JP5048971B2 - Footwear with enhanced cushion function and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to footwear such as sports shoes that require a buffer function, for example, and in particular, when the buffer function material incorporated in the sole portion is exposed to the outside, the position and shape of the exposed portion are restricted. In particular, the present invention relates to footwear having a buffering function excellent in design and manufacturing flexibility and a manufacturing method thereof.

Conventionally, footwear such as sports shoes has been required to have a high cushioning function. Therefore, a cushioning material made of a soft resin, gel, or the like is integrated in the sole in an embedded state, and desired performance can be exhibited. Such a configuration is adopted.
In addition, it has been devised to visually enhance its high performance and to enhance the merchantability by exerting a decorative effect. Specifically, a configuration is adopted in which a part of the shock-absorbing member is incorporated from the shoe sole or from the shoe sole side edge or the rear edge into a state where it can be exposed from the outside, and the function as a decorative member can be exhibited.

By the way, the buffer material using the gel material as the buffer function material is to enclose the gel material in the middle when the film sheet-like casing material is heat sealed up and down by a predetermined mold. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
However, in this case, if the joint portion of the casing is exposed, it is often not preferable in terms of design, and if such a situation is avoided, the position of the exposed portion, the shape of the buffer material, etc. are restricted, and the design The fact is that the degree of freedom in manufacturing or manufacturing has been reduced to some extent.

In addition, when manufacturing footwear with new specifications, it is necessary to create a new mold for the cushioning material as well as the mold for the sole part, and multiple initial molds are produced according to the size. It was a factor to increase.
JP 11-48378 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and in particular, when the cushioning functional material incorporated in the sole portion is exposed to the outside, the position and shape of the exposed portion are not restricted, and the design is performed. The technical problem is to develop footwear having a cushioning function with excellent flexibility in manufacturing and manufacturing, and a manufacturing method thereof.

That is, the footwear having an enhanced cushion function according to claim 1 is a footwear in which a cushioning material is incorporated in a sole, and the sole has a cushioning material receiving restriction space formed in a groove shape at a necessary cushioning point. And a part or a plurality of places of the reception restriction space are configured as an exposed portion so that the buffer material can be exposed from the outside, and the non-opened portion is a joint formed in a column shape. On the other hand, the buffer material is formed by sealing a gel-like buffer function material in a tube-like casing made of a thermoplastic resin in a flexible and transparent state. in is by overhang the side wall upper end of the receiving regulatory space reaches near the center of the groove projections formed by the this projection and the joining pillars, the buffer material at the site where the Roken portion is not formed It is intended that comprised Featuring being configured to hold the eye included state.
According to the present invention, since a general-purpose cushioning material can be used, it is possible to realize cost reduction without requiring individual molds for each footwear having different specifications and sizes. Further, it is possible to efficiently perform the work of integrating the cushioning material with respect to the sole. Furthermore, it is possible to form the footwear with excellent design and manufacturing flexibility without being restricted by the position and shape of the exposed portion. Furthermore, the cushioning function material can be visually revealed positively, and the product effect can be enhanced by exhibiting a decorative effect.

In addition to the above requirements, the footwear with enhanced cushion function according to claim 2 is formed by laminating a plurality of sole elements, and the acceptance restriction space is provided on the laminating boundary surface. It is characterized by this.
According to this invention, the process for incorporating the buffer material can be provided in the process for forming the sole, and the productivity can be improved.

Furthermore, the footwear having an improved cushion function according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the above requirements, the receiving restriction space is formed in a horseshoe shape, and a cushioning material is fitted therein.
According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively absorb the impact applied to the entire surface of the sole in which the reception restriction space is formed.
In particular, when the footwear is used for track competition, when the runner runs, for example, a counterclockwise corner, the torsional force concentrates from the diagonal direction on the inside with the right foot and the outside with the left foot. However, such an external force is effectively absorbed by the buffer function material in the entire area of the casing. Further, at this time, the restoring force of the buffer material acts toward the center of the horseshoe, so that the running posture of the wearer can be stabilized.

Furthermore, the footwear having an enhanced cushion function according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in addition to the requirement of claim 1, a cosmetic label is formed at a portion viewed from the exposed portion of the cushioning material. It consists of.
According to this invention, the merchandise of footwear can be enhanced by adding a decorative effect to the cushioning material.

