SHOE

A shoe includes: a sole; an upper disposed above the sole and including a wearing opening; a first band including a first base end fixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a position in front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonally upward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearing opening of the upper; a second band including a second base end fixed to the boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the second base end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second band bringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion where the second band intersects the first band; and a tightening part applying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shoe.

BACKGROUND ART

Footgear provided with a tightening material capable of tightening the upper is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes footgear provided with a belt-shaped tightening material for tightening the upper. On the sole of this footgear, grooves or through holes are formed to extend in a width direction. The belt-shaped tightening material is wound along the through holes or the like and side surfaces of a foot and is folded back from a diagonally upward direction to a diagonally downward direction at the instep to form engagement parts. The engagement parts are tightened by a shoelace. Attaching the tightening material in this way presses the top surface of the sole onto the bottom of the foot.

PRIOR ART REFERENCE Patent Literature

  • Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H08-131201
  • Patent Literature 2: Japanese Examined Utility Model Registration No. 3038156
  • Patent Literature 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-94125
  • Patent Literature 4: Japanese Translation of PCT International Application Publication No. 2016-507296

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

With regard to the fit of a shoe provided with the tightening material for tightening the upper, the inventors have found the following recognition. To ensure support when a high load in a width direction is applied, it is desirable that a change of the foot position with respect to the sole is small under high load. However, in the footgear described in Patent Literature 1, since the tightening material for tightening the upper is movable within the grooves on the sole, the foot position with respect to the sole is likely to change under high load as the tightening material moves.

If the tightening material is strongly tightened to reduce the change in the foot position, the tightening force will become excessively large in an area in front of the wearing opening, which will worsen the comfort. Also, if the tightening force on the front side becomes large, the fit will be impaired in an area in the rear of the wearing opening, which will disrupt the balance between the front side and the rear side. Therefore, the inventors have found that there is room for improvement in the footgear described in Patent Literature 1, in terms of ensuring the fit when a high load is applied.

The present invention has been made in view of such an issue, and a purpose thereof is to provide a shoe having favorable fit with balance between the front side and the rear side.

Solution to Problem

In response to the above issue, a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a sole; an upper disposed above the sole and including a wearing opening; a first band including a first base end fixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a position in front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonally upward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearing opening of the upper; a second band including a second base end fixed to the boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the second base end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second band bringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion where the second band intersects the first band; and a tightening part applying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper.

Optional combinations of the above, and implementation of the present invention, including the constituting elements and expressions, in the form of methods, apparatuses, programs, transitory or non-transitory storage medium storing programs, or systems may also be practiced as additional modes of the present invention.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention provides a shoe having favorable fit with balance between the front side and the rear side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another schematic side view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view that shows a modification of bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view that shows another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view that shows yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a side view that shows still yet another modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a side view that shows a further modification of the bands in the shoe according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a schematic side view of a shoe according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is another schematic side view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 31; and

FIG. 34 is a schematic rear view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 31.

 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to each drawing. In the embodiments and modifications, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements and members, and the repetitive description will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the dimensions of a member may be appropriately enlarged or reduced in each drawing in order to facilitate understanding. Further, in each drawing, part of members less important in describing embodiments may be omitted.

Also, terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second”, are used to describe various constituting elements; however, such terms are used in order to distinguish one constituting element from another and do not limit the constituting elements.

First Embodiment

In the following, a configuration of a shoe 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the shoe 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the shoe 100 viewed from the lateral side of the foot. Each drawing mentioned below, including FIG. 1, illustrates a shoe for a left foot, unless otherwise specified. However, the description in the present specification is also applicable to a shoe for a right foot. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the shoe 100 viewed from the medial side of the foot.

The shoe 100 of the present embodiment can be used for walking shoes, running shoes, and sports shoes for tennis or basketball, for example. The shoe 100 includes a sole 10, and an upper 20 disposed above the sole 10 and having a wearing opening 20b. The sole 10 is a portion to be in contact with the ground. The sole 10 may be constituted by multiple members, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, or may be constituted by a single material. The upper 20 is fixed above the sole 10 by means of bonding or the like.

In the following, considering a state where the shoe 100 is placed on a horizontal plane (hereinafter, referred to as a “horizontal state”), a width direction of the upper 20 will be simply referred to as a “width direction”, a direction extending along a center line La with respect to a width direction of the upper 20 will be referred to as a “longitudinal direction”, and a vertical direction will be referred to as a “vertical direction”. A width direction, a longitudinal direction, and a vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

Also, the direction from the heel toward the toe side of the upper 20 along the centers in a width direction will be referred to as the “front side” or “front”, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the “rear side” or “rear”. Also, the direction from the lateral side toward the medial side of the foot along a width direction will be referred to as the “inner side” or “inward”, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the “outer side” or “outward”. Further, the direction from the sole 10 toward the upper 20 along a vertical direction will be referred to as the “top side” or “above”, and the opposite side will be referred to as the “lower side” or “below”.

