EP2987421A1 - Sole structure for shoe - Google Patents
Sole structure for shoe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2987421A1 EP2987421A1 EP14784974.9A EP14784974A EP2987421A1 EP 2987421 A1 EP2987421 A1 EP 2987421A1 EP 14784974 A EP14784974 A EP 14784974A EP 2987421 A1 EP2987421 A1 EP 2987421A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lower plate
- sole structure
- indentation
- region
- side end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 161
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 210000000452 mid-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920005992 thermoplastic resin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001875 Ebonite Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005062 Polybutadiene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004760 aramid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006231 aramid fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002857 polybutadiene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012783 reinforcing fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006337 unsaturated polyester resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
- A43B13/125—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer
- A43B13/127—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the midsole or middle layer the midsole being multilayer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/184—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole the structure protruding from the outsole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/185—Elasticated plates sandwiched between two interlocking components, e.g. thrustors
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a sole structure for a shoe, and more particularly, to an improved sole structure that can enhance a sole deformability of a forefoot region and a heel region.
- Japanese Patent No. 4087882 describes a sole structure in which an upper plate is provided on an upper side of a forefoot region of the sole structure, a lower plate having a plurality of projections is provided under the upper plate via a gap, and the upper and lower plates are interconnected to each other through a cushion bar (see Figures 1A and 1B ).
- Japanese Patent No. 4087882 describes a sole structure in which an upper plate is provided on an upper side of a forefoot region of the sole structure, a lower plate having a plurality of projections is provided under the upper plate via a gap, and the upper and lower plates are interconnected to each other through a cushion bar (see Figures 1A and 1B ).
- 4020953 describes a sole structure in which an upper plate is provided on an upper side of a heel region of the sole structure, a wavy lower plate having at least two downwardly convexly bulging parts to form a gap with the upper plate is provided under the upper plate, the upper and lower plates are interconnected to each other through an elastic block, and an outsole is provided and longitudinally separated on a lower surface of each of the downwardly convexly bulging parts of the lower plate (see Figures 1A and 1B ).
- the lower plate when the forefoot region of the sole structure begins to bend during running, the lower plate extends longitudinally in such a way that each of the projections of the lower plate deforms to extend longitudinally. Thereby, bending deformation of the forefoot region is not hindered by the lower plate and bendability of the forefoot region is thus improved.
- the present invention has been made in view of these circumstances and its object is to provide a sole structure for a shoe that can improve sole deformability of a forefoot region and a heel region. Specifically, the present invention is directed to enhancing bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure having an upper and lower plate disposed via a gap formed therebetween. Also, the present invention is directed to enhancing bendability and flexibility of the heel region of the sole structure having an upper and lower plate disposed via a gap formed therebetween.
- a sole structure for a shoe according to the invention claimed in claim 1 includes an upper plate disposed on an upper side of the sole structure, a lower plate that is disposed on a lower side of the sole structure and that form a gap with the upper plate, and an elastic member that is provided in the gap and that vertically interconnects the upper plate with the lower plate. At least a portion of the lower plate is divided in a longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member.
- the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction via the lateral indentation and is in contact with the elastic member at the position where the indentation is formed, when a load is applied to the sole structure during wearing the shoe, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easy to deform independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate.
- the lateral indentation is easy to deform so as to expand in the longitudinal direction.
- the elastic member contributes to deformability of the sole structure, thereby enhancing durability of the lower plate and thus the entire sole structure.
- the upper plate and the lower plate are disposed at a forefoot region of the sole structure, the elastic member is disposed at a medial side end portion and a lateral side end portion of the sole structure, and the lower plate extends continuously without being divided in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region of the sole structure.
- one of the longitudinally extending regions in front and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easy to deform independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate.
- a longitudinally continuously extending part at the laterally central region of the lower plate is easy to bending-deform without being restrained by the elastic member. Thereby, bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure can be improved.
- the lower plate not only has a laterally extending first indentation formed therein that divides the lower plate in the longitudinal direction at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of the sole structure but also has a longitudinally extending second indentation that is formed therein at the laterally central region of the sole structure and that is integrated with the first indentation.
- a longitudinally continuously extending part at the laterally central region of the lower plate becomes easier to bending-deform, thus further enhancing bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure. Also, provision of the second indentation in addition to the first indentation makes the lower plate lighter in weight.
- the first indentation and the second indentation form a generally T-shaped indentation in the lower plate.
- a longitudinally continuously extending portion of the lower plate may have an upwardly convex shape at the laterally central region of the sole structure (see the invention claimed in claim 5).
- the longitudinally continuously extending portion at the laterally central region of the lower plate has a longitudinal extension margin, it is easy to extend in the longitudinal direction, thus further improving bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure.
- the elastic member may have a recess formed on a lower surface thereof that is disposed at a position corresponding to the indentation of the lower plate and that extends along the indentation (see the invention claimed in claim 6).
- the elastic member deforms elastically in such a way that a width of the recess expands.
- the longitudinally extending regions in front and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate are much easier to deform, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure.
- the elastic member may extend along an entire width of the sole structure (see the invention claimed in claim 7) .
- the upper plate and the lower plate may be provided at a forefoot region of the sole structure, the elastic member may be disposed inside a medial side end portion and inside a lateral side end portion of the sole structure, and the lower plate may extend continuously without being divided in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region, the medial side end portion and the lateral side endportion of the sole structure.
- one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easily deformable independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate.
- longitudinally continuously extending parts at the laterally central region, the medial side end portion, and the lateral side end portion of the lower plate are easy to bending-deform without being restrained by the elastic member. Thereby, bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure can be improved.
- the lower plate not only has a laterally extending third indentation that divides the lower plate in the longitudinal direction inside at the medial side end portion and inside at the lateral side end portion of the sole structure but also has a longitudinally extending fourth indentation at the laterally central region of the sole structure that is integrated with the third indentation and a longitudinally extending fifth indentation inside at the medial side end portion and inside at the lateral side end portion of the sole structure that is integrated with the third indentation.
- the third to fifth indentations formagenerally H-shaped indentation in the lower plate (see the invention claimed in claim 10).
- the upper plate and the lower plate are disposed at a heel region of the sole structure, the elastic member is disposed on a heel lateral side and a heel rear end side, at least a portion of the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member on the heel lateral side, and at least a portion of the lower plate is divided in the lateral direction by a longitudinal indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member on the heel rear end side.