Furthermore, the footwear with enhanced cushion function according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in addition to the above requirements, the cushioning function material is made of silicone gel.
According to this invention, it is possible to impart an excellent buffering function to footwear.
In addition, since the silicone gel can maintain a transparent feeling even when it is colored, it can exhibit a unique decorative effect.

In addition to the above requirements, the footwear with enhanced cushion function according to claim 6 is characterized in that the casing is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
According to the present invention, the casing is configured to have high transparency, and the contained buffer function material is not prevented from being visually observed from the outside.

Furthermore, the footwear having an improved cushion function according to claim 7 is characterized in that a filler is mixed as a functional member with respect to the cushioning functional material in addition to the above requirements.
According to this invention, it becomes possible to visually recognize the movement of the buffer function material that flows when a load is applied as the movement of the filler from the outside.

The footwear manufacturing method with enhanced cushion function according to claim 8 is a footwear manufacturing method in which a cushioning material is incorporated in the sole, wherein the sole is formed by laminating a plurality of molded sole elements. In forming these sole elements, a buffer material receiving restriction space is simultaneously formed in a groove shape in any of the sole elements, and further, the buffer material is externally provided in a part or a plurality of places of the reception restricting space. The exposed portion is formed as an open portion so that it can be exposed, and the non-opened portion is formed as a columnar joining column, and the upper end of the side wall portion of the receiving restriction space is projected inside the joining column to form a groove. A protrusion that reaches the vicinity of the center is formed. On the other hand, when the buffer material is injected into a tubular casing that is made of a thermoplastic resin and is in a flexible and transparent state, Each sole element with both ends formed by cutting a sealed state for each required length, by the said protrusion and the bonding posts are held in a state fit the buffer material at the site where the Roken portion is not formed It is characterized by laminating.
According to this invention, productivity can be improved by providing the process of incorporating a buffer material in the process for constituting the sole. In addition, when exposing the cushioning function material incorporated in the sole part of footwear to the outside, the position and shape of the exposed part are not restricted, and design and manufacturing flexibility can be increased and the design can be diversified. In addition, since a buffer material that has been generalized is used, the cost can be reduced.
The above problems can be solved by using the configuration of the invention described in each of the claims as a means.

  According to the present invention, when exposing the cushioning function material incorporated in the sole portion of the footwear to the outside, the position and shape of the exposed portion are not restricted, and the degree of freedom in design or manufacturing is increased and the design is improved. Diversification is possible, and more versatile cushioning materials are used, so there is no need for molds for cushioning materials for each footwear with different individual specifications and sizes, cost reduction can be realized, and competitive products Can be provided.

One of the best modes of the footwear having an enhanced cushion function and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention is as described in the following examples. First, the structure of the footwear having an enhanced cushion function is described, and then, A manufacturing method will be described.
It should be noted that the following embodiments can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, what is indicated by a symbol S is a shock-absorbing equipment (sports shoes which are an example of footwear), which is configured by integrating a sole 1 and an upper 2. By incorporating the cushioning material 3, the footwear is configured as footwear with enhanced cushion function of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sole 1 is laminated with an outer sole 10 as a grounding member and an inner sole 11 as a member in contact with the sole, with a midsole 12 interposed therebetween, and these sole elements are integrated. It is made up of.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the midsole 12 is formed by laminating an outer base 121, a mid base 122, and an inner base 123 as sole elements. As an example, EVA, synthetic rubber or the like is formed as a material. It is what is done.
As an example, the outer base 121 is a member that constitutes a flange portion, and the reception restriction space 13 for the buffer material 3 is formed in a portion that is a joint surface with the mid base 122 and is a required buffer portion.

The receiving restriction space 13 is configured in a groove shape so that the buffer material 3 can be fitted therein. As an example, the receiving restriction space 13 is designed to effectively absorb the impact applied to the entire outer base 121 as shown in FIG. As shown in the plan view of a), a horseshoe shape that substantially conforms to the outer shape of the heel of the foot was used.
In addition, by making the cushioning material 3 into a horseshoe shape in this way, especially when the footwear is used for track competition, when the runner runs, for example, the counterclockwise corner portion, the right foot is the inside and the left foot is the Although the twisting force concentrates on the outside from an oblique direction, such an external force is effectively absorbed by the buffer function material 31 in the entire area of the casing 30. Further, at this time, the restoring force of the cushioning material 3 acts toward the center of the horseshoe, so that the running posture of the wearer can be stabilized.

