SHOE UPPER AND SHOE

Provided are a shoe upper and a shoe that have good fittability to the instep side of a foot and are capable of inhibiting the depression of the heal at the time of coming into contact with the ground. The present invention relates to, in one or more embodiments, a shoe upper, and the upper includes an instep cover for covering an instep side of the foot, the instep cover has a structure in which a tongue portion and an instep cover main body are formed as a single body, and a center portion of the instep cover in a width direction is substantially unstretchable in a length direction of the foot. The present invention relates to a shoe in which the shoe upper is integrated with a sole.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shoe upper and a shoe, and specifically to a shoe upper and a shoe that have good fittability to the instep side and are capable of inhibiting the depression of the heel at the time of coming into contact with the ground.

2. Description of Related Art

With an upper of a sports shoe, usually, an upper main body and a tongue portion are separated from each other, and the upper covers an instep portion in a state in which the materials thereof overlap each other. In recent years, uppers for integrally covering the instep side have been proposed in order to improve contact with a foot. JP 2014-210179A discloses a shoe upper that is produced as a one-piece knitwear and includes a first partial region and a second partial region that have different elasticities, in which the first partial region and the second partial region extend in directions that are basically orthogonal to a longitudinal axis, for example. JP 2014-131772A discloses an upper that includes a knitting element formed from at least one yarn that is mechanically manipulated in a knitting process, has a region having a first layer and a second layer that is at least partially coextensive with the first layer, and is formed by a one-piece construction in a process for flat knitting the first layer and the second layer, the second layer being knitted seamlessly with the first layer in the flat knitting process on two sides of the second layer.

On the other hand, in recent years, a forefoot strike for the forefoot portion of a foot to land on the ground, and a midfoot strike for the midfoot portion thereof to land on the ground are the main strikes used when running fast over long distances. Although these strikes have the advantages of being unlikely to strain the knees and enabling a runner to run efficiently and fast, it is not easy for beginner runners to learn these strikes because a certain minimum level of skill is required.

JP 2014-210179A and JP 2014-131772A are examples of related art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the forefoot strike or the midfoot strike, the foot strikes the ground first with the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion, and then the heel is depressed, which means the center of gravity temporarily moves back to the heel side. Subsequently, the foot toes off the ground. The inventor of the present application found that when the depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion contacted the ground was prevented by inhibiting the stretch of center portions of shoe uppers in the length direction of the foot, the above phase from foot strike to toe off became shorter, and thus the forefoot strike or the midfoot strike could be easily achieved.

In the case of the shoe upper disclosed in JP 2014-210179A, although fittability to a foot with various sizes can be flexibly exerted due to the first partial region and the second partial region that have different elasticities being provided, it is not possible to inhibit the heel from being depressed after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion has come into contact with the ground because the upper excessively stretches in the length direction of the foot. With the shoe upper disclosed in JP 2014-131772A, flat knitting is highly stretchable, and thus the upper is likely to stretch in the length direction of the foot, and it is not possible to inhibit the heel from being depressed after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion comes into contact with the ground.

In order to resolve the above-described issues, the present invention provides a shoe upper and a shoe that have good fittability to the instep side and are capable of inhibiting the heel from being depressed at the time of coming into contact with the ground.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to a shoe upper, the upper including an instep cover for covering an instep side of a foot, in which the instep cover has a structure in which a tongue portion and an instep cover main body are formed as a single body, and a center portion of the instep cover located in a width direction is substantially unstretchable in a length direction of the foot.

In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to a shoe, the shoe including the shoe upper and a sole, in which the shoe upper is integrated with the sole.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoe upper that has good fittability to the instep side of a foot and inhibits the heel from being depressed at the time of coming into contact with the ground by forming the tongue portion and the instep cover main body as a single body (bootee structure), and preventing the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction from stretching in the length direction of the foot in the instep cover. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a shoe that has good fittability to the instep side of a foot and inhibits the heel from being depressed at the time of coming into contact with the ground by forming the tongue portion and the instep cover main body as a single body (bootee structure), and preventing the center portion of the instep cover from stretching in the length direction of the foot in the instep cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic spread-out surface view of an upper (of a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic surface view of a shoe (a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic back view of an upper (of a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe (a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic surface view of a shoe (a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic spread-out surface view of an upper (of a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic spread-out surface view of an upper (of a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic surface view of a shoe (a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sole used in a shoe (a left shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a shoe (a right shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention worn during running, showing movements of the shoe with respect to the road surface over time in the order of (a) to (d).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a right foot when the metatarsophalangeal joint (MP joint) is flexed and extended, (a) illustrating the state of the foot when the MP joint is flexed, and (b) illustrating the state of the foot when the MP joint is extended.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of the present application conducted studies regarding supporting of the forefoot strike or the midfoot strike of runners, including beginner runners who have low forefoot or midfoot strike skills, by improving the structure of a shoe upper. In the forefoot strike or the midfoot strike, the foot strikes the ground first with the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion, and then the heel is depressed, which means the center of gravity temporarily moves back to the heel side.