- the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction by the lateral indentation and the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member at the position where the indentation is formed, when a load is applied to the sole structure, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easily deformable independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate. Thereby, bendability of the heel region of the sole structure can be improved.
- the lower plate is divided in the lateral direction as well by the longitudinal indentation.
- the longitudinally and laterally regions of the lower plate divided by the lateral and longitudinal indentations are easily deflectable in the vertical direction at the time of impacts of the heel region of the sole structure onto the ground, thus further improving cushioning properties of the heel region of the sole structure and achieving a smooth impact feeling.
- the lower plate may have a downwardly convex shape at a longitudinally region extending in front of and in the rear of the lateral indentation (see the invention claimed in claim 12).
- each of the downwardly convex portions of the lower plate has an extension margin in the longitudinal and vertical directions, the lower plate is easily deflectable in the longitudinal and vertical directions, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure and also further enhancing cushioning properties.
- the lower plate may have a plurality of bulges that respectively bulge downwardly convexly and the elastic member may be disposed at a position where the respective bulges are longitudinally adjacent to each other (see the invention claimed in claim 13).
- each of the downwardly convex-shaped bulges of the lower plate has an extension margin in the longitudinal and vertical directions, the lower plate is easily deflectable in the longitudinal and vertical directions, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure and also further enhancing cushioning properties.
- the lower plate may have an outsole fixedly attached on a lower surface thereof and the outsole may be divided in the longitudinal direction by an indentation that corresponds to the indentation of the lower plate (see the invention claimed in claim 14).
- FIGS. 1 to 13 show a sole structure for a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- a running shoe is taken as an example.
- upward direction (upper side), downward direction (lower side), forward direction (front side), and rearward direction (rear side) of a sole structure designate upward direction (upper side), downward direction (lower side), forward direction (front side), and rearward direction (rear side) of a shoe, respectively. That is, taking FIG. 2 as an example, an upward direction and a downward direction of the sole structure indicate a right side and a left side of FIG. 2 respectively, and a forward direction and a rearward direction of the sole structure indicate an upward direction and a downward direction of FIG. 2 respectively. Also, in FIGS. 1 to 4 , H indicates a heel region of the sole structure, M for a midfoot region, and F for a forefoot region respectively.
- Sole structure 1 for a shoe includes an upper plate 2 that is disposed on an upper side of the sole structure 1 and that extends to curve gently from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F, a lower plate 3 that is located downwardly away from the upper plate 2 with a gap S formed between the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3, that extends from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F and that includes a plurality of downwardly convex parts (bulging parts) 3A, and pillar-shaped connecting members (elastic members) 4 that are disposed in the gap S and that interconnect the upper plate 2 with the lower plate 3 vertically.
- an upper plate 2 that is disposed on an upper side of the sole structure 1 and that extends to curve gently from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F
- a lower plate 3 that is located downwardly away from the upper plate 2 with a gap S formed between the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3, that extends from the heel region H through the mid
- An upper midsole 5 is fixedly attached to an upper surface of the upper plate 2, extending from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F.
- An outsole 6 with a ground contact surface to contact the ground is fixedly attached to a lower surface of a forefoot region of the lower plate 3.
- a lateral side portion of a U-shaped outsole 7 with a ground contact surface to contact the ground is fixedly attached to a lower surface on a lateral side of a heel region of the lower plate 3 and a medial side portion of the U-shaped outsole 7 is fixedly attached to a lower surface on a medial side of a heel region of the lower plate 3 through a lower midsole 8.
- Both of the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3 are plate-like members, extending in a width direction (the left to right direction in FIG. 1 ).
- An upper end edge portion of the upper plate 2 is wavy-shaped in a longitudinal direction because an upraised portion 2b is formed that extends upwardly on opposite sides of the upper plate 2 (see FIGS. 5 to 11 ).
- the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3 are preferably formed of a hard elastic member, andmorespecifically, thermoplastic resin such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer (PAE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin and the like, or thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin and the like.
- the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3 may be formed of fiber reinforced prastics (FRP) formed of reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers or the like and matrix resin such as thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin.
- FRP fiber reinforced prastics
- the connecting members 4 are formed of a pair of members disposed at a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively (here, two pairs of members 4 are provided).
- the connecting member 4 is formed of a single member disposed at a laterally central portion.
- the connecting members 4 are formed of a pair of members disposed at a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively and a single member disposed at a heel rear end.
- the connecting members 4 are preferably formed of an elastic member such as a hard rubber and the like.
- the upper midsole 5 includes a foot sole contact surface 50a that extends along a foot sole shape of a shoe wearer and an upraised portion 50b that extends upwardly from opposite side ends and a heel rear end of the foot sole contact surface 50a (see FIGS. 5 to 12 ) .
- the upper midsole 5 and the lower midsole 8 are preferably formed of soft elastic materials, more specifically, thermoplastic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and the like, foamed thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin such as polyurethane (PU) and the like, foamed thermosetting resin, rubber materials such as butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber and the like, or foamed rubber materials.
- thermoplastic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and the like
- EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
- PU polyurethane
- foamed thermosetting resin such as polyurethane (PU) and the like
- a laterally extending first indentation 30 is formed at a position where a bottom surface of each of the connecting members 4 contacts the lower plate 3 on a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively in the forefoot region F of the lower plate 3.
- Each of the indentations 30 is disposed at an upwardly convex portion 3B between longitudinally adjacent downwardly convex portions 3A in the lower plate 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 13 ) .
- the lower plate 3 is fixedly attached to each of the connecting members 4 at portions where the lower plate 3 overlaps with each of the connecting members 4 vertically in front of and in the rear of each of the indentations 30.
- the indentation 30 is provided both at a longitudinally central position of the forefoot region F and at a rear side position near the midfoot region M. That is, in this example, two pairs of laterally extending indentations 30 are provided at opposite side ends in the forefoot region F.
- the lower plate 3 is thus longitudinally divided by each of the indentations 30 into a front region extending in front of the indentation 30 and a rear region extending in the rear of the indentation 30. Also, each of the indentations 30 opens at a medial side end and a lateral side end of the lower plate 3.
- a longitudinally extending second indentation 31 is formed at a laterally central portion in the forefoot region of the lower plate 3 in connection with the laterally first extending indentation 30.
- These first and second indentations 30, 31 form a generally T-shaped indentation in the lower plate 3.
- each of the indentations 31 is formed at a slightly inward position from each of the connecting members 40.
- a longitudinal region disposed between the laterally adjacent indentations 31 at a laterally central portion of the lower plate 3 extends longitudinally without being divided.
