UPPER, SHOE, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING UPPER

Abstract

An upper includes a cloth-like base member including at least one layer, and a plurality of linear members disposed independently of each other. Each of the linear members includes a first portion disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member along a length direction and fixed to the layer, and a second portion disposed in a portion of the linear member other than the first portion and not fixed to the layer. A part or all of the second portion of at least one of the linear members is exposed to an outside of the base member.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an upper, a shoe including the upper, and a method for manufacturing the upper.

BACKGROUND

A number of techniques have been developed to bring an upper into close contact with a foot by applying tension to the upper. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for an upper with a plurality of eyelet holes disposed at left and right side edge portions of a throat portion, in which a shoelace is alternately passed through the left and right eyelet holes and an inlaid strand is passed between meshes of knitted fabric that is a base member of the upper.

In Patent Literature 1, one inlaid strand is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the throat portion. Each inlaid strand extends from the outer edge of the upper toward the throat portion, and then repeatedly extends around one eyelet hole and return to the outer edge of the upper. One of the inlaid strands is disposed around each of the eyelet holes disposed in one side edge portion of the throat portion. The other of the inlaid strands is disposed around each of the eyelet holes disposed in the other side edge portion of the throat portion. In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, by pulling the shoelace to apply tension to the inlaid strands, tension is easily applied to a wide range of the upper.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• Patent Literature 1: JP 6302478 B

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

However, in the upper disclosed in Patent Literature 1, since tension is less likely to be applied to a portion of each inlaid strand positioned on the toe side when the shoelace is pulled from the heel side end of the shoelace, it is necessary to pull the shoelace successively from the toe side in order to apply tension to the inlaid strands.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and a purpose of the present disclosure is to obtain an upper capable of applying tension to the upper in one action instead of pulling a shoelace successively from a toe side.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem and achieve the object, an upper comprising: a cloth-like base member including at least one layer; and a plurality of linear members disposed independently of each other, wherein each of the linear members includes: a first portion disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member along a length direction and fixed to the layer; and a second portion disposed in a portion of the linear member other than the first portion and not fixed to the layer, and a part or all of the second portion of at least one of the linear members is exposed to an outside of the base member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An upper according to the present disclosure has an effect that tension can be applied to the upper in one action instead of pulling a shoelace successively from a toe side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a developed view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a linear member, a cord lock, and a cord tip according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a developed view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrating an opening disposed in an outer edge of a base member.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a linear member, a cord, a cord lock, and a cord tip of a shoe according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a developed view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a developed view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a developed view illustrating an upper of a shoe according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of an upper, a shoe, and a method for manufacturing the upper according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. In the following description, the same portions are denoted by the same reference signs, and redundant description will be omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a developed view illustrating an upper 2 of a shoe 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the drawings including FIG. 1, only the shoe 1 for a left foot is illustrated. Since the shoe 1 has a left-right symmetrical structure for a left foot and a right foot, only the shoe 1 for a left foot is described in the present embodiment, and the description of the shoe 1 for a right foot is omitted. In the following description, a direction in which a shoe center axis C, which is a perpendicular line passing through the center of the shoe 1 in a plan view of the shoe 1, extends is referred to as a fore-rear direction, and a direction orthogonal to the fore-rear direction in a plan view of the shoe 1 is referred to as a foot width direction.

In addition, a direction from the heel toward the toe of the shoe 1 in the fore-rear direction is referred to as a fore side, and a direction from the toe toward the heel of the shoe 1 in the fore-rear direction is referred to as a rear side.

In addition, a median side of a foot in the anatomical position is referred to as a medial foot side, and the side opposite to the median side of the foot in the anatomical position is referred to as a lateral foot side. That is, the side closer to the median line in the anatomical position is referred to as the medial foot side, and the side farther from the median line in the anatomical position is referred to as the lateral foot side.

In addition, a vertical direction means a direction orthogonal to both the fore-rear direction and the foot width direction unless otherwise specified.

The upper 2 includes an upper forefoot portion R1 that covers a forefoot position of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, an upper midfoot portion R2 that covers a midfoot position of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, an upper rearfoot portion R3 that covers a rearfoot position of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, and an upper sole portion R4 that covers a sole of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape. The upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, and the upper rearfoot portion R3 are connected in this order in the fore-rear direction from the fore side of the upper 2. The upper sole portion R4 is disposed continuously with the upper midfoot portion R2 and the upper rearfoot portion R3. The upper sole portion R4 is connected to lower edges of the upper midfoot portion R2 and the upper rearfoot portion R3 on the medial foot side. The upper sole portion R4 serves as an inner sole that covers a lower opening formed by being surrounded by a lower edge of the upper forefoot portion R1, a lower edge of the upper midfoot portion R2, and a lower edge of the upper rearfoot portion R3.

