JP2020054447A - Shoe sole structure and shoe equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a shoe sole structure that has stability of the sole of a foot and impact buffer action at the time of landing and that has a combined function for assisting the action of pushing-off from the ground, and also to provide a shoe equipped with the shoe sole.SOLUTION: The sole structure 1 includes: a thin plate 20 that is made of an elastic material having a higher elasticity modulus than a midsole 10 and that is laminated under the midsole 10; and a buffer 30 that is made of a soft elastic material and that is abutted on the underside of the plate 20 in a heel part region H. The plate 20, in the longitudinal direction, extends from a position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of a shoe user's foot to a position corresponding to at least the first foot internode joint. The plate is structured such that, in the heel part region H, it is held between the midsole 10 and the buffer 30; in a forefoot region F, it is held between the midsole 10 and an outsole 40; and, in a middle foot part region M, at least a part becomes an exposed part which is exposed in the underside at a position higher than the landing ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

    The present invention relates to a shoe sole structure and a shoe provided with the same.

    2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a shoe sole structure that is designed to reduce a burden on a foot of a shoe wearer during exercise, for example, a sole structure as described in Patent Document 1 below has been proposed.

    The sole structure described in Patent Literature 1 has a plurality of shock absorbers including a buffer element formed of a resin foam and an outer sole joined to a lower surface of the buffer element below a base plate formed of a resin non-foam. Modules are provided. In the sole structure, the base plate is configured to secure a predetermined rigidity so that the sole of the foot can be held in a stable state, and a plurality of buffer modules are provided below the base plate to wear shoes when landing. To reduce the impact on the feet of the elderly.

Japanese Patent No. 4886260

    By the way, in recent years, there is a tendency that a sole structure for shoes is required to have a function of assisting a kicking-out operation of kicking a road surface in order for a sports player to obtain a high running speed and acceleration during running.

    However, in the sole structure described in Patent Literature 1, although a device for ensuring the stability of the sole of the foot of the shoe wearer and the shock absorbing property at the time of landing is applied, a kick-out operation of the shoe wearer is performed. No consideration has been given to adding a function that assists the user.

    The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sole structure for a shoe having stability of a sole and shock absorbing property upon landing, and also having a function of assisting a kicking operation. It is to provide shoes equipped with it.

    In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a midsole formed of a soft elastic material and having an upper surface serving as a sole supporting surface for supporting a sole of a shoe wearer; And a sole structure for a shoe having an outsole having a lower surface serving as a ground contact surface, the sole structure being formed of an elastic material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the midsole. A thin plate laminated on the lower side of the midsole and a soft elastic material, and laminated on the upper side of the outsole so as to contact the lower surface of the plate at least in a rear foot region of the shoe. And the plate is at least a first phalange from a position corresponding to the calcaneus of the foot of the shoe wearer in the front-rear direction. Extending to a position corresponding to a joint, in the rear foot region of the shoe, sandwiched between the midsole and the buffer, in the forefoot region of the shoe, sandwiched between the midsole and the outsole, In the midfoot region of the shoe, at least a portion thereof is configured to be an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground contact surface.

    In the sole structure according to the first embodiment, a thin plate formed between the midsole and the outsole by an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole and extending long in the front-rear direction so as to correspond to the sole of the shoe wearer. Plate is provided. By providing such a plate, it is possible to stably support the sole of the shoe wearer.

    Further, in the sole structure of the first embodiment, a cushion made of a soft elastic material is provided between the midsole and the outsole so as to abut on the lower surface of the plate at least in the rear foot region. Therefore, the load acting on the road surface is reduced due to the deformation of the buffer made of a soft elastic material at the time of landing, and the load acting on the sole of the shoe wearer from the road surface via the sole structure is also reduced as a reaction. Also, by providing such a buffer so as to contact the lower surface of the plate extending long in the front-rear direction, a load acting on the sole of the shoe wearer via the sole structure due to a reaction from the road surface at the time of landing is determined by the plate. The load is not concentrated on a specific part because it is dispersed. That is, with the above configuration, the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing can be reduced.

    Further, in the sole structure of the first embodiment, a thin plate made of an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole is provided at least from the position corresponding to the calcaneus of the foot of the shoe wearer to at least the first interphalangeal joint. It was decided to extend forward to the corresponding position. Further, in the sole structure, the plate extended forward in this manner is provided on the buffer body which is separated from the road surface in the rear foot region, and provided just above the outsole near the road surface in the front foot region. At least a part of the foot region is configured to be an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground contact surface. In other words, in the sole structure, the plate is extended long forward, and in the midfoot region, at least a portion of the plate is formed as an exposed portion with the lower surface exposed, thereby allowing a certain amount of downward bending. On the other hand, in the forefoot region, when the sole structure bends downward, the plate is disposed directly above the outsole where a large tension acts far from the center of curvature, so that it is difficult to bend downward. . With such a configuration, when the shoe wearer kicks out the road surface, the plate is locally localized at a position corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint (MP joint) with the bending of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MP joint). Rather than bending, the entire body is largely bent with the weight shift of the shoe wearer after landing and before the kick-out operation. When the plate is largely bent in this way, the restoring force due to its elastic deformation increases, and the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface increases due to the large restoring force. That is, the shoe wearer can strongly kick the road surface during running, and thus can obtain a high running speed and high acceleration power.

