SHOES FOR COMPETITIONS

Abstract

The shoe for bicycle competition, with a first member having a convex portion projecting on the bottom with the mounting surface to which a cleat is mounted for position adjustment, covering the heel, the side, and the sole of the feet integrally, the cleat for fixing to a bicycle pedal detachable, and the second member covering the sole to close the opening located on the opposite side of the convex portion. The first member forms an undercut shape with its lateral width narrower upward for the heel of the foot only to move forward, and the third member and the first member share the overlapping portion at least on the side surface of the foot, and by tightening the third member, be integrated by deformation and friction to form a monocoque structure.

Description

The present invention relates to the shoes for competitions.

BACKGROUND

For the bicycle competition shoes, a method of production by single article method in accordance with the shape of the individual's foot, and a method of mass production are known.

For example, in the case of manufacturing a bicycle competition shoes by single article method to match the shape of the individual's foot, the shape of the individual foot is copied, with such as a silicon, to create the inner mold, with such as the plaster, rounding and smoothing between the finger or dent to some extent, while correcting in consideration of the growth of the foot during riding or the after-molding shrinkage of product, to finish the inner mold. Or by using the three-dimensional measuring device to measure the shape of the individual's foot, the inner mold is finished by processing the measured data.

Then, using the finished inner mold, with a hard material such as CFRP (Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic) for the sole part, and, with a deformable but less stretchable material for the upper, the bicycle racing shoes to suit the individual feet are produced.

On the other hand, for example, in case of producing the shoes for bicycle competition in the mass production method, a plurality of the inner molds (not shown) to fit for many people are prepared in advance responding to the multiple of the size.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, when manufacturing bicycle competition shoe 100 of a certain size, the upper 110 is assembled for example by sewing soft materials, the outsole 120 is made by the resin injection molding or using a carbon fiber impregnated with resin, hardened with heat. And then the upper 110 is fixed to the foot mold by pulling to follow the shape of the foot mold (not shown), then heated for about 20 minutes, and rubbed or hit to copy the shape of the foot mold, after cooling, the upper 110 with the buckle 140 attached in prior to, is adhered to the outsole 120 with the rubber member 150 attached in advance, then removed from the foot mold. In this way, the shoes for bicycle competition by the mass production method are produced.

Note that in the outsole 120, the mounting member 180 for mounting the cleat 160 for fixing the bicycle competition shoe 100 to the bicycle pedal detachably is assembled in advance. Then, the cleat 160 that matches the competition bicycle pedal, is attached to the outsole 120 by utilizing the attachment member 180 by the user.

Note that, FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a bicycle competition shoe 100 manufactured by the conventional mass production method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In the conventional competition shoes such as the bicycle competition shoes described above however, irrespective of whether the manufacturing method is a single article method or a mass production method, the upper is to originally correspond to the difference in the shape of the foot, or, to smoothly remove the foot from the shoe, soft and not rigid, so in order to efficiently transmit the force of the foot to the shoe sole, it is necessary to keep the deformation of the part within an allowable range by thickening the outsole, resulting in a problem that the weight of the competition shoe increases.

The present invention is, in view of the above problems of the conventional competition shoe, while ensuring the rigidity of the outsole portion, the object thereof is to provide competition shoes which weight be reduced.

Means for Solving the Problems

The first aspect of the present invention is the competition shoe, on the bottom side, the fixing member for fixing to a fixed object, or blade for skating, is detachable,

characterized in that the first member covers integrally, foot heel, foot side, and the soles of the feet, having a convex portion projecting to said bottom side,
and the second member, attached to the first member, covering said sole of the foot, wherein to close the opening located on the opposite side of the convex portion of said first member,
whereas said convex portion has a mounting surface, said fixing member or said blade for the skate, to be mounted with position adjustment.

The second aspect of the present invention is the competition shoes of said first invention characterized by said first member, produced by the high strength material.

The third aspect of the present invention, is the competition shoes of said first invention which is characterized in that, said fixing member is a cleat for connecting said the first member to a bicycle pedal, said fixed object is the pedal, and said mounting surface which said convex portion has, is a surface on which said cleat mounted with the position and angle adjustable.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is the competition shoes of said first invention which is characterized in that wherein the surface in contact with the said foot of said first member and said second member is produced based on the 3 dimensionally measured data of the shape of the individual foot.

The fifth aspect of the present invention, is the competition shoes of said any one of the first to fourth of the present invention, the portion that covers the side of the foot of said first member, forms an undercut shape that the lateral width is narrower toward upward from said heel of the foot, has a degree of rigidity that does not move said heel of the foot upwardly in the said first member, and has a shape that can only move the heel of the foot forward.

The sixth aspect of the present invention, is the competition shoes of said fifth of the present invention which is characterized in that, having said third member covers foot toes, the side of foot and the instep of the foot, which can move upward and forward direction away from said first member, which a surface in contact with said foot is produced based on the measured 3-dimensional data of the shape of the individual foot and,

having a fastening portion for fixing and clamping said third member to said first member, and the fourth member mounted on the outside of said third member,
said third member and said first member have overlapping at least on the side of the foot, said third member deforms by tightening, integrated together by friction, forms a monocoque structure.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is the competition shoe of said sixth invention which is characterized in that, said first member and said third member are made of a material comprising high strength fibers and a thermosetting resin.

The eighth aspect of the present invention, is the competition shoes of said sixth or said seventh invention which is characterized in that, the said first member, and said third member is made of a material comprising fibers and thermosetting resin having a high strength, said dimension in the width direction and height direction of said foot shape contact with said foot of said first member is smaller than the said 3 dimensionally measured data of said shape of the foot of the person, the size of the toe covering portion of the foot of said third member is greater than the said measured 3-dimensional data of said shape of the foot of the person.

The ninth aspect of the present invention, is the competition shoes of any one of said first to eighth the present invention which is characterized in that, said second member is a plate-like member of a material containing high-strength fibers and a thermosetting resin, with internally hollow cavity member, or a block-like member having a honeycomb or foam structure.