- the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of the lower plate 3 has an upwardly convex bulging shape at a region between the laterally adjacent indentations 31 (see FIG. 4 ).
- the outsole 6 has a laterally extending indentation 60 and a longitudinally extending indentation 61 at positions that correspond to (i.e. that are disposed opposite) the laterally extending indentation 30 and the longitudinally extending indentation 31 respectively in the forefoot region of the lower plate 3.
- the outsole 6 also has a generally T-shaped indentation formed of these indentations 60, 61.
- a longitudinal region of the outsole 6 extending in front of and in the rear of each of the indentations 60 is longitudinally divided by each of the indentations 60.
- a longitudinal region at a laterally central portion disposed between the laterally adjacent indentations 61 of the outsole 6 extends longitudinally without being divided.
- the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of the outsole 6 has an upwardly convex bulging shape at a region between the laterally adjacent indentations 61 (see FIG. 4 ).
- a laterally extending indentation 30 is formed at a portion of a position where the lower plate 3 contacts a bottom surface of the connecting member 4.
- the indentation 30 is disposed at an upwardly convex part 3B between the downwardly convex parts 3A adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the lower plate 3 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the laterally extending indentation 30 is located at a longitudinally generally central position of the heel region H.
- a longitudinal region of the lower plate 3 extending in front of and in the rear of the indentation 30 is thus divided longitudinally by the indentation 30.
- the indentation 30 opens to the lateral side end of the lower plate 3.
- the outsole 7 has a lateral indentation 70 at a position that corresponds to (i.e. that is disposed opposite) the lateral indentation 30 of the lower plate 3.
- a longitudinal region of the outsole 7 extending in front of and in the rear of the indentation 70 is thus divided longitudinally by the indentation 70.
- a longitudinal region at a laterally central portion and a medial side end portion of the outsole 7 extends longitudinally without being divided.
- a longitudinally extending indentation 31 is formed at a position where a bottom surface of the connecting member 4 contacts (see FIG. 12 ).
- the indentation 31 extends beyond a longitudinal length of the connecting member 4 (see FIG. 1 ) .
- the lower plate 3 is fixedly attached to the connecting member 4 at opposite positions of the indentation 31 where the lower plate 3 overlaps with the connecting member 4.
- a lateral region of the lower plate 3 extending opposite the indentation 31 is thus divided in the lateral direction by the indentation 31.
- the indentation 31 opens to the rear end of the lower plate 3.
- the outsole 7 has a longitudinal indentation 71 at a position that corresponds to (i.e. that is disposed opposite) the longitudinal indentation 31 of the lower plate 3. A lateral region of the outsole 7 that extends opposite the indentation 71 is thus divided in the lateral direction by the indentation 71.
- a laterally extending recess 40 is formed at a position corresponding to the lateral indentation 30 of the lower plate 3 and the lateral indentation 60, 70 of the outsoles 6, 7 (see FIG. 13 ).
- the lower plate 3 has a plurality of downwardly convex portions 3A, but in the sole structure of the present invention, the lower plate 3 may extend slightly curvedly from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F without having such a plurality of downwardly convex portions 3A.
- the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of the lower plate 3, which extends between the laterally adjacent connecting members 4 in the forefoot region and the heel region of the lower plate 3, has an upwardly convex bulging shape, but the longitudinally extending region may be formed in a planar shape or slightly curved shape.
- the lateral indentations 30, 60 in the forefoot region of the lower plate 3 and the outsole 6 are formed along the entire lateral length of the connecting member 4, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example.
- the lateral length of the indentations 30, 60 may be a portion of the lateral length of the connecting member 4.
- a region in which the indentation 30 is not formed at a position where the lower plate 3 contacts the connecting member 4 is preferably not fixedly attached to the connecting member 4. That is intended to facilitate bending-deformation of the longitudinally extending region with no indentations 30 in the lower plate 3 without restraint by the connecting member 4.
- the lateral length of the lateral indentations 30, 70 in the heel region of the lower plate 3 and the outsole 7 is a portion of the lateral length of the connecting member 4, but the lateral length of each of the indentations 30, 70 may extend along the entire lateral length of the connecting member 4.
- a region having no indentations 30 formed at a position where the lower plate 3 contacts the connecting member 4 is fixedly attached to the connecting member 4. That is because bendability in the heel region is less required than that in the forefoot region, but the region is not necessarily fixedly attached to the connecting member 4.
- the longitudinal length of the longitudinal indentations 31, 71 may be almost the same as the longitudinal length of the connecting member 4.
- the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3 constituting the sole structure of the present invention are provided not only at the forefoot region but also at the heel region of the sole structure 1, but the present invention also has application to an example in which the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 3 are provided either at the forefoot region or at the heel region.
- the connecting member 4 is disposed at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion in the forefoot region of the sole structure 1, but the connecting member 4 may be disposed inside the medial side end portion (i.e. on the laterally central side) and inside the lateral side end portion (i.e. on the laterally central side) of the sole structure 1.
- FIG. 14 is abottomview of such a sole structure, corresponding to FIG. 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment.
- the same reference numbers as those in FIG. 1 indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
- each of the connecting members 4 is disposed at a position inside the medial side endportion (i.e. at a laterally nearly central position) and also disposed at a position inside the lateral side end portion (i.e. at a laterally nearly central position) . Also, as depicted in FIG.
- a laterally extending third indentation 30 of the lower plate 3 and the corresponding laterally extending indentation 60 of the outsole 6 are disposed inside the medial side end portion and inside the lateral side end portion without opening to the medial side end and the lateral side end of the lower plate 3 and the outsole 6.
- the indentations 30, 60 are formed integrally with a longitudinally extending fourth indentation 31 in the laterally central portion of the lower plate 3, the corresponding longitudinal indentation 61 of the outsole 6, a longitudinally extending fifth indentation 32 inside the medial and lateral side end portions of the lower plate 3, and the corresponding longitudinal indentation 62 of the outsole 6.
- the indentations 30, 31 and 32 form a generally H-shaped indentation in the lower plate 3.
- the indentations 60, 61 and 62 form a generally H-shaped indentation in the outsole 6.
- the lower plate 3 extends in the longitudinal direction without being divided not only at the laterally central portion of the sole structure 1 but also at the medial side end portion and the lateral side endportion.
- the connecting member 4 when a load is applied to the sole structure 1, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the lateral indentation 30 of the lower plate 3 is easily deformable independent of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate 3.