Also, a portion of the upper 20 located on the inner side with respect to the center line La will be referred to as a medial portion 28j, and a portion of the upper 20 located on the outer side with respect to the center line La will be referred to as a lateral portion 28e. Also, along a longitudinal direction, a portion of the upper 20 corresponding to the metatarsal bones will be referred to as a midfoot portion, a portion of the upper 20 located on the front side with respect to the midfoot portion will be referred to as a forefoot portion, and a portion of the upper 20 located on the rear side with respect to the midfoot portion will be referred to as a rearfoot portion. The forefoot portion almost corresponds to the phalanges, and the rearfoot portion almost corresponds to the tarsals.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the shoe 100 includes a first band 30, a second band 40, and a tightening part 60.

First Band

The first band 30 is a band-shaped member that extends rearward from a first base end 32. The first band 30 may extend linearly, may extend curvedly to form an upward convex, or may extend curvedly to form a downward convex. The first base end 32 is fixed to a boundary part Bp between the upper 20 and the sole 10, at a position in front of the wearing opening 20b. When multiple first bands 30 are provided, one first base end 32 has only to be fixed in this area, and the fixed positions of the other first base ends 32 are not particularly limited. In this example, when the longitudinal length of the upper 20 is regarded as 100%, the first base end 32 is fixed at a position within a range between 15% and 35% from the toe. The first band 30 extends rearward from the first base end 32 along the lateral portion 28e of the upper 20 to a first band contact region 24s in a heel part 24 of the upper 20. An extension end 34 of the first band 30 comes into contact with the first band contact region 24s. Accordingly, the first band 30 extends diagonally upward from the first base end 32 to a position in the rear of the wearing opening 20b of the upper 20.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28j of the upper 20, a medial side first band 30 is provided such as to extend from a base end, which is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position in front of the wearing opening 20b, along the medial portion 28j to the first band contact region 24s. In the following description, the first band 30 on the lateral portion 28e may be referred to as a lateral side first band. The extension end 34 of the lateral side first band 30 is connected with the extension end 34 of the medial side first band 30 in the first band contact region 24s. In other words, the first band 30 is a unified band constituted by the lateral side first band 30 and the medial side first band 30 connected with each other. In the present embodiment, the extension ends 34 and 34 of the lateral side first band 30 and the medial side first band 30 are fixed to the first band contact region 24s by bonding, sewing, or the like, but the extension ends need not necessarily be fixed.

Band Contact Region

In the present embodiment, the first band contact region 24s is provided above a rearmost part 24a of the heel part 24. In this case, tension of the first band 30 causes frontward and diagonally downward force to act on the heel part 24, and the force may cause deformation of the first band contact region 24s. For smooth putting on and off of the shoe, deformation of the first band contact region 24s may desirably be small. Accordingly, in the first band contact region 24s of the present embodiment, a reinforcement structure 26, which is more strengthened than the surrounding regions, is provided. For example, the first band contact region 24s may be formed of a material thicker than the surrounding regions, a material having higher rigidity than the surrounding regions, or a material harder than the surrounding regions, may be formed to have more layers than the surrounding regions, or may be formed with combination of such configurations.

Second Band

The second band 40 is a band-shaped member that extends from a second base end 42 to a position in front of the wearing opening 20b. In the present embodiment, the second base end 42 is fixed to the boundary part Bp, at a position in the rear of the first base end 32. When the longitudinal length of the upper 20 is regarded as 100%, the second base end 42 is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position within a range between 35% and 90% from the toe along a longitudinal direction. The second band 40 extends frontward and diagonally upward from the second base end 42 along the lateral portion 28e of the upper 20 to a region in front of the wearing opening 20b. Accordingly, a leading end 44 of the second band 40 is positioned in front of the wearing opening 20b.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28j of the upper 20, a medial side second band 40 is provided such as to extend from the second base end 42, fixed to the boundary part Bp, along the medial portion 28j to a position in front of the wearing opening 20b. In the following description, the second band 40 on the lateral side may be referred to as a lateral side second band 40. At each of the leading end 44 of the lateral side second band 40 and the leading end 44 of the medial side second band 40, an engagement part 44b is disposed to engage with the tightening part 60. The engagement parts 44b on the lateral side and the medial side are spaced away from each other in a width direction.