Subsequently, the foot toes off the ground. In view of this, the inventor found that the phase from foot strike (in which the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion contacted the ground) to toe off can be reduced by inhibiting the center portion of an instep cover of a shoe located in the width direction from stretching in the length direction of the foot. Thus, the forefoot strike or the midfoot strike can be easily realized. Also, as a result of the tongue portion and the instep cover main body of the instep cover being formed as a single body (which is so-called bootee structure), the fittability of a shoe to the instep side of a foot is improved, and a comfortable feeling can be realized even when the shoe is worn for a long period of time.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, “the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot” means that the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the length direction of the foot is 50 N/mm2 or more. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction means the portion extending 20 mm left and right from the center line of the instep cover in the width direction, i.e., the portion having a width of 40 mm in total. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the length direction of the foot can be measured under the following conditions.

Test piece: a test piece extending over the entire length of an instep cover in the length direction of the foot is cut out from the instep cover such that the test piece has a width of 20 mm in the left and right directions centered on the center line in the width direction of the instep cover, that is, the width thereof being 40 mm in total.

Distance between chucks: the distance is set from the first eyelet to the toe box of the unloaded test piece.

The length of the unloaded test piece is measured by cutting the test piece, placing the cut test piece, and making the center portion thereof flat.

Tensile speed: 100 mm/min

Measurement conditions: tensile strength is measured when the test piece is stretched by 10% of the length of the unloaded test piece.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a foot when the MP joint is flexed and extended, FIG. 11(a) showing a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the foot when the MP joint is flexed, and FIG. 11(b) showing a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the foot when the MP joint is extended. With regard to four healthy males aged 22 to 29 and one healthy female aged 26, a length Lb from the tip of a toe to the ankle thereof when the MP joint is flexed, and a length Le from the tip of the toe to the ankle thereof when the MP joint is extended were measured, and a deformation ratio (Le−Lb)/Lb×100%) of the foot associated with the flexion and extension of the MP joint was examined based on the averages thereof, revealing that the length thereof changed by about 10%. In the present invention, as a result of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction being kept from stretching in the length direction of the foot, that is, the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the length direction of the foot being 50 N/mm2 or more, lifting effects are obtained, and the depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion has come into contact with the ground during running is inhibited, making the foot being likely to move forward.

In one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing the depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion has come into contact with the ground, the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the foot length direction is preferably 55 N/mm2 or more, more preferably 60 N/mm2 or more, and even more preferably 65 N/mm2 or more. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of achieving a good balance between lifting effects and fittability to the foot, the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the foot length direction is preferably 80 N/mm2 or less, more preferably 70 N/mm2 or less.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of improving wearability when the instep cover is worn for a long period of time, the instep cover is preferably stretchable in the width direction of the foot, for example. The “instep cover is stretchable in the width direction of the foot” means that the tensile strength of the instep cover when stretched by 10% in the width direction of the foot is 10 N/mm2 or less, and the tensile strength is preferably 5 N/mm2 or less, and more preferably 1 N/mm2 or less. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of achieving a good balance between fittability to the foot and holding properties of the shoe, the tensile strength of the instep cover when stretched by 10% in the width direction of the foot is preferably 0.02 N/mm2 or more, more preferably 0.15 N/mm2 or more. The tensile strength of the instep cover when stretched by 10% in the width direction of the foot can be measured in conformity with JIS L 1096.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the tongue portion and the instep cover main body are formed as a single body. This improves contact with and fittability to the foot, and long-term wearability. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the structure in which “the tongue portion and the instep cover main body are formed as a single body” means that the tongue portion is not separable from the instep cover main body. For example, the tongue portion and the instep cover main body may be formed as a unitary structure from a single fabric. Alternatively, the tongue portion and the instep cover main body may be composed of different materials, and multiple materials may be joined together to form a unitary structure in such a manner that the tongue portion is not separable from the instep cover main body. When the tongue portion and the instep cover main body are composed of different materials, both end portions of the tongue portion in the width direction of the foot are joined to the instep cover main body by, e.g., sewing, bonding, or embroidery. Thus, the different materials can be joined together so that the tongue portion is not separable from the instep cover main body. From the viewpoint of weight reduction and air permeability, the main body and the tongue portion of the instep cover may be formed using a mesh fabric. There is no particular limitation on the mesh fabric, and it is possible to use warp knitted fabrics such as single raschel fabrics, double raschel fabrics, and tricot, and weft knitted fabrics such as plain knitted fabrics and circular knitted fabrics as a mesh fabric. It is possible to use elastic yarns and non-elastic yarns in combination as appropriate to realize the above-described predetermined tensile strength.