A line along the foot width direction passing through a position corresponding to about 25% of the dimension of the upper 2 from the fore end of the upper 2 in the fore-rear direction is defined as a first boundary line S1, and a line along the foot width direction passing through a position corresponding to about 66% of the dimension of the upper 2 from the fore end of the upper 2 in the fore-rear direction is defined as a second boundary line S2. The first boundary line S1 is a line roughly along the MP joint of a wearer with a standard body shape. The second boundary line S2 is a line roughly along the Chopart joint of a wearer with a standard body shape. The upper forefoot portion R1 is positioned in front of the first boundary line S1. The upper midfoot portion R2 is positioned between the first boundary line S1 and the second boundary line S2. The upper rearfoot portion R3 is positioned behind the second boundary line S2.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shoe 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe 1 is used as, for example, running shoes, other sports shoes, walking shoes, climbing shoes, and casual shoes. The shoe 1 includes the upper 2, a sole 3, a cord lock 4, and a cord tip 5.

The upper 2 is positioned above the sole 3. The upper 2 includes a cloth-like base member 20 including at least one layer 20a, and a plurality of linear members 21 disposed independently of each other. In the present exemplary embodiment, the upper 2 having a monosock structure is described as an example.

The base member 20 covers a part on the instep side of a foot. On the upper portion of the base member 20, a foot insertion opening 22 is disposed to insert a foot of a wearer. Examples of material of the base member 20 include a knitted fabric made by forming yarns into chains and interlocking the chain-shaped portions to form a cloth, a woven fabric made by crossing warp yarns and weft yarns at a certain angle to form a cloth, a braided fabric made by crossing three or more braid yarns in such a manner that the braid yarns are arranged obliquely to form a cloth, and the like. In order to arrange the linear members 21 at a plurality of angles with respect to the knitting direction, a warp knitted fabric is preferably used as the material of the base member 20. Note that the material of the base member 20 is not limited to the exemplified materials. Details of the base member 20 and the linear members 21 will be described later.

The sole 3 is positioned below the upper 2. The sole 3 covers the sole of the wearer. The sole 3 includes an outsole 30 and a midsole 31. The sole 3 is fixed to the base member 20 by stitching, welding, bonding, or a combination thereof. The lower surface of the outsole 30 serves as a ground contact surface 30a to be contacted on the ground. The midsole 31 is positioned on the upper surface of the outsole 30 and has a cushioning property. Note that the outsole 30 may be integrated with the midsole 31. The outsole 30 integrated with the midsole 31 is also referred to as a “unisole”.

Next, the base member 20 and the linear members 21 are described in detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base member 20 includes the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, the upper rearfoot portion R3, and the upper sole portion R4. The upper sole portion R4 is fixed to the upper surface of the midsole 31 illustrated in FIG. 2 by bonding or welding. Although not illustrated, the shoe 1 may include an insole. If the shoe 1 includes an insole, the insole is installed on the upper sole portion R4 inside the upper 2. In assembling the upper 2, the upper sole portion R4 is bent using a boundary portion between the upper midfoot portion R2 and the upper rearfoot portion R3 and the upper sole portion R4 as a base point in such a manner that the upper sole portion R4 covers a lower opening formed by being surrounded by the lower edge of the upper forefoot portion R1, the lower edge of the upper midfoot portion R2, and the lower edge of the upper rearfoot portion R3. In a state in which the upper 2 is assembled, an edge of the upper sole portion R4 adjacent to a boundary portion between the upper midfoot portion R2 and the upper rearfoot portion R3 serves as a medial-foot-side edge of the upper sole portion R4, and an edge of the upper sole portion R4 opposite to the medial-foot-side edge in the foot width direction serves as a lateral-foot-side edge.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base member 20 includes a first layer 20b, a second layer 20c disposed with a gap from the first layer 20b, and a third layer 20d connecting the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. The first layer 20b, the second layer 20c, and the third layer 20d are integrally formed of a single material.

In the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, and the upper rearfoot portion R3 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first layer 20b illustrated in FIG. 3 is a layer facing the outside of the upper 2, and the second layer 20c is a layer facing the inside of the upper 2. In the upper sole portion R4 illustrated in FIG. 1, the second layer 20c illustrated in FIG. 3 is a layer facing the inside of the upper 2, and the first layer 20b is a layer facing the outside of the upper 2. The third layer 20d is disposed so as to be reciprocated a plurality of times between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the base member 20, a first region 20e and a second region 20f are disposed. In FIG. 1, the first region 20e is dot-hatched in order to clarify the range of the first region 20e. The first region 20e is formed on a route of a second portions 21b, which will be described later, of each linear member 21. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first region 20e, the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c are disposed, but the third layer 20d is not disposed. In the first region 20e, a curved path 20k extending in a curved shape is disposed between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second region 20f is a region of the base member 20 other than the first region 20e. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the second region 20f, the first layer 20b, the second layer 20c, and the third layer 20d are disposed.

Each linear member 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, a yarn obtained by bundling a plurality of fibers, a resin formed into a linear shape, a twisted yarn, or the like. As a material of the linear member 21, polyester, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane, nylon, spandex, Kevlar (registered trademark), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, Single Covered Yarn (SCY) or Double Covered Yarn (DCY) covering polyurethane, or the like is used, for example.

Although the linear members 21 are disposed in the portions other than the upper forefoot portion R1 in the present embodiment, the linear members 21 may be disposed over the entire region of the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, the upper rearfoot portion R3, and the upper sole portion R4. That is, the linear members 21 may be disposed over the entire region of the base member 20. The linear members 21 are also disposed in a heel portion of the shoe 1 and an instep portion of the shoe 1.

