EP3127448B1 - Shoe upper - Google Patents
Shoe upper Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3127448B1 EP3127448B1 EP14888343.2A EP14888343A EP3127448B1 EP 3127448 B1 EP3127448 B1 EP 3127448B1 EP 14888343 A EP14888343 A EP 14888343A EP 3127448 B1 EP3127448 B1 EP 3127448B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reinforcement
- reinforcement portion
- medial
- lateral
- along
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/28—Adapting the inner sole or the side of the upper of the shoe to the sole of the foot
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0205—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
- A43B23/0235—Different layers of different material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/02—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom
- A43B1/04—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom braided, knotted, knitted or crocheted
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0205—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
- A43B23/0215—Plastics or artificial leather
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/026—Laminated layers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/0265—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/0265—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions
- A43B23/0275—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions with a part of the upper particularly rigid, e.g. resisting articulation or torsion
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to improvement of an upper of a shoe.
- A shoe is required to achieve various functions such as lightweight properties and comfortable touch with a foot in addition to a fit (fitting property) at the time of wearing of the shoe. In consideration of comfortable touch with a foot, many uppers are made of a soft material such as a mesh. An upper made of a soft material such as a mesh, specifically, an upper made of a low-rigidity material cannot distribute tightening force generated during fastening with a lace or a belt (belts), etc. throughout the upper, making it difficult to achieve a fit.
- To enhance the fit of the low-rigidity upper, the upper should be reinforced using a material of higher rigidity to transmit tightening (securing) force to be generated throughout the upper. Some of shoes having been commercially available so far are provided with high-rigidity reinforcement members placed at uppers in consideration of transmission of tightening force. In many cases, however, lightweight properties or a fit is damaged in a manner that depends on the shape or volume of a reinforcement member.
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- The first patent document:
WO 2001/082735 (front page) - The second patent document:
JP 2003-24108A - The third patent document:
JP 02-5903A FIG. 1 ) - The fourth patent document:
JP 11-201 - The fifth patent document:
JP 60-227701 FIGS. 1 and2 ) - Anonymus: "K-Swiss Tubes Run 100 Running Shoe Review", http://runnerchoice.com/k-swiss-tubes-run-10Q-running-shoe-review/, 16 October 2013 (2013-10-16), Retrieved from the Internet: URL:https://web.archive.org/ web/20131016215657/http://runnerchoice.com/k-swiss-tubes-run-100-running-shoe-review/ [retrieved on 2017-09-27] also discloses a running shoe.
- To enhance a fit (fitting property) at the time of wearing of a shoe, tightening force generated during fastening of the shoe with a fastening member such as a shoelace or a belt should be distributed throughput an upper, and/or an upper should conform to a foot shape of a wearer.
- A conventional shoe includes many reinforcement members for transmitting tightening force to be generated during fastening with a shoelace or a belt, etc. throughout an upper, failing (making it unlikely) to achieve lightweight properties. In addition, a reinforcement member extending in a vertical direction of the upper has a width at the lower end thereof on the sole side same as or larger than a width at the upper end thereof. This makes it difficult for the reinforcement member to deform freely when a wearer fastens the upper with a shoelace or a belt, etc., making it difficult for the upper to achieve a fit with the shape of a foot of the wearer.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an upper of a shoe capable of contributing to weight reduction and enhancement of a fit.
- According to one aspect, the above objectives are achieved by an article according to appended
independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. - According to the present invention, the recitation "the at least one reinforcement member on the lateral side L includes a
first reinforcement portion 1 and asecond reinforcement portion 2" covers a case where "the at least one reinforcement member includes both the first and second reinforcement portions" and a case where "the at least one reinforcement member includes the first reinforcement portion and the other at least one reinforcement member, different from the former (aforementioned) reinforcement member, includes the second reinforcement portion," for example. - According to the present invention, the width of the reinforcement portion is smaller at the lower end portion thereof than at the upper end portion thereof. The reinforcement member extending from an upper edge of the upper to a sole or a heel counter will function to distribute the force of a shoelace acting on an eyelet stay (decoration) 7L and an eyelet stay (decoration) 7M throughout the upper. The width of the reinforcement portion being smaller at the lower end portion thereof than at the upper end portion thereof means that the width of the reinforcement portion restrained by the sole or the heel counter is small. This will allow the reinforcement portion to deform relatively freely.
- Thus, the upper achieves a fit with a foot shape of a wearer easily. Further, the reinforcement member is placed at a minimum required site such as at least a portion of a fifth proximal phalanx, a fifth metatarsal bone, or a ball of a big toe. As a result, the area of the reinforcement member is reduced and this will contribute to weight reduction.
- The
first reinforcement portion 1 covers a fifth proximal phalanx B50 and thesecond reinforcement portion 2 covers a shaft and/or a base of a fifth metatarsal bone B51. In this way, the upper supports the lateral side of a foot efficiently using the small reinforcement member and achieves a fit with (in) the lateral side of the foot easily. Further, the area of the reinforcement member is reduced and this will contribute to weight reduction. - Meanwhile, the
third reinforcement portion 3 covers a side surface of a ball O1 of a big toe. In this way, the medial side of a foot is supported efficiently using the small reinforcement member, and a fit with (in) the medial side of the foot is achieved easily. Further, the area of the reinforcement member is reduced and this will contribute to weight reduction. - According to a different (another) aspect, the upper of a shoe includes:
- a
sock 5; alateral edge portion 7L and amedial edge portion 7M each placed on anedge 5E near a center of thesock 5 in a foot width direction (a direction of a foot breadth), the lateral andmedial edge portions sock 5; - at least one reinforcement member on a lateral side L, the at least one reinforcement member being less stretchable than the member forming the
sock 5 and extending from thelateral edge portion 7L to a sole 8 or aheel counter 9 while being attached to a lateral-side surface of thesock 5; and - at least one reinforcement member on a medial side M, the at least one reinforcement member on the medial side M being less stretchable than the member forming the
sock 5 and extending from themedial edge portion 7M to the sole 8 or theheel counter 9 while being attached to a medial-side surface of thesock 5, wherein:- the at least one reinforcement member on the lateral side L includes
- a
first reinforcement portion 1 covering at least a portion of a fifth proximal phalanx B50 from a side surface and - a
second reinforcement portion 2 covering at least a portion of a shaft or a base of a fifth metatarsal bone B51 from the side surface; - the at least one reinforcement member on the medial side M includes a
third reinforcement portion 3 covering at least a portion of a ball O1 of a big toe from a side surface; and - a width of at least one of the plurality of reinforcement portions (the first, second, and third reinforcement portions) is smaller at a lower end portion thereof (of one reinforcement portion) than at an upper end portion thereof (of the one reinforcement portion).