The tenth aspect of the present invention, is said third member is formed with a tape by arranging fibers of high strength in parallel having a width of 10 mm to 30 mm as a prepreg impregnated with thermosetting resin and arranging them in parallel, laid up on a previously prepared mold, with no gap nor slack. And said tapes are laid up side by side in a direction of 3 to 6 and the edge portion of said third member, is overlapped with said tape in parallel to the edge, as in the sixth invention of the present invention.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is said first member is produced with a tape by arranging high-strength fibers in parallel having a width of 10 mm to 30 mm as a prepreg impregnated with thermosetting resin, laid up on a previously prepared mold, with no gap nor slack. Said tapes are laid up side by side in three to six directions. In said first member, said attachment surface is overlapped with more said tapes than the other parts, and the edge part of said first member having said tape in parallel to the edge, as in said first invention of the present invention.

Advantageous of the Invention

According to the present invention, while ensuring the rigidity of the sole portion, it is possible to provide competition shoes that the weight can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right side of the embodiment of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition (for the left foot), of the present invention.

FIG. 1 (b) is a perspective view mainly showing the left side of the fastener shoes for bicycle competition (for the left foot), shown in FIG. 1 (a).

FIG. 2 (a) is a view mainly showing the bottom of the embodiment of the fastener shoes for bicycle competition (for the left foot), of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (b) is a view showing primarily the upper surface of the fastener type bicycle competition shoes (for the left foot) shown in FIG. 2 (a).

FIG. 3 is a A-A line cross-sectional view taken along the view of the fastener shoes for bicycle competition (for the left foot) shown in FIG. 2 (b).

FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right side of the first member of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment (for the left foot).

FIG. 4 (b) is a perspective view mainly showing the left side of the appearance of the first member of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition, shown in FIG. 4 (a) (for the left foot).

FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view of a second member viewed from the right side of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment (for the left foot).

FIG. 5 (b) is a perspective view of the second member of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition shown in FIG. 5 (a), (for the left foot) from the left side.

FIG. 6 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right side of the appearance of the third member of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment (for the left foot).

FIG. 6 (b) is a perspective view mainly showing the left side of the appearance of the third member of the fastener type shoes for bicycle competition, shown in FIG. 6 (a) (for the left foot).

FIG. 7 (a) is a perspective view of a fourth member as seen from below the right side of the fastener shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment (for the left foot).

FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view of the fourth member of the fastener shoes for bicycle competition (for the left foot) shown in FIG. 7 (a) from the upper side of the left side.

FIG. 8 (a) is a view of the B-B cross-section of the heel portion of the foot of the first member of FIG. 4 (b) as viewed from the left rear.

FIG. 8 (b) is a view of the C-C cross-section from the upper left front side including a section for cutting horizontally near the heel portion of the first member shown in FIG. 4 (b) covering the side surface of the foot.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the third member is moved to the upward and forward direction away from the first member, by user operation.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the first member and the third member in the fastener shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment overlapped (for the left foot).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the front left upside of the cross-section of the convex portion of the first member shown in FIG. 4 (b), cut vertically (parallel to B-B cutting plane in FIG. 4 (b)).

FIG. 12 (a) is a perspective view from above of the nut with three cleat attachment screw portions formed as T-shaped in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 (b) is a perspective view of the T-shaped nut, upside down as shown in FIG. 12 (a).

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of conventional shoes for bicycle competition, which is manufactured in the mass production method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 200 bicycle racing shoes (for the left foot)
• 210 first member
• 220 second member
• 230 third member
• 240 fourth member
• 250 fasteners
• 260 rubber members
• 270 T-shaped nuts
• 270a threaded portion to mount a cleat
• 280 cleat

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the construction of the cycling shoes according to one embodiment of the competition shoes of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings, along with manufacturing methods.

First, the configuration of the bicycle competition shoes of the fastener type 200 of the present embodiment, mainly be described with reference to FIG. 1 (a) to FIG. 3.

FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right side of the appearance of the embodiment of the bicycle competition shoes of the fastener type (for left foot) 200. FIG. 1 (b) is primarily perspective view showing the left side appearance of the bicycle competition shoes of the fastener type 200 shown in FIG. 1 (a) (for the left foot).

Further, FIG. 2 (a), is a view mainly showing the bottom of the bicycle competition shoes of the fastener type (for left foot) 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 (b), is a view mainly showing the top surface of the of the bicycle competition shoes 200 of the fastener type shown in FIG. 2 (a) (for the left foot).

Further, FIG. 3 is an A-A cross-sectional view of the bicycle competition shoes of the fastener type (for left) 200 shown in FIG. 2 (b).

FIG. 1 (a), the FIG. 1 (b), and the FIG. 2 (a), shows a state in which cleat 280 to be described later is attached to the cleat attachment surface 213 of the competition shoe 200, and in FIG. 3, the cleat 208 is not attached to the cleat mounting surface 213 of competition shoes 200.

Further, in FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 2 (b), the cable 290 is not shown. Further, in FIG. 2 (a), the illustration of the bolts for securing the cleat 280, and the washer are omitted.

Usually, in the competition shoes, such as bicycle competition shoes, it is important to avoid inflammation or fatigue from long-term use and a large force applied to the pedal through the shoes, as much as possible.

So, (1), the pain caused from the concentration of the pressure due to the individually very different feet size and/or the shape which does not fit to the shoes, or from the fact that the foot is moved inside the shoes then compresses the toe, should be avoided. In addition, (2) for the power of the rider to transfer to the pedal without waste, there is a need for sufficient rigidity for not giving away. (3) Further, while satisfying the considerations above (1), (2), it should be light in weight, so the energy required for acceleration or deceleration is minimal, for the merit of the competition.

The bicycle competition shoes 200 described in this embodiment is intended to propose from such a point of view.

Accordingly, the bicycle competition shoes 200 of fastener type of this embodiment, based on the obtained 3-dimensional data by measuring the shape of the individual foot, illustrating a shoe manufactured in the single article method as an example. However, competition shoe of the present invention is not limited to the shoe manufactured in the single article method.

