JP2007236647A - Shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lightweight shoe 2 having superior impact absorption property, stability and fitting property. <P>SOLUTION: This shoe 2 is provided with an upper 4, an insole 6, a cushion layer 8, a midsole 10, an outsole 12, an outside reinforced portion 14a, an inside reinforced portion 14b, a first reinforcing band 16 and a second reinforcing band 18. The midsole 10 consists of a base 34, an outside erecting portion 36a and an inside erecting portion 36b. The outside reinforced portion 14a is extended along the outer face of the erecting portion 36a. The reinforced portion 14a consists of a polyurethane foam body 38a and a covering layer 40a. The inside reinforced portion 14b is extended along the outer face of the erecting portion 36b. The reinforced portion 14b consists of a polyurethane foam body 38b and a covering layer 40b. The reinforced portions 14a and 14b restrain the movement of a foot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to shoes suitable for tennis, golf, basketball, aerobic dance and the like.

  The shoe is composed of an outsole, a midsole, an insole, an upper, and the like. The midsole is made of a foam. The midsole undergoes compression deformation when landing. By this deformation, the impact at the time of landing is absorbed. From the viewpoint of shock absorption, the midsole has a sufficient thickness.

  When the tennis player turns, or when the golfer swings the club, a horizontal force is applied to the midsole. This force causes shear deformation in the midsole. Since the midsole with an emphasis on shock absorption is soft and thick, it is particularly susceptible to shear deformation. A large shear deformation hinders the player's movement. This shoe is inferior in stability.

  Shoes with hard plates on the left and right of the heel are used. This hard plate suppresses shear deformation of the midsole. This shoe is unlikely to hinder the player's movement. However, this shoe is inferior in fit. In this shoe, the hard plate hinders the shock absorption.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-218603 discloses a shoe provided with a stabilizer. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-143654 discloses a shoe provided with a stabilizer. These stabilizers are made of synthetic resin and do not contain bubbles. This stabilizer suppresses the shear deformation of the midsole. However, this stabilizer inhibits the fit.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-185748 discloses a shoe provided with a hard reinforcing plate. This reinforcing plate is made of synthetic resin and does not contain bubbles. This reinforcing plate suppresses shear deformation of the midsole. However, this reinforcing plate hinders fit.

Shoes with reinforcing bands are also used. This reinforcing band does not contain bubbles. Typically, thermoplastic polyurethane or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is used for the reinforcing band. The reinforcing band greatly suppresses midsole shear deformation. The reinforcing band does not significantly impair shock absorption and fit.
JP 2001-218603 A JP 2005-143654 A JP 2005-185748 A

  The specific gravity of the reinforcing band made of thermoplastic polyurethane is large. Shoes with this reinforcing band are heavy. A reinforcing band made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is relatively light. However, shoes with this reinforcing band are heavier than shoes without a reinforcing band. And the reinforcement band which consists of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers has few effects which suppress a shear deformation compared with the reinforcement band which consists of thermoplastic polyurethane.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a shoe that is excellent in shock absorption, stability and fit, and is lightweight.

  The shoe according to the present invention includes an upper, a midsole, an outsole, and a reinforcing portion. The midsole includes a base and an upright portion that stands up from the periphery of the base. The reinforcing part extends along the outer surface of the standing part. This reinforcing part is mainly made of polyurethane foam.

  Preferably, the reinforcing portion includes a polyurethane foam and a coating layer covering the polyurethane foam. Preferably, the covering layer is made of leather.

  Preferably, the front end of the polyurethane foam is located in front of the point where the distance from the rear end of the shoe is 1/4 of the total length of the shoe. Preferably, the rear end of the polyurethane foam is located behind the point where the distance from the rear end of the shoe is 1/4 of the total length of the shoe.

  Preferably, the shoe further includes a reinforcing band that exists along the upper edge of the reinforcing portion.

  Preferably, the shoe includes a string for tightening the upper, and a second reinforcement band having one end connected to the reinforcement band and extending upward from the reinforcement band. By pulling the upper end of the second reinforcing band with a string, the second reinforcing band tightens the upper.