- This aspect may achieve effect comparable to the effect achieved by the aforementioned one aspect.
- According to the aforementioned "different aspect," a fastening member including a shoelace may be provided. For example, a non-stretchable or stretchable belt (belts) member may be employed as the fastening member as well as the shoelace. If the belt member is employed, one, or two or more belts may be provided.
- If a shoe has a shoelace, the
edge portions edge portions sock 5. - Note that a base of each bone means a slightly bulging thick site near a posterior joint of the bone. This base is also called a proximal condyle. A head (condyle) of each bone means a slightly bulging thick site near an anterior joint of the bone and is also called a distal condyle. A shaft of each bone means a site between the base and the head (condyle) of the bone and generally has a smoothly changing thickness.
- According to the present disclosure, the upper end portion of each reinforcement portion generally means an uppermost one-third portion of the reinforcement portion defined by equally dividing each reinforcement portion into three portions vertically. The lower end portion of each reinforcement portion generally means a lowermost one-third portion of the reinforcement portion defined by equally dividing the reinforcement portion into three portions vertically.
- According to the present disclosure, the "width of the reinforcement portion" can be read (understood) as a width in an alignment direction of the plurality of holes H in which these holes H through which the
shoelace 6 passes are aligned smoothly in a line on the medial or lateral side. - On the other hand, in every case including alignment of the plurality of holes H in a staggered pattern on the medial or lateral side, the "width of the reinforcement portion" can be read as a width in a direction perpendicular to each of center lines C1 to C4 of the respective first to fourth reinforcement portions along a direction in which a corresponding reinforcement portion extends.
- If a line along a front end (edge) or a rear end (edge) of each of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4 does not extend smoothly, for example, an average of the aforementioned uppermost one-third portions can be employed as the "width of the upper end portion of the reinforcement portion" whereas an average of the aforementioned lowermost one-third portions can be employed as the "width of the lower end portion of the reinforcement portion." -
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FIG. 1A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a first embodiment not part of the invention, andFIG. 1B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 2A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a second embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 3A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a third embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 3B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 4A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 4B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 5A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 5B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 6A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 7A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 7B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 8A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 8B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 9A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 9B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 10A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing a tenth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 10B is a medial side view of this shoe. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of an upper showing a direction of tightening force acting in response to fastening with a shoelace. -
FIG. 12A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing Comparative Example,FIG. 12B is a medial side view of this shoe, andFIG. 12C is a schematic sectional view of a shoe showing an evaluation method. -
FIG. 13 is a bar graph showing evaluation result. -
FIG. 14A is a lateral side view of a shoe showing an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 14B is a medial side view of this shoe. - One of preferable embodiments described below can be employed or the following embodiments can be employed in combination, within the scope of the claims. According to all embodiments, the at least one reinforcement member on the medial side further includes a
fourth reinforcement portion 4 covering at least a portion of a navicular bone BS from the side surface, and
thefourth reinforcement portion 4 has a width, and a width W40 at a lower end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is smaller than a width W41 at an upper end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4. - In this case, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 covers the navicular bone BS. This allows the upper to achieve a fit with a middle foot section easily using the small reinforcement member. Further, the area of the reinforcement member is reduced and this will contribute to weight reduction. The width of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 being smaller at the lower end portion thereof than at the upper end portion thereof means that the width of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 restrained by a sole or a heel counter is small. This will allow thefourth reinforcement portion 4 to deform relatively freely. In this way, the upper will achieve a fit with a foot shape of a wearer easily. - Preferably, the upper comprises:
- a lateral-side soft region LS, in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed, defined between two virtual lines, the two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a most anterior F one H of the plurality of holes H and another from a most posterior R one H of the plurality of holes H in thelateral edge portion 7L along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane; and - a medial-side soft region MS, in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed, defined between two virtual lines, the two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a most anterior F one H of the plurality of holes H and another from a most posterior R one H of the plurality of holes H in themedial edge portion 7M along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane, - wherein an area of the medial-side soft region MS be larger than an area of the lateral-side soft region LS.
- In this case, the medial-side soft region MS larger than the lateral-side soft region LS is provided on the medial side of a foot having a shape with irregularities (a concave and convex shape) more complex than those on the lateral side of the foot. This allows the upper to achieve a fit easily on the medial side. Meanwhile, even though the area of the lateral-side soft region LS is smaller than that on the medial side and an upper includes a large area of a reinforcement member on the lateral side, the upper will still achieve a fit with a foot on the lateral side of the foot, because the lateral-side foot has a shape with irregularities simpler than those on the medial side.
