JP5985070B2 - Cushioning structure and shoes using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a shock absorbing structure that is incorporated into a sole such as a sports shoe or a running shoe so that it can be easily seen from the outside, and shocks applied to a wearer's leg at the time of landing. The present invention relates to a novel buffer structure and a shoe to which the shock absorber is applied so that the impact can be buffered in stages, and the repulsive force can be smoothly transferred to the kicking operation of the wearer.

Sports shoes and running shoes are often built with cushioning members (buffer structures) to absorb the impact on the legs (foot, knees, etc.) of the person wearing them, and a lot of research and development has taken place. Various proposals have been made for such a buffer structure.
The present applicant has also conducted research on structures employing gels and low hardness rubber (soft material) as buffer materials having excellent buffer performance as described above, and has filed various patent applications (for example, patent documents). 1-10).

Since it is important to design a structure that can absorb the maximum amount of impact against excessive impacts during running or jumping, these soft materials should be provided directly below or immediately below the heel, thumb ball, and little finger ball. For this reason, most of the soft materials are generally hidden inside the shoes. Thus, while the material itself has high buffering performance, one of the problems is that the state of the soft material cannot be observed from the outside, that is, the appeal as a product is weak.
In addition, in order to enhance the buffering property, the buffering member (shock absorbing property) is improved as the buffering member that substantially performs the buffering action is softened. However, if the buffering member is too soft, the buffering member is completely compressed when receiving pressure. Therefore, even when bottoming occurs or not bottoming, the resilience is small, so in the process of kicking out from landing to toe, excessive ankle turning, center of gravity swing (landing stability), and further kicking Since so-called resilience, such as a reduction in propulsive force due to the repulsive force at the time of take-off, is reduced, there is also a problem of achieving both shock-absorbing properties and performance that is easy to travel and jump.
For this reason, in order to appeal the existence of soft materials to the user as much as possible, while exposing the soft materials to the outside, especially exposing most of the outer peripheral surface to the outside as much as possible, while exhibiting high buffering performance Buffer structures and shoes have been sought that balance the ability to keep running and jumping easily. Furthermore, there is an increasing need to customize the buffer performance on the spot according to the foot condition of the wearer over time (changes in running performance and walking performance due to foot edema and fatigue).

On the other hand, as a prior art of a structure in which the cushioning material is exposed to the outside, a shoe in which a columnar (columnar) cushioning material is fixedly arranged on the sole and the periphery of the cushioning material is opened has been proposed (for example, a patent) Reference 11).
However, it is not simply a matter of exposing the buffer material to the outside. That is, as in Patent Document 11, when a columnar cushioning material is fixed between the midsole and the outer sole, the cushioning material is bent or tilted by compression deformation, and the column is bent or tilted. Since it becomes easy to occur, a hard resin material is used for the columnar member, or another support member is required in the periphery. If this is done, the shock-absorbing property against the impact in the vertical direction can be ensured for the time being, but the shock-absorbing property against many shocks and deformations from oblique directions that occur in actual use is impaired.
Even if the columnar cushioning member is made of a softer material, the deformation of the cushioning material (soft material) fixed between the midsole and the outer sole is restricted (constrained) by the upper and lower joint surfaces. Therefore, the high shock absorption performance specific to soft materials is largely regulated (particularly at the start of deformation).

JP 08-38211 (Patent No. 3425630) JP 2009-56007 A JP 03-170104 A (Patent No. 1981297) JP 2007-144211 U.S. Pat. No. 7,787,899 JP2003-79402 (Patent No. 4020664) JP 2003-9904 Japanese Patent No. 4704429 JP 2009-142705 (Patent No. 4923081) JP 03-170102 A US Pat. No. 5,343,639

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and at least most of the outer periphery of the soft material is exposed to the outside, while providing high shock absorption performance (buffer performance) and resilience specific to the soft material. In order to realize both of them, the inside is a columnar member and a ring-shaped soft material is provided on the outer periphery, and it does not depend on the surrounding support members. The development of a new shock-absorbing structure suitable for running and jumping without restricting the deformation when starting to receive and a shoe to which this is applied is an issue.