  In the shoe according to the present invention, the reinforcing portion suppresses shear deformation of the midsole. This reinforcing part does not hinder the impact absorption and fit. Furthermore, this reinforcing part is lightweight. This shoe is excellent in shock absorption, stability and fit. Moreover, this shoe is lightweight.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a shoe 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the shoe 2 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 1 shows the outside of the shoe 2 for the left foot. In FIG. 2, the left side is the outside and the right side is the inside. In FIG. 3, the left side is the outside, and the right side is the inside. The shoe for the right foot has a shape in which the shape shown in FIGS.

  The shoe 2 includes an upper 4, an insole 6, a cushion layer 8, a midsole 10, an outsole 12, an outside reinforcing portion 14 a, an inside reinforcing portion 14 b, a first reinforcing band 16, a second reinforcing band 18, and a string 20. ing.

  The upper 4 includes an outer skin 22 and an inner material 24. The outer skin 22 may be natural leather, synthetic leather, artificial leather, woven fabric, or the like. The inner material 24 includes a sponge 26 and a lining 28. A number of holes 30 are formed in the upper 4. The string 20 is passed through the hole 30. The upper 4 is tightened by pulling the string 20. The upper 4 further includes a flap 32.

  The insole 6 is made of woven fabric or foamed synthetic resin. The insole 6 is in contact with the foot. The insole 6 contributes to slipping of the foot during the operation of wearing the shoe 2. The insole 6 also contributes to comfort. The insole 6 may be omitted.

  The cushion layer 8 is located between the insole 6 and the midsole 10. The cushion layer 8 is made of a foam. A preferred base polymer in the cushion layer 8 is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The foaming ratio of the cushion layer 8 is high. The cushion layer 8 achieves shock absorption.

  The midsole 10 is made of a foam. The midsole 10 includes a base 34, an outside standing part 36a, and an inside standing part 36b. The standing portions 36 a and 36 b stand from the peripheral edge of the base 34. The base 34 is sufficiently thick. At the time of landing, the base 34 undergoes compression deformation. The impact is absorbed by this compression deformation. A preferred base polymer in the midsole 10 is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. In the midsole 10, EVA and polyolefin may be used in combination.

  The midsole 10 may include closed cells or open cells. From the viewpoint of shape restoring force and non-water absorption, closed cells are preferable. Bubbles are formed by foaming of the pyrolytic foaming agent. Examples of the thermally decomposable foaming agent used include azo compounds such as azodicarbonamide, nitroso compounds such as dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and triazole compounds. A foam in which micro hollow spheres called micro balloons are dispersed may be used for the midsole 10.

  From the viewpoint of shock absorption, the expansion ratio of the midsole 10 is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 2.0 or more, and particularly preferably 3 or more. From the viewpoint of stability, the expansion ratio is preferably 30 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and particularly preferably 10 or less.

  From the viewpoint of shock absorption, the maximum thickness of the base 34 is preferably 15 mm or more, and more preferably 17 mm or more. From the viewpoint of stability, the maximum thickness is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 27 mm or less, and particularly preferably 22 mm or less.

  From the viewpoint of stability, the C hardness of the midsole 10 is preferably 50 or more, and more preferably 55 or more. From the viewpoint of impact absorption, the C hardness is preferably 75 or less, and more preferably 70 or less. C hardness is measured with an Asker C type hardness tester in accordance with the standards of the Japan Rubber Association.

  The outsole 12 is located below the midsole 10. Outsole 12 is joined to midsole 10. Joining is achieved with an adhesive. The outsole 12 is made of a crosslinked rubber. Unevenness is formed on the bottom surface of the outsole 12. This unevenness prevents slipping.

  The outside reinforcing portion 14a extends along the outer surface of the standing portion 36a. The reinforcing portion 14a is made of a polyurethane foam 38a and a covering layer 40a. The polyurethane foam 38a is joined to the standing part 36a. Joining is achieved with an adhesive. As is clear from FIG. 3, a part of the polyurethane foam 38 a is also joined to the first reinforcing band 16. The covering layer 40a covers the polyurethane foam 38a. The covering layer 40a is thin. The reinforcing portion 14a is mainly composed of a polyurethane foam 38a.

