprises a plurality of support portions, and

wherein the plurality of support portions protrude downward from the lower surface and are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body.

4. An elastic structure body mounted in shoes, wherein the elastic structure body is formed in a midsole arranged between a wearer' foot and an outsole, and comprises a plurality of upper recesses recessed from an upper surface toward a lower surface by a predetermined depth,

wherein the plurality of upper recesses are individually deformable,

wherein shapes of the upper recesses positioned at pressing points to which pressure is applied by the foot are deformed as the elastic structure body 300 is compressed from an initial state in a vertical direction by vertical pressure of the wearer's foot, and are restored to the initial state when the pressure by the wearer's foot is released, and

wherein, when the shapes of the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points are deformed and restored, air induced in the upper recesses positioned at the pressing points passes through a member which is attached to an upper portion of the midsole and is in direct contact with the wearer's foot, and is diffused toward intended points of the sole corresponding to the pressing points, such that a force generated by the air taps the intended points.

5. The elastic structure body of claim 3, wherein the elastic structure body further comprises a plurality of lower recesses recessed from the lower surface toward the upper surface by a predetermined depth,

wherein the plurality of lower recesses are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body.

6. The elastic structure body of claim 3, wherein the elastic structure body further comprises a plurality of support portions, and

wherein the plurality of support portions protrude downward from the lower surface and are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of upper recesses in the vertical direction of the elastic structure body.