The number of linear members 21 is not particularly limited, but is eight in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, if the eight linear members 21 are distinguished, the first to fourth linear members 21 from the fore side on the lateral foot side from the shoe center axis C are referred to as a linear member 21c, a linear member 21d, a linear member 21e, and a linear member 21f, respectively, and the first to fourth linear members 21 from the fore side on the medial foot side from the shoe center axis C are referred to as a linear member 21g, a linear member 21h, a linear member 21i, and a linear member 21j, respectively. The linear members 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, 21i, and 21j are represented by the same line type and the same line thickness in FIG. 1, but are represented by different line types and different line thicknesses in FIG. 2.

The linear members 21c, 21d, and 21e extend in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side toward a central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extend linearly toward the rear side, and then extend in a curved shape toward the heel portion of the upper 2 on the medial foot side. The linear member 21f extends in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side toward the central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extends linearly toward the rear side, and then extends in a curved shape toward the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side. The linear member 21f further extends beyond the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side and from the edge of the upper sole portion R4 on the medial foot side to the edge on the lateral foot side. The linear members 21c, 21d, 21e, and 21f are disposed in order from the fore side in a portion of the upper midfoot portion R2 on the lateral foot side from the shoe center axis C, and the linear members 21f, 21e, 21d, and 21c are disposed in order from the fore side in a portion of the upper midfoot portion R2 on the medial foot side from the shoe center axis C. In addition, the linear members 21c, 21d, and 21e are disposed in order from the upper side in a portion of the upper rearfoot portion R3 on the medial foot side from the shoe center axis C.

In the present embodiment, the linear members 21g, 21h, 21i, and 21j extend from the edge of the upper sole portion R4 on the lateral foot side to the edge on the medial foot side, and reach the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side. In addition, the linear members 21g, 21h, and 21i extend in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side toward the central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extend linearly toward the rear side, and then extend in a curved shape toward the heel portion of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side. The linear member 21j extends in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side toward the central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extends linearly toward the rear side, and then extends in a curved shape toward the lower edge of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side. The linear members 21g, 21h, 21i, and 21j are disposed in order from the fore side in a portion of the upper midfoot portion R2 on the medial foot side from the shoe center axis C, and the linear members 21j, 211, 21h, and 21g are disposed in order from the fore side in a portion of the upper midfoot portion R2 on the lateral foot side from the shoe center axis C. In addition, the linear members 21g, 21h, and 21i are disposed in order from the upper side in a portion of the upper rearfoot portion R3 on the lateral foot side from the shoe center axis C. The linear members 21 each extend across the instep portion of the shoe 1 from one of the medial foot side and the lateral foot side of the shoe 1 toward the other.

The linear members 21c, 21d, 21e, and 21f and the linear members 21g, 21h, 21i, and 21j positioned in the portions other than the upper sole portion R4 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the shoe center axis C. In other words, in the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, and the upper rearfoot portion R3, the linear members 21 are disposed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the shoe center axis C. The linear members 21c, 21d, 21e, 21g, 21h, and 21i are disposed in the heel portion of the shoe 1. The linear members 21c and 21g are disposed around the foot insertion opening 22. The linear member 21c and the linear member 21g are disposed with the foot insertion opening 22 interposed therebetween.

Each of the linear member 21 includes a first portion 21a disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member 21 along a length direction and fixed to the layer 20a, and a second portion 21b disposed in a portion of the linear member 21 other than the first portion 21a and not fixed to the layer 20a. In the present embodiment, the first portions 21a of all the linear members 21 are disposed at both ends of the respective linear members 21 along the length direction. In FIG. 1, the first portions 21a are represented by thicker broken lines than the second portions 21b in order to clarify the ranges of the first portions 21a and the second portions 21b.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 5 and 6, each linear member 21 is represented by a broken line for easy understanding. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first portion 21a of the linear member 21 disposed in the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, and the upper rearfoot portion R3 is entangled with the second layer 20c. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first portion 21a of the linear member 21 disposed in the upper sole portion R4 is entangled with the second layer 20c. In the present specification, “the first portion 21a of the linear member 21 being entangled” means that the linear member 21 is knitted, the linear member 21 is interwoven, the linear member 21 is braided, and the like. The first portion 21a of the linear member 21 may also be entangled with the third layer 20d. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c without being entangled with the first layer 20b, the second layer 20c, and the third layer 20d.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are partly disposed to be concentrated at one position in the central portion in the foot width direction and exposed to the outside of the base member 20. Hereinafter, a portion in which the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are concentrated at one position can be referred to as a concentrated portion 21k. In the present embodiment, the concentrated portion 21k is disposed in front of the foot insertion opening 22 in the central portion of the upper midfoot portion R2 in the foot width direction. The remainders of the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are disposed so as to be dispersed from each other. The second portions 21b of the linear members 21 each include a linear portion 21m extending linearly and a curved portion 21n passing through the curved path 20k disposed in the base member 20. The linear portion 21m is a portion of the second portion 21b of the linear member 21 corresponding to the concentrated portion 21k, and extends linearly along the front-rear direction. The curved portion 21n is a portion of the second portion 21b of the linear member 21 other than the concentrated portion 21k, and extends in a curved shape.