    As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the sole structure having the stability of the sole of the foot and the shock absorbing property at the time of touching the ground, and also having the function of assisting the kick-out operation.

    According to a second mode, in the first mode, at least one projection that projects or protrudes upward from the upper surface or downward from the lower surface is formed on the plate at least in the midfoot region of the shoe. It is characterized by the following.

    In general, the midfoot region of the sole structure has a smaller width and lower flexural rigidity than the forefoot region and the hindfoot region, corresponding to the shape of the human foot.

    Therefore, in the sole structure of the second embodiment, the bending rigidity of the midfoot region of the plate is increased by forming at least one projection in at least the midfoot region of the plate. With such a configuration, local bending in the midfoot region of the plate can be suppressed.

    According to a third mode, in the second mode, at least one projection is formed on the exposed portion of the plate.

    In the sole structure according to the third embodiment, the bending rigidity of the exposed portion is increased by forming at least one convex portion on the exposed portion of the plate configured to be easily bent downward. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress excessive deformation in the exposed portion of the plate.

    According to a fourth mode, in the second or third mode, the projection is a linear projection extending in the front-rear direction.

    In the sole structure of the fourth embodiment, the convex portion for increasing the bending rigidity of the plate is constituted by a linear convex portion extending in the front-rear direction. With such a configuration, the bending rigidity of the plate can be further increased.

    In a fifth mode, in any one of the first to fourth modes, the buffer is formed so as to extend from a rear foot region to a middle foot region of the shoe. An opening that penetrates the plate is formed, and the opening forms the exposed portion of the plate.

    By the way, the heel strike running method that lands from the hindfoot (heel) is common, but some high-speed runners also run in the midfoot running method that lands from the outer part of the midfoot. I have.

    In the sole structure according to the fifth embodiment, a cushioning member for alleviating the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing is formed from the rear foot region to the middle foot region. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing, whether landing from the rear foot or from the middle foot.

    Further, in the sole structure of the fifth embodiment, if the buffer is provided not only in the rear foot region but also in the middle foot region, the weight of the sole structure increases, which may impair running performance. By forming the part, the weight of the sole structure is reduced. Further, by forming such an opening, the buffer body is easily distorted at the time of landing. That is, the cushioning property of the buffer body is improved. Therefore, according to the sole structure, it is possible to further reduce the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing while suppressing an increase in weight.

    The sixth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth modes, the buffer is provided only in the rear foot region.

    In the sole structure of the sixth embodiment, a cushioning member for reducing the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing is provided only in the rear foot region. That is, in the sole structure described above, the middle foot region is not provided with a buffer that inhibits downward bending. Therefore, according to the sole structure, the plate is more easily bent in the middle foot region, and the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface during running can be further increased.

    The seventh mode is characterized in that, in the sixth mode, an opening penetrating in the up-down direction is formed in a central portion of the buffer in the foot width direction.

    In the sole structure of the seventh embodiment, an opening is formed at a central portion in a foot width direction of a buffer provided in a rear foot region of the shoe. By forming such an opening in the cushion, the weight of the sole structure can be reduced. Further, by forming such an opening in the buffer, the buffer is easily distorted at the time of landing. That is, the cushioning property of the buffer body is improved. Therefore, according to the sole structure, it is possible to further reduce the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing while reducing the weight.

    An eighth aspect is a shoe provided with the shoe sole structure of any one of the first to seventh aspects.

    According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to obtain a shoe having the same operation and effect as those of the first to seventh aspects.

    As described above, according to the present invention, a sole structure for shoes that has stability of a sole and shock-absorbing property upon landing and also has a function of assisting a kicking operation and a shoe including the sole structure are provided. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe provided with a shoe sole structure according to a first embodiment as viewed from an outer shell side. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole structure of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the midsole. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a state where the midsole and the plate are stacked. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a state in which the midsole, the plate, and the buffer are stacked. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the plate, and virtually shows the skeleton structure of the foot of the shoe wearer and the outer shape of the sole structure. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a shoe sole structure according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of a shoe provided with the shoe sole structure according to the second embodiment as viewed from the outer shell side. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 13 as viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sole structure of FIG. 13 viewed from below.

    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use.

<< First Embodiment of the Invention >>
FIG. 1 shows a left foot side portion of a shoe S provided with a sole structure 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Although the present invention is applicable to sports shoes worn by runners and various sports competitors, a running shoe S will be described here.

    The shoe S includes a left foot side portion shown in FIG. 1 and a right foot side portion (not shown) symmetrical to the left foot side portion. In the following description, only the left foot side portion of the shoe S and its sole structure 1 will be described, and the description of the right leg side portion of the shoe S and its sole structure 1 will be omitted.

    In the following description, upper (upper) and lower (lower) represent the vertical positional relationship between the shoe S and the sole structure 1. The front (front side) and the rear side (rear side) represent the positional relationship between the shoe S and the sole structure 1 in the foot length direction. The inner side and the outer side represent the positional relationship between the shoe S and the sole structure 1 in the foot width direction.