That is, the fastener type bicycle competition shoes 200 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to 3, the configuration with (1) the first member 210 of carbon fiber reinforced resin having a monocoque structure (stressed-skin structure) (made from CFRP) (refer FIG. 4 (a), the 4 (b)) to cover the heel of the foot, the foot side, and the sole of the foot integrally together with having a convex portion 211 projecting on the bottom side of the bicycle competition shoes, (2) the second member 220 of carbon fiber reinforced resin (refer FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 5 (b)) opposite to, i.e., so as to close the opening 212 of the recessed portion located on the side to cover the foot of the opening edge portion 212a of the convex portion 211 of the first member 210 (refer FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 (b)), constitutes a support surface along the shape of the sole of the foot supporting the sole of the foot, and, (3) the third member 230 of carbon fiber reinforced resin (refer FIG. 6 (a), FIG. 6 (b)) covers the foot toes, the side of foot and the instep of the foot, which is movable in upward and forward direction away from the first member 210, and is fixed by tightening the third member 230 to the first member by (4) the fourth member 240 made of resin (refer FIG. 7 (a), and FIG. 7 (b)) with a cable 290 and a fastener 250 for tightening, mounted on the outer side of the third member 230.

It is assumed that the shape of the surface in contact with the foot in each of members constituting the bicycle competition shoe 200 of the present embodiment, is produced based on the 3-dimensional measurement data from the shape of the individual's foot for the bicycle competition shoe 200.

Moreover, bicycle competition shoe 200 of fastener type of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (a) to FIG. 3, on the bottom surface of the first member 210 in the front and rear sides, the rubber members 260 are assembled, for slip prevention during walking.

Further, the convex portion 211 of the first member 210, as shown in FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 3, has a cleat mounting surface 213 for the cleat 280 for connecting the bicycle competition shoe 200 to a bicycle pedal (not shown), to be attached with the adjustable position and angle. In this embodiment, cleat attachment surface 213 forms a curved surface of curvature 160 mm, however, the curvature is not limited thereto. In addition, cleat mounting surface 213 may be a plane.

Further, the opposite side, i.e., by utilizing the space portion of the recessed portion located on the side to cover the foot, cleat mounting screw portion for mounting the cleat 280 to a cleat attachment surface 213 of the convex portion 211 of the first member 210, 270a are positioned at three locations, the cleat attachment screw portion 270a is exposed to the cleat attachment surface 213. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, three holes are drilled to the specific locations on the cleat mounting surface 213 of the first member 210 (see FIG. 8), the T-shaped nut 270 in a plane view (refer FIG. 12 (a), and the FIG. 12 (b)) each of the three cleat mounting screw portion 270a which is formed by drawing process near the end of each side of the T-shape, are inserted into the holes, the T-shaped nut 270 is pressed and the position is fixed by the second member 220. The second member 220 after inserting the three cleat attachment screw portion 270a of the T-shaped nut 270 to the holes, is assembled with the first member 210.

Here, FIG. 12 (a) is a perspective view of the T-shaped nut 270 and three cleat attachment screw portion 270a, shown obliquely from above. FIG. 12 (b), is a perspective view of T-shaped nut 270 shown in FIG. 12(a) upside down.

Incidentally, cleat 280, after the position and angle adjusted, is fixed with cleat bolts (not shown) to the cleat attachment screw portion 270a, by the user.

Here, cleat 280 configuration mounted for position and angle adjustment is described, further, with respect to cleat attachment surface 213.

That is, the cleat 280 (refer FIG. 2 (a)) has a groove 281 of the three sets of rectangles, corresponding to the grooves 281, through the washer (not shown) compressed its two sides in one direction to 281 and can be moved in another direction, with perpendicular to the moving direction long groove slightly larger than the screw thread diameter of the cleat bolt, and by the cleat bolts (not shown) tightening to the T shaped nut 270, is fixed to the first member 210. As a result, the cleat 280 can be attached in two-way direction, and to the rotating direction, one can adjust the position and some angle against the mounting screw portion 270a.

Incidentally, a washer using 1 mm-2 mm thick steel plate, forms a bulging shape for the stiffness around the rectangular groove 281 described above. To cleat attachment screw portion 270a, by tightening the cleat bolt through the washers, as described above, pressing down the two sides of a rectangular groove 281 formed in the cleat 280, the cleat 280 is fixed to the mounting surface 213.

As described above, the first member 210 made of a material of high rigidity, along with a height of up to the limit for the foot to exit covers the sides of the foot, provided with a convex portion 211 having a cleat attachment surface 213, together to ensure a constant height in the sole portion, the opening 212 of the concave portion of the inside of the convex portion 211 which is located on the side to cover the foot by closing with the second member 220, the cleat mounting surface 213 where high stress is applied, with the fact that a lightweight box-like hollow structure created, has the feature that strong against twisting as well as bending.

Accordingly, bicycle competition shoes 200 of the present embodiment, while securing the rigidity required for the outsole unit, enable to reduce the weight of the shoes as compared with the conventional ones.

It should be noted that the cleat 280 in the present embodiment is not a member, which is attached from the beginning in the finished product of bicycle competition shoes 200. In other words, after purchasing the cleat 280 in accordance with the bicycle pedal to ride, to suit their own preferences, in terms of the position and angle adjustment in the cleat mounting surface 213, as described above for the cleat mounting screw portion 270a, an user is configured to fix by cleat bolts and washers (not shown).

In addition, among the parts that cover the parts of the foot of the first member 210, part 214 around the heel of the foot (see FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 (a)), the lateral width toward upward gets narrower from the part where the heel of the foot is in contact and it forms an undercut shape. Furthermore, the first member 210, in a state where the foot has subsided in bicycle competition shoes 200, the heel of the foot is firmly held and can be moved only forward in the inside at the site of the undercut shape of the first member 210 and with the rigidity high enough to not be moved to upward. The lifting force of the foot in the cycling is also used, the fixed heel is also important.

That is, in part 214 near the heel of the foot in the first member 210 (see FIG. 8 (a)), the first lateral width W1 closer to the heel of the foot, is wider than the width W2 the second lateral width, remoted from the heel of the foot is configured as the undercut shape to be kept always.