In the base member 20, a hole 20g is disposed to expose the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 to the outside of the layer 20a. The hole 20g may be disposed in at least one of the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. In the present embodiment, the hole 20g is disposed in the instep portion of the shoe 1 and is disposed at a position overlapping the concentrated portion 21k in the vertical direction. The hole 20g is disposed in a portion of the instep portion of the shoe 1 adjacent to the foot insertion opening 22. The number of holes 20g is one in the present embodiment. The shape of the hole 20g is not particularly limited, but is elliptical in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are partly exposed, that is, the concentrated portion 21k is exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the hole 20g. Note that a part or all of the second portion 21b of at least one of the linear members 21 is only required to be exposed to the outside of the base member 20. The portion of the second portion 21b exposed to the outside of the base member 20 is for pulling the second portion 21b. The second portion 21b of the linear member 21 includes a member formed of a cord or the like that is a separate body different from the other second portions 21b. That is, a separate member such as a cord may be disposed as a part of the second portion 21b of the linear member 21, and only the separate member may be exposed to the outside of the base member 20 and pulled. In this case, the separate member such as a cord is the portion of the second portion 21b exposed to the outside of the base member 20.

In manufacturing the upper 2, the base member 20 and the linear members 21 can be formed in a single process using a dedicated machine. As a method for manufacturing the upper 2, it is preferable to form the base member 20 and the linear members 21 in a single process, but the base member 20 and the linear member 21 may be formed in separate processes.

Next, the cord lock 4 and the cord tip 5 are described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the linear members 21, the cord lock 4, and the cord tip 5 according to the first embodiment.

The shoe 1 includes the cord lock 4 that immovably fixes the linear members 21, and the cord tip 5 that prevents the linear members 21 from coming out of the cord lock 4. The cord lock 4 includes an insertion hole 4a through which each linear member 21 exposed to the outside of the base member 20 is inserted. The shape of the insertion holes 4a is circular in the present embodiment. The number of insertion holes 4a is two in the present embodiment. The cord tip 5 is attached to each linear member 21 exposed to the outside of the base member 20. The thickness of the cord tip 5 is larger than the inner circumferential dimension of the insertion hole 4a.

Next, effects of the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment are described.

In the present embodiment, the upper 2 includes the cloth-like base member 20 having at least one layer 20a, and the linear members 21 disposed independently of each other, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, each of the linear members 21 includes the first portion 21a disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member 21 along the length direction and fixed to the layer 20a, and the second portion 21b disposed in a portion of the linear member 21 other than the first portion 21a and not fixed to the layer 20a. In addition, a part or all of the second portion 21b of at least one of the linear members 21 is exposed to the outside of the base member 20. With these configurations, when the second portion 21b of the linear member 21 exposed to the outside of the base member 20 is pulled upward from the state illustrated in FIG. 1, tension is applied to the linear members 21 and is also applied to the base member 20 to which the linear members 21 are fixed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to apply tension to the entire upper 2 in one action. That is, in the present embodiment, tension can be applied to the entire upper 2 by pulling the linear member 21 only once, and this eliminates the need to pull a shoelace successively from the toe side a plurality of times. In addition, since the linear members 21 are connected via the base member 20, simply pulling at least one of the linear members 21 also applies tension to the other linear members 21 via the base member 20, and this applies the tension to the entire upper 2. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for applying tension to the entire upper 2 to bring the upper 2 into close contact with the foot. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are partly disposed to be concentrated at one position and exposed to the outside of the base member 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1, pulling collectively the part of the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 disposed to be concentrated at one position easily applies tension directly to the linear members 21.

In the present embodiment, since the remainders of the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are disposed so as to be dispersed from each other as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is possible to apply tension to the entire upper 2 by the linear members 21 spread over a wide range of the base member 20. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to apply tension to the entire upper 2 by pulling at least one of the linear members 21 only once.

In the present embodiment, since the linear members 21 each extend across the instep portion of the shoe 1 from one of the medial foot side and the lateral foot side of the shoe 1 toward the other as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is possible to apply tension to the medial foot side and the lateral foot side of the upper 2 in a balanced manner. Note that the linear members 21 may be disposed on only one of the medial foot side and the lateral foot side of the shoe 1 without extending across the instep portion of the shoe 1 from one of the medial foot side and the lateral foot side of the shoe 1 toward the other. For example, the linear member 21c illustrated in FIG. 1 may extend in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side toward the central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extend linearly toward the rear side, and then extend in a curved shape toward the heel portion of the upper 2 on the lateral foot side in the same manner as the route of the linear member 21g illustrated in FIG. 1. Meanwhile, the linear member 21g illustrated in FIG. 1 may extend in a curved shape from the lower edge of the upper 2 on the medial foot side toward the central portion of the upper 2 in the foot width direction, further extend linearly toward the rear side, and then extend in a curved shape toward the heel portion of the upper 2 on the medial foot side in the same manner as the route of the linear member 21c illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the present embodiment, since the layer 20a includes the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c disposed with a gap from the first layer 20b and the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c as illustrated in FIG. 7, it is possible to protect the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 with the layer 20a.