In forming the receiving restriction space 13, it is preferable to form the outer base 121 at the same time when molding the outer base 121.
Furthermore, a part or a plurality of places of the receiving restriction space 13 is configured as a dew portion 15 that is open so that the buffer material 3 can be exposed from the outside. In this embodiment, the non-open portion is formed in a column shape. This was formed as a joining column 14.
Further, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 5C, a projection 16 is formed on the inner side of the joining column 14 so as to project the upper end of the side wall portion of the receiving restriction space 13 and reach the vicinity of the center of the groove. The buffer material 3 is configured to be held by the protrusions 16 and the joining columns 14.

Further, the mid base 122 is a member constituting a part near the arch as an example, and the inner base 123 is a member constituting a heel part from the toe as an example, and further a part extending from the toe to the arch. It is a member configured to be a grounding portion.
Further, a concave portion 17 for receiving the tip end portion of the joining column 14 in the outer base 121 is formed in a side peripheral portion of the mid base 122, and the exposed portion is in a state where the joining column 14 is in contact with the concave portion 17. The buffer material 3 is configured to be viewed from 15.
Although the mid base 122 is provided in this embodiment, this member may be integrated with the inner base 123 depending on product specifications.
Furthermore, the reception restricting space 13 may be provided on a boundary surface between the inner sole 11 and the midsole 12 or a boundary surface between the outer sole 10 and the midsole 12.

  On the other hand, the upper 2 is constructed by stitching a plurality of elements composed of artificial leather, fabric, etc., and appropriately provided with eyelet decorations, tongues, stripes, etc., and appropriately formed with vent holes. The

The buffer material 3 is formed by sealing a gel-like buffer function material 31 in a flexible tubular casing 30 made of a thermoplastic resin.
In this embodiment, the casing 30 is made transparent, and as an example, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) is formed as a material. By the way, this thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has excellent flexibility and transparency, and even when it is deformed, it does not cause white turbidity. It is suitable as a raw material of the casing 30 to be manufactured.
In this example, as an example, Elaston Run (registered trademark) manufactured by BASF is used as the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, and the hardness is JIS as an example.
A 90 was used.
Further, as the material of the casing 30, in addition to the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a synthetic resin such as styrene, olefin, acrylic, or other synthetic resin can be used.

  In addition, the casing 30 is formed by a profile extrusion molding method, and the one having a circular cross-sectional shape is a basic specification. However, the cross-sectional shape may be a triangle, another polygon, an ellipse, or the like. It is also possible to provide a partition wall in the space and partition into a plurality of filling spaces. By providing the partition walls in this way, it is possible to prevent the buffer function materials 31 filled in the respective filling spaces from being mixed with each other, and the buffer function and the decorative effect can be combined with a plurality of types of buffer function materials 31. A synergistic effect can be expressed.

On the other hand, as the buffer function material 31, a gel-like substance such as silicone gel or urethane gel is applied, and silicone gel is particularly preferable. In this embodiment, αGEL (registered trademark) manufactured by Geltech Co., Ltd. is used as the silicone gel. As an example, one having a penetration of 150 as defined in JIS K2207 (50 g load) was used.
The αGEL is a gel-like substance containing silicone as a main component. For example, diorganopolysiloxane represented by the following formula [1] (hereinafter referred to as component A): RR ¹ ₂ SiO ⁻ (R ² ₂ SiO) n SiR ¹ ₂ R ... [1]
[Wherein R is an alkenyl group, R ¹ is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having no aliphatic unsaturated bond, and R ² is a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group (at least 50 mol% of R ² Is a methyl group, and when it has an alkenyl group, its content is 10 mol% or less), and n is a number such that the viscosity of this component at 25 ° C. is 100 to 100,000 cSt] Viscosity at 25 ° C. is 5000 cSt or less, and consists of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane (component B) having hydrogen atoms directly bonded to at least two Si atoms in one molecule. Curing the mixture adjusted so that the ratio (molar ratio) of the total amount of alkenyl groups contained in component A to the total amount of directly bonded hydrogen atoms is 0.1 to 2.0. An addition reaction type silicone copolymer obtainable by a.