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, the elastic yarn preferably has a breaking elongation of 20% or more, and more preferably has a breaking elongation of 20% to 50%, for example. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, examples of the elastic yarn include elastic yarns constituted by polyurethane-based elastic fibers (also referred to as spandex), polyetherester-based elastic fibers, and nylon fibers. An elastic yarn may be constituted by elastic fibers, or may be a yarn obtained by combining elastic fibers with non-elastic fibers, which will be described later.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, the non-elastic yarn preferably has a breaking elongation of less than 20%, for example. There is no particular limitation on the non-elastic yarn, and examples thereof include non-elastic yarns constituted by non-elastic fibers such as polyester-based fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate fibers; polyamide-based fibers; polyolefin-based fibers such as polypropylene fibers; cellulosic fibers such as cuprammonium rayon, rayon, cotton, and bamboo fibers; and animal hair-based fibers such as wool.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in light of the fact that it is possible to easily realize a structure in which the instep cover is stretchable in the width direction of the foot and the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot, the tongue portion is preferably constituted by a warp knitted fabric that contains non-elastic yarns and elastic yarns, and the warp knitted fabric more preferably contains non-elastic yarns in an amount of 85 to 95 mass % and elastic yarns in an amount of 5 to 15 mass %, and even more preferably contains non-elastic yarns in an amount of 90 to 95 mass % and elastic yarns in an amount of 5 to 10 mass %. The warp knitted fabric is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the elastic yarns (the longitudinal direction of the yarns) is along with the foot width direction of the instep cover. The elastic yarns may be used as inserting yarns, or may be used as covering yarns for covering non-elastic yarns.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in light of the fact that it is possible to easily realize a structure in which the instep cover is stretchable in the width direction of the foot, and the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot, the warp knitted fabric that constitutes the tongue portion preferably has a basis weight (mass per unit area) of 300 g/m2 or more, more preferably has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 550 g/m2 or less, and even more preferably has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 410 g/m2 or less.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the tongue portion preferably continues to the tiptoe. This makes it possible to easily realize a structure in which the instep cover is stretchable in the width direction of the foot and the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in light of the fact that it is possible to easily realize a structure in which the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot, the instep cover main body is preferably constituted by a warp knitted fabric constituted by non-elastic yarns. Also, from the viewpoint of weight reduction and air permeability, the warp knitted fabric that constitutes the instep cover main body preferably has a basis weight (mass per unit area) of 300 g/m2 or more, more preferably has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 550 g/m2 or less, and even more preferably has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 410 g/m2 or less.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a structure in which the instep cover is stretchable in the width direction of the foot and at least the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot may be realized by providing a plurality of restricting portions for controlling extension in the length direction of the foot while constituting the foot cover main body and the tongue portion with use of an elastic fabric.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, different members in the instep cover, such as the tongue portion and the instep cover main body, for example, may be formed as a single body through sewing. If different members are sewn together, in order to prevent damage to end portions and to prevent end portions from being frayed, and to enhance the aesthetic appearance, it is preferable to perform end treatment by a hot-melt sheet (including a film) or the like. There is no particular limitation on the hot-melt sheet, and for example, it is possible to use a polyurethane elastomer sheet as a hot-melt sheet.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that different members in the instep cover are joined together through embroidery covering an end portion of at least one of the members. If the tongue portion and the instep cover main body are constituted by different materials, for example, it is preferable that the tongue portion and the instep cover main body are joined together through embroidery covering an end portion of the tongue portion and/or the instep cover main body. This realizes comfort contact with and good fittability of a shoe to the instep side of the foot. A reinforcing non-woven fabric is disposed on an embroidery portion, and thus joining strength is increased. There is no particular limitation on the reinforcing non-woven fabric, and a non-woven fabric that is usually used in embroidery may be used. The embroidery may be satin embroidery or tatami embroidery.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the upper may further include a plantar cover for covering the entire plantar side of the foot. In this case, the upper has a bag shape having a wearing opening. This further increases the unity of the upper and the sole, and thus fittability is improved.