In the present embodiment, the hole 20g is disposed in at least one of the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c to partly expose the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 to the outside of the layer 20a, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. Thus, since the second portions 21b positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c are partly exposed from the hole 20g to pull the exposed portion from the outside of the shoe 1, it is possible to prevent the linear members 21 from coming into contact with the foot of the wearer.

In the present embodiment, since the linear members 21 are arranged at a plurality of angles with respect to the knitting direction as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the direction of the tension to be applied to the upper 2.

In the present embodiment, since the base member 20 and the linear members 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be formed in a single process, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing processes, the amount of waste material, and the like of the upper 2 and to achieve cost reduction and environmental load reduction. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the upper. 2 capable of applying tension in any direction in one action while reducing costs and environmental loads.

In the present embodiment, since some of the linear members 21 are disposed around the foot insertion opening 22 in the heel portion of the shoe 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is possible for a wearer to loosen the circumference of the foot insertion opening 22 to easily put on the shoe 1 by loosening the linear members 21 when the wearer puts on the shoe 1, and to tighten the circumference of the foot insertion opening 22 by pulling the linear members 21 after the wearer puts on the shoe 1. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both the ease of wearing of the shoe 1 and the tightening the circumference of the foot insertion opening 22 of the shoe 1.

In the present embodiment, since the first portions 21a disposed in the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2, and the upper rearfoot portion R3 are entangled with the second layer 20c facing the inside of the upper 2 in the state where the upper 2 is assembled as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, the first portions 21a are positioned on the foot side of the wearer. In addition, since the first portions 21a disposed in the upper sole portion R4 are entangled with the second layer 20c facing the inside of the upper 2 in the state where the upper 2 is assembled as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first portions 21a are positioned on the foot side of the wearer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fixing portions between the linear members 21 and the base member 20 from being damaged by friction or the like, and to enhance the design of the shoe 1 without exposing the fixing portions between the linear members 21 and the base member 20 to the outside of the shoe 1.

Note that, the upper 2 includes the upper sole portion R4 as illustrated in FIG. 1 in the present exemplary embodiment, but the upper sole portion R4 may be omitted. In the case of such a structure, the sole 3 may include an inner sole covering the lower opening of the upper 2.

In the present embodiment, the layer 20a of the base member 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like includes two layers, but the layer 20a of the base member 20 may be one layer. When the layer 20a of the base member 20 is one layer, the second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are disposed on one of the surface of the layer 20a facing the outside of the upper 2 and the surface facing the inside of the upper 2. A part or all of the second portion 21b of at least one of the linear members 21 may be exposed on the surface of the layer 20a, that is, on one of the surface of the layer 20a facing the outside of the upper 2 and the surface facing the inside of the upper 2. When the layer 20a of the base member 20 is one layer as described above, it is possible to reduce the weight of the shoe 1.

It is preferable that at least a part of the layer 20a illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like has transparency. If the linear members 21 are hidden by the layer 20a, the linear members 21 can be visually recognized from the outside of the upper 2 by disposing the layer 20a having transparency. Thus, by showing the linear members 21, it is possible to enhance the design of the shoe 1. In addition, it is possible to visually confirm the degree of tightening of the upper 2.

The stretching direction, the number, the material, and the like of the linear members 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be appropriately changed according to the application of the shoe 1. For example, if the shoe 1 is a casual shoe, the number of the linear members 21 may be reduced. Alternatively, for example, if the shoe 1 is a performance shoe such as a running shoe, a material having low stretchability may be used for the material of the linear members 21.

In addition, the arrangement of the linear members 21 is not limited to the illustrated examples, and may be appropriately changed according to the application of the shoe 1. For example, if the shoe 1 is a casual shoe, the linear members 21 may not be disposed in the upper sole portion R4. Alternatively, for example, if the shoe 1 is a core performance shoe such as a basketball or volleyball shoe, it is necessary to attach a counter to the heel portion of the shoe 1 to provide stability to the heel portion, and thus the linear members 21 may not be disposed to the heel portion of the shoe 1.

The linear members 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 may have at least one of the same stretchability and the same tensile strength, or some of the linear members 21 and the remainders of the linear members 21 may differ in at least one of stretchability and tensile strength. Note that, when the wearer of the shoe 1 moves, the upper midfoot portion R2 is sheared and deformed in the foot width direction due to distortion, such as contraction or twisting, of the skin of the midfoot position of the foot. Therefore, for example, the stretchability of the linear members 21f and 21i extending in the upper midfoot portion R2 in the foot width direction may be made higher than the stretchability of the other linear members 21. This allows the linear members 21f and 21i to be easily sheared and deformed in the foot width direction following the distortion of the skin of the foot, and it is possible to ease the contact of the upper 2 with the foot and to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the upper 2. By changing the material of the linear members 21, the number of fibers constituting the linear members 21, and the like, it is possible to make the stretchability and the tensile strength of the linear members 21 different from each other.

Depending on the position at which the linear members 21 illustrated in FIG. 1 are exposed, that is, the position at which the linear members 21 are pulled, the portion in which tension is likely to be applied and the portion in which tension is less likely to be applied in the upper 2 are changed. Therefore, the position at which the linear members 21 are pulled may be appropriately changed according to the application of the shoe 1.