    Further, in FIGS. 2, 3 and 11, the forefoot region of the shoe S corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot of the shoe wearer (the portion including the base phalange, the middle phalanx, and the distal phalanx) is indicated by a symbol F, The midfoot region of the shoe S corresponding to the midfoot of the foot of the shoe wearer (the portion including the cuboid, scaphoid, cuneiform and metatarsal bones) is indicated by the symbol M, and is behind the foot of the shoe wearer. The rear foot region of the shoe S corresponding to the foot (the portion including the calcaneus and the talus) is indicated by reference numeral H.

    The shoe S includes a sole structure 1 and an upper (instep cover) 2 disposed thereon. FIG. 1 shows only the schematic shape of the upper 2. The upper 2 may be in any form as long as it can cover the instep of the shoe wearer.

<Sole structure>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the sole structure 1 includes a midsole 10, a plate 20, a buffer 30, and an outsole 40. The midsole 10, the plate 20, the buffer 30, and the outsole 40 are stacked in this order from top to bottom. 2, 9 and 10, the plate 20 is hatched by dots in order to emphasize the plate 20.

[Midsole]
The midsole 10 is formed so as to extend from the front end to the rear end of the sole structure 1 as shown in FIGS. The upper 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the midsole 10.

    The midsole 10 is formed of a soft elastic material having a lower hardness than an outsole 40 described later. Specifically, as the material of the midsole 10, for example, a thermoplastic synthetic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or its foam, a thermosetting resin such as polyurethane (PU) or its foam Rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber, and foams thereof are suitable. The hardness of the midsole 10 is preferably set to 40C to 60C (specifically, 55C) on the Asker C scale.

    The upper surface of the midsole 10 is formed in a curved shape along the sole surface of the shoe wearer's foot, and a sole support surface 11 that supports the sole surface of the shoe wearer's foot via an insole (not shown). Become.

    FIG. 8 is a view of the midsole 10 as viewed from below. As shown in FIG. 8, a housing recess 12 for housing a plate 20 described below is formed on the lower surface of the midsole 10. The accommodation recess 12 is formed at a position and a size corresponding to the plate 20 on the lower surface of the midsole 10. The housing recess 12 is formed by recessing a part of the lower surface of the midsole 10 upward.

    In the first embodiment, the housing recess 12 is formed by a front recess 12a on the front side and a rear recess 12b on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The front recess 12a is formed from the front foot region F to the middle foot region M of the shoe S, and the rear recess 12b is formed from the middle foot region M to the rear foot region H of the shoe S. I have. The rear recess 12b is deeper than the front recess 12a, and a step 12c is formed between the front recess 12a and the rear recess 12b. The step portion 12c extends in the width direction of the foot on the lower surface of the midsole 10, and is formed so as to be located on the rear side in the front-rear direction as going from the inner instep to the outer instep.

    On the lower surface of the midsole 10, the outer edge 13 surrounding the housing recess 12 is formed by a front outer edge 13a on the front side and a rear outer edge 13b on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The front outer edge 13a surrounds the front recess 12a, and the rear outer edge 13b surrounds the rear recess 12b. The lower surface of the rear outer edge 13b is located higher than the lower surface of the front outer edge 13a, and between the front outer edge 13a and the rear outer edge 13b, between the front recess 12a and the rear recess 12b. A step 13c extending corresponding to the step 12c is formed. The step 13c on the inner back side is formed slightly rearward of the inner side end of the step 12c of the accommodation recess 12 in the front-rear direction. The step 13c on the outer shell side is formed slightly behind the end on the outer shell side of the step 12c of the housing recess 12 in the front-rear direction.

[plate]
The plate 20 is formed so as to extend from the front foot region F to the rear foot region H of the shoe S in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 11. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 and 9, the plate 20 is formed to extend from the inner side end to the outer side end of the midsole 10 in the foot width direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the plate 20 is formed to have an outer shape corresponding to the outer shape of the midsole 10, and has the largest width in the forefoot region F of the shoe S and has the smallest width in the middle foot region M. Is formed.

    The plate 20 is formed in a thin plate shape from a hard elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 10. Specifically, as the material of the plate 20, for example, a thermoplastic synthetic resin such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer (PAE), or polyamide, or a fiber material such as glass fiber or carbon fiber is used as the resin. Those added are suitable. The plate 20 is an injection-molded product obtained by injection-molding the above-described thermoplastic resin material (including a fiber material-added material). It is preferable that the bending elastic modulus of the plate 20 is set to, for example, 100 MPa to 300 MPa (specifically, 390 MPa).

    The plate 20 may be a hot-pressed product obtained by hot-pressing a thermosetting fiber-reinforced plastic material, or hot-pressing a thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastic material or a resin sheet material. May be a hot press molded product obtained by the above method.

    As shown in FIG. 9, the plate 20 is formed by a front plate 21 on the front side and a rear plate 22 on the rear side in the front-rear direction. The front plate 21 is formed from the front foot region F to the middle foot region M of the shoe S, and the rear plate 22 is formed from the middle foot region M to the rear foot region H of the shoe S. I have. The front plate 21 is housed in the front recess 12 a of the housing recess 12 of the midsole 10, and the rear plate 22 is housed in the rear recess 12 b of the housing recess 12 of the midsole 10.