- Preferably, a center line C4 of the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 along a direction in which thefourth reinforcement portion 4 extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole 8, and
an angle K4 formed between the center line C4 of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 and a horizontal line is smaller than an angle K1 formed between a center line C1 of thefirst reinforcement portion 1 along a direction in which thefirst reinforcement portion 1 extends and the horizontal line, and
the angle K4 is smaller than an angle K2 formed between a center line C2 of the second reinforcement portion along a direction in which thesecond reinforcement portion 2 extends and the horizontal line. - In this case, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 leans (tilts) largely in a posture more leaning forward than the first andsecond reinforcement portions - Preferably, a center line C3 of the
third reinforcement portion 3 along a direction in which thethird reinforcement portion 3 extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole 8. - In this case, the
third reinforcement portion 3 is placed in a forward leaning (inclination) posture. This will allow thethird reinforcement portion 3 to cover a base of a first proximal phalanx from above on the medial side of a forefoot section. - Preferably, the angle K4 formed between the center line C4 of the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 and the horizontal line is smaller than an angle K3 formed between a center line C3 of thethird reinforcement portion 3 along a direction in which thethird reinforcement portion 3 extends and the horizontal line. - In this case, on the medial side of a foot, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 leans forward more largely than thethird reinforcement portion 3. This places the lower end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 in a posterior position to form the large soft region MS between the third andfourth reinforcement portions - Preferably, a
line 41 along a rear end (edge) of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is more tilting (leaning, inclining) forward than aline 21 along a rear end (edge) of thesecond reinforcement portion 2, and
alower end 4E of theline 41 along the rear end of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is placed posterior to alower end 2E of theline 21 along the rear end of thesecond reinforcement portion 2, with thefourth reinforcement portion 4 covering a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone BC from a side surface. - Generally, a part (site) directly below a malleolus on the medial side M of a foot is necked (narrowed, constricted) subtly, compared to a counterpart on the lateral side L of the foot. A gap with the upper is likely to occur at this part. In the present case, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 largely leaning forward covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone BC. This will allow the upper to achieve a fit with the foot at the aforementioned part easily. - An area of a medial-side soft region MS, in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed, between thethird reinforcement portion 3 and thefourth reinforcement portion 4 on the medial side surface is larger than an area of a lateral-side soft region LS, in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed, between thefirst reinforcement portion 1 and thesecond reinforcement portion 2 on the lateral-side surface. - In this case, the medial-side soft region MS larger than the lateral-side soft region LS is provided on the medial side of a foot having a shape with irregularities more complex than those on the lateral side of the foot. This allows the upper to achieve a fit easily on the medial side. Meanwhile, even though the area of the lateral-side soft region LS is smaller than that on the medial side and an upper includes a large area of a reinforcement member on the lateral side, the upper will still achieve a fit with a foot on the lateral side of the foot, because the lateral-side foot has a shape with irregularities simpler than those on the medial side.
- According to the present invention, the reinforcement member includes one or more reinforcement portions having lower end portions smaller than upper end portions thereof.
- For example, the
third reinforcement portion 3 has the width, and a width W30 of a lower end portion of thethird reinforcement portion 3 is smaller than a width W31 of an upper end portion of thethird reinforcement portion 3. - The
second reinforcement portion 2 has the width, and a width W20 of a lower end portion of thesecond reinforcement portion 2 is smaller than a width W21 of an upper end portion of thesecond reinforcement portion 2. - The
first reinforcement portion 1 has the width, and a width W10 of a lower end portion of thefirst reinforcement portion 1 is smaller than a width W11 of an upper end portion of thefirst reinforcement portion 1. - Two or more of these reinforcement portions may have widths of lower end portions thereof smaller than widths of upper end portions thereof.
- The width of the
third reinforcement portion 3 is smaller at a lower end portion of the third reinforcement portion than at an upper end portion of the third reinforcement portion,
the width of thesecond reinforcement portion 2 is smaller at a lower end portion of the second reinforcement portion than at an upper end portion of the second reinforcement portion, and
the width of thefirst reinforcement portion 1 is smaller at a lower end portion of the first reinforcement portion than at an upper end portion of the first reinforcement portion. - This will contribute to further enhancement of a fit of the upper and further weight reduction of the upper.
- An area of a medial-side soft region MS, in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed, between thethird reinforcement portion 3 and thefourth reinforcement portion 4 on the medial-side surface is larger than an area of a lateral-side soft region LS, in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed, between thefirst reinforcement portion 1 and thesecond reinforcement portion 2 on the lateral-side surface. - This will contribute to achieving the aforementioned effect optimally.
- Preferably, a center line C4 of the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 along a direction in which thefourth reinforcement portion 4 extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole 8,
an angle K4 formed between the center line C4 of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 and a horizontal line is smaller than an angle K1 formed between a center line C1 of thefirst reinforcement portion 1 along a direction in which thefirst reinforcement portion 1 extends and the horizontal line, and
the angle K4 is smaller than an angle K2 formed between a center line C2 of thesecond reinforcement portion 2 along a direction in which thesecond reinforcement portion 2 extends and the horizontal line;
aline 41 along a rear end (edge) of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is more tilting (leaning, inclining) forward than aline 21 along a rear end (edge) of thesecond reinforcement portion 2;
alower end 4E of the line along the rear end of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is placed posterior to alower end 2E of theline 21 along the rear end of thesecond reinforcement portion 2; and
thefourth reinforcement portion 4 covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone BC. - The plurality of holes H in the upper includes four or more holes provided on each of a lateral side and a medial side of a foot, and
a width of each of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 at the upper end portion thereof is set in such a manner that the upper end portion faces (confronts, is opposed to, is adjacent to) the plurality of holes H of (belonging to) the four or more holes H on the lateral or medial side. - In this case, each of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4 receives tension applied by using theshoelace 6 passed through the plurality of holes H and transmitted through the eyelet stays 7L and 7M. This will facilitate stabilization of a direction in which the tension acts on the reinforcement portion having an upper end portion facing the plurality of holes H. - In this case, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 largely leaning forward covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone BC. This will enhance a fit with the front portion of the lower portion of the calcaneal bone BC where good conformity with a foot is generally not achieved. - The upper includes: a lateral-side soft region LS in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed, defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part of thelateral edge portion 7L corresponding to a front end of a ball of a little toe and the other from a part of thelateral edge portion 7L corresponding to a rear end of a lateral malleolus, along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane; and
a medial-side soft region MS in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed, defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part of themedial edge portion 7M corresponding to a front end of a ball of a big toe and the other from a part of themedial edge portion 7M corresponding to a rear end of a medial malleolus, along the medial-side surface and along a vertical plane,
wherein an area of the medial-side soft region MS is larger than an area of the lateral-side soft region LS. - In this case, the medial-side soft region MS larger than the lateral-side soft region LS is provided on the medial side of a foot having a shape with irregularities (concave and convex) more complex than those on the lateral side of the foot. This allows the upper to achieve a fit easily on the medial side. Meanwhile, the area of the lateral-side soft region LS is smaller than that on the medial side. However, even an upper including a reinforcement member of a large area on the lateral side will achieve a fit with a foot on the lateral side of the foot, because the lateral-side foot has a shape with irregularities simpler than those on the medial side.