FIG. 9 is a developed view illustrating the upper 2 of the shoe 1 according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 9, the second portions 21b are represented by solid lines or broken lines, and the first portions 21a are represented by thicker broken lines than the second portions 21b. For example, the hole 20g may be disposed in the heel portion of the shoe 1. The hole 20g is disposed in the upper rearfoot portion R3. In the present modification, the number of holes 20g is two in total, one on the medial foot side and one on the lateral foot side in the foot width direction with the foot insertion opening 22 interposed therebetween. In the present modification, a part of the second portions 21b of the three linear members 21 is exposed from each hole 20g to the outside of the base member 20. In the present modification, the upper 2 has a structure including a throat portion 23 that communicates with the foot insertion opening 22 and extends from the foot insertion opening 22 toward the fore side, and a shoe tongue (not illustrated) that covers the throat portion 23 inside the upper 2. Note that since the throat portion 23 is formed by cutting the upper 2, the base member 20 and the linear members 21 are not actually present in a portion overlapping with the throat portion 23, but the base member 20 and the linear members 21 are also illustrated in the portion overlapping with the throat portion 23 in FIG. 9 for convenience of description.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 9. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first portion 21a of the linear member 21 disposed at the position overlapping with the throat portion 23 is entangled with the second layer 20c. In the present modification, when the second portions 21b of the six linear members 21 exposed to the outside of the base member 20 illustrated in FIG. 9 are pulled upward, tension is applied to the pulled linear members 21, and the tension is also applied to the base member 20 to which the pulled linear members 21 are fixed. Therefore, in the present modification, it is possible to apply tension to the entire upper 2 in one action. In particular, by pulling the linear members 21 from the heel side, it is possible to apply tension to the upper 2 in the front-rear direction and the foot width direction at the same time. In addition, in the present modification, since tension is easily applied to the heel portion of the shoe 1 by pulling the linear members 21 from the heel side, it is possible to enhance the feeling that the heel position of the wearer is being held. In addition, in the present modification, since the second portions 21b positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c are exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the holes 20g to pull the exposed portion from the outside of the shoe 1, it is possible to prevent the linear members 21 from coming into contact with the foot of the wearer.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the upper 2 of the shoe 1 according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrating an opening 20h disposed in an outer edge of the base member 20. The linear members 21 may be exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the opening 20h formed by separating the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c in the outer edge of the base member 20. In the outer edge of the base member 20, the opening 20h communicating with the gap between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c is disposed to expose the second portion 21b of at least one of the linear members 21 to the outside of the layer 20a. The opening 20h is disposed in a part of the outer edge of the base member 20. In the present modification, since the second portion 21b positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c is exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the opening 20h to pull the exposed portion from the outside of the shoe 1, it is possible to prevent the linear members 21 from coming into contact with the foot of the wearer. Note that, when the second portion 21b is exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the opening 20h disposed in the outer edge of the base member 20, the second portion 21b disposed at one end portion of the linear member 21 along the length direction is only required to be exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the opening 20h. In the case of such a structure, the first portion 21a is disposed at least at one end portion of the linear member 21 along the length direction.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the linear members 21, a cord 6, the cord lock 4, and the cord tip 5 of the shoe 1 according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment described above, the linear members 21 are directly connected to the cord lock 4, and the cord tip 5 is attached to the linear members 21. However, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the linear members 21 may be indirectly connected to the cord lock 4 via the cord 6, and the cord tip 5 may be attached to the cord 6. The cord lock 4 immovably fixes the cord 6 and the linear members 21. The cord tip 5 serves to prevent the cord 6 from coming out of the cord lock 4. Through two insertion holes 4a of the cord lock 4, one cord 6 is inserted. The one cord 6 passes through one of the insertion holes 4a, turns around, and then passes through the other of the insertion holes 4a. The linear members 21 are connected to a folded portion 6a of the cord 6. The cord tip 5 is attached to each of one end portion and the other end portion of the cord 6 along the length direction. In the present modification, the linear members 21 can be collectively pulled with the cord 6.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a developed view illustrating an upper 2A of a shoe 1A according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 13. The shoe 1A according to the second embodiment is different from the shoe 1 according to the first embodiment in the configurations of a base member 20 and linear members 21. In FIG. 13, first portions 21a are represented by broken lines, and second portions 21b are represented by solid lines.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the base member 20, a first region 20m and a second region 20n are disposed. The first region 20m is disposed on the route of the first portions 21a of the linear members 21. In addition, the first region 20m is disposed along an outer edge of the base member 20, that is, an outer edge of the upper 2A. In other words, the first region 20m is disposed along the outer edges of an upper forefoot portion R1, an upper midfoot portion R2, an upper rearfoot portion R3, and an upper sole portion R4. In FIG. 13, the first region 20m disposed along the outer edge of the upper 2A is dot-hatched. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the first region 20m, a first layer 20b, a second layer 20c, and a third layer 20d are disposed.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second region 20n is a region of the base member 20 other than the first region 20m. As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the second region 20n, the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c are disposed, but the third layer 20d is not disposed.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the second portions 21b of all the linear members 21 are disposed in the central portion of the linear members 21 along a length direction, and the first portions 21a of all the linear members 21 are disposed in a portion other than the central portion of the linear members 21 along the length direction. The second portions 21b of the linear members 21 are partly disposed to be concentrated at one position and exposed to the outside of the base member 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the first portion 21a of the linear member 21 is disposed so as to be reciprocated a plurality of times between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. The first portion 21a of the linear member 21 is entangled with the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. The first portion 21a of the linear member 21 may also be entangled with the third layer 20d. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the second portion 21b of the linear member 21 is positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c without being entangled with the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. In the present embodiment, it is also possible to achieve effects similar to those of the first embodiment described above.