At the part of the undercut profile, the heel of the foot cannot be moved in the vertical direction, thus in order to insert or remove the foot, by the user loosening the cable 290 by operating the fastener 250, the third member 230 is configured to be movable to forward and upward direction away from the first member 210 (see arrow D in FIG. 9). FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state that has the third member 230 moved to the front and upper direction away from the first member 210, by the user's operation.

Incidentally, both ends of the cable 290 is fixed to each of the interior winding mechanism of the fastener 250 disposed above and below of the fourth member 240, the cable 290 is wound by turning the fastener on top of the dial, the ratchet by dialing is fixed in a configuration in which the cable 290 is locked. In addition, either raise the dial or by turning strongly in the opposite direction the ratchet is released, the cable 290 is configured to loosen. Cable 290 is a twisted stainless steel wire cable, with a diameter of about 1 mm.

Further, the first member 210 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the first member of the present invention, the second member 220 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the second member of the present invention. The third member 230 of the present embodiment corresponds to one example of the third member of the present invention, the fourth member 240 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a fourth member of the present invention.

Further, the convex portion 211 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the convex portion of the present invention, cleat attachment surface 213 of the embodiment corresponds to an example of a mounting surface of the present invention. Further, the opening 212 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the opening of the present invention.

Moreover, cleat 280 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a fixing member of the present invention, a bicycle pedal of the embodiment corresponds to an example of the fixed object of the present invention. Further, the fastener 250 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a fastening portion of the present invention.

By the way, bicycle competition shoes, when the foot transfers a large force to the pedal, the force is unlikely to be transferred well, if deformed. This force is a perpendicular direction of the force against the crank through the pedal shaft, deforms the shoes. The higher the height at a certain part, the rigidity of the shoe is greater by the material dynamics. For example, the stiffness is four times by the doubled height of the portion of the rectangular cross-section. However, in case the wall thickness too thin the case is not applied to. Also, by the material dynamics, higher rigidity, torsional or bending rigidity with the same weight can be obtained by a hollow pipe shape, and then a U-shape.

To achieve the rigidity required, if pipe shape or U shape be realized shoes becomes lighter, thus if pipe-shape cross-section that wraps the foot be realized like a bicycle competition shoes 200 of the present embodiment, it is very advantageous.

Then, with the pipe-shaped cross section in the bicycle competition shoes 200 of the present embodiment, monocoque (stressed skin structure) formed by a first member 210 and third member 230 will be described.

The first member 210 and the third member 230, at the lower end portion of the first member 210, 210a and the upper portion of the third member 230, 230a overlap partially (see the overlapping portion K of FIG. 3, FIG. 10), the cable 290 after tighten by the fastener 250, by deforming in the direction in which the lateral width gets narrower the lower end portion 230a of the third member 230, first member 210 cannot be so deformed without clearance between the foot located inside, 210a and thus lower portion 230a further adheres is integrally connected to one another by frictional resistance. Thus, first member 210 and third member 230 after being tightened by fasteners 250, against the deformation due to stress, ligated to share the forces forming a structure to reduce the deformation. That is the first member 210 and the third member 230 function as a monocoque structure in cooperate. Here, FIG. 10 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a first member 210 a state of overlap with the third member 230.

In the present embodiment, by tightening the fastener 250, only the lower end portion 230a of the side surface portion of the third member 230 is in close contact with the upper end portion 210a of the first member 210 and connected by friction. Then, among the overlapping portion K as described above, in the portion other than the side surface portion of the third member 230 which is connected by friction as mentioned above, the lower end portion 230a of the third member 230, and the upper portion 210a of the first member 210, so as not to interfere with the movement required when tightening the third member 230, is designed with enough clearance.

Moreover, in this way, with the construction having a first member 210 and third member 230 overlapping portion K, intrusion such as dust is prevented, the third member 230 does not deviate relative to the first member 210 as guided, with an effect of improving the external appearance.

In FIG. 3 of this embodiment, the overlapping portion K is not only the side surface of the foot, a case has been described that is formed until the toe portion, for example, not limited thereto, the overlapping portion K is, the foot portion other than the side surface may be configured to not formed. That is, the first member 210 and the third member 230, the overlapping portion K configured to have at least at the side surface of the foot, and by tightening the fasteners 250, deformed in the direction in which the lateral width shrinks the lower end portion 230a of the side surface portion of the third member 230, close contact with the upper end portion 210a of the first member 210, are coupled by friction, only be needed be configured to function as a cooperated monocoque structure.

Further, the first member 210 of the bicycle competition shoes 200 of this embodiment, second member 220 and third member 230, are obtained by molding CFRP using molds formed by using a 3D printer and/or a 3D CNC (Computer Numerical Control) based on the three-dimensional data of the personal foot. Therefore, the very different size and shape of the foot by an individual well fit the shape of the shoes, the configuration which does not cause pain because of the shape not matched.

As the material of the fourth member 240, nylon is preferred, PC (polycarbonate), PU (polyurethane), ABS or the like may work. Further, not limited to this, for example, it may be any kind of material if it is a resin material that is strong and weather resistant.

Further, the material of the first member 210 and third member 230 of the bicycle competition shoes 200 of the present embodiment is a carbon fiber prepreg sheet containing an epoxy resin as a thermosetting resin. The carbon fiber sheet containing an epoxy resin and heated under pressure after laid up several layers in different directions, by a predetermined time, the epoxy resin is hardened is a thermosetting resin, curing the carbon fiber prepreg sheet. Monocoque structure is formed as carbon fiber prepreg sheet is cured.

The material for the first member 210 and the third member 230 of the bicycle competition shoes 200 of the present embodiment, has been described as the thermosetting as a carbon fiber prepreg sheet containing an epoxy resin, not limited to, it may be in short, the first member 210, the third member 230 has a high rigidity than that of the fourth member 240, what if member comprising at least high strength fibers. Thus, the material of the first member 210, and the third member 230, for example, be a lightweight, high stiffness material such as those containing carbon fibers or glass fibers. Further, for example, processing the bamboo may be a material comprising fibers of high strength or processing the spider silk may be.