The tightening part 60 applies tightening force to the second bands 40 to tighten the upper 20. In the present embodiment, the tightening part 60 is a shoelace, and each engagement part 44b is an eyelet through which the tightening part 60 passes. When the tightening part 60 is tightened, the tension acts on the engagement parts 44b on the lateral side and the medial side, in the directions in which the engagement parts 44b on the lateral side and the engagement parts 44b on the medial side come closer to each other. At the time, on each of the lateral side second band 40 and the medial side second band 40, tension from the second base end 42 toward the leading end 44 acts. When the tension acts on a second band 40, the second band 40 comes into contact with the upper 20 and tightens the upper 20 onto the foot.

An intersection part at which a second band 40 intersects a first band 30 will be described. In the following, among the intersection parts between the first bands 30 and the second bands 40, an intersection part at which a second band 40 intersects a first band 30 by passing through a side of the first band 30 opposite to the upper 20 side, hereinafter may be referred to as the “surface side”, will be denoted by “the character F+a numeral”; meanwhile, an intersection part at which a second band 40 intersects a first band 30 by passing through between the first band 30 and the upper 20 will be denoted by “the character R+a numeral”. At an intersection part F where a second band 40 intersects a first band 30, the second band 40 brings the first band 30 into contact with the upper 20. An “intersection part F+a numeral” may be generically referred to as an “intersection part F”, and an “intersection part R+a numeral” may be generically referred to as an “intersection part R”.

With such a configuration, the upper 20 can be supported not only by a second band 40 but also by a first band 30, so that the balance of the fit of the upper 20 between the front side and the rear side can be improved.

Multiple second bands 40 may be provided. To distinguish each of the multiple second bands 40, a hyphen and a numeral, such as “−1”, is added at the end of a reference sign. In the present embodiment, two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 are provided. The second band 40-2 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-1, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-1. The second band 40-1 intersects the first band 30 at an intersection part F1 with the first band 30. The second band 40-2 intersects the first band 30 at an intersection part R1 with the first band 30. The first band 30 passes through the surface side of the second band 40-2 at the intersection part R1 and brings the second band 40-2 into contact with the upper 20.

In this case, the first band and the second bands are pressed onto each other at multiple positions, thereby making the tightening force to act appropriately. Also, the tightening ranges can be longitudinally distributed.

In the present embodiment, at the intersection part F1, which is foremost among the multiple intersection parts, the second band 40 passes through the surface side of the first band 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case, the second band 40 can press the first band 30 at the foremost intersection part F1.

Each of the first bands 30 and the second bands 40 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “bands” when generically referred to) may be configured to include a planar member having a predetermined width and may be a belt-shaped member, for example. Although the width of each band is not particularly limited, if the width is too small, the band will be liable to break; if the width is too large, designing or manufacture of the band will be difficult. With regard to the band width, the inventors have obtained the suggestion that the range between 3 mm and 30 mm inclusive is practical, the range between 5 mm and 20 mm inclusive is suitable, and the range between 7 mm and 14 mm inclusive is more suitable. The bands in the present embodiment are belt-shaped members that each have a width ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm inclusive. In this case, compared to the case of string-shaped bands, the tightening force can be distributed, the upper 20 favorably fits along the foot, and the tightening force is less likely to concentrate locally.

Each band may be configured to include a string-shaped or thread-shaped member (hereinafter may be referred to as “string or thread”), may be configured to include multiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members, or may include a portion constituted by multiple yarn bodies spreading over the surface of the upper 20. A first band 30 and a second band 40 may be constituted by members having the same shape or may be constituted by members having different shapes. One of a first band 30 and a second band 40 may include a portion constituted by a planar member having a predetermined width, and the other thereof may include a portion constituted by a string-shaped or thread-shaped member that is thinner than the predetermined width.

The bands in the present embodiment are formed of a material having stretchability that makes the bands come into contact with the upper 20 when the shoe is worn. In this case, the tightening force can be made to act appropriately. For example, the bands may be formed of a sheet material having lower stretchability and a smaller elastic modulus than the upper 20. The bands may be formed of various publicly-known materials. The bands in this example are formed of artificial leather. The description regarding the morphological characteristics of the first and second bands 30 and 40 also applies to a third band 50 and an auxiliary band 70 described later.

In the present embodiment, the first bands 30 and the second bands 40 may assume various forms. In the following, modifications of the bands will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-30. FIGS. 4-30 are side views that show modifications of the bands and that each correspond to FIG. 1.

Modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. The tightening force of the bands may desirably be distributed along the surface of the upper 20. Accordingly, in the shoe 100, three or more second bands 40 may be provided on at least one of the medial side and the lateral side. FIG. 4 is a side view that shows an example in which three second bands 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3 are provided. FIG. 5 is a side view that shows an example in which four second bands 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, and 40-4 are provided. FIG. 6 is a side view that shows an example in which five second bands 40-1, 40-2, 40-3, 40-4, and 40-5 are provided.

The second band 40-3 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-4 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-3, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. The second band 40-5 is arranged substantially in parallel to the second band 40-4, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-4.

The second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30 at an intersection part F2 and brings the first band 30 into contact with the upper 20. The second band 40-4 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30 at an intersection part R2 and is pressed by the first band 30 to be brought into contact with the upper 20 side. In other words, the first band 30 passes through the surface side of the second band 40-4 at the intersection part R2 and brings the second band 40-4 into contact with the upper 20. The second band 40-5 passes through the surface side of the first band 30 at an intersection part F3 and brings the first band 30 into contact with the upper 20. The intersection parts F and the intersection parts R in this example are alternately arranged, although the arrangement is not limited thereto. In this way, many intersection parts are longitudinally provided, so that the tightening force can be longitudinally distributed.

Other modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. The multiple second bands 40 may be connected with each other at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midway therebetween such as to form an A-letter shape, a V-letter shape, a W-letter shape, an H-letter shape, or an M-letter shape, for example. Also, the multiple second bands 40 may be connected with each other at the base end side and the leading end side such as to form a zero shape, for example. Further, a second band 40 may be branched into multiple branch parts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midway therebetween, and such multiple branch parts may be connected at a position away from the branch point.

FIGS. 7-9 are side views that each show an example in which part of the multiple second bands are connected with each other. The example of FIG. 7 includes two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that are connected with each other at the leading end side. In this example, the engagement parts 44b of the multiple bands to be engaged with the tightening part 60 (shoelace) are collectively provided on the upper end side, and the two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 are configured to form an inverted V-letter shape. In this case, the tightening force can be longitudinally distributed efficiently. More specifically, the tightening force can be distributed in multiple directions from one point of effort (engagement part 44b). The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band 30, and the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 8 includes two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that are connected with each other at the base end side. In this example, the second base ends 42 of the multiple bands are collectively provided on the lower end side, and the two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 are configured to form a V-letter shape. In this case, the tightening force can be concentrated at a portion required to be lifted, such as a plantar arch portion. In other words, the tightening force from multiple points of effort (engagement parts 44b) can be concentrated in one direction. The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band 30, and the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 9 includes three second bands 40-1, 40-2, and 40-3, and the two second bands 40-1 and 40-2 are connected with each other at the base end side and the leading end side. In this example, the engagement parts 44b of multiple bands are collectively provided on the upper end side, and the base ends 42 of the multiple bands are collectively provided on the lower end side, so as to form a zero shape or a D-letter shape. In this case, the tightening force can be distributed in multiple directions from one point of effort and can also be concentrated at a portion required to be lifted, such as a plantar arch portion. The second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band 30, the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R1 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30, and the second band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30.

Further modifications of the second bands 40 will be described. Each of the second bands 40 and modifications thereof described above may be arbitrarily combined with another second band 40 or a modification thereof. For example, the modifications of the second bands 40 shown in FIGS. 7-9 may be further combined with another second band 40. FIGS. 10-14 are side views that each show an example in which, in a modification of the second bands 40, other second bands 40 are disposed.

The example of FIG. 10 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 connected with each other at the leading end side to form an inverted V-letter shape, and a second band 40-3 of I-letter shape. The second band 40-3 extends substantially in parallel to the second band 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30.

The example of FIG. 11 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that form an inverted V-letter shape, and second bands 40-3 and 40-4 of I-letter shapes. The second band 40-3 extends substantially in parallel to the second band 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2. Also, the second band 40-4 extends substantially in parallel to the second band 40-3, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. The second band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30. The second band 40-4 forms the intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-4 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, with a combination of inverted V-shaped second bands and I-shaped second bands, stronger lacing effects can be provided to an appropriate area. For example, arranging an I-shaped second band around the wearing opening 20b can provide stronger lacing effects to an area around the ankle.