    The front plate 21 and the rear plate 22 are integrally formed so that the front end of the rear plate 22 overlaps the rear end of the front plate 21. With such a configuration, a step 23 is formed between the front plate 21 and the rear plate 22. The step portion 23 is formed so as to extend from the inner instep side in the foot width direction to the outer instep side in the plate 20, and to be located rearward in the front-rear direction as going from the instep side to the outer instep side.

    The front side plate 21 is formed in a thin plate shape without holes, which is thinner than an outsole 40 described later, and has a downwardly convex curved shape in which a front end portion is located above a rear end portion. On the other hand, like the front plate 21, the rear plate 22 is formed in a thin plate shape without holes, and is formed in a curved shape that is convex upward and has a rear end located above the front end. The plate 20 is formed in a substantially S-shape by the curved front plate 21 and rear plate 22 as shown in FIG.

    As shown in FIG. 9, a part of the rear plate 22 is formed as a reinforcing portion 24 having increased rigidity. The reinforcing portion 24 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction from the middle foot region M to the rear foot region H of the shoe S. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing portion 24 has a plurality of protrusions 25a (convex portions 25) and a plurality of raised portions 25b (convex portions 25).

    Each projection 25a is formed so as to project downward from the lower surface of the rear plate 22. The plurality of projections 25a include an annular projection 25a formed in an annular shape and a plurality of linear projections 25a (linear projections) extending linearly in the front-rear direction.

    The annular projection 25a is formed at the center of the rear plate 22 in the width direction of the foot so as to extend from the middle foot area M to the rear foot area H of the shoe S. The annular projection 25a is formed in a crescent shape that bulges toward the outer shell from the front side to the rear side in the front-rear direction.

    The plurality of linear projections 25a are formed inside the annular projection 25a. The plurality of linear projections 25a are curved and extend so as to bulge toward the instep from the front side in the front-back direction to the rear side, and the plurality of linear protrusions 25a extend in the foot width direction from the front side in the front-back direction to the rear side. And a plurality of linear projections 25a extending linearly so as to be located on the inner back side of the vehicle. The plurality of curved protrusions 25a and the plurality of straight protrusions 25a cross each other and are formed in a lattice shape.

    Each raised portion 25b is formed by a portion surrounded by a plurality of linear protrusions 25a protruding upward from the upper surface of the rear plate 22.

    The plurality of projections 25a (projections 25) projecting downward from the lower surface of the rear plate 22 and the plurality of protrusions 25b (projections 25) projecting upward from the upper surface of the rear plate 22 as described above. Reference numeral 20 is configured so that the rigidity of the reinforcing portion 24 is increased.

[Buffer]
As shown in FIG. 3, the buffer 30 is formed to extend from the middle foot region M to the rear foot region H of the shoe S in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the buffer 30 extends from the position of the step portion 13c of the outer edge portion 13 of the midsole 10 and the position of the step portion 23 of the plate 20 to the rear side of the midsole 10 in the front-rear direction in the front-rear direction. ing. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and FIG. 10, the buffer 30 is formed to extend from the inner side end to the outer side end of the midsole 10 in the foot width direction.

    The buffer 30 is formed of a soft elastic material, and is configured to be able to absorb a vertical impact by elastic strain. Specifically, as the material of the buffer 30, for example, a foam of a thermoplastic synthetic resin such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), a thermosetting resin such as a polyurethane (PU) or a foam thereof, Rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber and foams thereof are suitable. The hardness of the buffer 30 is preferably set to, for example, 50C on the Asker C scale. When formed of such a soft elastic material, the shock absorber 30 can relieve the impact in the vertical direction particularly on the heel of the shoe wearer (the calcaneus HL shown in FIG. 3) at the time of landing. It becomes possible.

    As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the buffer 30 is formed such that the thickness of the outer edge portion (the thickness in the vertical direction) increases from the front side in the front-rear direction to the rear side. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the front end of the shock absorber 30 abuts on the step portion 13 c of the outer edge portion 13 of the midsole 10 and the step portion 23 of the plate 20, and the rear end portion has a thick outer edge. The portion is provided so as to surround the rear end of the midsole 10. The buffer 30 is made of an adhesive such as an adhesive with its upper surface in contact with the rear outer edge 13b of the lower surface of the midsole 10 and the lower surface of the rear plate 22 of the plate 20 housed in the rear concave portion 12b. 10 and the plate 20.

    As shown in FIG. 10, the buffer 30 has an opening 31 formed therein. The opening 31 extends from the middle foot region M of the shoe S to the rear foot region H at the center of the buffer 30 in the foot width direction. In the first embodiment, the opening portion 31 is formed in a crescent shape that expands toward the outer shell from the front side to the rear side in the front-rear direction. Due to the opening 31, in the midfoot region M of the shoe S, the plate 20 is configured as an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position at least partially above the ground surface of the outsole 40 described later. . In the first embodiment, the opening portion 31 extending from the middle foot region M of the shoe S to the rear foot region H also causes the exposed portion of the plate 20 to move from the middle foot region M of the shoe S to the rear foot region. H.

    In the first embodiment, the opening 31 is formed at a position corresponding to the reinforcing portion 24 of the plate 20. That is, in the first embodiment, the reinforcing portion 24 of the plate 20 is formed in an exposed portion of the plate 20 whose lower surface is exposed at a position above a ground surface of the outsole 40 described later.