- the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of the lower plate 3 and the longitudinally extending regions at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of the lower plate 3 are easily bending-deformable without being restricted by the connecting member 4.
- Bendability of the forefoot region F of the sole structure 1 can thus be enhanced. Moreover, since the longitudinally extending regions at the laterally central portion and the medial and lateral side end portions of the lower plate 3 are more easily bending-deformable by the longitudinal indentations 30, 31, thus further improving bendability of the forefoot region F of the sole structure 1.
- the connecting member 4 may extend along the entire lateral length of the sole structure 1.
- the lateral indentation 30 formed in the lower plate 3 may be provided along the entire length in the width direction, alternatively, at a portion in the width direction (e.g. at the medial/lateral side end portion, or at the laterally central portion).
- the lower plate 3 is preferably not fixedly attached to the connecting member 4. That is intended to facilitate bending-deformation of the longitudinally extending region of the lower plate 3 without restraint by the connecting member 4.
- the lateral indentation 60 and the longitudinal indentation 61 are respectively formed at positions of the outsole 6 corresponding respectively to the lateral indentation 30 and the longitudinal indentation 31 of the lower plate 3, but the application of the present invention is not limitedto such an example.
- a plurality of outsole plate pieces may be provided and bonded to a region other than the indentations 30, 31 on the bottom surface of the lower plate 3.
- the sole structure of the present invention was applied to a running shoe, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example.
- the present invention also has application to other various sports shoes including walking shoes.
- the present invention is of use to a sole structure for a shoe, and it is especially suitable for a sole structure for a sports shoe that requires a superb sole deformability .
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a sole structure for a shoe, and more particularly, to an improved sole structure that can enhance a sole deformability of a forefoot region and a heel region.
- As a sole structure for a shoe that can improve sole bendability, the applicant of the present invention has proposed such sole structures as shown in
Japanese Patent Nos. 4087882 4020953 -
Japanese Patent No. 4087882 Figures 1A and 1B ).Japanese Patent No. 4020953 Figures 1A and 1B ). - According to the sole structure shown in
Japanese Patent No. 4087882 - According to the sole structure shown in
Japanese Patent No. 4020953 - With regard to the bendability of the sole structure, a certain effect can be achieved in each of the sole structures described in the above-mentioned
Japanese Patent Nos. 4087882 4020953 - The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances and its object is to provide a sole structure for a shoe that can improve sole deformability of a forefoot region and a heel region. Specifically, the present invention is directed to enhancing bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure having an upper and lower plate disposed via a gap formed therebetween. Also, the present invention is directed to enhancing bendability and flexibility of the heel region of the sole structure having an upper and lower plate disposed via a gap formed therebetween.
- A sole structure for a shoe according to the invention claimed in
claim 1 includes an upper plate disposed on an upper side of the sole structure, a lower plate that is disposed on a lower side of the sole structure and that form a gap with the upper plate, and an elastic member that is provided in the gap and that vertically interconnects the upper plate with the lower plate. At least a portion of the lower plate is divided in a longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member. - According to the invention claimed in
claim 1, since the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction via the lateral indentation and is in contact with the elastic member at the position where the indentation is formed, when a load is applied to the sole structure during wearing the shoe, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easy to deform independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate. Along with that, since a portion of the lower plate where the indentation is formed is supported by the elastic member, the lateral indentation is easy to deform so as to expand in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure can be improved. Also, at the time of ground contact of the sole structure, since the gap formed between the upper plate and the lower plate acts as a cushioning hole, cushioning properties can be improved. Moreover, the elastic member contributes to deformability of the sole structure, thereby enhancing durability of the lower plate and thus the entire sole structure. - In the invention claimed in
claim 2, the upper plate and the lower plate are disposed at a forefoot region of the sole structure, the elastic member is disposed at a medial side end portion and a lateral side end portion of the sole structure, and the lower plate extends continuously without being divided in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region of the sole structure. - In this case, when a load is applied to the sole structure, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easy to deform independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate. At the same time, a longitudinally continuously extending part at the laterally central region of the lower plate is easy to bending-deform without being restrained by the elastic member. Thereby, bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure can be improved.
- In the invention claimed in
claim 3, the lower plate not only has a laterally extending first indentation formed therein that divides the lower plate in the longitudinal direction at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of the sole structure but also has a longitudinally extending second indentation that is formed therein at the laterally central region of the sole structure and that is integrated with the first indentation. - In this case, a longitudinally continuously extending part at the laterally central region of the lower plate becomes easier to bending-deform, thus further enhancing bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure. Also, provision of the second indentation in addition to the first indentation makes the lower plate lighter in weight.
- In the invention claimed in
claim 4, the first indentation and the second indentation form a generally T-shaped indentation in the lower plate. - A longitudinally continuously extending portion of the lower plate may have an upwardly convex shape at the laterally central region of the sole structure (see the invention claimed in claim 5).
- In this case, since the longitudinally continuously extending portion at the laterally central region of the lower plate has a longitudinal extension margin, it is easy to extend in the longitudinal direction, thus further improving bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure.
- The elastic member may have a recess formed on a lower surface thereof that is disposed at a position corresponding to the indentation of the lower plate and that extends along the indentation (see the invention claimed in claim 6).
- In this case, at the time of deformation of the lower plate, the elastic member deforms elastically in such a way that a width of the recess expands. As a result of this, the longitudinally extending regions in front and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate are much easier to deform, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure.
- The elastic member may extend along an entire width of the sole structure (see the invention claimed in claim 7) .
- In the invention claimed in
claim 8, the upper plate and the lower plate may be provided at a forefoot region of the sole structure, the elastic member may be disposed inside a medial side end portion and inside a lateral side end portion of the sole structure, and the lower plate may extend continuously without being divided in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region, the medial side end portion and the lateral side endportion of the sole structure. - In this case, when a load is applied to the sole structure, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easily deformable independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate. Along with that, longitudinally continuously extending parts at the laterally central region, the medial side end portion, and the lateral side end portion of the lower plate are easy to bending-deform without being restrained by the elastic member. Thereby, bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure can be improved.
- In the invention claimed in claim 9, the lower plate not only has a laterally extending third indentation that divides the lower plate in the longitudinal direction inside at the medial side end portion and inside at the lateral side end portion of the sole structure but also has a longitudinally extending fourth indentation at the laterally central region of the sole structure that is integrated with the third indentation and a longitudinally extending fifth indentation inside at the medial side end portion and inside at the lateral side end portion of the sole structure that is integrated with the third indentation.