- The present invention will be understood more clearly from the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Note however that the embodiments and the drawings are merely illustrative and should not be taken to define the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention shall be defined only by the appended claims. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals denote like components throughout the plurality of figures.
- Embodiments of the present invention will be described below by referring to the drawings.
FIGS. 1A and 1B (not part of the invention),FIGS. 2A and 2B ,FIGS. 3A and 3B ,FIGS. 4A and 4B ,FIGS. 5A and 5B ,FIGS. 6A and 6B ,FIGS. 7A and 7B ,FIGS. 8A and 8B ,FIGS. 9A and 9B , andFIGS. 10A and 10B show a first embodiment (not part of the invention), a second embodiment, a third embodiment, a fourth embodiment, a fifth embodiment, a sixth embodiment, a seventh embodiment, an eighth embodiment, a ninth embodiment, and a tenth embodiment respectively. - The second embodiment as a most representative embodiment will be described first.
- As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , an upper U is placed on a sole 8. - The sole 8 may include an
outsole 80 having a ground contact surface, and amidsole 81 placed on theoutsole 80 and made of a foamed body (foam body). InFIGS. 1A to 10B ,12 , and 14, themidsole 81 is given irregular small dots. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , the upper U includes asock 5, aneyelet stay 7M, aneyelet stay 7L, a reinforcement member (portion) 1, areinforcement member 2, areinforcement member 3, and areinforcement member 4. The eyelet stays 7M and 7L and the reinforcement member may be attached to an outer side (exterior) surface or to an inner surface (interior surface) of the upper U. InFIGS. 1A to 10B and12 , the eyelet stays 7M and 7L and the reinforcement member are given regular dots. - The
sock 5 shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B is formed of one or two or more members made of woven fabric, knit fabric, or knit-like fabric. Thesock 5 covers the instep and the heel of a foot softly. Thesock 5 may include a tongue not shown in the drawings. - The
lateral eyelet stay 7L and a medial eyelet stay 7M are placed respectively on alateral edge 5E and amedial edge 5E of anopening 50 of thesock 5 shown inFIG. 11 . The eyelet stays 7L and 7M are less stretchable than the member forming thesock 5 and define a plurality of holes H through which ashoelace 6 passes. The passedshoelace 6 is to exhibit fastening force at the time of wearing. The lateral and medial eyelet stays 7L and 7M may be continuous with each other at a front end or may be separated (spaced apart) from each other. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 to 6 , each of the eyelet stays 7L and 7M may have one or a plurality of notches (cuts) 7N. As shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B , theeyelet stay 7L may include eyelet stays 7L separated from each other and each of the eyelet stays 7L may have a single hole H or a plurality of holes H. Further, the eyelet stay 7M may include eyelet stays 7M separated from each other and each of the eyelet stays 7M may have a single hole H or a plurality of holes H. - A material forming the eyelet stays 7L and 7M shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B may be a tape material, artificial leather, or two or more of such materials. The plurality of holes H through which theshoelace 6 passes may be small round holes formed in the material such as artificial leather or be loop-shaped members (materials) sewed on the material such as artificial leather. - If the
sock 5 is made of suede-like artificial leather, for example, theedge portions - Referring to
FIG. 2A , a lateral reinforcement member includes afirst reinforcement portion 1 and asecond reinforcement portion 2. On the other hand, a medial reinforcement member ofFIG. 2B includes athird reinforcement portion 3 and afourth reinforcement portion 4. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , each of the first andsecond reinforcement portions sock 5, attached to a lateral-side surface of thesock 5, and extends from the lateral eyelet stay 7L to the upper end of themidsole 81. On the other hand, each of the third andfourth reinforcement portions FIG. 2B is less stretchable than the member forming thesock 5, attached to a medial-side surface of thesock 5, and extends from the medial eyelet stay 7M to the upper end of themidsole 81. - The
first reinforcement portion 1 ofFIG. 2A covers at least a portion of a fifth proximal phalanx B50 from a side surface. Thesecond reinforcement portion 2 covers at least a portion of a shaft or a base of a fifth metatarsal bone B51 from a side surface. - The
third reinforcement portion 3 ofFIG. 2B covers at least a portion of a ball O1 of a big toe from a side surface. Thefourth reinforcement portion 4 covers at least a portion of a navicular bone BS from a side surface. - Each of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4 has a width in an alignment direction of the plurality of holes H. The width of each of the reinforcement portions is smaller at a lower end portion thereof than at an upper end portion thereof. The alignment direction of the plurality of holes H mentioned herein corresponds to an alignment direction of holes H through which theshoelace 6 passes that is to exhibit the aforementioned fastening force and thus means an alignment direction of the holes H closer to an anterior side F than a top line (a foot insertion opening) 59. According to this embodiment, the plurality of holes H does not include a most posterior hole Hr. Thefoot insertion opening 59 is a part from which a leg extends during wearing and is continuous with opening 50 on the anterior side F. - A width W10 of a lower end portion of the
first reinforcement portion 1 is smaller than a width W11 of an upper end portion of thefirst reinforcement portion 1 ofFIG. 2A . A width W20 of a lower end portion of thesecond reinforcement portion 2 is smaller than a width W21 of an upper end portion of thesecond reinforcement portion 2. A width W30 of a lower end portion of thethird reinforcement portion 3 is smaller than a width W31 of an upper end portion of thethird reinforcement portion 3. A width W40 of a lower end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is smaller than a width W41 of an upper end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4. - According to embodiment, the plurality of holes H faces the upper end portion of each of the first to
fourth reinforcement portions 1 to 4. The lateral and medial eyelet stays 7L and 7M are each provided with four or more of the holes H. - At each of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4, the width of the lower end portion is preferably from about 30 to about 97%, more preferably, from about 35 to about 95%, most preferably, from about 50 to about 85% of the width of the upper end portion. - Each of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B preferably extends in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which tightening force acts to be applied by using theshoelace 6 passed through the holes H. Specifically, the direction in which each of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 extends may preferably be set so as to be substantially parallel to a pulling direction in which force Fo resulting from theshoelace 6 indicated by alternate long and two short dashed lines ofFIG. 11 acts on the holes H. The position and shape of a reinforcement member to work effectively for enhancing a fit should be determined based on a way in which tightening force acts. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 have a virtual center line C1, a virtual center line C2, a virtual center line C3, and a virtual center line C4 extending in respective directions agreeing with directions in which corresponding ones of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 extend. If each of the aforementioned width is hard to measure in the alignment direction of the plurality of holes H, each of the width can be measured in a direction perpendicular to a corresponding one of the center lines C1 to C4. - The center lines C1 to C4 along the directions in which the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4 extend respectively extend in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole 8. An angle K4 ofFIG. 2B formed between the center line C4 of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 and the sole 8 is smaller than an angle K1 and an angle K2 ofFIG. 2A formed between the center lines C1 and C2 along the directions in which the first andsecond reinforcement portions fourth reinforcement portion 4 and the sole 8 is smaller than an angle K3 formed between the center line C3 of thethird reinforcement portion 3 and the sole 8. - If a surface of the sole 8 is a horizontal surface or nearly a horizontal surface, the angles K1 to K4 can be angles formed between each of the center lines C1 to C4 and the surface of the sole 8. If the surface of the sole 8 is curved largely or has irregularities, the angles K1 to K4 are measured between each of the center lines C1 to C4 and the horizontal line.
- Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , aline 10, aline 20, aline 30, and aline 40 along front edges of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 respectively are placed in forward leaning postures. Further, aline 21, aline 31, and aline 41 along rear edges of the second tofourth reinforcement portions 2 to 4 respectively are placed in forward leaning postures. - The
line 41 along the rear edge of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is more leaning forward than theline 21 along the rear edge of thesecond reinforcement portion 2. Alower end 4E of theline 41 along the rear edge of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is placed posterior to alower end 2E of theline 21 along the rear edge of thesecond reinforcement portion 2. - Thus, the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone BC from a side surface and an area of the calcaneal bone BC covered by thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is larger than an area of the calcaneal bone BC covered by thesecond reinforcement portion 2. In some cases, no portion of the calcaneal bone BC is covered by thesecond reinforcement portion 2. - The upper U of
FIG. 2A includes a lateral-side soft region LS in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed. The lateral-side soft region LS is defined between the first andsecond reinforcement portions FIG. 2B includes a medial-side soft region MS in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed. The medial-side soft region MS is defined between the third andfourth reinforcement portions - The area of the medial-side soft region MS is larger than the area of the lateral-side soft region LS of
FIG. 2A . - Other embodiments will be described next.
- The following description of the embodiments is mainly intended for differences from the second embodiment.
- According to a first embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thefourth reinforcement portion 4 is not provided. - According to the first embodiment (not part of the invention), the lateral-side soft region LS of
FIG. 1A means a region in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed. This region is defined between two virtual lines VL extended downwardly, one from a most anterior F one H of the plurality of holes H through which theshoelace 6 passes and the other from a most posterior R one H of the plurality of holes H in thelateral eyelet stay 7L along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane. On the other hand, the medial-side soft region MS ofFIG. 1B means a region in which the member forming thesock 5 is exposed. This region is defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a most anterior F one H of the plurality of holes H through which theshoelace 6 passes and the other from a most posterior R one H of the plurality of holes H in the medial eyelet stay 7M along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane. According to this embodiment, the area of the medial-side soft region MS is also larger than the area of the lateral-side soft region LS. - According to a third embodiment shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , the widths of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 on the lateral side and medial side are larger than the corresponding widths of the reinforcement portions of the aforementioned second embodiment. - According to a fourth embodiment of
FIGS. 4A and 4B , as shown inFIG. 4B , themedial eyelet stay 7M is provided with a cut off (notch) 7N to interrupt (intercept) the continuity of the medial eyelet stay 7M. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B show a different standard for the aforementioned "width of a reinforcement portion." Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B , each of the widths of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 including W10, W11, ..., W40, and W41 means a width in a direction perpendicular to a corresponding one of the center lines C1 to C4. - For example, the width W41 of the upper end portion of the
fourth reinforcement portion 4 means a distance W41 between two leader lines parallel to the center line C4. On the other hand, the width W40 of the lower end portion of thefourth reinforcement portion 4 means a distance W40 between two leader lines parallel to said center line C4. - The upper includes the lateral-side soft region LS in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed. The lateral-side soft region LS is defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part corresponding to a front end of a ball O5 of the little toe and the other from a part corresponding to a rear end of a lateral malleolus AL in thelateral edge portion 7L, along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane. - The upper includes the medial-side soft region MS in which the member forming the
sock 5 is exposed. The medial-side soft region MS is defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part corresponding to a front end of a ball O1 of a big toe and the other from a part corresponding to a rear end of a medial malleolus AM in themedial edge portion 7M, along the medial-side surface and along a vertical plane. - The area of the medial-side soft region MS is larger than the area of the lateral-side soft region LS.
- According to a fifth embodiment of
FIGS. 5A and 5B , as shown inFIG. 5B , themedial eyelet stay 7M is provided with a cut off 7N formed between the third andfourth reinforcement portions medial eyelet stay 7M and continuity between the third andfourth reinforcement portions - According to a sixth embodiment of
FIGS. 6A and 6B , as shown inFIG. 6B , themedial eyelet stay 7M is provided with a plurality of cuts off 7N to interrupt the continuity of themedial eyelet stay 7M and continuity between the third andfourth reinforcement portions - A test conducted to verify the effect of the present invention will be described next.