  The shock absorbing structure of the present invention comprises a column member, an elastic ring member fitted to the column member, and upper and lower pressure receiving parts connected by the column member, and the column member is at least in the pressure receiving direction. The ring material is set to have an effective height lower than that of the column material, and is formed in a non-bonded state with the upper and lower pressure receiving portions. After the ring is subjected to compressive deformation, the ring material is then subjected to compressive deformation in the pressure receiving direction, thereby exhibiting multistage shock absorbing performance.

  The effective height of the ring material is preferably 0.2 to 0.95 with respect to the column material.

  Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of the pillar material and the ring material is formed so that the effective working height is not constant over the entire circumference.

  Further, it is preferable that the pillar material is formed of a foam and the ring material is formed of a solid body.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the hardness of a pillar material is Asker C hardness 30-100 or JIS A hardness 40-120, and the hardness of a ring material is JIS A hardness 30 or less.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a concave ring bulge space is formed in at least one of the contact surfaces of the ring material and the column material.

  Further, it is preferable that a bulge restricting portion for restricting the bulge deformation of the ring material is provided at least partially on the outside of the ring material.

  Moreover, it is preferable that at least one of the ring material and the pillar material is composed of a plurality of different materials or parts having different repulsive forces.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the column member is formed by combining a plurality of members, and the members are configured to be movable and deformed in the pressure receiving direction.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the ring material is detachably attached to the column material.

  The shoe of the present invention is constructed by incorporating a shock absorbing structure that cushions an impact applied to the wearer's leg when landing on the sole, and the shock absorbing structure is applied to the shock absorbing structure.

  The buffer structure is preferably provided on the sole of the sole.

  In the shock absorbing structure, when pressure is received, the column material first compresses and deforms in the pressure receiving direction, and then the ring material compresses in the pressure receiving direction together with the column material, with the effect of regulating the bulging deformation of the column material by the ring material. In order to demonstrate multi-stage shock absorbing performance due to deformation, it is possible to increase the repulsive force intentionally and step by step according to the buffering stage while preventing the bottoming out while increasing the buffering performance (shock absorption). Further, it can have a resilience. Further, when the ring material can be deformed in the entire circumferential direction (since deformation is not regulated), the buffer material of the ring material can be exhibited to the maximum, and an excellent buffer property can be realized.

Further, when the effective working height of the ring material is set to a ratio of 0.2 to 0.95 of the column material (height), a good multistage buffer deformation can be realized. That is, when the ratio is less than 0.2, the height dimension of the ring material is too small to achieve good multistage buffer deformation, and further, the strength support action of the column material by the ring material is small. For this reason, the load flexibility of the pillar material is increased. For example, when a shock absorbing structure is provided on the shoe, the stability during running and walking decreases.
If the ratio exceeds 0.95, the height of the ring material is too large (too high), the distance between the pressure receiving part and the ring material becomes too close (clearance is too small), and effective. Multistage buffer deformation is impaired.

  In addition, when the effective working height of at least one of the column member and the ring member is formed so as not to be constant over the entire circumference (if formed so as to be partially different), when a load is applied, the pressure receiving portion For example, when a shock absorbing structure is provided on a shoe, a tilting action that tilts the wearer's leg in a specific direction at the time of landing or a load applied to the foot is appropriately set. It is possible to generate a load guiding action that guides in the direction.

Also, if the pillar material is made of foam and the ring material is made of solid material, soft shock absorbing performance can be obtained at the initial stage of shock absorption, and the resilience is gradually increased from here. Both can be achieved. That is, since the foam is deformed with volume shrinkage (high compressibility), the bulging deformation in the radial direction at the time of compressive deformation is smaller than that of the solid body. At the time of pressure receiving, in which only the column material is substantially compressed, the deformation is caused to contract only the volume, and soft cushioning is exhibited. After that, when pressure reception progresses and the ring material is deformed, this time, the compression deformation of the ring material is added to the compression deformation of the column material, but since the ring material is solid, it is less compressed than the column material. Since it has a strong property (volume change at the time of deformation is extremely small), it has an effect of relatively strongly restricting the compression deformation of the column material, and also the buffering performance of the ring material itself is added to enhance the resilience. Thus, if the column material is formed of a foam and the ring material is formed of a solid material, both buffering properties and resilience can be achieved.
In addition, since the sole of a shoe is usually formed of a foam, the structure in which the pillar is formed of a foam is also suitable for a structure in which the pillar is integrated with the sole. This is also advantageous. Of course, since the foam itself is light, this structure also contributes to weight reduction of shoes.