In a shoe of one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shoe upper and the sole are integrated. It is possible to obtain shoes that have good fittability to the instep side of the foot and are capable of inhibiting the depression of the heal at the time of coming into contact with the ground. There is also no particular limitation on a method for integrating the upper and the sole, and for example, the upper and the sole may be integrated with use of a usual cemented construction method or the like, for example.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that a ground contact surface of the sole has a curved shape that protrudes downward in the forefoot portion, and, when, on the plantar contact surface of the sole, a position of a rearmost end of a plantar contact surface is the origin, a path length to a leading end of a tiptoe that is measured along the plantar contact surface is L, and in a state in which a heel bottom surface of the plantar contact surface is disposed in parallel to a horizontal plane, a sole thickness at a position Sh where a path length from the position of the rearmost end of the plantar contact surface is 0.16×L is h, a sole thickness at a position Sm2 where the path length is (0.3 to 0.5)×L is m2, a sole thickness at a position Sm1 (where Sm1 is disposed frontward of Sm2) where the path length is (0.4 to 0.6)×L is m1, and a sole thickness at a position Sf where the path length is 0.7×L is f, the following relational expressions (1) to (3) are satisfied,


m2≥m1  (1)


m1≥f,  (2) and


m1≥h,  (3) and

when an angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1 and the position Sh with a horizontal plane is θ1, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sm1 intersects with a ground contact surface of the sole is Sm1′, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sh intersects with the ground contact surface of the sole is Sh′, and an angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1′ and the position Sh′ with a horizontal plane is θ2, θ2≥θ1 holds true.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that the sole thickness h at the position (that is, the center of the heel) Sh located 0.16×L from the origin is equal to or smaller than the sole thickness m1 at the position Sm1 located (0.4 to 0.6)×L from the origin, and the angle θ2 formed by the line that connects the position Sm1′ and the position Sh′ with a horizontal plane is equal to or larger than the angle θ1 formed by the line that connects the position Sm1 and the position Sh with a horizontal plane. Accordingly, the heel does not come into contact with the ground at the time of landing on the ground, and a heel strike does not occur, and thus it is possible to help the forefoot portion or midfoot portion to come into contact with the ground at the time of landing on the ground. Also, the sole thickness m2 at the position Sm2 is equal to or larger than the sole thickness m1 at the position Sm1, and accordingly, it is possible to keep the heel from being depressed downward due to the sole being inclined rearward when the sole comes into initial contact with the ground at the position Sm1′ on the ground contact surface of the sole, and as a result, it is possible to shift to forward rotation of the sole smoothly after the initial ground contact. Also, the sole thickness fat the position (that is, the center of the ball of the foot) Sf located 0.7×L from the origin is equal to or smaller than the sole thickness m1 at the position Sm1, and the ground contact surface of the sole has a curved shape that protrudes downward at the forefoot portion. Accordingly, forward rotation of the sole is smoothly performed. In this manner, the forefoot strike and the midfoot strike can be easily realized.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, from the viewpoint of further effectively inhibiting the depression of the heel after the initial contact with the ground and further effectively facilitating forward rotation of the sole, it is more preferable that m2 is larger than m1, and m1 is larger than either h or f. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, preferably, values such as those described below can be adopted as specific values of the sole thicknesses m1, m2, h, and f.


m1≥15 [mm]


m2≥16 [mm]


h≥10 [mm]


f≥10 [mm]

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, θ2+θ1 is preferably 40 degrees or more, and more preferably 40 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less. Accordingly, lifting effects are facilitated as a result of the center portion of the instep cover substantially not stretching.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sole thickness t of the leading end of the tiptoe preferably satisfies t≤f/2. Accordingly, forward rotation of the sole can be smoothly performed toward the leading end of the tiptoe.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sole internally has a plate extending in the front-rear direction, and, a front end of the plate is disposed on the ground contact surface side of the forefoot portion with respect to the center line of the sole thickness, a rear end of the plate is disposed on the plantar contact surface side of the heel portion with respect to the center line of the sole thickness, and the center portion of the plate diagonally extends across the center line of the sole thickness in the midfoot portion. Accordingly, when a load moves to the front end side of the plate after the initial contact with the ground, the plate can reliably keep the heel from being depressed due to the sole being inclined rearward, and as a result, it is possible to more smoothly shift to forward rotation of the sole.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plate has a portion protruding in the up-down direction, in at least a partial portion of the region extending from the position Sm2 to the position Sf. In this case, the flexural rigidity of the plate can be improved by the protruding portion, and as a result, it is possible to further reliably keep the heel from being depressed after the initial contact with the ground.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable to reinforce the tiptoe portion, the heel portion, and the eyelet portions (also referred to as shoelace passing portions) of the shoe with use of artificial leather. The shape and holding properties of the shoe can be maintained through reinforcement. Out of these portions, the heel portion is not necessarily reinforced if the weight of the shoe truly needs to be reduced. Also, the surface of the shoe upper may be decorated as needed. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the shoe may be provided with a shoelace.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of weight reduction, for example, the mass per shoe is preferably 170 g or less, and more preferably 90 g or more and 170 g or less.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same portions in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the following drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 10 illustrate a running shoe for middle and long distances, and an upper and a sole used in the running shoe. Note that it is presumed that, in the description of the sole, upward (an upper side/upper) and downward (a lower side/lower) represent the positional relationship of the shoe in the up-down direction, and frontward (a front side/front) and rearward (a rear side/rear) represent the positional relationship of the shoe in the front-rear direction, and the width direction indicates the right-left direction of the shoe. That is, if FIG. 9 is used as an example, upward and downward respectively indicate upward and downward in FIG. 9, and frontward and rearward respectively indicate leftward and rightward in FIG. 9, and the width direction indicates the depth direction on the page of FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 is a schematic spread-out surface view of an upper (a left shoe) of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic surface view of a shoe in which the same upper is used, FIG. 3 is a schematic back view of the same upper, and FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the shoe in which the same upper is used. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in this embodiment, an upper 1 includes an instep cover 2 and a plantar cover 3.

In the instep cover 2, a tongue portion 4 and an instep cover main body 5 are formed as a single body. This realizes comfort contact with and good fittability to the foot, and good long-term wearability. The tongue portion 4 preferably continues to the tiptoe. This makes it possible to easily realize a structure in which the instep cover 2 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot and the center portion of the instep cover 2 located in the width direction is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. In this embodiment, the width of the tongue portion 4 is gradually reduced from the ankle side toward the tiptoe. The tongue portion 4 may have the same width from the ankle side to the tiptoe. The tongue portion 4 and the instep cover main body 5 are joined together and formed as a single body through embroidery 6 covering an end portion of the instep cover main body 5. This realizes comfort contact with and good fittability to the foot, and good long-term wearability. The inner instep cover 2 and the inner plantar cover 3 are constituted by single fabric, and the outer instep cover 2 and the outer plantar cover 3 are constituted by single fabric. The embroidery 6 may be satin embroidery or tatami embroidery.

The stretch of the upper 1 in the length direction of the foot and the width direction of the foot may be adjusted by providing a stretch control portion 7 as appropriate. From the viewpoint of reinforcement and aesthetic appearance, the stretch control portion 7 may be provided through embroidery.

The instep cover 2 includes shoelace passing portions 10 and 11 through which a shoelace 9 passes. The shoelace passing portion 10 may be provided by partially integrating a lace or the like having a predetermined thickness with the instep cover main body 5 to constitute a shoelace passing portion having a predetermined size through embroidery constituting the stretch control portion 7. The shoelace passing portion 11 may be provided by performing embroidery around holes to form holes having a predetermined size in the tongue portion 4.