The example of FIG. 12 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that form an inverted V-letter shape, and second bands 40-3 and 40-4 that form another inverted V-letter shape. Accordingly, multiple inverted V-shaped second bands are included. The second band 40-3 extends substantially in parallel to the second band 40-2, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-4 extends to be non-parallel to the second band 40-3, at a position in the rear of the second band 40-3. The second band 40-3 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30. The second band 40-4 forms the intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-4 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30. With multiple inverted V-shaped second bands provided, the tightening force can be distributed more gradually with respect to a longitudinal direction.

The example of FIG. 13 includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 connected with each other at the leading end side to form an inverted V-letter shape, and a second band 40-3 of I-letter shape. The second band 40-3 forms an intersection part P2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the upper 20 side of the second band 40-2. The second band 40-3 also forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30. The intersection part P2 is positioned lower than the intersection part R1 and the intersection part F2.

The example of FIG. 14 includes multiple inverted V-shaped second bands intersecting each other. More specifically, the example includes second bands 40-1 and 40-2 that form an inverted V-letter shape, and second bands 40-3 and 40-4 that form another inverted V-letter shape. As is the case in the example of FIG. 7, the second bands 40-1 and 40-2 and the second bands 40-3 and 40-4 intersect the first band 30. The second band 40-2 forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the surface side of the second band 40-3. The intersection part F2 is positioned lower than the intersection part R1 and the intersection part F1.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, with multiple second bands 40 partially intersecting each other, the tightening force at the overlapped portions can be strengthened. Particularly, since the inverted V-shaped second band 40-2 on the toe side overlaps the adjacent second band 40-3 at the surface side of the second band 40-3, the tightening force can be strengthened in the area.

There will now be described modifications of the first band 30. Multiple first bands 30 may be provided. FIGS. 15 and 16 are side views that each show an example in which multiple first bands 30 are provided. In these examples, the multiple first bands 30 are arranged one above the other. In this case, the tightening force can be vertically distributed. Each of the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16 includes a second band 40-1, a second band 40-2 arranged in the rear of the second band 40-1, a first band 30-1, and a first band 30-2 arranged below the first band 30-1. The first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are arranged substantially in parallel to each other, and each first band intersects each second band.

In the example of FIG. 15, the second band 40-1 forms intersection parts F1 and F2 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2, and the second band 40-2 forms intersection parts R1 and R2 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2. Accordingly, one second band passes through only one of the surface side and the upper 20 side of the multiple first bands. In this case, the tightening force can be vertically distributed more gradually.

In the example of FIG. 16, the second band 40-1 forms the intersection part F1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first band 30-1, and the second band 40-1 also forms the intersection part R1 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30-2. Also, the second band 40-2 forms the intersection part R2 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first band 30-1, and the second band 40-2 also forms the intersection part F2 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the surface side of the first band 30-2. Accordingly, one second band passes through the surface side of one first band and the upper 20 side of another first band in a staggered manner. In this case, each first band intersects each second band in a staggered manner such that an intersection part F and an intersection part R are alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction, so that the tightening force can be distributed further gradually.

The multiple first bands 30 may be connected with each other at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midway therebetween. Also, a first band 30 may be branched into multiple branch parts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, and a midway therebetween, and such multiple branch parts may be connected at a position away from the branch point. FIGS. 17-19 are side views that each show an example in which the multiple first bands 30 are connected with each other at the base end side, leading end side, or a midway therebetween.

Each of the examples of FIGS. 17-19 includes a second band 40-1, a second band 40-2 arranged in the rear of the second band 40-1, a first band 30-1, and a first band 30-2 arranged below the first band 30-1. In the examples of FIGS. 17-19, the second band 40-1 forms intersection parts F1 and F2 at which the second band 40-1 passes through the surface side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2, and the second band 40-2 forms intersection parts R1 and R2 at which the second band 40-2 passes through the upper 20 side of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2. Also, in the examples of FIGS. 17-19, each first band and each second band may be made to intersect in a staggered manner, as shown in the example of FIG. 16.

In the example of FIG. 17, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be longitudinally away from each other, and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are connected with each other. In this case, the transmission efficiency of the tightening force becomes higher toward the rear side, so that the holding properties around the wearing opening 20b can be improved.

In the example of FIG. 18, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be connected with each other, and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are arranged to be vertically away from each other. In this case, the transmission efficiency of the tightening force becomes higher toward the front side, so that the holding properties around the forefoot portion can be improved.

In the example of FIG. 19, the base ends 32 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are fixed to the boundary part Bp to be connected with each other, and the extension ends 34 of the first bands 30-1 and 30-2 are also connected with each other. In this case, the transmission efficiency of the tightening force becomes higher toward the front side and the rear side, so that the holding properties around the wearing opening 20b and the forefoot portion can be improved.