  The inside reinforcing portion 14b extends along the outer surface of the standing portion 36b. The reinforcing portion 14b is made of a polyurethane foam 38b and a covering layer 40b. The polyurethane foam 38b is joined to the standing part 36b. Joining is achieved with an adhesive. As is clear from FIG. 3, a part of the polyurethane foam 38 b is also joined to the first reinforcing band 16. The covering layer 40b covers the polyurethane foam 38b. The covering layer 40b is thin. The reinforcing portion 14b is mainly composed of a polyurethane foam 38a.

  The outside reinforcing portion 14a restrains the movement of the foot to the outside. Due to the restraint, shear deformation of the midsole 10 is suppressed. The inside reinforcing portion 14b restrains the movement of the foot to the inside. Due to the restraint, shear deformation of the midsole 10 is suppressed. The stability of the shoe 2 is achieved by the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b. Since the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b are mainly made of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b, the fitting properties are not hindered. The reinforcing portions 14 a and 14 b do not hinder the compressive deformation of the midsole 10. This shoe 2 is excellent in shock absorption. Since the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b are mainly made of polyurethane foams 38a and 38b, the shoe 2 is lightweight.

  The polyurethane foams 38a and 38b may contain closed cells or open cells. From the viewpoint of shape restoring force and non-water absorption, closed cells are preferable. Bubbles are formed by foaming of the pyrolytic foaming agent. Examples of the thermally decomposable foaming agent used include azo compounds such as azodicarbonamide, nitroso compounds such as dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and triazole compounds. A foam in which micro hollow spheres called micro balloons are dispersed may be used for the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b.

  From the viewpoint of comfort, the foaming ratio of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.6 or more, and particularly preferably 1.8 or more. From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the expansion ratio is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.8 or less, and particularly preferably 2.5 or less.

  From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the maximum thickness of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 4 mm or more. The maximum thickness is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and particularly preferably 7 mm or less, from the viewpoint of not hindering walking motion and from the viewpoint of light weight.

  The thickness of the outside polyurethane foam 38a may be the same as or different from the thickness of the inside polyurethane foam 38b. In sports, there is often a force on the outside of the foot. For the purpose of restricting the movement of the foot to the outside, it is preferable that a thick polyurethane foam 38a is provided on the outside. From the viewpoint of suppressing walking obstacles, it is preferable to provide a thin polyurethane foam 38 on the inside. The difference between the maximum thickness of the outside polyurethane foam 38a and the maximum thickness of the inside polyurethane foam 38b is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 2 mm or more. The difference is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 6 mm or less.

In the present specification, the volume of the outside polyurethane foam 38a is represented by Va, and the volume of the inside polyurethane foam 38b is represented by Vb. From the viewpoint of restraining performance, the total volume (Va + Vb) is 10000 mm ^3, more preferably not 13000Mm ³ or more, 15000 ³ or more are particularly preferred. From comfort and the viewpoint of weight, total volume (Va + Vb) is preferably 45000Mm ³ or less, more preferably 40000 mm ³ or less, 30,000 mm ³ or less is particularly preferred.

The volume Va may be the same as or different from the volume Vb. From the viewpoint of restricting the movement of the foot toward the outside, a large volume Va is preferable. From the viewpoint of suppressing walking obstacles, a small volume Vb is preferable. The difference (Va-Vb) is 5000 mm ³ or more is preferable, 10000 mm ³ or more is more preferable. The difference (Va-Vb) is preferably 30,000 mm ³ or less, more preferably 25000 mm ³ or less, 20000 mm ³ or less is particularly preferred.

  From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b preferably have a C hardness of 25 or more, more preferably 28 or more, and particularly preferably 30 or more. From the viewpoint of comfort and light weight, the C hardness is preferably 40 or less, more preferably 38 or less, and particularly preferably 35 or less. C hardness is measured with an Asker C type hardness tester in accordance with the standards of the Japan Rubber Association.

  As described above, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. The III-III line passes through the maximum height point P1 (see FIG. 1) of the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b. In FIG. 3, the double arrow H1a indicates the height of the outside polyurethane foam 38a, and the double arrow H1b indicates the height of the inside polyurethane foam 38b. From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the heights H1a and H1b are preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 35 mm or more, and particularly preferably 40 mm or more. From the viewpoint of comfort, the heights H1a and H1b are preferably 70 mm or less, and more preferably 60 mm or less. By setting the heights H1a and H1b low, the ankle is not restrained.