The inner plantar cover 3 and the outer plantar cover 3 are formed as a single body through sewing 8, and the upper 1 has a bag shape having a wearing opening 20. This further increases the unity of the upper and the sole, and thus fittability is improved.

In a shoe 100, the upper 1 is integrated with a sole 500. The shoe 100 includes a tiptoe reinforcing portion 12 and a heel counter 13. The tiptoe reinforcing portion 12 may be constituted by artificial leather, for example. The heel counter 13 may be constituted by resin. The heel counter 13 is provided with a lining material. The sole 500 will be described later in detail.

The center portion of the instep cover 2 in the width direction of the foot is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. Preferably, the instep cover 2 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot. Depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion comes into contact with the ground during running is inhibited, and thus the foot is likely to move forward.

The tongue portion may be constituted by a single raschel fabric that includes elastic fibers (elastic yarns) in an amount of 5 to 15 mass % and non-elastic fibers (non-elastic yarns) in an amount of 85 to 95 mass %, that is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the elastic fibers (elastic yarns) is along with the width direction of the foot, that has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 550 g/m2 or less, and that has a thickness of 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, for example. Spandex (monofilaments, 140 dtex) may be used as an elastic yarn, for example. A polyester-based non-elastic yarn (multifilaments, the number of filaments is 48, 150 dtex) may be used as a non-elastic yarn, for example.

The instep cover main body and the plantar cover may be constituted by a single raschel fabric that is constituted by non-elastic fibers (non-elastic yarns), has a basis weight of 300 g/m2 or more and 550 g/m2 or less, and has a thickness of 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, for example. A polyester-based non-elastic yarn (multifilaments, the number of filaments is 48, 150 dtex) may be used as non-elastic fibers (non-elastic yarn), for example.

If the above-described fabric is used, adjustment is easily performed such that the tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction when stretched by 10% in the length direction of the foot is in a range of 50 to 70 N/mm2. Also, adjustment is easily performed such that the tensile strength of the instep cover when stretched by 10% in the width direction of the foot is in a range of 0.01 to 10 N/mm2 while adjustment is performed such that the tensile strength of the instep cover when stretched by 10% in the length direction of the foot is in a range of 10 to 70 N/mm2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic surface view of a shoe of another embodiment of the present invention. A shoe 200 of this embodiment has an upper 31. In an instep cover 32 of the upper 31, a tongue portion 34 and an instep cover main body 35 are formed as a single body through sewing (not shown), and an end portion of the instep cover main body 35 is subjected to end treatment by a hot-melt sheet 50 or the like. Shoelace passing portions 40 and 41 are constituted by providing holes having a predetermined size in portions that have been subjected to end treatment by the hot-melt sheet 50. Portions other than the instep cover 32 described above may have a configuration that is the same as that of the shoe 100. The shoe 200 includes a tiptoe reinforcing portion 42, a heel counter 43, and a wearing opening 44, for example. Similarly to the shoe 100, the upper 31 is integrated with a sole (not shown).

The center portion of the instep cover 32 in the width direction of the foot is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. Preferably, the instep cover 32 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot. Depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion comes into contact with the ground during running is inhibited, and thus the foot is likely to move forward.

FIG. 6 is a schematic spread-out front view of an upper of another embodiment of the present invention. An upper 61 of this embodiment includes an instep cover 62 and a plantar cover 63. The instep cover 62 and the plantar cover 63 are constituted by single fabric. A tongue portion 64 and an instep cover main body 65 are formed as a single body due to the instep cover 62 being constituted by single fabric. The tongue portion 64 continues to the tiptoe. An stretch control portion 66 is disposed in the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction of the foot, the center portion corresponding to the tongue portion 64, such that the longitudinal direction thereof is along with the length direction of the foot, to perform control such that the center portion of the instep cover 65 in the width direction of the foot is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. From the viewpoint of reinforcement and aesthetic appearance, the stretch control portion 66 may be provided through embroidery. FIG. 6 also shows a tiptoe reinforcing portion 72 and heel counters 73 and 74 that are joined to the upper 61. Note that in the upper 61 of this embodiment, the tongue portion 64 and the instep cover main body 65 are not necessarily and strictly distinguished from each other.

The center portion of the instep cover 62 in the width direction of the foot is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. Preferably, the instep cover 62 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot. Depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion comes into contact with the ground during running is inhibited, and thus the feet are likely to move forward.

FIG. 7 is a schematic spread-out surface view of an upper of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic surface view of a shoe in which the same upper is used. An upper 81 of this embodiment includes an instep cover 82 and a plantar cover 83. The instep cover 82 and the plantar cover 83 are constituted by single fabric. A tongue portion 84 and an instep cover main body 85 are formed as a single body due to the instep cover 82 being constituted by single fabric. The tongue portion 84 continues to the tiptoe. A stretch control portion 86 that has a fishing net shape is disposed on the upper 81 that includes the center portion of the instep cover located in the width direction of the foot, the center portion corresponding to the tongue portion 84, to perform control such that the instep cover 82 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot, whereas the instep cover 82 is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. From the viewpoint of reinforcement and aesthetic appearance, the stretch control portion 86 may be provided through embroidery. In the upper 81 of this embodiment, the tongue portion 84 and the instep cover main body 85 are not necessarily and strictly distinguished from each other.