- In this case, longitudinally continuously extending parts at the laterally central region, the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of the lower plate become much easier to bending-deform due to the provision of the fourth and fifth indentations, thus further enhancing bendability of the forefoot region of the sole structure.
- The third to fifth indentations formagenerally H-shaped indentation in the lower plate (see the invention claimed in claim 10).
- In the invention claimed in claim 11, the upper plate and the lower plate are disposed at a heel region of the sole structure, the elastic member is disposed on a heel lateral side and a heel rear end side, at least a portion of the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member on the heel lateral side, and at least a portion of the lower plate is divided in the lateral direction by a longitudinal indentation provided at a position where the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member on the heel rear end side.
- In this case, since the lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction by the lateral indentation and the lower plate is in contact with the elastic member at the position where the indentation is formed, when a load is applied to the sole structure, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of the indentation of the lower plate is easily deformable independently of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of the lower plate. Thereby, bendability of the heel region of the sole structure can be improved. Moreover, in this case, the lower plate is divided in the lateral direction as well by the longitudinal indentation. The longitudinally and laterally regions of the lower plate divided by the lateral and longitudinal indentations are easily deflectable in the vertical direction at the time of impacts of the heel region of the sole structure onto the ground, thus further improving cushioning properties of the heel region of the sole structure and achieving a smooth impact feeling.
- The lower plate may have a downwardly convex shape at a longitudinally region extending in front of and in the rear of the lateral indentation (see the invention claimed in claim 12).
- In this case, since each of the downwardly convex portions of the lower plate has an extension margin in the longitudinal and vertical directions, the lower plate is easily deflectable in the longitudinal and vertical directions, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure and also further enhancing cushioning properties.
- The lower plate may have a plurality of bulges that respectively bulge downwardly convexly and the elastic member may be disposed at a position where the respective bulges are longitudinally adjacent to each other (see the invention claimed in claim 13).
- In this case as well, since each of the downwardly convex-shaped bulges of the lower plate has an extension margin in the longitudinal and vertical directions, the lower plate is easily deflectable in the longitudinal and vertical directions, thus further improving sole deformability of the forefoot region and the heel region of the sole structure and also further enhancing cushioning properties.
- The lower plate may have an outsole fixedly attached on a lower surface thereof and the outsole may be divided in the longitudinal direction by an indentation that corresponds to the indentation of the lower plate (see the invention claimed in claim 14).
- In this case, deformation of the lower plate is not hindered by the outsole, thus allowing the forefoot region and the heel region of the lower plate to deform smoothly.
-
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FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a sole structure for a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a lateral side view viewed from the arrow mark II ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a medial side view viewed from the arrow mark III ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view ofFIG. 1 taken along line IV-IV; -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line V-V; -
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line VI-VI; -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line VII-VII; -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line VIII-VIII; -
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line IX-IX; -
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line X-X; -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view ofFIGS. 1 to 4 taken along line XI-XI; -
FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a heel of the sole structure ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a region including a connecting member of the sole structure ofFIG. 1 , corresponding to a partially enlarged view ofFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a sole structure for a shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding toFIG. 1 . - Embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter described in accordance with the appended drawings.
-
FIGS. 1 to 13 show a sole structure for a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, a running shoe is taken as an example. - In the following explanations, upward direction (upper side), downward direction (lower side), forward direction (front side), and rearward direction (rear side) of a sole structure designate upward direction (upper side), downward direction (lower side), forward direction (front side), and rearward direction (rear side) of a shoe, respectively. That is, taking
FIG. 2 as an example, an upward direction and a downward direction of the sole structure indicate a right side and a left side ofFIG. 2 respectively, and a forward direction and a rearward direction of the sole structure indicate an upward direction and a downward direction ofFIG. 2 respectively. Also, inFIGS. 1 to 4 , H indicates a heel region of the sole structure, M for a midfoot region, and F for a forefoot region respectively. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4 ,Sole structure 1 for a shoe includes anupper plate 2 that is disposed on an upper side of thesole structure 1 and that extends to curve gently from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F, alower plate 3 that is located downwardly away from theupper plate 2 with a gap S formed between theupper plate 2 and thelower plate 3, that extends from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F and that includes a plurality of downwardly convex parts (bulging parts) 3A, and pillar-shaped connecting members (elastic members) 4 that are disposed in the gap S and that interconnect theupper plate 2 with thelower plate 3 vertically. - An
upper midsole 5 is fixedly attached to an upper surface of theupper plate 2, extending from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot regionF. An outsole 6 with a ground contact surface to contact the ground is fixedly attached to a lower surface of a forefoot region of thelower plate 3. A lateral side portion of aU-shaped outsole 7 with a ground contact surface to contact the ground is fixedly attached to a lower surface on a lateral side of a heel region of thelower plate 3 and a medial side portion of theU-shaped outsole 7 is fixedly attached to a lower surface on a medial side of a heel region of thelower plate 3 through alower midsole 8. - Both of the
upper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 are plate-like members, extending in a width direction (the left to right direction inFIG. 1 ). An upper end edge portion of theupper plate 2 is wavy-shaped in a longitudinal direction because anupraised portion 2b is formed that extends upwardly on opposite sides of the upper plate 2 (seeFIGS. 5 to 11 ). Theupper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 are preferably formed of a hard elastic member, andmorespecifically, thermoplastic resin such as thermo plastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer (PAE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin and the like, or thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin and the like. In addition, theupper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 may be formed of fiber reinforced prastics (FRP) formed of reinforcing fibers such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, glass fibers or the like and matrix resin such as thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. - In the forefoot region F of the
sole structure 1, the connectingmembers 4 are formed of a pair of members disposed at a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively (here, two pairs ofmembers 4 are provided). In the midfoot region M, the connectingmember 4 is formed of a single member disposed at a laterally central portion. In the heel region H, the connectingmembers 4 are formed of a pair of members disposed at a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively and a single member disposed at a heel rear end. The connectingmembers 4 are preferably formed of an elastic member such as a hard rubber and the like. - The