Modifications of the band form will now be described. FIGS. 20-27 are side views that show modifications of the band form.

In the example of FIG. 20, the first band 30 is formed into a string shape. The entire first band 30 need not have the same shape, and part of the band may have a belt shape while another part may have a string shape or another shape.

In the example of FIG. 21, the first band 30 is formed into a wide belt shape. The width of the first band 30 may be formed to be 1.5 times or twice the width of a second band or greater. The entire first band 30 need not have the same width, and part of the band may be wide while another part may have a different width.

In the example of FIG. 22, each of the second bands 40-1 and 40-2 is formed into a string shape. The entire second bands 40 need not have the same shape, and part of the bands may have a belt shape while another part may have a string shape or another shape.

In the example of FIG. 23, each of the second bands 40 is formed into a wide belt shape. The entire second bands 40 need not have the same width, and part of the bands may be wide while another part may have a different width.

As shown in FIGS. 20-23, the tightening force can be adjusted by making a first band 30 or a second band 40 narrower or wider. Using a narrow band or string in an area with small curvature can improve the fit along the foot. When the holding properties in transverse directions are required, such as in a sport played in a court, using a wide band can improve the holding properties during the braking phase.

In the examples of FIGS. 24 and 25, the first band 30 is constituted by multiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members. As the first band 30, bundled multiple yarn bodies spread over the surface of the upper 20. In the example of FIG. 24, the multiple yarn bodies pass through the upper 20 side of the second band 40-1 at an intersection part F1 and also pass through the surface side of the second band 40-2 at an intersection part R1. With the first band 30 partially constituted by narrow strings or threads, more favorable fit along the foot can be achieved.

In the example of FIG. 25, the multiple yarn bodies include yarn bodies that pass through the upper 20 side of the second band 40-1 and yarn bodies that pass through the surface side of the second band 40-1 at intersection parts S1 and S2. Each yarn body may alternately pass through the surface side and the upper side of the multiple second bands 40. With a portion constituted by narrow strings or threads intersecting the second bands 40 in a staggered manner, the tightening force can be distributed more gradually.

In the examples of FIGS. 26 and 27, each second band 40 is constituted by multiple string-shaped or thread-shaped members. Each second band 40 is constituted by multiple yarn bodies arranged along the surface of the upper 20. In the example of FIG. 26, the multiple yarn bodies pass through the surface side of the first band 30 at an intersection part S1 and also pass through the upper 20 side of the first band 30 at an intersection part S2. With the second bands 40 partially constituted by narrow strings or threads, more favorable fit along the foot can be achieved.

In the example of FIG. 27, the multiple yarn bodies include yarn bodies that pass through the upper 20 side of the first band 30 and yarn bodies that pass through the surface side of the first band 30 at the intersection parts S1 and S2. A yarn body passing through the upper 20 side and a yarn body passing through the surface side may be alternately arranged. With a portion partially constituted by narrow strings or threads intersecting the first band 30 in a staggered manner, the transmission efficiency of the tightening force to the first band 30 can be further improved.

Further modifications of the first band 30 will be described. FIGS. 28 and 29 are side views that show modifications of the first band 30.

In the example of FIG. 28, engagement parts 36b are disposed in the first band 30 to engage with the tightening part 60. With the engagement parts 36b, the tightening force in a longitudinal direction can be strengthened. Each engagement part 36b in this example is disposed at a protruding end of a protruding part 36 that protrudes upward from the first band 30. Each engagement part 36b is an eyelet through which the tightening part 60 (shoelace) passes, and each engagement part 36b has a configuration similar to that of the engagement part 44b. One or multiple engagement parts 36b may be provided, and, in this example, the engagement part 36b is provided at two positions, in front of the second band 40-1 and in the rear of the second band 40-2.

Although examples in which each first band 30 is provided to form a curved shape have been described above, a first band 30 may extend linearly. In the example of FIG. 29, the first band 30 extends linearly. With the first band 30 extending linearly, the tightening force can be transmitted in a longitudinal direction more efficiently. The base end 32 of the first band 30 may desirably be fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position other than the vicinity of the MP joints.

There will now be described second and third embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings and description of the second and third embodiments, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements and members in the first embodiment. Repetitive description already provided in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and configurations different from those in the first embodiment will be intensively described.

Second Embodiment

A configuration of the shoe 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 30 is a side view of the shoe 100 according to the second embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a third band 50 is provided, and a second band 40-3 is included.