A shoe 300 has a shoelace passing portion 90, and the shoelace passing portion 90 may be provided by partially integrating a lace or the like having a predetermined thickness with the instep cover 82 to constitute a shoelace passing portion having a predetermined size through embroidery constituting the extension control portion 86. The shoe 300 includes a tiptoe reinforcing portion 92, heel counters 93 and 94, and a wearing opening 95. Similarly to the shoe 100, the upper 81 is integrated with a sole (not shown).

The center portion of the instep cover 82 in the width direction of the foot is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot. Preferably, the instep cover 82 is stretchable in the width direction of the foot. Depression of the heel after the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion comes into contact with the ground during running is inhibited, and thus the feet are likely to move forward.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sole used in a shoe of one or more embodiments of the present invention. The sole of this embodiment may be used in the shoe 100 (the same applies to the shoes 200 and 300). FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the shoe 100 shown in FIG. 4 taken along the center line of a sole 500 in the front-rear direction, and here, for convenience of the illustration, hatching is omitted in FIG. 9, except for the upper and the outsole. Also, FIG. 9 shows a state in which a last (shoe last) 1000 is inserted into the inner portion of the upper 1. A bottom surface of the last 1000 is in contact with a plantar contact surface 501A of an upper midsole 501 that constitutes the upper surface of the sole 500. Note that, if the shoe is provided with an insole, reference numeral 501A is not actually in contact with the plantar side of the foot, but reference numeral 501A will be referred to as a plantar contact surface in this specification of this application, including this case.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sole 500 includes an upper midsole 501 disposed on an upper side, a lower midsole 502 disposed on a lower side, and an outsole 503 that is mounted on a lower surface of the lower midsole 502 and that has a ground contact surface 503B on the bottom surface side that comes into contact with the road surface.

The upper midsole 501 extends from a heel portion of the sole 500 to a tiptoe portion in the front-rear direction. The lower midsole 502 is arranged mainly in a rearfoot region of the sole 500 (that is, a region that includes the heel portion and the midfoot portion), and is not provided in the tiptoe portion of the forefoot portion.

It is preferable that a plate 504 is provided between the upper midsole 501 and the lower midsole 502. It is preferable that the plate 504 is a thin sheet-shaped member, and extends from the heel portion of the sole 500 to the tiptoe portion in the front-rear direction. The plate 504 has a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm, for example. The plate 504 is held between a lower surface of the upper midsole 501 and an upper surface of the lower midsole 502 in the heel portion and the midfoot portion of the sole 500, and is held between the lower surface of the upper midsole 501 and an upper surface of the outsole 503 in the forefoot portion of the sole 500.

It is preferable that the plate 504 has a protruding portion 510 that protrudes upward in a mountain shape in the midfoot portion of the sole 500. The protruding portion 510 is recessed in a valley shape on the right and left sides, and forms a wave shape together with the protruding portion 510. A ridge line and a valley line of this wave shape extend in the front-rear direction in the midfoot portion of the sole 500. The plate 504 may be formed in substantially a flat shape, in the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the sole 500.

It is preferable that the upper midsole 501 and the lower midsole 502 are constituted by soft elastic members. Although there is no particular limitation on the soft elastic member, specific examples thereof include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVAs), and foams thereof, thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU), and foams thereof, and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and foams thereof. Although there is no particular limitation of the plate 504, the plate 504 is preferably constituted by a thermoplastic resin such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a polyamide elastomer (PAE), or an ABS resin that is a relatively elastic material, or a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin or an unsaturated polyester resin, for example. Also, a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) may be used as the material of the plate 504, for example. It is possible to use a fiber reinforced plastic in which carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers, or the like are used as reinforcing fibers, and a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin is used as a matrix resin, as a fiber reinforced plastic, for example. It is preferable that the outsole 503 is constituted by a hard elastic member. Although there is no particular limitation on the hard elastic member, specific examples thereof include thermoplastic resins such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and polyamide elastomers (PAEs), thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, and rubber.

As shown in FIG. 9, a ground contact surface of the sole, that is, the ground contact surface 503B of the outsole 503 has a curved shape that protrudes downward in the forefoot portion.

When a position Se of the rearmost end of the plantar contact surface 501A of the upper midsole 501 is the origin, and a path length (corresponding to a path length along the bottom surface of the last) to a position St of the leading end of the tiptoe that is measured along the plantar contact surface 501A is L, and, in a state in which the plantar contact surface of the heel portion (that is, a surface corresponding to the bottom surface of the heel) 501A is disposed in parallel to a horizontal plane Hp, the sole thickness at a position (that is, the position of the center of the heel) Sh located 0.16×L from the origin is h, the sole thickness at a position Sm2 located 0.3 to 0.5×L from the origin is m2, the sole thickness at a position Sm1 (where Sm1 is disposed frontward of Sm2) located 0.4 to 0.6×L from the origin is m1, and the sole thickness at a position (that is, the center of the ball of the foot) Sf located 0.7×L from the origin is f, the following relational expressions (1) to (3) are satisfied.


m2≥m1  (1)


m1≥f  (2)


m1≥h  (3)

Because the sole 500 is constituted by the upper midsole 501, the lower midsole 502, and the outsole 503, the sole thickness in each portion refers to the total thickness of the sole that includes the upper midsole 501, the lower midsole 502, and the outsole 503.