  In FIG. 3, what is indicated by a double arrow H2a is the distance between the upper end of the outside polyurethane foam 38a and the upper surface of the insole 6 (ie, the surface with which the foot contacts), and is indicated by the double arrow H1b. This is the distance between the upper end of the inside polyurethane foam 38 b and the upper surface of the insole 6. From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the distances H2a and H2b are preferably 15 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, and particularly preferably 25 mm or more. From the viewpoint of comfort, the distances H2a and H2b are preferably 60 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and particularly preferably 40 mm or less.

  In FIG. 3, what is indicated by a double arrow H3a is the distance between the lower end of the outside polyurethane foam 38a and the upper surface of the insole 6 (ie, the surface with which the foot contacts), and is indicated by the double arrow H3b. This is the distance between the lower end of the inside polyurethane foam 38 b and the upper surface of the insole 6. From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the distances H3a and H3b are preferably 0 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and particularly preferably 7 mm or more. The distances H3a and H3b are 20 mm or less, further 17 mm or less, and particularly 15 mm or less.

  In FIG. 1, what is indicated by a double arrow L1 is a distance in the front-rear direction of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b. From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the distance L1 is preferably 80 mm or more, more preferably 90 mm or more, and particularly preferably 100 mm or more. If the distance L1 is excessive, the flexibility of the shoe 2 is inhibited. From the viewpoint of flexibility, the distance L1 is preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 170 mm or less, and particularly preferably 150 mm or less. The polyurethane foams 38a and 38b are preferably provided only behind the arch.

  In FIG. 1, what is indicated by a double arrow L is the length of the shoe 2. A straight line indicated by reference numeral 42 in FIG. 1 is a reference position. The distance between the reference position and the rear end P2 of the shoe 2 is L / 4. In FIG. 1, the straight line indicated by reference numeral 44 represents the position of the front end P3 of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b, and the straight line indicated by reference numeral 46 represents the position of the rear end P4 of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b. . The straight line 42 is sandwiched between the straight line 44 and the straight line 46. The front end P3 is located in front of the reference position. The rear end P4 is located behind the reference position. In other words, the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b cover the reference position. The polyurethane foams 38a and 38b contribute to restraint performance.

  The base polymer of the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b is preferably an ether-based polyurethane. Specific examples of the polyisocyanate component in the polyurethane include a mixture of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI).

  Preferable materials for the covering layers 40a and 40b are artificial leather, synthetic leather, and natural leather. Artificial leather is preferred from the viewpoints of cost, design freedom and quality. The artificial leather includes a fiber layer having a random three-dimensional structure and a polymer that has penetrated the fiber layer. This polymer has a large number of micropores.

  In a general manufacturing method of artificial leather, a plurality of cloths are superimposed and needle punched. By this needle punch, a fiber layer having a random three-dimensional structure is formed. The polymer is infiltrated into this fiber layer. A typical polymer is polyurethane. This polymer is sponged in a solvent. Thereby, an artificial leather is obtained. If necessary, the surface of the artificial leather is subjected to treatment such as painting and raising. Specific examples of preferred artificial leather include Kuraray's trade names “Clarino”, “Percussion” and “Amaretta”, and Teijin Cordley's trade names “Cordlet” and “Roel II”.

  In manufacturing the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b, the artificial leather is pressurized in a mold. The required shape is imparted to the artificial leather by pressing. This artificial leather is put into another mold. A polyurethane composition is further put on the artificial leather. This composition includes a blowing agent. The mold is clamped and the composition is pressurized and heated. The foaming agent is foamed by heating, and reinforcing portions 14a and 14b composed of the coating layers 40a and 40b and the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b are obtained. The covering layers 40a and 40b are firmly joined to the polyurethane foams 38a and 38b. The reinforcing portions 14 a and 14 b are bonded to the midsole 10.

  FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the shoe 2 of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state where the outside reinforcing portion 14a is peeled off. The first reinforcing band 16 and the midsole 10 are exposed by peeling off the reinforcing portion 14a. In FIG. 4, the exposed surface of the midsole 10 is hatched. In FIG. 4, the upper edge of the reinforcement part 14a is shown with the virtual line (two-dot chain line).