Third Band

The third band 50 is a band-shaped member that includes a third base end 52 fixed to the boundary part Bp and that extends rearward from the third base end 52. The third base end 52 is fixed to the boundary part Bp, in an area in the rear of the first base end 32. In the example of FIG. 30, the third base end 52 is fixed to the boundary part Bp within the longitudinal range of the wearing opening 20b. The third band 50 extends rearward from the third base end 52 along the lateral portion 28e of the upper 20 to the first band contact region 24s in the heel part 24 of the upper 20. Accordingly, the third band 50 extends diagonally upward from the third base end 52 to a position in the rear of the wearing opening 20b of the upper 20.

In the present embodiment, also on the medial portion 28j of the upper 20, a medial side third band 50 is provided such as to extend from the third base end 52, which is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position in front of the wearing opening 20b, along the medial portion 28j to the first band contact region 24s. In the following description, the third band 50 on the lateral portion 28e may be referred to as a lateral side third band. An extension end 54 of the lateral side third band 50 is connected with an extension end 54 of the medial side third band 50 in the first band contact region 24s. In other words, the third band 50 is a unified band constituted by the lateral side third band 50 and the medial side third band 50 connected with each other. The extension ends 54 of the lateral side third band 50 and the medial side third band 50 cover the first band 30 in the first band contact region 24s. In this case, positional displacement of the first band 30 can be prevented.

Among the multiple second bands, the second band 40-3 is disposed at a position closest to the wearing opening 20b. In the second band 40-3 of the present embodiment, the second base end 42 is fixed to the boundary part Bp at a position in the rear of the third base end 52, and the leading end 44 reaches a position immediately in front of the wearing opening 20b. The second band 40-3 intersects the first band 30 at an intersection part F2 and also intersects the third band 50 at an intersection part R2. The second band 40-3 passes through the surface side of the first band 30 at the intersection part F2 and presses the first band 30. The third band 50 passes through the surface side of the second band 40-3 at the intersection part R2 and presses the second band 40-3.

The second embodiment provides functions and effects similar to those of the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the third band 50 presses the second band 40-3, which is closest to the wearing opening 20b, so that the tightening force can be applied around the ankle, and effective holding properties can be delivered during running movement. Also, since the intersection parts are distributed, concentration of the tightening force can be moderated.

Third Embodiment

A configuration of the shoe 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 31 is a side view of the shoe 100 according to the third embodiment and corresponds to FIG. 1. FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view of the shoe 100. FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of the shoe 100 viewed from the medial side of the foot. FIG. 34 is a schematic rear view of the shoe 100. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an auxiliary band 70 is provided, and a portion where intersecting bands are connected with each other at the intersection is included.

The present embodiment includes first bands 30-1 and 30-2, second bands 40-1 through 40-7, third bands 50-1 and 50-2, and the auxiliary band 70. These bands intersect in a staggered manner such as to form a mesh.

The auxiliary band 70 is a band-shaped member that extends from a boundary part Gp in the medial portion 28j to a boundary part Gp in the lateral portion 28e. In the present embodiment, multiple auxiliary bands 70 are provided which intersect each other to form a mesh structure. The multiple auxiliary bands 70 may be connected with each other at the intersection parts or need not be connected. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary bands 70 intersect the second bands 40 at multiple intersection parts. An auxiliary band 70 and a second band 40 may be connected with each other at the intersection part or need not be connected. An auxiliary band 70 may intersect a first band 30.

The present embodiment includes a pull strap 72 and a cord stopper 62. The cord stopper 62 is provided in the tightening part 60. The pull strap 12 is provided at the rear end of the wearing opening 20b of the upper 20. The cord stopper 62 and the pull strap 12 are also applicable to other embodiments.

The third embodiment provides functions and effects similar to those of the first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, the auxiliary bands 70 are provided, so that positional imbalance between the first bands 30 and the second bands 40 can be reduced, and the concentration of the tightening force can be moderated. Also, the auxiliary bands 70 repair appearance imbalance caused by uneven distribution of the bands and prevent impairing of the appearance.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. Each of the abovementioned embodiments merely describes a specific example for carrying out the present invention. The embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various design modifications, including changes, addition, and deletion of constituting elements, may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of ideas of the invention defined in the claims. In the aforementioned embodiments, matters to which design modifications may be made are described with the expression of “of the embodiment”, “in the embodiment”, or the like. However, it is not unallowable to make a design modification to a matter without such expression.