In the present specification “high-strength fibers” has 2.5 times or more per the cross-sectional area, strength of nylon or polyester fibers, i.e., it refers to a fiber having a strength of at least 2500 MPa, and for example, other than carbon fibers and glass fibers described above, high-strength polyester fibers are, high strength vinylon fibers, aramid fibers, heterocycle-containing aromatic fiber, boron fibers and the like, but is not limited thereto. Here, it is 1 MPa 10 kg/cm².

As a result, the shoes are lightweight but not easily broken, can exert sufficient rigidity, and make it possible to transfer force without waste to the pedal.

Incidentally, the material comprising high strength fibers described above as the material of the first member 210 corresponds to an example of a high strength material of the present invention.

According to the above configuration, the first member 210, the second member 220 and the third member 230 which covers the portion of the instep of the foot, made of CFRP, in cooperation with, form integral structure (monocoque), and high rigid as the bicycle competition shoes, then light-weight, less deforming when transferring the force, make possible to reduce the fatigue of riders, contribute to transfer the high force to the pedal necessary for the bicycle competition shoes.

On the other hand, the third member 230 as a part that covers the instep portion corresponding to the upper half of the bicycle competition shoes 200, when to put the foot on the bicycle competition shoes 200, as described above, with the operation of the fastener 250 by loosening the cable 290 is moved to the front and upper direction from the first member 210, and after putting the foot, by re-tightening the cable 290 by operating the fastener 250, the first member 210 and third member 230 form a stressed skin structure (monocoque) in cooperation. In this way, covering a wide portion, such as the instep in the CFRP, by accurately copying the shape of foot, and because it has a high rigidity for less deformation when a force applied to the fastener and cable during the bike pedaling, the transmission of force in the forward and upper direction can be achieved while preventing the high pressure and displacement of the foot. Therefore, it is sufficient for the tightening of the cable 290 with the weaker force.

In addition, according to the above-described configuration, the shoe sole, and heel portion, while having a high rigidity, to fit perfectly to the shape of the foot, does not produce partial high pressure at the time of pedaling. In addition, since there are projections that meet the foot shape, when the crank in the 12 o'clock direction for example as the force to pedal tangential to the crank there, i.e. the thrust force between the foot and shoes occur, the displacement of foot in the shoes does not occur as a result.

Next, a manufacturing method by single article method for bicycle competition shoes 200 of fastener type of this embodiment, will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4 (a)˜FIG. 7 (b).

FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right-side appearance of the first member 210 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition of this embodiment (for the left foot) 200. FIG. 4 (b) is a perspective view mainly showing the left side appearance of the first member 210 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for the left foot) 200 in FIG. 4 (a).

FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view from the right side of the second member 220 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for left foot) 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 (b) is a perspective view of the second member 220 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for left foot) 200 shown in FIG. 5(a) from the left side.

FIG. 6 (a) is a perspective view mainly showing the right side of the third member 230 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition of this embodiment (for the left foot) 200. FIG. 6 (b) is a perspective view mainly showing the left side of the third member 230 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for left foot) 200 shown in FIG. 6 (a).

FIG. 7 (a), is a perspective view from below the right side of the fourth member 240 of this embodiment of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for left foot) 200. FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view from above the left side of the fourth member 240 of the fastener type shoes for a bicycle competition (for left foot) 200 shown in FIG. 7(a).

FIG. 8 (a) is a view of the B-B cross section at the heel portion of the foot of the first member 210 shown in FIG. 4 (b) from the rear left, the lateral upper width (refer FIG. 8 (a) second lateral width W2) is narrower than the lower width (refer the first lateral width W1 of (FIG. 8 (a)), has an undercut shape that the foot does not come out to the vertical direction. FIG. 8 (b), viewed C-C cross-section including the cross section horizontally cut near the heel portion, of the portion covering the side surface of the foot of the first member 210 shown in FIG. 4 (b) from the upper left front. It has not the undercut shape, so as foot can go out toward the front.

Overview of the method of manufacturing the bicycle competition shoes 200 in this embodiment is as follows.

After accurately measuring the shape of the left and right feet of the individual to make the data using a three-dimensional scanner, and three-dimensional data processing, with the extra gap to toe, for the deformation of the foot during the exercise, and to alleviate such as between the fingers, which deeply recessed, the cleat mounting surface 213 for mounting the cleat 280 is positioned, and the portion is added, then with the opening the aforementioned edge 212a (FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 (b) refer) a level difference of thickness of the second member 220 serving as a mounting portion of the second member 220 to be gently connected be added to the three-dimensional data (first data).

Separately, for creating the second member 220, a three-dimensional data (second data) for creating a plate-shaped component by CFRP fitted to the opening edge portion 212a of the first member 210 which copies the bottom of the shape of the foot is created.

There is a way of molding, by creating the inner mold and the outer mold by using the first data and the second data, or by creating the only inner mold, and then vacuum a nylon bag pressurized to CFRP.

Based on the first data, by using a 3D printer, or a CNC, the first mold is created.

Further, based on the second data, by using a 3D printer, or a CNC, the second mold is created.

Incidentally, when the second member 220 is made, rather than of CFRP, with a 3D printer or the like for example, the second mold is not required.

Further, the fourth member 240, made of resin is created by using a 3D printer.

Then, carbon fiber prepreg sheets are laid up for the strength and stiffness to create a monocoque structure on the first mold and second mold.

Apply heat while applying pressure to the part to cure the thermosetting resin contained in the carbon fiber prepreg sheet.

Put the part and the mold into the bag, and by the internal pressure lowered by vacuuming, with the pressurization by the external atmospheric pressure against the part, and by heating first at about 65° C., make carbon fiber prepreg sheet and that the thermosetting resin (epoxy resin in this embodiment) to fluidize, the extra resin is removed, and the air contained in the sheet is removed, to increase the adhesion of the resin and the fiber, cure thereafter at about 120° C., to mold a part. Remove from the inner mold, take out the part.