Further, in this embodiment, the buffer function material 31 is colored in a translucent state so that its presence can be clearly seen through the casing 30, but depending on the product specifications, it remains in a transparent state or is colored even in a non-transparent state. In some cases.
Furthermore, fillers such as metal particles and metal foils may be mixed in the buffer function material 31 as functional members. In this case, the movement of the buffer function material 31 that flows when a load is applied is used. Can be visually recognized from the outside.

In this embodiment, a material obtained by injecting a buffer function material 31 into a long casing 30 is used as a starting material, and as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a concave mold 51 and a convex mold are formed for each predetermined dimension. The sealing part 32 is formed by heat welding in a state in which the casing 30 is crushed using a mold 5 comprising 52, and the cushioning material 3 having a desired length is formed by cutting with a cutter 53. I did it.
The casing 30 may be cut into a predetermined size in advance so as to have a short size, and the buffer function material 31 may be injected into the casing 30 and both ends thereof may be heat-welded.
Further, in this embodiment, the shape of the sealing portion 32 is U-shaped in a sectional view as shown in FIG. 3D, but is linear in a sectional view as shown in FIG. You may make it the shape which becomes a shape.
Furthermore, the cushioning functional material 31 may be sealed by covering the lids with the opening portions at both ends without thermally welding the both ends of the casing 30. Such welding can be performed by high frequency welding, ultrasonic welding or the like in addition to thermal welding.

  Furthermore, on the surface of the casing 30 of the cushioning material 3 and visible from the dew portion 15 in the state of being incorporated in the sole 1, a cosmetic label printed by silk printing as an example of a product name or a manufacturer name is used. 33 is formed.

A sports shoe (buffer equipment S required) which is an example of footwear with an enhanced cushion function according to the present invention is configured as described above, and the manufacturing method of the present invention will be described below.
[Decision of sole design]
In the present invention, it is premised that the above-described tube-shaped casing 30 in which the gel-shaped buffer function material 31 is enclosed is used as the buffer material 3, and the midsole 12 is configured in accordance with this. The shape and the like of the receiving restriction space 13 and the exposed portion 15 formed in the outer base 121 to be formed are determined, and further, the design of the entire sports shoe is determined.
At this time, since the casing 30 of the cushioning material 3 has a tube shape with no joints on the side peripheral portions, if the sealing portion 32 is concealed, the aesthetic appearance is impaired even if any other portion is exposed. It is possible to design freely.
The molds of the outer sole 10, the inner sole 11, and the midsole 12 (the outer base 121, the mid base 122, and the inner base 123), which are constituent elements of the sole 1, are manufactured. In this case, as an example, a total of about 7 to 10 molds are manufactured from 22.0 cm to about 30.0 cm.
On the other hand, in the manufacture of the conventional cushioning material, a plurality of molds are required in accordance with the specifications and sizes. However, according to the present invention, it is used for profile extrusion for producing the casing 30 of the cushioning material 3. One mold is enough.

[Production of each member]
Next, the outer sole 10, the inner sole 11 and the midsole 12 (the outer base 121, the mid base 122 and the inner base 123), the upper 2, and the cushioning material 3, which are constituent elements (sole elements) of the sole 1, are produced in separate steps. These sole elements are molded by pouring raw materials such as EVA and synthetic rubber into a mold, and are appropriately finished.
The upper 2 is constructed by stitching a plurality of elements made of artificial leather, fabric, or the like, and is appropriately sewn with eyelet decorations, tongues, stripes, and the like to appropriately form ventilation holes.
Further, the buffer material 3 is a starting material in which a cushioning functional material 31 is filled in a long casing 30 formed by a profile extrusion molding method, and a sealing portion 32 is formed on the starting material by thermal welding. In addition, it is formed by being cut into a predetermined length by the cutter 53.

[Production of sole]
Next, the sole 1 is manufactured. First, the midsole 12 is manufactured.
Specifically, the buffer material 3 is first fitted into the receiving restriction space 13 in the outer base 121, and the mid base 122 is overlaid thereon so that the tip of the joining column 14 contacts the recess 17, The inner base 123 is overlaid on top of each other, and these are appropriately joined by a technique such as ultrasonic welding.
At this time, since the buffer material 3 is prevented from coming out of the reception restriction space 13 by the protrusions 16, the work of integrating the buffer material 3 with the outer base 121 and the work of manufacturing the midsole 12 are efficient. Can be performed automatically.
Moreover, productivity can be improved by incorporating the process of incorporating the buffer material 3 into the process for configuring the midsole 12 in this way.
Then, when the outer sole 10 and the inner sole 11 are superposed on the midsole 12, and when they are appropriately joined by a technique such as ultrasonic welding, the sole 1 is completed.