FIG. 18 is a developed view illustrating the upper 2A of the shoe 1A according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, the first portions 21a are represented by broken lines, and the second portions 21b are represented by solid lines or broken lines. In FIG. 18, the broken lines representing the first portions 21a are thicker than the broken lines representing the second portions 21b.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, the hole 20g may be disposed in the heel portion of the shoe 1A. The hole 20g is disposed in the upper rearfoot portion R3. In the present modification, the number of holes 20g is two in total, one on the medial foot side and one on the lateral foot side in the foot width direction with the foot insertion opening 22 interposed therebetween. In the present modification, a part of the second portions 21b of the three linear members 21 is exposed from each hole 20g to the outside of the base member 20. In the present modification, the upper 2A has a structure including a throat portion 23 that communicates with the foot insertion opening 22 and extends from the foot insertion opening 22 toward the fore side, and a shoe tongue (not illustrated) that covers the throat portion 23 inside the upper 2A. Note that since the throat portion 23 is formed by cutting the upper 2A, the base member 20 and the linear members 21 are not actually present in a portion overlapping with the throat portion 23, but the base member 20 and the linear members 21 are also illustrated in the portion overlapping with the throat portion 23 in FIG. 18 for convenience of description.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, in the base member 20, the first region 20m and the second region 20n are disposed. The first region 20m is disposed on the route of the first portions 21a of the linear members 21. In addition, the first region 20m is disposed along an outer edge of the base member 20, that is, an outer edge of the upper 2A. In FIG. 18, the first region 20m disposed along the outer edge of the upper 2A is dot-hatched.

In the present modification, the first portions 21a and the second portions 21b of all the linear members 21 are alternately disposed along the length direction of the linear member 21. Each first portion 21a is disposed in a portion of the linear member 21 extending from the outer edge of the upper 2A toward the throat portion 23, a portion corresponding to the edge of the throat portion 23, and a portion corresponding to the throat portion 23. Each second portion 21b is disposed in a portion of the linear member 21 near the edge of the throat portion 23 and a portion corresponding to the holes 20g. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the first portion 21a disposed in the portion of the linear member 21 extending from the outer edge of the upper 2A toward the throat portion 23 is disposed so as to be reciprocated a plurality of times between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c, and is entangled with the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the first portion 21a disposed in the portion of the linear member 21 corresponding to the throat portion 23 and the portion corresponding to the edge of the throat portion 23 is entangled with the second layer 20c. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the second portion 21b of the linear member 21 is positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c without being entangled with the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c.

In the present modification, when the second portions 21b of the six linear members 21 exposed to the outside of the base member 20 illustrated in FIG. 18 are pulled upward, tension is applied to the pulled linear members 21, and the tension is also applied to the base member 20 to which the pulled linear members 21 are fixed. Therefore, in the present modification, it is possible to apply tension to the entire upper 2A in one action. In particular, by pulling the linear members 21 from the heel side, it is possible to apply the tension to the upper 2A in the front-rear direction and the foot width direction at the same time. In addition, in the present modification, since tension is easily applied to the heel portion of the shoe 1A by pulling the linear members 21 from the heel side, it is possible to enhance the feeling that the heel position of the wearer is being held. In addition, in the present modification, since the second portions 21b positioned between the first layer 20b and the second layer 20c are exposed to the outside of the base member 20 from the holes 20g to pull the exposed portion from the outside of the shoe 1A, it is possible to prevent the linear members 21 from coming into contact with the foot of the wearer.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 22 is a developed view illustrating an upper 2B of a shoe 1B according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe 1B according to the third embodiment is different from the shoe 1 according to the first embodiment in that the stretchability of a base member 20 is partially changed.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, a layer 20a includes a first stretchable portion 20i disposed in an upper midfoot portion R2 and a second stretchable portion 20j disposed in an upper forefoot portion R1. Note that, in FIG. 22, in order to clarify the ranges of the first stretchable portion 20i and the second stretchable portion 20j, the first stretchable portion 20i and the second stretchable portion 20j are represented with different oblique hatching. The stretchability of the first stretchable portion 20i is higher than the stretchability of the second stretchable portion 20j. For example, the stretchability of the layer 20a can be made different by partially changing the material or the like of the layer 20a.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve effects similar to those of the first embodiment described above. In the present embodiment, since the upper midfoot portion R2 more easily stretches than the upper forefoot portion R1, the upper midfoot portion R2 moderately stretches when a wearer puts on the shoe 1B having a monosock structure, and the wearer easily puts on the shoe 1B.