Modifications

In the following, modifications will be described. In the drawings and description of the modifications, like reference characters denote like or corresponding constituting elements and members in the embodiments. Repetitive description already provided in the embodiments will be omitted as appropriate, and configurations different from those in the first embodiment will be intensively described.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which each band is not fixed onto the surface of the upper 20, the present invention is not limited thereto. Part of each band may be fixed onto the surface of the upper 20. Also, bands may be partially fixed to each other. For example, first bands or second bands may be partially fixed to each other, or a first or third band may be partially fixed to a second band.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which the engagement parts 44b and 36b are eyelets through which the tightening part 60 (shoelace) passes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the engagement parts 44b and 36b has only to have a structure through which the shoelace can be made to pass, and may be a lace hook part, such as a hook, instead of a hole. The hole edge of each of the engagement parts 44b and 36b may be reinforced by a reinforcement member or may be made thicker than the vicinity thereof by means of buttonhole stitches, for example.

Although the embodiments describe examples in which the tightening part 60 is a single shoelace, the present invention is not limited thereto. The tightening part may include multiple shoelaces. Also, when comfort in wearing is considered important, such as in the case of shoes for children or elderly persons, the shoelace may be formed of a material with high stretchability. Meanwhile, when the stability is considered important, such as in the case of sports shoes, the shoelace may be formed of a material with low stretchability.

Each of the abovementioned modifications provides functions and effects similar to those of the aforementioned embodiments.

Optional combinations of the aforementioned embodiments and modifications may also be practiced as additional embodiments of the present invention. Such an additional embodiment made by combination has the effect of each of the combined embodiments and modifications.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention relates to a shoe and is applicable to a shoe.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

    • 10 sole
    • 20 upper
    • 20b wearing opening
    • 24 heel part
    • 24a rearmost part
    • 24s first band contact region
    • 26 reinforcement structure
    • 30 first band
    • 32 first base end
    • 36b engagement part
    • 40 second band
    • 42 second base end
    • 44 leading end
    • 44b engagement part
    • 50 third band
    • 52 third base end
    • 60 tightening part
    • 100 shoe

Claims

1. A shoe, comprising:

a sole;
an upper disposed above the sole and including a wearing opening;
a first band including a first base end fixed to a boundary part between the upper and the sole, at a position in front of the wearing opening, the first band extending diagonally upward from the first base end to a position in the rear of the wearing opening of the upper;
a second band including a second base end fixed to the boundary part, the second band extending frontward from the second base end to a position in front of the wearing opening, the second band bringing the first band into contact with the upper, at a portion where the second band intersects the first band; and
a tightening part applying tightening force to the second band to tighten the upper.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein an engagement part is disposed at a leading end of the second band to engage with the tightening part.

3. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the second band intersects the first band at a plurality of intersection positions and includes a portion passing through between the first band and the upper and a portion passing through a side of the first band opposite to the upper.

4. The shoe according to claim 3, wherein, at the foremost intersection position among the plurality of intersection positions, the second band passes through a side of the first band opposite to the upper.

5. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the second base end includes a portion fixed to the boundary part, at a position within a range between 35% and 90% inclusive of the entire length of the shoe from the toe along a longitudinal direction.

6. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the shoe comprises a plurality of the second bands, and the plurality of second bands are connected with each other at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, or a midway therebetween of the relevant second bands.

7. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein a second band is branched into a plurality of parts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, or a midway therebetween of the second band.

8. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the first band is branched into a plurality of parts at one or more positions of the base end side, leading end side, or a midway therebetween of the first band.

9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the first band comes into contact with a first band contact region provided on the top side of a rearmost part of a heel part in the upper, and
in the first band contact region, a reinforcement structure that is more strengthened than the surrounding regions is provided.

10. The shoe according to claim 9, further comprising a third band including a third base end fixed to the boundary part at a position in the rear of the first base end, the third band extending from the third base end, wherein

the third band covers the first band in the first band contact region.

11. The shoe according to claim 10, wherein the third band intersects a second band and brings the second band into contact with the upper.

12. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein one of the first band and a second band includes a portion constituted by a planar member having a predetermined width, and the other of the first band and the second band includes a portion constituted by a string-shaped or thread-shaped member that is thinner than the predetermined width.

13. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first band or a second band is formed of a material having lower stretchability than the material of the upper.

Patent History
Publication number: 20220312899
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 27, 2019
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2022
Inventors: Kenta TATENO (Kobe-shi, Hyogo), Hisanori FUJITA (Kobe-shi, Hyogo), Seiji YANO (Kobe-shi, Hyogo)
Application Number: 17/764,137
Classifications
International Classification: A43C 1/06 (20060101);