- Before the test, a shoe according to Comparative Example shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B not including a reinforcement member on both of a medial side and a lateral side of the shoe was prepared. A reinforcement member was attached to an upper of this Comparative Example to prepare a shoe according to Test Example 1 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B , a shoe according to Test Example 2 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B , and a shoe according to Test Example 3 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B . Further, the medial eyelet stay 7M according to each of Test Examples 2 and 3 was partially cut off to prepare a shoe according to Test Example 4 ofFIGS. 4A and 4B , a shoe according to Test Example 5 ofFIGS. 5A and 5B , and a shoe according to Test Example 6 ofFIGS. 6A and 6B . - Then, a plurality of test subjects worn each of the shoes according to each of the aforementioned Examples and formed a state of tightening with a lace like in the general case of wearing a shoe by each test subject, specifically, a state indicated by virtual lines of
FIG. 12C . Immediately thereafter, each test subject formed a state indicated by solid lines ofFIG. 12C by applying tightening force using a shoelace larger than that applied in the general case. The amount of displacement of the upper in a direction normal to the surface of the upper U of each of Examples was measured in these states and the measured amounts were expressed in terms of numerical values. The bar graph ofFIG. 13 shows the result of the measurement. - A smaller amount of the aforementioned measured displacement can be considered to show a better fit for a wearer achieved in the general state of tightening with a lace. In the bar graph of
FIG. 13 , a better fit is expressed by a larger value. - As understood from Comparative Example and Examples 1 to 3 of
FIG. 13 , regarding a lateral side L of a foot, a larger area of a reinforcement member achieves a better fit. This is considered to be for the reason that, as the lateral side L of the foot is formed of a relatively gentle slope surface of mild irregularities, a high-rigidity reinforcement member tightly conforms to the surface of the lateral side L of the foot. - On the other hand, as understood from Comparative Example and Examples 1 and 2, regarding a medial side M of a foot, a better fit is achieved with increase in the area of a reinforcement member to some extent. However, as understood from a comparison between Example 2 of
FIG. 2B and Example 3 ofFIG. 3B , a fit shown inFIG. 13 exhibits substantially no change even if the area of a reinforcement member is large. This is considered to be for the reason that, as a bone protrudes inwardly in a range from a base of a first metatarsal bone B11 to a navicular bone BS ofFIG. 2 on the medial side M of the foot, it becomes difficult to achieve a fit with the surface of the medial side M of the foot if a high-rigidity reinforcement member has an excessively large area. - As understood from comparisons of Examples 2 and 3 to Examples 4 to 6 of
FIG. 13 , a better fit is achieved on the medial side M with the medial eyelet stay 7M cut into an anterior portion and a posterior portion. - Other embodiments will be described next on the basis of the aforementioned test result.
- According to embodiments shown in
FIGS. 7B to 9B , a through hole is formed at a portion of one of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 in a medial and/or lateral side of the foot to form a small soft region SS in which thesock 5 is exposed. In these cases, it may be possible to reduce a weight further. Meanwhile, slight change may be caused in terms of a fit. - The following describes how the aforementioned widths including W10, W11, ..., W40, and W41 should be understood in the presence of the soft region SS resulting from a through hole formed at a portion of one of the
reinforcement portions 1 to 4. - As shown in
FIG. 7B , if the soft region SS is provided at a lower end portion, a substantial width at the lower end portion becomes smaller than the width W30 or W40. In this case, the widths W30 and W40 at the lower end portions should be determined based on thelines lines - As shown in
FIG. 8B , if the soft region SS is provided at an upper end portion and the soft region SS has a relatively small area, a substantial width at the upper end portion may become smaller than the width W31 or W41. However, in the presence of the small soft region SS, tightening force applied by using theshoelace 6 may act locally on the sole 8 through the medial and lateral eyelet stays 7M and 7L and thereinforcement portions - In this case, the widths W31 and W41 at corresponding upper end portions should be determined based on the
line 30 along the front edge and theline 31 along the rear edge, and theline 40 along the front edge and theline 41 along the rear edge. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 9B , each of thereinforcement portions reinforcement portions - In this case, determination should also be made as to how tightening force applied by using the
shoelace 6 acts. Specifically, referring toFIG. 9B , thereinforcement portions site 32 and asite 42 respectively at the corresponding top (uppermost) ends where thereinforcement portions shoelace 6 will be transmitted from the eyelet stay 7M through thesites reinforcement portions - Thus, in this case, the widths W30 and W40 at the lower end portions and the widths W31 and W41 at the upper end portions should also be determined based on the
lines lines - According to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 9A , a cut off is provided at each of the lower end portions of the lateral first andsecond reinforcement portions second reinforcement portions - In this case, tightening force will be transmitted from the
shoelace 6 engaged with thelateral eyelet stay 7L at a front portion to the upper U through thefirst reinforcement portion 1. Meanwhile, tightening force will be transmitted from theshoelace 6 engaged with thelateral eyelet stay 7L at a rear portion to the upper U through thesecond reinforcement portion 2. - Specifically, the first and
second reinforcement portions - In this case, the widths W10, W11, W20, and W21 should be determined by setting a virtual line VL2 at which the first and
second reinforcement portions FIG. 9B . - Referring to
FIG. 8A , the first andsecond reinforcement portions FIG. 13 , a fit may also be enhanced on the lateral side L of a foot. According to this embodiment, while the first andsecond reinforcement portions third reinforcement portion 3 ofFIG. 8B has the width W30 at the lower end portion thereof smaller than the width W31 at the upper end portion thereof. Thus, this embodiment is also included in the present invention. - The aforementioned description of the embodiments is intended for regions where the medial and lateral eyelet stays 7M and 7L are provided. Meanwhile, in many cases, a toe portion and a heel portion of the upper U are provided with a
reinforcement member 51, areinforcement member 52, areinforcement member 53, and areinforcement member 54 as shown inFIGS. 10A or 10B , or a heel counter. In such a case, as shown by virtual lines VL3, the front edge lines and the rear edge lines of thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 should be set by extending some of lines. - An embodiment shown in
FIGS. 14A and 14B includes aheel counter 9. In the illustrations of these drawings, thereinforcement portions 1 to 4 are given regular dots and theheel counter 9 is hatched. According to this embodiment, the anterior first andthird reinforcement portions midsole 81. Thesecond reinforcement portion 2 ofFIG. 14A extends to themidsole 81 or theheel counter 9. Thefourth reinforcement portion 4 ofFIG.14B does not reach themidsole 81 but it extends to theheel counter 9. - The
second reinforcement portion 2 and/or thefourth reinforcement portion 4 may extend to the midsole (sole) 81 while being caught (sandwiched) between theheel counter 9 and thesock 5. - According to this embodiment, the first and
second reinforcement portions FIG. 14A are formed into a loop pattern. Further, the third andfourth reinforcement portions FIG. 14B are formed into a loop pattern. - Like in this embodiment, if a reinforcement portion(s) is (are) formed into a loop pattern, the width of each reinforcement portion at an upper end portion thereof and that of each reinforcement portion at a lower end portion thereof should be determined by leaving out an upper edge extending in an anterior-posterior direction along the eyelet stays 7L and 7M and a lower edge extending in the anterior-posterior direction along the sole or the
heel counter 9. - According to this embodiment, a tape material T to exhibit substantially no stretching properties in response to the external force generated during wearing may be stacked on the hard-to-
stretch reinforcement portions 1 to 4 having (forming) a loop pattern. - The
heel counter 9 may include: abase 9B made of low-rigidity artificial leather; and aresin layer 9P having higher rigidity than thebase 9B and adhesively stacked on thebase 9B. Like in this embodiment, themidsole 81 may have a plurality of layers. - The preferred embodiments have been described above by referring to the drawings. A person with ordinary skill in the art who has read this specification will easily think of various changes and modifications within an obvious range.