The configurations described in the above embodiments merely show examples of the present disclosure and can be combined with another known technique, the embodiments can be combined with each other, and a part of each configuration can be omitted or changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In each of the above embodiments, the structure for locking the movement of the linear members 21 using the cord lock 4 and the cord tip 5 has been described, but the structure for locking the movement of the linear members 21 can be appropriately changed.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 1, 1A, 1B SHOE
  • 2, 2A, 2B UPPER
  • 3 SOLE
  • 4 CORD LOCK
  • 4a INSERTION HOLE
  • 5 CORD TIP
  • 6 CORD
  • 6a FOLDED PORTION
  • 20 BASE MEMBER
  • 20a LAYER
  • 20b FIRST LAYER
  • 20c SECOND LAYER
  • 20d THIRD LAYER
  • 20e, 20m FIRST REGION
  • 20f, 20n SECOND REGION
  • 20g HOLE
  • 20h OPENING
  • 20i FIRST STRETCHABLE PORTION
  • 20j SECOND STRETCHABLE PORTION
  • 20k CURVED PATH
  • 21, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h, 21i, 21j LINEAR MEMBER
  • 21a FIRST PORTION
  • 21b SECOND PORTION
  • 21k CONCENTRATED PORTION
  • 21m LINEAR PORTION
  • 21n CURVED PORTION
  • 22 FOOT INSERTION OPENING
  • 23 THROAT PORTION
  • 30 OUTSOLE
  • 30a GROUND CONTACT SURFACE
  • 31 MIDSOLE
  • C SHOE CENTER AKIS
  • R1 UPPER FOREFOOT PORTION
  • R2 UPPER MIDFOOT PORTION
  • R3 UPPER REARFOOT PORTION
  • R4 UPPER SOLE PORTION
  • S1 FIRST BOUNDARY LINE
  • S2 SECOND BOUNDARY LINE

Claims

1. An upper comprising:

a cloth-like base member including at least one layer; and

a plurality of linear members disposed independently of each other, wherein each of the linear members includes:

a first portion disposed in at least one end portion of the linear member along a length direction and fixed to the layer; and

a second portion disposed in a portion of the linear member other than the first portion and not fixed to the layer,

a part or all of the second portion of at least one of the linear members is exposed to an outside of the base member,

the linear members partly extend across the instep portion of the shoe from the medial foot side toward the lateral foot side,

the remainders of the linear members are extend across the instep portion of the shoe from the lateral foot side toward the medial foot side, and

the first portion of at least one of the linear members are disposed in in at least both ends of the respective linear members.

2. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the second portions of the linear members are partly disposed to be concentrated at one position and exposed to the outside of the base member.

3. The upper according to claim 1, wherein in a planar view, a perpendicular line along a front-rear direction of a shoe passing through the center of a foot width direction of the shoe serves as a shoe center axis,

the linear members partly and the remainders of the linear members are disposed symmetrically with respect to the shoe center axis.

4. The upper according to claim 1, wherein remainders of the second portions of the linear members are disposed so as to be dispersed from each other.

5. The upper according to claim 1, wherein

the layer is one layer, and

the second portions of the linear members are exposed on a surface of the layer.

6. The upper according to claim 1, wherein

the layer includes a first layer and a second layer disposed with a gap from the first layer, and

the second portions of the linear members are positioned between the first layer and the second layer.

7. The upper according to claim 6, wherein the second portions of the linear members each include a linear portion extending linearly.

8. The upper according to claim 6, wherein

a curved path extending in a curved shape is disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and

the second portions of the linear members each include a curved portion passing through the curved path.

9. The upper according to claim 6, wherein a hole is disposed in at least one of the first layer and the second layer to expose the second portion of at least one of the linear members to an outside of the layer.

10. The upper according to claim 9, wherein

at least one of the linear members extends to a heel portion of the shoe, and

the hole is disposed in the heel portion of the shoe.

11. The upper according to claim 9, wherein the hole is disposed in the instep portion of the shoe.

12. The upper according to claim 6, wherein an opening communicating with the gap between the first layer and the second layer is disposed in an outer edge of the base member to expose the second portion of at least one of the linear members to an outside of the layer.

13. The upper according to claim 1, wherein some of the linear members and remainders of the linear members differ in at least one of stretchability and tensile strength.

14. The upper according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the layer has transparency.

15. The upper according to claim 1, wherein

the base member includes an upper forefoot portion covering a forefoot position of a foot of a wearer, an upper midfoot portion covering a midfoot position of the foot of the wearer, and an upper rearfoot portion covering a rearfoot position of the foot of the wearer,

the layer includes a first stretchable portion disposed in the upper midfoot portion and a second stretchable portion disposed in the upper forefoot portion, and

stretchability of the first stretchable portion is higher than stretchability of the second stretchable portion.

16. A shoe comprising:

the upper according to claim 1; and

a sole positioned below the upper.

17. A method for manufacturing the upper according to claim 1, wherein

the base member and the linear member are formed in a single process.

18. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the second portions of the linear members are partly disposed to be concentrated at one position in the central portion in the foot width direction.