In addition, by realizing the hardness of the pillar material and the ring material, these desirable hardnesses will be clarified, and a shock absorbing structure that will provide resilience while preventing bottom thrust while realizing high shock absorbing performance. Can do.
In other words, when both the ring material and the column material are low in hardness (soft), the shock absorption is increased, but the resilience is reduced, and in some cases, the bottom is raised, and stability during walking and running Cannot be maintained. On the other hand, when the hardness is high (hard), it is difficult to be deformed at the time of pressure reception, and it is difficult to develop impact absorbability. Therefore, it is necessary to select and set an appropriate hardness, and this can exhibit an appropriate multistage buffer performance.

  In addition, when a ring bulge space is formed in one or both of the ring material and the pillar material, when the ring material bulges and deforms due to pressure, the ring bulge space becomes the deformation space or allowable space of the ring material. It can function and promote the bulging deformation of the ring material. For this reason, the buffer performance as a buffer structure can be improved.

In addition, when a bulge restricting portion is provided outside the ring material, the bulge deformation of the ring material during pressure reception is limited at an appropriate location, and the bulge deformation of the ring material and thus the buffer structure's buffer performance (two-stage buffer performance) ) Can be controlled and adjusted.
Note that the bulge restricting portion can appropriately set the material, shape, dimensions, number, and the like depending on how the ring material is deformed when receiving pressure.

  In addition, when at least one of the ring material and the column material is composed of a plurality of different materials or parts having different repulsive forces, it is possible to realize variation development having more various multistage buffer performances.

  Further, when the column member is formed by combining a plurality of members and the members are configured so as to be movable and deformed in the pressure receiving direction, it is possible to realize variation development having various multistage buffer performances.

  Also, if the ring material can be detachably attached to the pillar material, for example, when a shock absorbing structure is provided on the shoe, the user may select and replace the ring material according to his / her preference after purchasing the shoe. It is possible to provide the user with a new way of enjoying such as finding an original arrangement and a multistage buffer characteristic suitable for his running form. That is, by making the ring material detachable, it is possible to customize by exchanging ring materials of different hardness, shape, color, etc. according to the wearer's (user) preference and purpose.

  Moreover, when the buffer structure as described above is applied to a shoe, it is possible to provide a shoe that has a resilience while preventing impact of bottom while increasing shock absorption.