  As is apparent from FIG. 4, the first reinforcing band 16 extends along the upper edge of the reinforcing portion 14a. The front side portion 48 of the first reinforcing band 16 reaches the bottom surface of the shoe 2. As is clear from FIG. 3, the first reinforcing band 16 is also present on the inside of the shoe 2. The outside first reinforcing band 16 and the inside first reinforcing band 16 may be integrated. The first reinforcing band 16 restrains the movement of the foot. In the shoe 2, both the reinforcing portions 14a and 14b and the first reinforcing band 16 restrain the foot. Accordingly, the first reinforcing band 16 which is thinner and narrower than the conventional reinforcing band can be employed. The thin and narrow first reinforcing band 16 contributes to the weight of the shoe 2.

  From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the thickness of the first reinforcing band 16 is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.4 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm or more. In light of light weight and comfort, the thickness is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 4.0 mm or less, and particularly preferably 3.0 mm or less. The thickness is measured in the III-III cross section. The thickness is measured along the width direction of the shoe 2.

  From the viewpoint of restraint performance, the width of the first reinforcing band 16 is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and particularly preferably 5 mm or more. From the viewpoint of light weight and comfort, the width is preferably 25 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, and particularly preferably 15 mm or less. The width is measured in the III-III cross section. The width is measured along the height direction of the shoe 2.

  As is clear from FIG. 4, the upper end of the second reinforcing band 18 reaches the string 20. A hole 50 is formed in the vicinity of this upper end, and the string 20 is passed through this hole. The lower end of the second reinforcing band 18 reaches the first reinforcing band 16. As apparent from FIG. 3, the second reinforcing band 18 is sandwiched between the first reinforcing band 16 and the upper 4. In other words, the second reinforcing band 18 is connected to the first reinforcing band 16. When the string 20 is pulled, the second reinforcing band 18 tightens the upper 4. This tightening restrains the foot.

  As is clear from FIG. 3, the second reinforcing band 18 exists outside. The second reinforcing band 18 does not exist inside. As mentioned above, there are many movements to the outside of the foot in sports. The second reinforcing band 18 existing outside suppresses this movement. Since the second reinforcing band 18 does not exist inside, the shoe 2 is lightweight. A second reinforcing band 18 may be provided on the inside. Two or more second reinforcing bands 18 may be provided on the outside.

  The first reinforcing band 16 and the second reinforcing band 18 are made of a resin composition. The first reinforcing band 16 and the second reinforcing band 18 do not contain bubbles. Examples of preferable base materials for the first reinforcing band 16 and the second reinforcing band 18 include thermoplastic polyurethane and polyethylene. In particular, thermoplastic polyurethane is preferred. Thermoplastic polyurethane is excellent in durability, impact absorption and moldability. Specific examples of preferable thermoplastic polyurethanes include trade names “XNY585”, “ET690” and “ET590” of BASF Japan.

  Shoes equipped with a reinforcing portion mainly composed of polyurethane foam are suitable for various sports.

FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the shoe of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the shoe of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Shoes 4 ... Upper 6 ... Insole 8 ... Cushion layer 10 ... Midsole 12 ... Outsole 14a ... Outside reinforcement 14b ... Inside reinforcement 16 .... First reinforcement band 18 ... Second reinforcement band 20 ... String 34 ... Base 36a ... Outside standing part 36b ... Inside standing part 38a ... Outside polyurethane foam 38b ... Inside polyurethane foam 40a ... Outside coating layer 40b ... Inside coating layer

Claims (6)

Equipped with an upper, midsole, outsole and reinforcement,
This midsole has a base and a standing part that stands up from the periphery of the base,
This reinforcing part extends along the outer surface of the standing part,
A shoe in which this reinforcing part is mainly made of polyurethane foam.   The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion includes a polyurethane foam and a covering layer covering the polyurethane foam.   The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the covering layer is made of leather. The front end of the polyurethane foam is located in front of a point where the distance from the rear end of the shoe is 1/4 of the total length of the shoe,
The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rear end of the polyurethane foam is located behind a point where the distance from the rear end of the shoe is 1/4 of the total length of the shoe.   The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reinforcing band that exists along an upper edge of the reinforcing portion. A string for tightening the upper,
A second reinforcement band, one end of which is connected to the reinforcement band and extends upward from the reinforcement band;
The shoe according to claim 5, wherein the upper end of the second reinforcing band is pulled with a string so that the second reinforcing band tightens the upper.

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