- For example, a sole placed under an upper may include only an outsole. The upper may be a high-top upper, not a low-top upper.
- Each reinforcement member may be attached fixedly to a sock by means of paste, adhesion, sewing, or adhesion and sewing.
- Thus, such changes and modifications are deeded to fall within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.
- The present invention is applicable to a shoe having a lace-tightening structure using a shoelace and additionally, to a shoe having a fastening structure achieved by a fastening member such as a shoelace or a belt (belts).
-
- 1: First reinforcement portion
- 2:
Second reinforcement portion 2E: Lower end 20: Line along front edge 21: Line along rear edge - 3: Third reinforcement portion 30: Line along front edge 31: Line along rear edge
- 4:
Fourth reinforcement portion 4E: Lower end 40: Line along front edge 41: Line along rear edge - T: Tape material
- 5:
Sock 5E: Edge 50: Opening - 6: Shoelace
- 7L: Lateral eyelet stay 7M: Medial eyelet stay 7N: Cut off
- 8: Sole 80: Outsole 81: Midsole
- 9: Heel counter
- LS, MS, SS: Soft region
- BC: Calcaneal bone BS: Navicular bone B50: Fifth proximal phalanx B51: Fifth metatarsal bone
- O1: Ball of a big toe C1 to C4: Center line
- F: Anterior R: Posterior K1 to K4: Angle U: Upper
- VL: Virtual line
- W10, Sll, W20, W21, W30, W31, W40, W41: Width
Claims (12)
- An upper of a shoe comprising:a sock (5);lateral and medial edge portions (7L and 7M) placed respectively on lateral and medial edges (5E) of an opening (50) of the sock (5), the lateral and medial edge portions (7L and 7M) being less stretchable than a member forming the sock (5), and defining a plurality of holes (H) through which a shoelace (6) passes, the plurality of holes (H) including four or more holes provided on each of a lateral side and a medial side of a foot;at least one reinforcement member on a lateral side (L), the at least one reinforcement member being less stretchable than the member forming the sock (5) and extending from the lateral edge portion (7L) to a sole (8) or a heel counter (9) while being attached to a lateral-side surface of the sock (5); andat least one reinforcement member on a medial side (M), the at least one reinforcement member on the medial side (M) being less stretchable than the member forming the sock (5) and extending from the medial edge portion (7M) to the sole (8) or the heel counter (9) while being attached to a medial side surface of the sock (5), wherein:the at least one reinforcement member on the lateral side (L) includes a
first reinforcement portion (1) covering at least a portion of a fifth proximal phalanx (B50) from a side surface anda second reinforcement portion (2) covering at least a portion of a shaft or a base of a fifth metatarsal bone (B51) from the side surface; andthe at least one reinforcement member on the medial side (M) includes a third reinforcement portion (3) covering at least a portion of a ball (O1) of a big toe from a side surface anda fourth reinforcement portion (4) covering at least a portion of a navicular bone (BS) from the side surface,the fourth reinforcement portion (4) has a width, and a width (W40) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) at a lower end portion thereof is smaller than a width (W41) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) at an upper end portion thereof;the width of the third reinforcement portion (3) is smaller at a lower end portion thereof than at an upper end portion thereof;the width of the second reinforcement portion (2) is smaller at a lower end portion thereof than at an upper end portion thereof;the width of the first reinforcement portion (1) is smaller at a lower end portion thereof than at an upper end portion thereof; characterized in thatan area of a medial-side soft region (MS), in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, between the third reinforcement portion (3) and the fourth reinforcement portion (4) on the medial-side surface is larger than an area of a lateral-side soft region (LS), in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, between the first reinforcement portion (1) and the second reinforcement portion (2) on the lateral-side surface; anda width of each of the reinforcement portions (1 to 4) at the upper end portion thereof is set in such a manner that the upper end portion faces a plurality of holes (H) of the four or more holes (H) on the lateral or medial side. - The upper according to claim 1, comprising:a lateral-side soft region (LS), in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, defined between two virtual lines, the two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a most anterior (F) one (H) of the plurality of holes (H) and another from a most posterior (R) one (H) of the plurality of holes (H) in the lateral edge portion (7L) along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane; anda medial-side soft region (MS), in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, defined between two virtual lines, the two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a most anterior (F) one (H) of the plurality of holes (H) and another from a most posterior (R) one (H) of the plurality of holes (H) in the medial edge portion (7M) along the medial-side surface and along a vertical plane,wherein an area of the medial-side soft region (MS) is larger than an area of the lateral-side soft region (LS).
- The upper according to claim 1, wherein
a center line (C4) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) along a direction in which the fourth reinforcement portion (4) extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole (8), and
an angle K4 formed between the center line (C4) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) and a horizontal line is smaller than an angle K1 formed between a center line (Cl) of the first reinforcement portion (1) along a direction in which the first reinforcement portion (1) extends and the horizontal line, and
the angle K4 is smaller than an angle K2 formed between a center line (C2) of the second reinforcement portion along a direction in which the second reinforcement portion (2) extends and the horizontal line. - The upper according to claim 3, wherein a center line (C3) of the third reinforcement portion (3) along a direction in which the third reinforcement portion (3) extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole (8).