  In addition, when the cushioning structure is provided on the sole of the sole, the shoe is provided with the cushioning structure. It is possible to appeal more strongly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the shoes which applied the buffer structure of this invention, and sectional drawing which shows skeleton | skeleton the primary buffer process and secondary buffer process of this buffer structure, Comprising: FIG. Fig. (B) shows the case where the ring material is made of foam and the ring material is made of solid material, and Fig. (C) shows the case where the column material is made of solid material and the ring material. FIG. 4D shows a case where both the pillar material and the ring material are formed of foam. The upper end of the ring material is formed in a pointed shape, and this is a buffer structure having an action standby portion, and a sectional view (a) skeletally showing a primary buffer stroke and a secondary buffer stroke at the time of pressure reception, And a partial perspective view (b) showing a ring material in which a plurality of partial protrusions are formed on the upper edge of the ring material as another action standby part, and a partial dent in the upper edge of the ring material as another action standby part. A partial perspective view (c) showing a ring material formed with a plurality of rings, and a perspective view (d) showing a ring material in which concentric corrugations are formed on the entire periphery of the upper end of the ring material as another action standby portion, Sectional view (e) showing a ring material formed so that concentric corrugated irregularities are located higher on the outer peripheral side, and radial (radial) corrugated irregularities around the entire upper end of the ring material as another action standby part A perspective view (f) showing the ring material formed with, A waveform irregularities a pattern to radial perspective view showing a plurality formed ring member a notch to (radially) (g). Side view (elevated view) and cross-sectional view (a) of the shock absorbing structure in which the action standby portion is formed in the upper pressure receiving portion, and the ring material obtained by obliquely cutting the cylindrical member, the upper pressure receiving portion and the part at the upper end thereof Sectional drawing (b) which shows the buffer structure which made it form an operation standby part by making it contact, and perspective view (c) which shows the ring material at the time of making this slant cylindrical ring material eccentric is there. Several types of buffer structures having multi-stage buffering properties (three-stage buffering properties). FIG. (A) is a skeletal view of the primary buffering process to the tertiary buffering process in the case where a ring material is double-fitted on a pillar material. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view skeletally showing the primary buffering process to the tertiary buffering process when the plan view size of the column material is changed in the vertical direction, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the buffer structure which fitted the ring material from which a property differs with respect to the upper and lower sides in series. A cross-sectional view (a) showing the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process in a skeletal manner, and a side surface of the buffering structure in which upper and lower edges are inclined and a ring material having a tapered shape as viewed from the side is fitted. Sectional drawing (b) which shows the buffer structure which fitted the ring material which forms gradient form seeing from the perspective view, and sectional drawing (c) which show the buffer structure body which formed the notch in the up-and-down both ends edge of a ring material Further, a sectional view (d) showing the buffer structure in which the notch formation positions are slightly shifted from each other in the circumferential direction, and a column material and a ring material in which the ring material is provided eccentrically from the columnar column material are shown. It is a top view (f) which shows a mode that the ring material formed in this eccentric state was rotated about 90 degree | times with respect to the column material in a perspective view and a top view (e). A buffer structure in which a ring bulging space that allows bulging deformation of the ring material is formed on the outer side of the column member (ring material and contact portion), and the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process of this structure are skeletonized It is sectional drawing (a) shown, and sectional drawing (b) which shows the primary buffer process of the buffer structure which formed this ring bulging space inside the ring material, and the secondary buffer process skeleton. The bulge restricting portion for restricting the bulging deformation of the ring material is formed on the outside of the ring material, and FIG. (A) shows a bulge restricting portion like a standing wall on a part of the outer side of the ring material. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view skeletally showing the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process of the buffer structure in the case where it is provided, and FIG. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process in a skeleton manner when a bulging restricting part of a ring shape is provided, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the buffer structure which was fitted in the contact | adherence state. FIG. (A) is a shock absorbing structure having different properties at the top and bottom of the pillar material, and shows a skeletal view of an initial state where no load is applied (no load state) and a state after the secondary buffering process. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer structure having different properties on the left and right sides of the pillar material, and is a cross-sectional view skeletally showing the initial state and the state after the secondary buffer process. (C) is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure having different properties on the upper and lower sides of the ring material, and FIG. (D) is a diagram of the buffer structure having different properties only on the lower side and the inner circumference side of the ring material. FIG. 8 (e) shows only a ring material in which the properties are partially different by forming a number of small holes only in the lower part while forming one ring material with the same property member. FIG. (F) is a cross-sectional view of a buffer structure in which only pillar materials are formed in three stages with materials having different properties. Fig. (G) is a cross-sectional view of the buffer structure in which only the ring material is formed in three stages with materials having different properties, and Figs. (H) to (j) show the properties of both the column material and the ring material. It is sectional drawing of the buffer structure formed with a different material. The figure (a) is a sectional view of a buffer structure in which the thickness of the ring material increases in the radial direction toward the lower side while forming the columnar material in a columnar shape, and a perspective view of only the ring material. Fig. (B) is a cross-sectional view of a shock absorbing structure in which the ring material is formed in a cylindrical shape with substantially the same radial thickness across the top and bottom while the columnar material is formed in a conical truncated conical shape. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing a partially broken buffer structure in which the cross-sectional size (diameter dimension) of the ring material is changed stepwise in the height direction. FIG. 4D is an explanatory view showing a part of the shock absorbing structure in which the ring material is formed in a spiral shape in addition to such a stepwise change in diameter and size. It is sectional drawing of the buffer structure which made the upper pressure receiving part and the lower pressure receiving part continue. It is a form which shows the buffer structure which provided multiple pillar materials, Comprising: FIG. (A) is the perspective view, sectional drawing, and top view at the time of fitting one ring material on the outer side of several pillar materials FIG. 4B is a plan view and a cross-sectional view in the case where a ring material is fitted to each of a plurality of column members, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view when a ring material is fitted into each group. Sectional drawing which is another form which shows the buffer structure provided with two or more pillar materials, and shows the primary buffer stroke and the secondary buffer stroke when a plurality of pillar materials itself bulges and deforms at the time of pressure receiving. It is a perspective view mainly showing the column material in the initial state. It is a perspective view (initial state) which shows the buffer structure which has the pillar material which combines a plurality of members, and is a sectional view showing the primary buffer process and the secondary buffer process of this thing skeleton. The upper column material and the lower column material are nested, and the shock absorbing structure in which the ring material can be attached and detached is incorporated in the shoe, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing shown in the attached state, and FIG.5 (b) is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when removing a ring material from a pillar material (shoes). The perspective view (initial state) which shows the other buffer structure which has the pillar material which combined several members, the exploded perspective view of the upper part and lower part except a ring material, and the primary buffer of this buffer structure It is sectional drawing which shows a process and a secondary buffer process skeletally. It is an example of arrangement when a plurality of cushioning structures are provided on the sole of the foot of a shoe (sole), and FIG. (A) is an explanatory diagram arranged at three locations of the thumb ball, the little finger ball, and the buttocks Figure (b) is an explanatory diagram in which a buffer structure having a low buffering property is provided on the inner side (IN side) of the foot and a buffer structure having a high buffering property is provided on the outer side (OUT side). It is explanatory drawing which shows the appropriate pronation line (movement line of the center of gravity which prevents excessive adduction) in the case. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffering property by the buffer structure of this invention, ie, a shock absorption characteristic, and a resilience characteristic. In the case where a plurality of cushioning structures are provided on the sole of the foot of the shoe (sole), an example of the arrangement of the cushioning structures with different resilience (hardness) is shown, and FIG. (A) is suitable for a midfoot strike. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning which increased the resilience (hardness) of the inner side of a leg | foot, FIG. (B) raises the resilience (hardness) of the outer side of a leg | foot so that the movement which turns back to a horizontal direction quickly is realizable. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning which was made.