That is, in the manner described above, after laying up carbon fiber prepreg sheets which are materials that creates a first member 210 on the first mold, attach the clearance tape to have a small gap on appropriate locations, to the portion overlapping with the third member 230 of the carbon fiber prepreg sheet material, then lay up the carbon fiber prepreg sheets which are material of the third member 230 on appropriate locations of the first mold. Then, heat with pressure them simultaneously, and after curing, by removing from the first mold, fabricate the first member 210 and third member 230. By affixing a gap with the tape for portion overlapping in this manner, between each of the material the first member 210 and the third member 230, there is also an effect that heat-sealed can be prevented. Alternatively, another mold by CAD data may be prepared, having a shape with a gap tape attached after the first member 210 be placed on the first mold, and then carbon fiber prepreg sheets as the material of the third member 230 to be laid up.

Before describing the preparation of the second member 220, the steps of laying up the material of the first member 210 and third member 230 to the first mold be further described.

That is, the carbon fiber prepreg sheet as a material described above forms a width 10 to 30 mm a parallel aligned arranged by pulling the carbon fibers tape-like impregnated with thermosetting resin. Then, the tape-shaped carbon fiber prepreg sheet is laid up side by side, without wrinkles or gaps on the surface of the first mold, while allowing some of the overlap or gap between adjacent tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheets. Repeat this for 3 to 6 directions, stacking the tape-shaped carbon fiber prepreg sheet. Of the first member 210, the convex portion 211 having a cleat attachment surface 213, needs to increase the number of stacked tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheet, because it takes higher stress than other portions. Finally, on the edge portion of the first member 210 and third member 230, the tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheets are laminated in parallel to the edge, performs a reinforcement of the edge portion. In the present embodiment, the step of laying up the material of the first member 210 to the first mold, the step of laying up the material of the third member 230 to the first mold, for the case of implementing by both the above-mentioned process has been described, for example, not limited thereto, any one member of the first member 210 and third member 230, prepared by the processes described above, may be produced with the other member in a different way.

For the material of the second member 220, a tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheet as described above is used, also in the step of laying up to a second mold, the same operations as above are performed. However, the second member 220 is to adhere to the first member 210, the reinforcement of the edge portions is unnecessary.

Fiber has high strength only for the tensile direction, and thus if there is a gap or a wrinkle for CFRP it has a far less strength from the original strength achieved. However, because conventionally the several sheets of carbon fiber prepreg sheets are overlaid multi-directionally beforehand on a plane for convenience of manufacturing, and then pressed on the mold of the three-dimensional shape while improving the flowability by heating the gaps and/or wrinkles were common.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, in which the tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheet one by one, without the gap, or wrinkles is laid up. As a result, a high-strength CFRP by the extra laying up effort is made. In addition, for the higher part of the stress, more tape-shaped carbon fiber prepreg sheets are stacked, and the tape-shaped carbon fiber prepreg sheet to be oriented to higher tensile stress direction, the lightweight with less material, with the necessary strength and rigidity shoes be able to be produced.

On the other hand, the second member 220, after laying up a tape-like carbon fiber prepreg sheet in the second mold, as described above, is heated with pressure, then after curing, by removing from the second mold, is produced.

Thus, carbon fiber prepreg sheet becomes a first member 210, the second member 220, and the third member 230 (see FIG. 3) as described above. Here, the first member 210 has a monocoque (stressed skin) structure.

The second member 220, after being bonded to the first member 210, makes a part of the monocoque structure. That is, the second member 220 fixed to the first member 210 forms a monocoque structure reinforced with further monocoque inside.

The size in the width direction of the surface in contact with the foot of the first member 210 (e.g., a width W3 see FIG. 11) and a height dimension (see, for example, the height H of FIG. 11) described above are smaller than the measurement data of the shape of the individual foot (for example, 95% to 99%), the size of the portion covering the toe of the foot of the third member 230 (above the front part of the nails of the foot) is, greater than the above-mentioned measured data of the shape of the foot of individuals (e.g., a few mm long). FIG. 11 is a perspective view cross section obtained by cutting the convex portion 211 of the first member 210 shown in FIG. 4 (b) vertically, (parallel to B-B cutting plane in (FIG. 4 (b)) from the left front upper side.

Because it is possible for feet skeleton and muscle to be somewhat compressed or deformed, the first member 210 and the third member 230 which are rigid can follow the shape of the foot at the time of use when the foot deformed or becomes skinnier.

Incidentally, as a way of applying pressure from the outside to the carbon fiber prepreg sheet, for example, the mold or rubber and a liquid or gas may be used as a method of pressurizing mechanically, and in this case, the outer mold is used.

Moreover, when forming a monocoque structure, in addition to the carbon fiber prepreg sheet, as a lightweight, high strength, rigid member, glass fiber, also, Kevlar (registered trademark for aromatic polyamide resin) may be used to a countermeasure for crack.

Then, the extra adhesive which somewhat protrudes removed, the surface polished, the surface cleaned with a painting, then the first member 210 holes for mounting threaded portion 270a drilled, and after inserting the parts 270a, the second member 220 is bonded and fixed to the first member 210, then the fourth member 240 is bonded and fixed to the third member 230.

It should be noted that for other parts, fasteners 250, the cable 290 and the rubber member 260 (see FIG. 3) are assembled. The cleat 280, cleat bolts, and cleat washers are installed by a user.

In this way, the shoes for bicycle competition of the present embodiment (for the left foot) 200 is completed.

For the right foot for shoes for bicycle competition (not shown), the same manner as described above is used.

It should be noted that, in the bicycle competition shoes 200, and its manufacturing method of the present embodiment, first the data from several directions taken with a scanner that becomes three-dimensional data, in a moment, accurately, of the left and right foot of the rider, a combination of the data used to create the entire data of the foot, then somewhat modified the deep dent, such as between the toes. Thus, the deep depressions between the fingers are removed, and the carbon prepreg sheet which is a planar sheet originally can better fit the mold, then pressurized by the bag. In addition, some room on tip of the finger is added for a compromise of the better foot support and the better comfort of the riders during the competition.