- The upper according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the angle K4 formed between the center line (C4) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) and the horizontal line is smaller than an angle K3 formed between a center line (C3) of the third reinforcement portion (3) along a direction in which the third reinforcement portion (3) extends and the horizontal line.
- The upper according to claim 1, 3, 4 or 5, wherein:a line (41) along a rear end of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) is more tilting forward than a line (21) along a rear end of the second reinforcement portion (2); anda lower end (4E) of the line (41) along the rear end of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) is placed posterior to a lower end (2E) of the line (21) along the rear end of the second reinforcement portion (2), with the fourth reinforcement portion (4) covering a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone (BC) from a side surface.
- The upper according to claim 1, wherein:a center line (C4) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) along a direction in which the fourth reinforcement portion (4) extends extends in a diagonally rearward and downward direction toward the sole (8),an angle K4 formed between the center line (C4) of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) and a horizontal line is smaller than an angle K1 formed between a center line (Cl) of the first reinforcement portion (1) along a direction in which the first reinforcement portion (1) extends and the horizontal line, andthe angle K4 is smaller than an angle K2 formed between a center line (C2) of the second reinforcement portion (2) along a direction in which the second reinforcement portion (2) extends and the horizontal line;a line (41) along a rear end of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) is more tilting forward than a line (21) along a rear end of the second reinforcement portion (2);a lower end (4E) of the line along the rear end of the fourth reinforcement portion (4) is placed posterior to a lower end (2E) of the line (21) along the rear end of the second reinforcement portion (2); andthe fourth reinforcement portion (4) covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone (BC).
- The upper according to claim 1, comprising:a lateral-side soft region (LS) in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part of the lateral edge portion (7L) corresponding to a front end of a ball of a little toe and another from a part of the lateral edge portion (7L) corresponding to a rear end of a lateral malleolus, along the lateral-side surface and along a vertical plane; anda medial-side soft region (MS) in which the member forming the sock (5) is exposed, defined between two virtual lines extended downwardly, one from a part of the medial edge portion (7M) corresponding to a front end of a ball of a big toe and another from a part of the medial edge portion (7M) corresponding to a rear end of a medial malleolus, along the medial-side surface and along a vertical plane, wherein an area of the medial-side soft region (MS) is larger than an area of the lateral-side soft region (LS).
- The upper according to claim 1, wherein
the fourth reinforcement portion (4) covers a front portion of a lower portion of a calcaneal bone (BC) from a side surface, and
an area of the calcaneal bone (BC) covered by the fourth reinforcement portion (4) is larger than an area of the calcaneal bone (BC) covered by the second reinforcement portion (2). - The upper according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcement portions (1, 2) are required only to be separated from each other at least at their lower end portions as an anterior portion and a posterior portion, are continuous with each other at their upper end portions.
- The upper according to claim 1, wherein the fourth reinforcement portion (4) does not reach a midsole (81) but it extends to the heel counter (9).
- The upper according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reinforcement portions (1, 2) are formed into a loop pattern, and the third and fourth reinforcement portions (3, 4) are formed into a loop pattern.
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PCT/JP2014/059541 WO2015151195A1 (en) | 2014-03-31 | 2014-03-31 | Shoe upper |
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JP6026583B2 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2016-11-16 | 美津濃株式会社 | Shoe upper structure and shoes |
JP5986700B1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2016-09-06 | 株式会社アシックス | Shoes with upper and sole |
US11445779B2 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2022-09-20 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with multiple layers, retention system for an article of footwear, and methods of manufacture |
US10856614B2 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2020-12-08 | Athalonz, Llc | Athletic shoe with performance features |
KR101868284B1 (en) * | 2017-07-04 | 2018-07-17 | 진성민 | Functional sub-insole for fitting foot |
US10834998B2 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2020-11-17 | Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. | Footwear including a holding cage |
TWI732504B (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2021-07-01 | 荷蘭商耐基創新公司 | Article of footwear and footwear upper with branched forefoot straps |
CN110432580A (en) * | 2019-07-25 | 2019-11-12 | 温州职业技术学院 | It is a kind of to prevent sagging Labor protection shoes |
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US2096160A (en) * | 1936-09-29 | 1937-10-19 | Francis S Chambers | Device for the correction of weakness of the feet |
US3768182A (en) * | 1972-04-13 | 1973-10-30 | Nippon Rubber Usa Corp | Soft and securely held shoe |
JPS5762901U (en) * | 1980-09-30 | 1982-04-14 | ||
IT8121560V0 (en) * | 1981-04-23 | 1981-04-23 | Nuova Zarine Costruzione Macch | FOOTWEAR WITH UPPER ZONALLY COVERED BY SYNTHETIC MATERIAL INJECTED STABLY JOINED TO THE CANVAS. |
US4670998A (en) * | 1986-01-28 | 1987-06-09 | Chesebrough-Pond's, Inc. | Navicular support tennis shoe |
DE112004000536B4 (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2017-08-24 | Asics Corp. | Sports shoe with a shaft whose adaptability is improved |
US8122616B2 (en) * | 2008-07-25 | 2012-02-28 | Nike, Inc. | Composite element with a polymer connecting layer |
US20130312284A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2013-11-28 | Nike, Inc. | Article of Footwear Having Welded Upper |
US8869435B2 (en) * | 2011-08-02 | 2014-10-28 | Nike, Inc. | Golf shoe with natural motion structures |
EP2815668B1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2019-02-06 | ASICS Corporation | Shoe and manufacturing method therefor |
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2014
- 2014-03-31 WO PCT/JP2014/059541 patent/WO2015151195A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-03-31 US US15/300,253 patent/US20170143075A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-03-31 EP EP14888343.2A patent/EP3127448B1/en active Active
- 2014-03-31 JP JP2016511218A patent/JP6085066B2/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2015151195A1 (en) | 2015-10-08 |
EP3127448A4 (en) | 2017-11-22 |
US20170143075A1 (en) | 2017-05-25 |
EP3127448A1 (en) | 2017-02-08 |
JPWO2015151195A1 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
JP6085066B2 (en) | 2017-02-22 |
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