upper midsole 5 includes a footsole contact surface 50a that extends along a foot sole shape of a shoe wearer and anupraised portion 50b that extends upwardly from opposite side ends and a heel rear end of the footsole contact surface 50a (seeFIGS. 5 to 12 ) . Theupper midsole 5 and thelower midsole 8 are preferably formed of soft elastic materials, more specifically, thermoplastic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and the like, foamed thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin such as polyurethane (PU) and the like, foamed thermosetting resin, rubber materials such as butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber and the like, or foamed rubber materials. - A laterally extending
first indentation 30 is formed at a position where a bottom surface of each of the connectingmembers 4 contacts thelower plate 3 on a medial side end and a lateral side end respectively in the forefoot region F of thelower plate 3. Each of theindentations 30 is disposed at an upwardlyconvex portion 3B between longitudinally adjacent downwardlyconvex portions 3A in the lower plate 3 (seeFIGS. 2 and13 ) . Thelower plate 3 is fixedly attached to each of the connectingmembers 4 at portions where thelower plate 3 overlaps with each of the connectingmembers 4 vertically in front of and in the rear of each of theindentations 30. Here, an example is shown in which theindentation 30 is provided both at a longitudinally central position of the forefoot region F and at a rear side position near the midfoot region M. That is, in this example, two pairs of laterally extendingindentations 30 are provided at opposite side ends in the forefoot region F. Thelower plate 3 is thus longitudinally divided by each of theindentations 30 into a front region extending in front of theindentation 30 and a rear region extending in the rear of theindentation 30. Also, each of theindentations 30 opens at a medial side end and a lateral side end of thelower plate 3. - A longitudinally extending
second indentation 31 is formed at a laterally central portion in the forefoot region of thelower plate 3 in connection with the laterally first extendingindentation 30. These first andsecond indentations lower plate 3. Here, an example is shown in which each of theindentations 31 is formed at a slightly inward position from each of the connectingmembers 40. A longitudinal region disposed between the laterallyadjacent indentations 31 at a laterally central portion of thelower plate 3 extends longitudinally without being divided. Also, in this example, the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of thelower plate 3 has an upwardly convex bulging shape at a region between the laterally adjacent indentations 31 (seeFIG. 4 ). - The
outsole 6 has a laterally extendingindentation 60 and alongitudinally extending indentation 61 at positions that correspond to (i.e. that are disposed opposite) the laterally extendingindentation 30 and thelongitudinally extending indentation 31 respectively in the forefoot region of thelower plate 3. Namely, theoutsole 6 also has a generally T-shaped indentation formed of theseindentations outsole 6 extending in front of and in the rear of each of theindentations 60 is longitudinally divided by each of theindentations 60. Along with that, a longitudinal region at a laterally central portion disposed between the laterallyadjacent indentations 61 of theoutsole 6 extends longitudinally without being divided. Also, in this example, the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of theoutsole 6 has an upwardly convex bulging shape at a region between the laterally adjacent indentations 61 (seeFIG. 4 ). - On a lateral side in a heel region of the
lower plate 3, a laterally extendingindentation 30 is formed at a portion of a position where thelower plate 3 contacts a bottom surface of the connectingmember 4. Theindentation 30 is disposed at an upwardlyconvex part 3B between the downwardlyconvex parts 3A adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the lower plate 3 (seeFIG. 2 ). At a position where thelower plate 3 vertically overlaps with the connectingmember 4 in front of and in the rear of theindentation 30, thelower plate 3 is fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4. Here, an example is shown in which the laterally extendingindentation 30 is located at a longitudinally generally central position of the heel region H. A longitudinal region of thelower plate 3 extending in front of and in the rear of theindentation 30 is thus divided longitudinally by theindentation 30. Theindentation 30 opens to the lateral side end of thelower plate 3. - The
outsole 7 has alateral indentation 70 at a position that corresponds to (i.e. that is disposed opposite) thelateral indentation 30 of thelower plate 3. A longitudinal region of theoutsole 7 extending in front of and in the rear of theindentation 70 is thus divided longitudinally by theindentation 70. At the same time, a longitudinal region at a laterally central portion and a medial side end portion of theoutsole 7 extends longitudinally without being divided. - At a heel rear end in the heel region of the
lower plate 3, alongitudinally extending indentation 31 is formed at a position where a bottom surface of the connectingmember 4 contacts (seeFIG. 12 ). In this example, theindentation 31 extends beyond a longitudinal length of the connecting member 4 (seeFIG. 1 ) . Thelower plate 3 is fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4 at opposite positions of theindentation 31 where thelower plate 3 overlaps with the connectingmember 4. A lateral region of thelower plate 3 extending opposite theindentation 31 is thus divided in the lateral direction by theindentation 31. Theindentation 31 opens to the rear end of thelower plate 3. - The
outsole 7 has alongitudinal indentation 71 at a position that corresponds to (i.e. that is disposed opposite) thelongitudinal indentation 31 of thelower plate 3. A lateral region of theoutsole 7 that extends opposite theindentation 71 is thus divided in the lateral direction by theindentation 71. - On a bottom surface of each of the connecting
members 4, a laterally extendingrecess 40 is formed at a position corresponding to thelateral indentation 30 of thelower plate 3 and thelateral indentation outsoles 6, 7 (seeFIG. 13 ). - Effects of the above-mentioned
sole structure 1 are given as follows: - a) Since the
lower plate 3 is longitudinally divided by thelateral indentation 30, when a load is applied to thesole structure 1 during wearing a shoe, one of the longitudinal regions in front of and in the rear of theindentation 30 of thelower plate 3 is easily deformable independent of the other of the longitudinal regions of thelower plate 3. At the same time, since thelower plate 3 contacts the connectingmember 4 at a part where theindentation 30 is formed and such apart is supported by the connectingmember 4, thelateral indentation 30 is easy to deform in such a way to extend in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, a sole deformability of the forefoot region F and the heel region H of thesole structure 1, that is, bendability and vertical flexibility can be improved. - b) Since the gap S formed between the
upper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 acts as a cushion hole at the time of an impact of thesole structure 1 onto the ground, thus improving cushioning properties. Also, since the connectingmember 4 contributes to deformability of thesole structure 1, durability of thelower plate 3 and thus the entire sole structure can be improved compared to such a case that deformability of only thelower plate 3 is dependent on. Especially when a rubber-made connectingmember 4 is used, since a rubber-made connecting member is in superior in durability at low temperature, durability of thelower plate 3 and thus the entire sole structure at low temperature can be improved compared to such a case that deformability of only thelower plate 3 at low temperature is dependent on. - c) Since the connecting
member 4 is disposed at the medial end portion and the lateral end portion of thesole structure 1 and thelower plate 3 extends continuously in the longitudinal direction without being divided at the laterally central portion of thesole structure 1, when a load is applied to thesole structure 1, not only one of the longitudinal regions extending in front of and in the rear of theindentation 30 of thelower plate 3 is easily deformable independent of the other of the longitudinal regions of thelower plate 3 but also the longitudinally extending portion at the laterally central portion of thelower plate 3 is easily bending-deformable without being restricted by the connectingmember 4. Thereby, bendability of thesole structure 1 can be further enhanced. - d) Since the
longitudinal indentation 31 is formed at the forefoot region of thelower plate 3, the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of thelower plate 3 is much easier to bending-deform, thus further improving bendability of the forefoot region F of thesole structure 1. Moreover, thelongitudinal indentation 31 is formed in addition to thelateral indentation 30, thus making thelower plate 3 lighter in weight. - e) Since the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion in the forefoot region of the
lower plate 3 has an upwardly convex bulging shape, the longitudinally extending region has a longitudinal extension allowance and is thus easily extensible in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, bendability of the forefoot region F of thesole structure 1 can be further improved. - f) Since the