As described above, according to the manufacturing method of the single article method of the present embodiment, the respective shapes of each foot are measured using a 3D scanner, then by adding the predetermined editing, the inner molds (the first mold and the second mold) are produced. The fourth member 240 (refer FIG. 7 (a), and FIG. 7 (b)) and other parts are produced in the same manner. For the first member 210 and the third member 230, the carbon fiber prepreg sheets respectively laid up moderately on the first mold, also for the second member 220, a carbon fiber prepreg sheets, laid up to the second mold, and after the first member 210, the second member 220 and the third member 230 are produced, a pair of shoe is produced to be used for, such as bicycle competition.

According to this method, the shoes to be used for, such as bicycle competition, are very lightweight compared to conventional shoes (for example, about half of the conventional weight), and fit to the shape of the individual foot, without deformation, nor loss of force, can be produced.

Furthermore, shoes manufactured by the manufacturing method of the single article method described above, since they are perfect fit to the left and right feet of the person by its design, the pressure is dispersed, looseness between the foot and the shoe thus slippage, not exists, the stress and fatigue to foot are reduced significantly compared to conventional shoes, and a partial inflammation can also be reduced.

Incidentally, according to the manufacturing method of the single article method described above, each foot shape of individuals individually measured, and based on their measurement data, each surface in contact with the foot of the said first member 210, said second member 220, and said third member is formed.

Therefore, bicycle competition shoes 200 by the method of manufacturing as the single article method in the present embodiment, as described above, that can be fully fit to the left and right feet of the individual, and at the same time, usually, as human foot characterized as the left and right shape (including size) slightly different, shoe shapes (including the size) for shoes right and left foot, not the same, unlike the shoe manufactured in mass-production method.

In addition, CFRP is made to the monocoque-like body, perfectly fits the shape of the foot, does not cause pain. There is no displacement of the foot, nor variation in the partial pressure. The heel is in the undercut shape, prevents from slipping out as with the prior art with respect to the forces pulling on the heel.

Shoes having such peculiar effects are not possible with shoes by the conventional mass production method.

In addition, since the shape of the shoes are fit to the shape of the foot, can be made rigid, as far as the foot can be moved for on and off, where no overhang, and because of the high height monocoque, it is very rigid with respect to bending, as a result, very lightweight and highly rigid shoes can be made that 40% to 50% in weight compared to the shoes of the conventional mass production method.

In the above embodiment, the competition shoes of the present invention have been described as implemented as shoes for bicycle competition, not limited to this example, applied to shoes for skate or rowing as well, and while securing the rigidity, to reduce the weight of the shoes is required, it is applicable to any kind of competition shoes.

For example, the competition shoes of the present invention, when applied to rowing shoes, with the first member 210 described above, cleat attachment surface 213 described above (FIG. 2 (a), the reference to FIG. 3) in place of, becomes the shoes foot stretcher for securing to the boat to have the foot stretcher mounting surface to be mounted for position adjustment. Foot stretcher in this configuration corresponds to an example of a fixing member of the present invention, a boat to an example of the fixed object of the present invention, Foot Stretcher mounting surface is equivalent to an example of the mounting surface of the present invention.

Further, for example, a competition shoes of the present invention, when applied to skating shoes (e.g., speed skating shoes), the first member 210 described above, instead of cleat attachment surface 213 described above (refer to FIG. 2 (a), the FIG. 3), becomes a structure in which blade for the skate has a blade mounting surface for skate which is mounted for position adjustment. Blade mounting surface for skating in the case of this configuration corresponds to an example of a mounting surface of the present invention.

Moreover, the case has been described where bicycle competition shoes 200 of the embodiment have members of a high rigidity, which are formed of a material containing carbon fibers and a thermosetting resin, the first member 210, second member 220 and third member 230, and the fastener 250 is on the fourth member 240 made of resin, for example, not limited thereto, for competition shoes with the bottom side, a fixing member for fixing to a fixed object, or for skating a blade is detachable, the heel of the foot, the foot of the side, and the soles of the feet are covered integrally, the first member having a convex portion that protrudes into the bottom side, then the second member covering the sole of the foot, the convex portion, attached to the first member so as to close the opening located on the opposite side of the convex portion of the first member, the fixing member or the blade for the skate is a structure having a mounting surface to be mounted for position adjustment, instead of the third member 230 and fourth member 240 mentioned above, covering the instep portion of the foot member at least may be provided with, also, may be, for example, buckle or the like is not limited to the fastener. Accordingly, while securing the rigidity required for the outsole portion, it has an effect possibly to reduce the weight of the shoes as compared with the conventional one.

Moreover, bicycle competition shoes 200 of the embodiment have members of a high rigidity, which are made of a material containing carbon fibers and a thermosetting resin as an example of a high-strength fiber, using the first member 210, the second member 220, and the third member 230 has been described, for example, not limited thereto, may be made of any kind of material as long as the material of high strength. Here, the high strength material, the other high strength fibers than as described above, CFRP to contain a carbon nanotube composite material or the like for the resin forming the fine honeycomb structures such as carbon nanotubes with base material included.

The second member 220 of the bicycle competition shoe 200 of the above embodiment, the case has been described where a plate-like member of high rigidity, for example, not limited thereto, the second member 220 includes a hollow interior cavity member or may be a block-like member having a honeycomb or foam structure, in short, closing the opening located on the opposite side of the convex portion of the first member, to support the soles of the feet in contact with the soles of the feet together may be any kind of member if lightweight and to improve stiffness in construction.

In the above embodiment, bicycle competition shoes 200, has been described, is a fastener type, for example, not limited thereto, it may be a buckle type.

The following lists the other configuration examples 1 to 5 of the present invention.

Another configuration example 1 of the present invention, is with the first member (210) covering and copying the shape of foot heels, soles of the feet, with the surface to fix the cleat after positioning, in connection with, the second member (220) bridging the space between the cleat fixing surface of the first member (213) located below, located inside of said first member, copying the sole of the shape of the foot, and the third member (230) covering and copying the toe, the instep of the shape of the foot, the bicycle competition shoes having a fastener on the fourth member (240) having a fixing member (250) for fixing the foot to the shoe, fixed on the third member upper surface, then said first, second and third members, contain high stiffness, high strength fibers.