    A housing recess 32 for housing the outsole 40 is formed on the lower surface of the buffer 30. On the lower surface of the buffer 30, one housing recess 32 is formed in the middle foot region M of the shoe S and two in the rear foot region H.

[Outsole]
As shown in FIG. 2, the outsole 40 includes three portions 41 to 43. The first portion 41 is provided from the forefoot region F to the middle foot region M of the shoe S. The second portion 42 and the third portion 43 are provided in the rear foot region H of the shoe S. The first portion 41 is provided so that the upper surface thereof is in contact with the lower surface of the midsole 10, the lower surface of the front plate 21 of the plate 20, and the bottom surface of the recess 32 of the buffer 30. The second portion 42 and the third portion 43 are provided such that the upper surface abuts against the bottom surface of the housing recess 32 of the buffer 30.

    The outsole 40 is made of a hard elastic material having a higher hardness than the midsole 10. Specifically, as the material of the outsole 40, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), a thermosetting resin such as polyurethane (PU), or a butadiene rubber or a chloroprene rubber Rubber material is suitable. The hardness of the outsole 40 is preferably set to, for example, 40A to 90A (more preferably, 60A to 70A) on the Shore A scale.

    The lower surface of the outsole 40 made of a hard elastic material having a higher hardness than the midsole 10 serves as a ground contact surface that contacts the road surface during walking or running.

-Detailed arrangement-
As described above, the sole structure 1 is configured such that the midsole 10, the plate 20, the buffer 30, and the outsole 40 are stacked in this order from above to below.

    In the sole structure 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the plate 20 formed in a substantially S shape is at least the first toe from a position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the foot of the shoe wearer in the front-rear direction. It is formed so as to extend to a position corresponding to the internodal joint J1.

    Here, the “position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint J1” includes a nearby position behind the first interphalangeal joint J1.

    In the first embodiment, the plate 20 is provided such that the front end is disposed near a position corresponding to the tip of the first toe of the shoe wearer's foot.

    As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plate 20 which is long in the front-rear direction and formed in a substantially S-shape is provided with the lower surface of the midsole 10 and the outsole 40 in the forefoot region F of the shoe S. It is sandwiched between the upper surface of the (first portion 41).

    On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the plate 20 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the midsole 10 and the upper surface of the buffer 30 in the rear foot region H of the shoe S.

    Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in the middle foot region M of the shoe S, at least a part of the plate 20 is configured as an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground contact surface. The exposed portion of the plate 20 has a structure in which the buffer 30 is not laminated on the lower side and floats from the road surface, and is more easily bent downward than the portion where the buffer 30 is laminated on the lower side. In the first embodiment, as described above, the crescent-shaped opening 31 formed in the buffer body 30 forms an exposed portion of the plate 20 whose lower surface is exposed above the crescent-shaped grounding surface. It will be.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the plate 20 includes a reinforcing portion 24 having a plurality of protrusions 25a (convex portions 25) and a plurality of raised portions 25b (convex portions 25). It is formed from the partial region M to the rear foot region H. Due to such a reinforcing portion 24, in the sole structure 1, at least one convex portion 25 that protrudes or protrudes upward from the upper surface or downward from the lower surface in the midfoot region M of the shoe S is formed on the plate 20. Will be done.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 to 7, and 10, the opening 31 is formed in the buffer 30 at a position corresponding to the reinforcing portion 24 of the plate 20. Have been. Therefore, in the sole structure 1 described above, the reinforcing portion 24 whose rigidity is increased in the plate 20 is an exposed portion of the plate 20 whose lower surface is exposed above the ground contact surface. As described above, since the reinforcing portion 24 has the plurality of convex portions 25, the sole structure 1 has a configuration in which at least one convex portion 25 is formed on an exposed portion of the plate 20.

-Effects of Embodiment 1-
As described above, according to the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, between the midsole 10 and the outsole 40, the sole is formed of an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 10, and is placed on the sole of the shoe wearer. Correspondingly, a thin plate 20 extending in the front-rear direction is provided. By providing such a plate 20, it becomes possible to stably support the sole of the shoe wearer.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the buffer 30 made of a soft elastic material is provided between the midsole 10 and the outsole 40 so as to abut the lower surface of the plate 20 at least in the rear foot region H. Is provided. Therefore, the load acting on the road surface due to the deformation of the buffer body 30 made of the soft elastic material at the time of landing is reduced, and the load acting on the sole of the shoe wearer from the road surface via the sole structure 1 is also reduced as a reaction. . In addition, by providing such a buffer body 30 so as to contact the lower surface of the plate 20 extending long in the front-rear direction, a load acting on the sole of the shoe wearer via the sole structure 1 due to a reaction from the road surface at the time of landing. Are dispersed by the plate 20, so that the load does not concentrate on a specific portion. That is, with the above configuration, the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing can be reduced.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the thin plate 20 made of an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 10 is attached to at least the first toe from a position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the foot of the shoe wearer. It was decided to extend forward to a position corresponding to the internodal joint J1. Further, in the sole structure 1, the plate 20 extended forward in this manner is provided on the buffer 30 which is separated from the road surface in the rear foot region H, while the outsole 40 close to the road surface is provided in the front foot region F. And in the middle foot region M, at least a portion is an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground contact surface. That is, in the sole structure 1 described above, the plate 20 is extended long forward, and in the middle foot region M, at least a portion of the plate 20 is configured as an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed, so that a certain amount of downward bending is achieved. On the other hand, in the forefoot region F, the plate 20 is bent downward by disposing the plate 20 directly above the outsole 40 where a large tension acts far from the center of curvature when the sole structure 1 is bent downward. It is configured to be difficult. With such a configuration, the plate 20 is locally moved at a position corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint MP with the bending of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP when the shoe wearer kicks out the road surface. Instead of bending, the whole body is largely bent with the weight shift of the shoe wearer after landing and before the kick-out operation. The large bending of the plate 20 increases the restoring force due to its elastic deformation, and the greater the restoring force increases the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface. That is, the shoe wearer can strongly kick the road surface during running, and thus can obtain a high running speed and high acceleration power.