The position Sm1 corresponds to the initial ground contact position when the shoe lands on the ground during running when the forefoot portion or the midfoot portion has landed on the ground. m2≥m1 in the above-described inequality (1) means that the sole thickness on the rear side of the initial ground contact position is set to be at least equal to or larger than the sole thickness at the initial ground contact position. This is for preventing the depression of the heel portion of the sole 500 after the initial ground contact. The sole thickness m2 at the position Sm2 exerts a “supporting base” effect of supporting a load at the position Sm2 after the initial ground contact at the position Sm1. Accordingly, when the sole 500 is about to fall in the heel direction after the initial ground contact and the center of gravity is about to move rearward, it is possible to shorten the time of movement of the center of gravity rearward as much as possible by restricting such a movement of the center of gravity, and as a result, a load can be smoothly moved forward after the initial ground contact.

As a result of the above-described relational expression m1≥f(2) being satisfied, the center of gravity is likely to move forward after the initial ground contact, facilitating forward rotation. As a result of the above-described relational expression m1≥h(3) being satisfied, it is possible to facilitate the ground contact with the forefoot portion by preventing the heel portion of the sole 500 from coming into contact with the ground when the sole lands on the ground to make the heel portion float from the road surface.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9, it is preferable that, when the angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1 and the position Sh with a horizontal plane is θ1, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sm1 intersects with the ground contact surface of the sole is Sm1′, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sh intersects with the ground contact surface of the sole is Sh′, and the angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1′ and the position Sh′ with a horizontal plane is θ2, θ2≥θ1 holds true. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate the ground contact with the forefoot portion by preventing the heel portion of the sole 500 from coming into contact with the ground when the sole lands on the ground to make the heel portion float from the road surface.

In the forefoot portion of the sole 500, the ground contact surface 503B has a curved shape that protrudes downward (e.g., a smooth round shape). This can facilitate forward rotation after the initial ground contact. Also, a sole thickness t at a position St of the leading end of the tiptoe preferably satisfies t≤f/2. This can facilitate forward rotation toward the leading end of the tiptoe after the initial ground contact.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the plate 504, a front end-side portion of the plate is disposed on the ground contact surface 503B side of the forefoot portion with respect to a sole thickness center line Sc, and a rear end-side portion of the plate is disposed on the plantar contact surface 501A side in a rearfoot region with respect to the sole thickness center line Sc, and the center portion of the plate diagonally extends across the sole thickness center line Sc in the midfoot portion. Note that, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness center line Sc indicates a line that can be obtained by connecting centers of the sole 2 in the total thickness in the front-rear direction. Also, a protruding portion 510 of the plate 504 is provided in at least a partial portion of a region (that is, a region extending from 0.30 to 0.7 L from the origin) extending from the position Sm2 to the position Sf.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of a shoe (a right shoe) of one or more embodiments of the present invention worn during running, showing movements of the shoe with respect to the road surface over time in the order of FIG. 10a to FIG. 10d.

FIG. 10a shows the state of the shoe 100 immediately before the sole 500 comes into contact with the ground, and an arrow F in FIG. 10a indicates the moving direction of the sole 500. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10a, the heel portion of the sole 500 floats from a road surface R, and the sole 500 is to come into contact with the road surface R at a portion having a thickness m1. This is because, as described above, m1≥h and θ2≥θ1 hold true in the sole 500, and thus when the shoe 100 lands on the ground, the midfoot portion is likely to come into contact with the ground, instead of the heel portion of the sole 500 coming into contact with the ground.

FIG. 10b shows the state of the shoe 100 when initial ground contact is made at a portion of the sole 500 having the thickness m1. At this time, as described above, m2≥m1 holds true in the sole 500, and the sole thickness m2 on the rear side with respect to the initial ground contact position is at least equal to or larger than the sole thickness m1 at the initial ground contact position. Accordingly, movement of the heel portion of the sole 500 to be depressed downward immediately after the initial ground contact is supported more by the position having the thickness m2 than by the portion having the thickness m1, and thus such rearward movement can be restricted. As a result, when the sole 500 is about to fall in the heel direction after the initial ground contact and the center of gravity is about to move rearward, it is possible to shorten the time of movement of the center of gravity rearward as much as possible, and thus, the weight of a wearer is likely to move forward smoothly after the initial ground contact.

FIG. 10c shows the state of the shoe 100 when the forefoot portion of the sole 500 comes into contact with the ground. At this time, as described above, m1≥f holds true, and thus the weight is likely to move forward after the initial ground contact, and thus forward rotation is facilitated. Also, in this case, forward rotation after the initial ground contact is facilitated due to the ground contact surface 503B having a curved shape protruding downward. Also, in this case, when the weight moves toward the forefoot portion, the weight of a wearer can be firmly supported by the center portion and the heel portion of the plate 504 due to the front end side portion of the plate 504 being pushed downward, and it is possible to prevent the depression in the center portion and the heel portion of the sole 500. As a result, the weight is likely to move toward the forefoot portion. Also, in this case, the flexural rigidity of the center portion is increased due to the center portion of the plate 504 being provided with the protruding portion 510, and thus it is possible to further reliably prevent depression in the midfoot portion and the heel portion of the sole 500, as a result of which the weight is likely to move toward the forefoot portion. In particular, the center portion of the instep cover 2 in the width direction of the foot in the upper 1 is substantially unstretchable in the length direction of the foot, and thus the foot is lifted, the depression of the heel portion is inhibited, and the foot is likely to move forward.