recess 40 that extends along theindentation 30 is formed on the bottom surface of the connectingmember 4 at the position that corresponds to theindentation 30 of thelower plate 3, the connectingmember 4 can elastically deform in such a way to expand the width of therecess 40 at the time of deformation of thelower plate 3. Thus, each of the longitudinal regions in front of and in the rear of theindentation 30 of thelower plate 3 is more easily deformable. As a result, sole deformability of the forefoot region F and the heel region H of thesole structure 1 can be further improved. - g) Since the
lateral indentation 30 is formed on the lateral side in the heel region of thelower plate 3 and thelongitudinal indentation 31 is formed at the rear end of the heel region, when thesole structure 1 impacts the ground on the heel lateral side, the heel lateral side region of thelower plate 3 divided by the lateral andlongitudinal indentations sole structure 1 can thus be further improved to achieve a smooth ride feeling. - h) Since the
lowerplate 3 has a downwardly convex bulging shape in the longitudinal region extending in front of and in the rear of thelateral indentation 30 of thelower plate 3 and thus each of the downwardlyconvex portions 3A of thelower plate 3 has a deformation allowance in the longitudinal and vertical directions, thelower plate 3 is easily deformable in the longitudinal and vertical directions. Thereby, sole deformative performance of the forefoot region and the heel region of thesole structure 1 can be further improved and cushioning properties can be further improved. - i) Since the
outsoles lower plate 3 and each of theoutsoles indentations indentations 30 of thelower plate 3, the forefoot region and the heel region of thelower plate 3 can smoothly deform in such a manner that deformation of thelower plate 3 is not hindered by theoutsoles - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was explained in which the
lower plate 3 has a plurality of downwardlyconvex portions 3A, but in the sole structure of the present invention, thelower plate 3 may extend slightly curvedly from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F without having such a plurality of downwardlyconvex portions 3A. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of the
lower plate 3, which extends between the laterally adjacent connectingmembers 4 in the forefoot region and the heel region of thelower plate 3, has an upwardly convex bulging shape, but the longitudinally extending region may be formed in a planar shape or slightly curved shape. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the
lateral indentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 6 are formed along the entire lateral length of the connectingmember 4, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The lateral length of theindentations member 4. In this case, a region in which theindentation 30 is not formed at a position where thelower plate 3 contacts the connectingmember 4 is preferably not fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4. That is intended to facilitate bending-deformation of the longitudinally extending region with noindentations 30 in thelower plate 3 without restraint by the connectingmember 4. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the lateral length of the
lateral indentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 7 is a portion of the lateral length of the connectingmember 4, but the lateral length of each of theindentations member 4. Also, in this example, a region having noindentations 30 formed at a position where thelower plate 3 contacts the connectingmember 4 is fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4. That is because bendability in the heel region is less required than that in the forefoot region, but the region is not necessarily fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the longitudinal length of the
longitudinal indentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 7 exceeds the longitudinal length of the connectingmember 4, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The longitudinal length of thelongitudinal indentations member 4. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where two pairs of
lateral indentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 6, that is, thelateral indentations indentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 6. For example, inFIG. 1 , only a pair ofindentations lower plate 3 and theoutsole 6 may be retained and a pair ofindentations - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the
upper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 constituting the sole structure of the present invention are provided not only at the forefoot region but also at the heel region of thesole structure 1, but the present invention also has application to an example in which theupper plate 2 and thelower plate 3 are provided either at the forefoot region or at the heel region. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the connecting
member 4 is disposed at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion in the forefoot region of thesole structure 1, but the connectingmember 4 may be disposed inside the medial side end portion (i.e. on the laterally central side) and inside the lateral side end portion (i.e. on the laterally central side) of thesole structure 1. -
FIG. 14 is abottomview of such a sole structure, corresponding toFIG. 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. InFIG. 14 , the same reference numbers as those inFIG. 1 indicate identical or functionally similar elements. As shown inFIG. 14 , in the forefoot region F of thesole structure 1, each of the connectingmembers 4 is disposed at a position inside the medial side endportion (i.e. at a laterally nearly central position) and also disposed at a position inside the lateral side end portion (i.e. at a laterally nearly central position) . Also, as depicted inFIG. 14 , a laterally extendingthird indentation 30 of thelower plate 3 and the corresponding laterally extendingindentation 60 of theoutsole 6 are disposed inside the medial side end portion and inside the lateral side end portion without opening to the medial side end and the lateral side end of thelower plate 3 and theoutsole 6. Theindentations fourth indentation 31 in the laterally central portion of thelower plate 3, the correspondinglongitudinal indentation 61 of theoutsole 6, a longitudinally extendingfifth indentation 32 inside the medial and lateral side end portions of thelower plate 3, and the correspondinglongitudinal indentation 62 of theoutsole 6. Theindentations lower plate 3. Similarly, theindentations outsole 6. - In this case, the
lower plate 3 extends in the longitudinal direction without being divided not only at the laterally central portion of thesole structure 1 but also at the medial side end portion and the lateral side endportion. According to such a structure, when a load is applied to thesole structure 1, one of the longitudinally extending regions in front of and in the rear of thelateral indentation 30 of thelower plate 3 is easily deformable independent of the other of the longitudinally extending regions of thelower plate 3. Along with that, the longitudinally extending region at the laterally central portion of thelower plate 3 and the longitudinally extending regions at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of thelower plate 3 are easily bending-deformable without being restricted by the connectingmember 4. Bendability of the forefoot region F of thesole structure 1 can thus be enhanced. Moreover, since the longitudinally extending regions at the laterally central portion and the medial and lateral side end portions of thelower plate 3 are more easily bending-deformable by thelongitudinal indentations sole structure 1. - The connecting
member 4 may extend along the entire lateral length of thesole structure 1. In this case, thelateral indentation 30 formed in thelower plate 3 may be provided along the entire length in the width direction, alternatively, at a portion in the width direction (e.g. at the medial/lateral side end portion, or at the laterally central portion). Also, at this juncture, at a position where alateral indentation 30 is not formed in thelower plate 3, thelower plate 3 is preferably not fixedly attached to the connectingmember 4. That is intended to facilitate bending-deformation of the longitudinally extending region of thelower plate 3 without restraint by the connectingmember 4. - In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown where the
lateral indentation 60 and thelongitudinal indentation 61 are respectively formed at positions of theoutsole 6 corresponding respectively to thelateral indentation 30 and thelongitudinal indentation 31 of thelower plate 3, but the application of the present invention is not limitedto such an example. Without disposing theoutsole 6 at the entire forefoot region of thelower plate 3 as with the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of outsole plate pieces may be provided and bonded to a region other than theindentations lower plate 3. - In the above examples, the sole structure of the present invention was applied to a running shoe, but the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The present invention also has application to other various sports shoes including walking shoes.