    As described above, according to the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the sole structure 1 having the stability of the sole of the foot, the shock absorbing property at the time of contact with the ground, and the function of assisting the kick-out operation. Can be.

    By the way, usually, the midfoot region M of the sole structure 1 is narrower in width and lower in bending rigidity than the forefoot region F and the hindfoot region H corresponding to the shape of the human foot.

    Therefore, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, at least one protruding portion 25 that protrudes or protrudes upward from the upper surface or downward from the lower surface is formed in at least the middle foot region M of the plate 20, so that the plate 20 The bending rigidity of the midfoot region M is increased. With such a configuration, local bending in the midfoot region M of the plate 20 can be suppressed.

    In the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the bending rigidity of the exposed portion is increased by forming at least one convex portion 25 on the exposed portion of the plate 20 configured to be easily bent downward. . With such a configuration, excessive deformation of the exposed portion of the plate 20 can be suppressed.

    In the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the convex portion 25 for increasing the bending rigidity of the plate 20 is configured by a linear convex portion extending in the front-rear direction. With such a configuration, the bending rigidity of the plate 20 can be further increased.

    By the way, as a running method, a heel strike running method that lands from the hind foot part (heel part) is common, but some high-speed runners use a midfoot running method that lands from the outer part of the middle foot part. Some runners run.

    Therefore, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the cushioning member 30 that reduces the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer when landing is formed so as to extend from the rear foot region H to the middle foot region M. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing, whether landing from the rear foot or from the middle foot.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, if the buffer 30 is provided not only in the rear foot region H but also in the middle foot region M, the weight of the sole structure 1 increases, which may hinder running performance. By forming the opening 31 in the buffer 30, the weight of the sole structure 1 is reduced. Further, by forming such an opening 31, the buffer 30 is easily distorted at the time of landing. That is, the cushioning properties of the buffer 30 are improved. Therefore, according to the sole structure 1, it is possible to further reduce the impact applied to the shoe wearer's foot during landing while suppressing an increase in weight.

    Also, in the shoe S including the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment, the same operation and effect as the above-described operation and effect can be obtained.

-Modification of Embodiment 1-
FIG. 12 shows a bottom surface of the sole structure 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the sole structure 1 according to the modification, the shapes of the opening 31 of the buffer 30 and the reinforcing portion 24 of the plate 20 of the sole structure 1 of the first embodiment are changed.

    Specifically, in the modified example of the first embodiment, the opening 31 of the cushioning body 30 extends from the central portion in the foot width direction of the rear foot region H and from the central portion in the foot width direction of the middle foot region M to the inner shell. It is formed over the sides. With such an opening 31, the buffer 30 formed in the substantially O-shape in the first embodiment is formed in a substantially J-shape in a modified example.

    The plate 20 has an opening 31 above the ground contact surface, extending from the central portion in the foot width direction of the rear foot region H and the central portion in the foot width direction of the midfoot region M to the instep side. The exposed portion with the lower surface exposed at the position is formed. In the modification of the first embodiment, the exposed portion of the plate 20 is configured as a reinforcing portion 24 having increased rigidity.

    According to the sole structure 1 of the modification of the first embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, according to the sole structure 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment, the plate 20 is more easily bent in the midfoot region M of the shoe S. Therefore, according to the sole structure 1, the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface during running can be further increased. Further, since the opening 31 of the buffer 30 is formed larger than that of the first embodiment, according to the sole structure 1, the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing can be further reduced while further reducing the weight. can do.

<< Embodiment 2 of the invention >>
13 to 15 show a left foot side portion of a shoe S including the sole structure 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.

<Sole structure>
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, also in the second embodiment, the sole structure 1 includes a midsole 10, a plate 20, a buffer 30, and an outsole 40. The midsole 10, the plate 20, the buffer 30, and the outsole 40 are stacked in this order from top to bottom. In FIGS. 13 to 15, the plate 20 is hatched by dots in order to emphasize the plate 20.

[Midsole]
The midsole 10 is formed so as to extend from the front end to the rear end of the sole structure 1 as shown in FIGS. The upper 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the midsole 10. The material of the midsole 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

    Also in the second embodiment, the upper surface of the midsole 10 is formed in a curved shape along the sole surface of the foot of the shoe wearer, and supports the sole surface of the foot of the shoe wearer via an insole (not shown). It becomes the sole supporting surface 11. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, a housing recess for housing the plate 20 is not formed on the lower surface of the midsole 10.