FIG. 10d shows a kick-out phase with the tiptoe. At this time, because the sole thickness t at the position St of the leading end of the tiptoe satisfies t≤f/2, forward rotation toward the leading end of the tiptoe is facilitated. Also, in this case, because the midfoot portion and the heel portion of the foot are supported by the plate 504, at the time of kicking out with the tiptoe, it is possible to obtain a propulsive force by strongly kicking the road surface R due to the elastic repulsive force of the plate 504 being applied.

The above-described embodiments are to be considered in all respects merely as examples of the present invention and not limiting. Persons skilled in the art relating to the present invention may construct various embodiments employing the principles of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention when considering the above-described teaching, even if not explicitly stated in this specification.

An upper of one or more embodiments of the present invention can be suitably used as an upper of a sports shoe, specifically, an upper of a running shoe, in particular, an upper of a running shoe for middle and long distances. Also, a shoe of one or more embodiments of the present invention can be suitably used as a sports shoe, specifically, a running shoe, in particular, a running shoe for middle and long distances.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A shoe upper, the upper comprising:

an instep cover for covering an instep side of a foot,
wherein the instep cover has a structure in which a tongue portion and an instep cover main body are formed as a single body, and
a center portion of the instep cover located in a width direction is substantially unstretchable in a length direction of the foot.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1,

wherein a tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in a width direction when stretched by 10% is 50 N/mm2 or more.

3. The shoe upper according to claim 1,

wherein the instep cover is stretchable in a width direction of the foot.

4. The shoe upper according to claim 1,

wherein the tongue portion continues to a tip of a toe.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 1,

wherein the tongue portion is constituted by a warp knitted fabric that includes a non-elastic yarn and an elastic yarn.

6. The shoe upper according to claim 1,

wherein different members in the instep cover are joined together through embroidery covering an end portion of at least one of the members.

7. The shoe upper according to claim 1

wherein the upper further comprises a plantar cover for covering the entire plantar side of the foot.

8. The shoe upper according to claim 2,

wherein the instep cover is stretchable in a width direction of the foot.

9. The shoe upper according to claim 2,

wherein the tongue portion continues to a tip of a toe.

10. The shoe upper according to claim 2,

wherein the tongue portion is constituted by a warp knitted fabric that includes a non-elastic yarn and an elastic yarn.

11. The shoe upper according to claim 2,

wherein different members in the instep cover are joined together through embroidery covering an end portion of at least one of the members.

12. A shoe, the shoe comprising:

a shoe upper and a sole,
wherein the upper comprises an instep cover for covering an instep side of a foot,
the instep cover has a structure in which a tongue portion and an instep cover main body are formed as a single body, and
a center portion of the instep cover located in a width direction is substantially unstretchable in a length direction of the foot, and
wherein the shoe upper is integrated with the sole.

13. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein a tensile strength of the center portion of the instep cover located in a width direction when stretched by 10% is 50 N/mm2 or more.

14. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein the instep cover is stretchable in a width direction of the foot.

15. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein the tongue portion continues to a tip of a toe.

16. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein the tongue portion is constituted by a warp knitted fabric that includes a non-elastic yarn and an elastic yarn.

17. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein different members in the instep cover are joined together through embroidery covering an end portion of at least one of the members.

18. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein the upper further comprises a plantar cover for covering the entire plantar side of the foot.

19. The shoe according to claim 12,

wherein a ground contact surface of the sole has a curved shape that protrudes downward at a forefoot portion, and, when, on a plantar contact surface of the sole, a position of a rearmost end of the plantar contact surface is the origin, a path length to a leading end of a tiptoe that is measured along the plantar contact surface is L, and in a state in which a heel bottom surface of the plantar contact surface is disposed in parallel to a horizontal plane, a sole thickness at a position Sh where a path length from the position of the rearmost end of the plantar contact surface is 0.16×L is h, a sole thickness at a position Sm2 where the path length is (0.3 to 0.5)×L is m2, a sole thickness at a position Sm1 (where Sm1 is disposed frontward of Sm2) where the path length is (0.4 to 0.6)×L is m1, and a sole thickness at a position Sf where the path length is 0.7×L is f, the following relational expressions (1) to (3) are satisfied, m2≥m1  (1) m1≥f,  (2) and m1≥h,  (3) and
when an angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1 and the position Sh with a horizontal plane is θ1, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sm1 intersects with the ground contact surface of the sole is Sm1′, a position where a vertical straight line drawn from the position Sh intersects with the ground contact surface of the sole is Sh′, and an angle formed by a line that connects the position Sm1′ and the position Sh′ with a horizontal plane is θ2, θ2≥θ1 holds true.

20. The shoe according to claim 19,

wherein the sum of the θ2 and the θ1 is 40 degrees or more.
Patent History
Publication number: 20210106098
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 15, 2020
Publication Date: Apr 15, 2021
Inventor: Yo KAJIWARA (Osaka)
Application Number: 17/021,560
Classifications
International Classification: A43B 23/02 (20060101);