Since the force on the pedal goes through the pedal shaft, cleat area peripheral stress is greater for shorter the distance from the pedal axis, that is, the rigidity of the peripheral of said second member insertion portion of said first member is important, however in the conventional shoes, the low height of this part of the foot, and for the undercut shape not allowed for any foot to in and out, hence the height is limited, it led to the increase in weight of the sole. In contrast, in said other configuration example 1, increase the height of the side of the foot member up to the limit where the specific foot comes out, to increase the rigidity without increasing the weight, and integrate a cleat fixing surface with the sole together, and said second member inserted and fixed to the inside (see the height H of FIG. 11) increases the height of the rigid material, and by configuring the hollow structure box-shaped (see reference numeral 211 in FIG. 3), realize the shoes for bicycle competition stronger against bending and twisting as well.

Further, another configuration example 2 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of another configuration example 1, the heel portion of said first member is the copy of the shape of the heel, with high rigidity, has an undercut to the heel, is the structure that the heel does not move in the upper direction. So, when putting a foot in the shoes put in from the front. In that direction has a shape having an undercut only to the extent that the foot moves to heel. Said third member is a configuration that allows the foot to move in the forward direction in addition to the upward direction for the insertion and removal.

Further, another configuration example 3 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of said another configuration example 1, said third member overlaps to said first member, at all times after wearing the shoes, makes a moderate tightening fasteners by individuals, that corresponds to the preference of the condition, stably, be possible, in use, for skinnier feet than at the time of measurement by swelling of the legs in the pumping action of pedaling, or for a long time riding to reverse congestive dimensional change and such or fat feet, by overlap at all times, while the gap is reduced at the time of tightening the fastener pseudo-integrated by friction, a configuration which forms a more efficient stressed-skin structure, and prevents foreign matter from entering from the outside by the overlap.

Further, another configuration example 4 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of said another configuration example 1, is wherein said first member and said third member with fibers of the high strength, and a thermosetting resin, the three-dimensional shape of the foot (see, for example, the width W3 of FIG. 11) the width and the height are slightly smaller (95-99%) than the measured foot shape, while the toe part is longer in a few mm the rigid first and the third member can follow the shape of the foot at the time of use even with a skinny foot.

Further, another configuration example 5 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of said another configuration example 1 or said another configuration example 2 above, it is the shoes for bicycle competition that the second member, rather than a plate of CFRP, is a member for the space between the shape required for cleat mounting portion and the footprint, made of the shell cavity inside, or of honeycomb or foam, to have a lightweight with high rigidity created by 3D printer.

According to the competition shoe of the present invention, while ensuring the rigidity of the sole portion, it is possible to provide competition shoes which the weight of the shoes can be reduced, and is useful as a variety of competition shoes, such as skating or rowing.

Claims

1. A competition shoes wherein on the bottom side, the fixing member for fixing to a fixed object, or blade for skating is detachable,

having the first member covers integrally foot heel, foot side, and the soles of the foot, having a convex portion projecting to the bottom side,

having the second member covering the sole of the foot, wherein to close the opening located on the opposite side of the convex portion of said first member attached to said first member,

said convex portion has a mounting surface for said fixing member or said blade for the skate, to be mounted for position adjustment.

2. The competition shoe according to said claim 1, wherein said first member is made of the high strength material.

3. The competition shoe according to said claim 1, wherein said convex portion has said mounting surface,

wherein said cleat is attached adjustably position and angle on the surface,

said fixing member is a cleat for connecting said first member to a bicycle pedal, said the fixed object is said pedal.

4. The competition shoe according to said claim 1, wherein the surface in contact with the foot of said first member and said the second member is created based on the 3-dimensional measurement data of the shape of the individual foot.

5. The competition shoe according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the said first member that covers said side of the foot forms an undercut shape that the lateral width is narrower toward upward from said heel of the foot,

has a degree of rigidity that heel of the foot can only move forward and not upward in the said first member.

6. The competition shoe according said claim 5, wherein

said third member covers foot toes, the side of the foot and the instep of the foot, which can move upward and forward direction away from said first member, with a surface in contact with the foot is created based on the 3-dimensional measurement data of the shape of the individual foot and,

the fourth member mounted on the outside of said third member, having a fastening part for clamping and fixing said third member to the said first member, and

said third member and the said first member have a portion which overlaps at least the side surface of the feet, said the third member deformed at tightening, integrated by friction, form a stressed-skin structure.

7. The competition shoe according to said claim 6, wherein the said first member and said third member, are made of a material comprising a high strength fiber and a thermosetting resin.

8. The competition shoe according to claim 6, wherein said first member, and said third member is made of a material comprising fibers and a thermosetting resin having a high strength,

the dimension in said width and height direction of said foot which contact with the foot of said first member is smaller than said measured data of the shape of the foot of the person,

the size of the toe covering portion of the foot of said third member is greater than, said measurement data of the shape of the foot of the person.

9. The competition shoe according to claim 1, wherein said second member is a plate-like member of a material containing high-strength fibers and a thermosetting resin, an internally hollow cavity member, or a block-like member having a honeycomb or foam structure.

10. The competition shoe according to claim 6, wherein said third member uses a prepreg with parallel aligned extended high-strength fibers, impregnated with a thermosetting resin, then make the tape width 10 mm to 30 mm, and laid up without slack or gap on the mold which was made in advance, side by side, overlapping 3 from 6 directions, with structure having the edge portion of said third member overlapped by said tape parallel to the edge.

11. The competition shoe according to said claim 1, wherein said first member uses a prepreg with parallel aligned extended high-strength fibers, impregnated with a thermosetting resin, then make the tape width 10 mm to 30 mm, and laid up without slack or gap on the mold which was made in advance, side by side, overlapping 3 from 6 directions, with structure having the edge portion of said first member overlapped by said tape parallel to the edge.