[plate]
Also in the second embodiment, the plate 20 is formed so as to extend from the front foot region F to the rear foot region H of the shoe S in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIGS. Further, the plate 20 is formed so as to extend from the inner side end to the outer side end of the midsole 10 in the foot width direction. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the plate 20 is formed such that the outer shape is substantially equal to the outer shape of the lower surface of the midsole 10. The material of the plate 20 is the same as in the first embodiment.

    In the second embodiment, the plate 20 has a plate main body 26 curved in a substantially S-shape with no steps from the front end to the rear end, and two rising portions 28 formed integrally with the plate main body 26. I have. The plate main body 26 is formed in a thin plate shape having no holes thinner than the outsole 40.

    The two winding portions 28 are formed by thin plate pieces that are raised so as to be bent upward from both edges in the foot width direction of the plate body 26. The two winding portions 28 are formed from the middle foot region M to the rear foot region H.

    Further, the plate body 26 has raised portions 25c (convex portions 25) that protrude downward at both ends (inner instep end and outer instep end) in the foot width direction of the midfoot region M. Is formed. The two raised portions 25c are configured as linear convex portions extending in the front-rear direction.

[Buffer]
In the second embodiment, the buffer 30 is provided only in the rear foot region H as shown in FIG. The buffer body 30 is formed in a horseshoe shape (U-shape) by an opening 33 penetrating in a vertical direction at a central portion in the foot width direction. The buffer 30 is provided so as to abut the lower surface of the plate 20 in the rear foot region H, and is provided so that a thick outer edge surrounds the rear end of the midsole 10. The material of the buffer 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[Outsole]
As shown in FIG. 15, the outsole 40 includes two parts 44 and 45. The first portion 44 is provided from the forefoot region F to the middle foot region M of the shoe S. The second portion 45 is provided in the rear foot region H of the shoe S. The material of the outsole is the same as that of the first embodiment.

    The first portion 44 is provided such that the upper surface thereof is in contact with the lower surface of the plate body 26 of the plate 20. The first portion 44 has a cutout portion 46 formed at the center portion in the foot width direction from the rear end in the front-back direction to the vicinity of the center. Due to the notch 46, the first portion 44 is formed in a substantially U-shape.

    On the other hand, the second portion 45 is provided such that the upper surface contacts the lower surface of the buffer 30. The second portion 45 is formed in a horseshoe shape (U-shape) corresponding to the buffer 30.

-Detailed arrangement-
As described above, also in the second embodiment, the sole structure 1 is configured such that the midsole 10, the plate 20, the buffer 30, and the outsole 40 are stacked in this order from the upper side to the lower side, and have a substantially S-shape. Is formed so as to extend from the position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the foot of the shoe wearer in the front-rear direction to at least the position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint J1. . In the second embodiment, the plate 20 (plate body 26) is provided so as to extend forward to a position corresponding to the front end of the midsole 10.

    Also in the second embodiment, the plate 20 (plate body 26), which is long in the front-rear direction and formed in a substantially S-shape, has the lower surface of the midsole 10 and the outsole in the forefoot region F of the shoe S. The rear foot region H is sandwiched between the lower surface of the midsole 10 and the upper surface of the buffer 30 in the rear foot region H. Further, in the middle foot region M of the shoe S, the plate 20 (plate main body 26) is formed as an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position at least partially above the ground contact surface. In the second embodiment, the buffer 30 is formed only in the rear foot region H as described above. Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the middle foot region M of the shoe S, all the portions of the plate 20 (the plate main body 26) where the first portion 44 of the outsole 40 is not stacked on the lower side are above the ground surface. At the position, the lower surface becomes an exposed portion exposed.

    Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, since the buffer 30 is formed only in the rear foot region H, the plate 20 (the plate main body 26) is located in the middle foot region of the shoe in the foot width direction. There is a strip-shaped exposed portion 27 (a portion sandwiched between two two-dot chain lines in FIG. 15) that is configured as an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground plane from one end to the other end. As described above, in the second embodiment, in the middle foot region of the shoe, the plate 20 has the belt-shaped exposed portion 27 that is raised from the road surface from one end to the other end in the width direction of the foot. Are also easily bent in the middle foot region M.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, the plate body 26 of the plate 20 is provided with both ends (inner side end and outer side end) of the middle foot region M in the width direction of the foot. A protruding portion 25c (protruding portion 25) formed of a linear protruding portion that protrudes upward is formed. By these two raised portions 25c, at least one convex portion 25 that protrudes or protrudes upward from the upper surface or downward from the lower surface in the middle foot region M of the shoe S is formed on the plate 20.

-Effects of Embodiment 2-
As described above, also in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the shoe is formed between the midsole 10 and the outsole 40 by an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole 10. A thin plate 20 that extends long forward from a position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the wearer's foot to at least a position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint J1 is provided. In the rear foot region H, the plate 20 is provided on the buffer 30 away from the road surface, while in the forefoot region F, it is provided immediately above the outsole 40 near the road surface, and in the middle foot region M, at least a part thereof is provided. However, the lower surface is configured to be an exposed portion exposed at a position above the ground plane. With such a configuration, the sole structure 1 according to the second embodiment also has the sole stability and the shock-absorbing property at the time of touching the ground, and also has the function of assisting the kick-out operation, as in the first embodiment. A sole structure 1 can be provided.