- As mentioned above, the present invention is of use to a sole structure for a shoe, and it is especially suitable for a sole structure for a sports shoe that requires a superb sole deformability .
Claims (14)
- A sole structure for a shoe comprising:an upper plate disposed on an upper side of said sole structure;a lower plate that is disposed on a lower side of said sole structure and that forms a gap with said upper plate; andan elastic member that is provided in said gap and that vertically interconnects said upper plate with said lower plate,wherein at least a portion of said lower plate is divided in a longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where said lower plate is in contact with said elastic member.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said upper plate and said lower plate are provided at a forefoot region of said sole structure, said elastic member being disposed at a medial side end portion and a lateral side end portion of said sole structure, said lower plate extending continuously in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region of said sole structure.
- The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein said lower plate has a laterally extending first indentation that divides said lower plate in the longitudinal direction at the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of said sole structure, said lower plate further having a longitudinally extending second indentation at the laterally central region of said sole structure, said second indentation being integrated with said first indentation.
- The sole structure according to claim 3, wherein said first indentation and said second indentation form a generally T-shaped indentation in said lower plate.
- The sole structure according to claim 2, wherein a longitudinally continuously extending portion of said lower plate has an upwardly convexly bulging shape at the laterally central region of said sole structure.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member has a recess formed on a lower surface thereof, said recess being disposed at a position corresponding to said indentation of said lower plate and extending along said indentation.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said elastic member extends along an entire width of said sole structure.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said upper plate and said lower plate are provided at a forefoot region of said sole structure, said elastic member being disposed inside a medial side end portion and inside a lateral side end portion of said sole structure, said lower plate extending continuously in the longitudinal direction at a laterally central region, the medial side end portion and the lateral side end portion of said sole structure.
- The sole structure according to claim 8, wherein said lower plate has a laterally extending third indentation that divides said lower plate in the longitudinal direction inside at the medial side end portion and inside at the lateral side end portion of said sole structure, said lower plate further having a longitudinally extending fourth indentation at the laterally central region of said sole structure, said fourth indent at ion being integrated with said third indentation, said lower plate still further having a longitudinally extending fifth indentation inside the medial side end portion and inside the lateral side end portion of said sole structure, said fifth indentation being integrated with said third indentation.
- The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein said third to fifth indentations form a generally H-shaped indentation in said lower plate.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said upper plate and said lower plate are disposed at a heel region of said sole structure, said elastic member is disposed on a heel lateral side and a heel rear end side, at least a portion of said lower plate is divided in the longitudinal direction by a lateral indentation provided at a position where said lower plate is in contact with said elastic member on the heel lateral side, and at least a portion of said lower plate is divided in a lateral direction by a longitudinal indentation provided at a position where said lower plate is in contact with said elastic member on the heel rear end side.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said lower plate has a downwardly convex shape at a longitudinally region extending in front of and in the rear of said lateral indentation.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said lower plate has a plurality of bulges that respectively bulge downwardly convexly, said elastic member being disposed at a position where said respective bulges are longitudinally adjacent to each other.
- The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said lower plate has an outsole fixedly attached on a lower surface of said lower plate, said outsole being divided in the longitudinal direction by an indentation that corresponds to said indentation of said lower plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2013087463A JP5684319B2 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2013-04-18 | Sole sole structure |
PCT/JP2014/060044 WO2014171354A1 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2014-03-31 | Sole structure for shoe |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2987421A1 true EP2987421A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 |
EP2987421A4 EP2987421A4 (en) | 2016-12-21 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP14784974.9A Withdrawn EP2987421A4 (en) | 2013-04-18 | 2014-03-31 | Sole structure for shoe |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20150107132A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2987421A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5684319B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015012007A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014171354A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
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WO2016136381A1 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-09-01 | 美津濃株式会社 | Midsole structure for shoes |
US9930927B2 (en) | 2015-06-02 | 2018-04-03 | Under Armour, Inc. | Footwear including lightweight sole structure providing enhanced comfort, flexibility and performance features |
JP6294909B2 (en) * | 2016-05-11 | 2018-03-14 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole structure for shoes and shoes using the same |
JP6963369B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2021-11-10 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole structure for shoes and shoes using it |
US20180153254A1 (en) * | 2016-12-07 | 2018-06-07 | Nike, Inc. | Rigid Sole Structures For Articles Of Footwear |
JP2022079271A (en) * | 2020-11-16 | 2022-05-26 | 株式会社アシックス | Sole and shoe |
USD1010297S1 (en) | 2021-06-30 | 2024-01-09 | Puma SE | Shoe |
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JP4906157B2 (en) * | 2009-07-03 | 2012-03-28 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole sole structure |
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-
2013
- 2013-04-18 JP JP2013087463A patent/JP5684319B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-03-31 WO PCT/JP2014/060044 patent/WO2014171354A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-31 US US14/398,530 patent/US20150107132A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-31 EP EP14784974.9A patent/EP2987421A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-03-31 BR BR112015012007A patent/BR112015012007A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2987421A4 (en) | 2016-12-21 |
JP2014210035A (en) | 2014-11-13 |
WO2014171354A1 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
US20150107132A1 (en) | 2015-04-23 |
JP5684319B2 (en) | 2015-03-11 |
BR112015012007A2 (en) | 2017-07-11 |
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