[Integration of sole and upper]
Next, when the sole 1 and the upper 2 are integrated by an adhesive or stitching, a sports shoe as footwear with an enhanced cushion function is completed.

Other examples

The present invention is based on the above-described embodiment, but the following embodiment can be adopted based on the technical idea of the present invention.
First, in the basic embodiment, the cushioning material 3 has a horseshoe shape. However, in consideration of the fact that the position where the load is applied differs depending on the competition item, etc., as shown in FIG. You may make it provide the buffer material 3 of a shape in several places.

  Further, the footwear having an enhanced cushion function according to the present invention may be configured as other footwear provided for other than sports, and may be configured as a sandal as shown in FIG. 7 as an example.

It is a side view which shows the sport shoes which are an example of the footwear which improved the cushion function of this invention. It is a rear view same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the mode of manufacture of a buffer material and a buffer material. It is a disassembled perspective view of a sole. It is the top view which shows an outer base, bb sectional drawing, and cc sectional drawing. It is a top view which shows the other Example of a buffer material. It is a side view which shows the other Example of footwear.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sole 10 Outer sole 11 Inner sole 12 Mid sole 121 Outer base 122 Mid base 123 Inner base 13 Receipt control space 14 Joint pillar 15 Exposed part 16 Protrusion 17 Concave part 2 Upper 3 Buffer material 30 Casing 31 Buffer function material 32 Sealing part 33 Cosmetic marking 5 Mold 51 Concave 52 Convex 53 Cutter S Buffering equipment required

Claims (8)

The footwear is formed by incorporating a cushioning material in the sole, wherein the sole has a buffering material receiving restriction space formed in a groove shape at a required buffering portion, and a part or a plurality of places of the receiving restriction space are The buffer material is configured as an exposed portion that is open so that the buffer material can be exposed from the outside, and the non-open portion is formed as a joining column formed in a column shape, while the buffer material is thermoplastic. A gel-like cushioning function material is enclosed in a resin-like tube-like casing in a transparent and transparent state, and the upper end of the side wall portion of the receiving restriction space is projected inside the joining column. reaches near the center of the groove Te protrusions are formed, characterized in that it is configured to hold by the the projection and the joint posts, while fitting said cushioning material at the site where the Roken portion is not formed Footwear with enhanced cushioning function to be.   The footwear having an improved cushion function according to claim 1, wherein the sole is formed by laminating a plurality of sole elements, and the reception restricting space is provided on a boundary surface of the lamination.   The footwear with improved cushion function according to claim 1, wherein the receiving restriction space is formed in a horseshoe shape, and a cushioning material is fitted therein.   The footwear with enhanced cushion function according to claim 1, wherein a cosmetic label is formed at a portion of the cushioning material that is viewed from the exposed portion.   5. The footwear having an improved cushion function according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning function material is made of a silicone gel.   The footwear having an enhanced cushion function according to claim 1, wherein the casing is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.   The footwear with improved cushion function according to claim 1, wherein a filler is mixed as a functional member with respect to the cushioning functional material. In the footwear manufacturing method in which a cushioning material is incorporated in the sole, the sole is formed by laminating a plurality of molded sole elements, and when forming these sole elements, any sole element is formed. The buffering material receiving restriction space is formed into a groove shape at the same time, and a part or a plurality of portions of the receiving restricting space are formed as an exposed portion so that the buffering material can be exposed from the outside, and non- The open portion is formed as a columnar joining column, and a projection is formed on the inner side of the joining column so as to project the upper end of the side wall of the receiving restriction space and reach the vicinity of the center of the groove. By injecting a gel-like cushioning functional material into a flexible and transparent tube-shaped casing made of a plastic resin, and cutting it out with both ends sealed for each required length Formed, the by the projection and the joint posts, footwear manufacturing method with enhanced cushioning function, characterized by laminating each sole element holds in a state fit the buffer material at the site where the Roken portion is not formed .

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