    Also, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, at least one projection 25 (projection 25c) that projects or protrudes upward from the upper surface or downward from the lower surface is formed in at least the middle foot region M of the plate 20. I decided that. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the flexural rigidity of the middle foot region M of the plate 20 is increased, and local bending in the middle foot region M can be suppressed.

    Also, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, the exposed portion of the plate 20 configured to be easily bent downward has at least one convex portion 25 (projection portion 25c), thereby bending the exposed portion. We decided to increase the rigidity. With such a configuration, excessive deformation of the exposed portion of the plate 20 can be suppressed.

    Also, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, the convex portion 25 (the raised portion 25c) for increasing the bending rigidity of the plate 20 is configured by a linear convex portion extending in the front-rear direction. With such a configuration, the bending rigidity of the plate 20 can be further increased.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, the cushioning member 30 for reducing the impact applied to the foot of the shoe wearer at the time of landing is provided only in the rear foot region H. That is, in the sole structure 1, the buffer 30 that inhibits downward bending is not provided in the middle foot region M. Therefore, according to the sole structure 1, the plate 20 is more easily bent in the middle foot region M, and the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface during running can be further increased.

    Further, in the sole structure 1 of the second embodiment, the plate 20 is configured so as to have the strip-shaped exposed portion 27 formed on the exposed portion from one end to the other end in the foot width direction in the middle foot region M of the shoe S. It was decided to. Therefore, in the sole structure 1 described above, the plate 20 has a configuration in which the plate-shaped exposed portion 27 is more easily bent in the middle foot region M. Therefore, according to the sole structure 1, the force of the shoe wearer to kick the road surface during running can be further increased.

    In the sole structure 1 according to the second embodiment, the opening 33 is formed in a central portion in the foot width direction of the buffer 30 provided in the rear foot region H of the shoe. By forming such an opening 33 in the buffer 30, the weight of the sole structure 1 can be reduced. Further, by forming such an opening 33 in the buffer 30, the buffer 30 is easily distorted at the time of landing. That is, the cushioning properties of the buffer 30 are improved. Therefore, according to the sole structure 1, it is possible to further reduce the impact applied to the shoe wearer's foot at the time of landing while reducing the weight.

    Also, in the shoe S including the sole structure 1 according to the second embodiment, the same operation and effect as those described above can be obtained.

<< Other embodiments >>
In the above-described embodiment and the modification, the plate 20 is formed so as to extend from the position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the foot of the shoe wearer in the front-rear direction to the front from the position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint J1. . However, the plate 20 is not limited to this, and may extend from the position corresponding to the calcaneus HL of the foot of the shoe wearer to the vicinity of the position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint J1 in the front-rear direction. It may be behind the interphalangeal joint J1 (before the center of the metatarsophalangeal joint MP and the first interphalangeal joint J1).

    In the above embodiments and modifications, the buffer 30 is formed in a substantially O-shape, J-shape, or U-shape, but the shape of the buffer 30 is not limited to these.

    As described above, the present invention is useful for a shoe sole structure and a shoe including the same.

1 sole structure
10 Midsole
11 sole support surface
20 plates
25 convex
27 Belt exposed part
30 buffer
31 Opening
33 opening
40 outsole
S shoes
F Forefoot area
M middle foot area
H Hindfoot area
J1 1st interphalangeal joint
HL calcaneus

Claims (8)

A midsole formed of a soft elastic material and having an upper surface serving as a sole supporting surface supporting the sole of a shoe wearer,
A sole structure for shoes including an outsole formed of an elastic material having a higher hardness than the midsole and a lower surface serving as a ground contact surface,
A thin plate formed of an elastic material having a higher elastic modulus than the midsole and laminated on the lower side of the midsole above the outsole,
A cushioning member formed of a soft elastic material and laminated on the upper side of the outsole so as to abut the lower surface of the plate at least in a rear foot region of the shoe;
The above plate is
In the front-rear direction, the shoe wearer extends from a position corresponding to the calcaneus of the foot to at least a position corresponding to the first interphalangeal joint,
In the rear foot area of the shoe, sandwiched between the midsole and the cushion,
In the forefoot region of the shoe, sandwiched between the midsole and the outsole,
A sole structure for shoes, wherein at least a part of the midfoot region of the shoe is an exposed portion whose lower surface is exposed at a position above the ground contact surface. In claim 1,
A sole structure for shoes, characterized in that the plate has at least one projection projecting or projecting upward from an upper surface or downward from a lower surface at least in a middle foot region of the shoe. In claim 2,
A sole structure for shoes, wherein at least one of the convex portions is formed on the exposed portion of the plate. In claim 2 or 3,
The sole structure for shoes, wherein the protrusion is a linear protrusion extending in the front-rear direction. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The buffer is formed so as to extend from a rear foot region to a middle foot region of the shoe,
A sole structure for shoes, wherein an opening is formed in the buffer body so as to penetrate in a vertical direction, and the opening forms the exposed portion of the plate. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The sole structure for shoes, wherein the buffer is provided only in the rear foot region. In claim 6,
A sole structure for shoes, characterized in that an opening penetrating vertically is formed in a center portion of the cushion in the width direction of the foot.     A shoe comprising the shoe sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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