S shoes S1 sole S2 upper

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Buffer structure 2 Column material 3 Ring material 4 Pressure receiving part 5 Action standby part

10U Upper part 10D Lower part

2 Column material 2U Upper column material 2D Lower column material 21 Column body 21U Upper column body 21D Lower column body 22 Housing 22U Upper housing 22D Lower housing

3 Ring material 3I Inner ring material 3O Outer ring material 3U Upper ring material 3D Lower ring material 31 Notch 32 Small hole 33 Groove

4 pressure receiving part 4U upper pressure receiving part 4D lower pressure receiving part

5 Action standby part C Clearance NS Unsatisfied space 51 Projection 52 Recess 53 Waveform unevenness 54 Notch 55 Projection

AS ring bulge space ER bulge regulating part

  The mode for carrying out the present invention includes one described in the following embodiments, and further includes various methods that can be improved within the technical idea.

As shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the cushioning structure 1 of the present invention is provided on footwear such as a shoe S. The cushioning structure 1 is a leg of a person (wearer) who wears the shoe S. The shock applied to the body is buffered, and the repulsive force can be smoothly converted into the kicking motion of the foot. Here, in the present embodiment, shoes (sport shoes) S are mainly shown as products provided with the buffer structure 1, but other footwear includes, for example, sandals. Of course, the buffer structure 1 of the present invention can be applied to other than footwear, and for example, it can also be applied to a supporter or protector worn by an athlete to protect a joint or the like.
Hereinafter, the shoe S provided with the buffer structure 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shoe S is formed by joining an upper S2 that covers an instep or the like to a sole S1 serving as a ground contact portion. And the said buffer structure 1 is provided in single or multiple on the foot sole etc. of this sole S1, for example.
In addition, when providing the buffer structure 1 in the shoe S, it is desired that the buffer structure 1 itself be installed so as to be visible from the outside as much as possible from the viewpoint of strongly appealing the buffer performance and improving the design. For this reason, FIG. 1 also illustrates a mode in which the buffer structure 1 is attached to almost the entire outer periphery of the sole surface of the sole S1 (shoes S). However, when the buffer structure 1 is provided on the sole S1, for example, a receiving space for accommodating the buffer structure 1 is formed in advance in the sole S1 (not shown), and after the buffer structure 1 is stored therein It is also possible to close this receiving space with a transmissive member (transparent member) so that the buffer structure 1 can be seen from the outside.

Hereinafter, the buffer structure 1 of the present invention will be described. In addition, in this specification, it demonstrates supposing the case where the buffer structure 1 is provided in shoes S fundamentally.
The shock absorbing structure 1 of the present invention is mainly intended to buffer the shock when a shocking compressive load is applied (at the time of receiving pressure), but at a suitable stage where the buffering proceeds (the buffer material is bottomed). The repulsive force is smoothly transferred to the kicking motion of the wearer's foot (so-called repulsiveness) before the impact phenomenon occurs.
As such a buffer structure 1, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D as an example, a column member 2 and a ring member 3 fitted to the column member 2 are used as main components. Further, pressure receiving portions 4 are provided at both upper and lower ends of the column member 2. For this reason, the upper and lower pressure receiving parts 4U and 4D are connected by the column member 2.
In addition, each figure shown to the said FIG. 1 (a)-(d) is the figure which showed skeletal from the buffer (primary buffer process) of the 1st step to the buffer (second buffer process) of the 2nd step. It is. That is, the primary buffer stroke shows a deformation stage (compression deformation) in which only the column member 2 is reduced in height by the pressure-receiving load, and the secondary buffer stroke is performed after the compression deformation of only the column member 2 proceeds. Both the column member 2 and the ring member 3 show a deformation stage (compression deformation) in which the height dimension is reduced.

Next, an estimated buffer mechanism of the buffer structure 1 of the present invention will be described using the buffer deformation process shown in FIGS.
The buffer deformation process in FIG. 1 is a deformation process that occurs until the runner (wearer) lands his foot on the ground and kicks out, and the relationship between the amount of deformation and force generated in the buffer structure 1 is illustrated in FIG. It becomes a hysteresis loop. Specifically, the hysteresis loop includes a deformation process of the buffer structure 1 of the following 1) to 4). That is,
1) The first deformation process ("deformation process A" in the figure) in which the soles land, the pressure receiving part 4 receives an impact compression load, and only the column member 2 deforms mainly.
2) a second deformation process ("deformation process B" in the figure) in which the pressure receiving portion 4 simultaneously deforms the column material 2 and the ring material 3;
3) The third deformation process ("deformation process C" in the figure) in which deformation of the buffer structure 1 is regulated by the bulging regulation of the ring material 3 and prevents the bottom of the foot that has landed.
4) The fourth deformation process ("deformation process D" in the figure) in which the load decreases as the foot moves away from the ground and the shape of the buffer structure 1 is to be restored.
After passing through, it returns to the shape of the buffer structure 1 before deformation.
Here, in FIG. 17, the area E1 surrounded by the deformation strokes A, B, C, and D is the energy absorbed by the buffer structure 1, and the area E2 surrounded by the deformation stroke D and the displacement axis is the buffer structure 1. Is energy that could not be absorbed, that is, repulsive energy. Although the buffer structure 1 having a large area E1 has high buffering properties, it is difficult to exhibit resilience and easily bottoms out. Moreover, although the buffer structure 1 with the large area E2 is convenient for a bottom-out countermeasure, since the resilience is high, a buffering effect cannot be expected. That is, the buffer structure 1 in which the areas E1 and E2 are expressed in a well-balanced manner is preferable as a shoe part.

Next, a process for forming the hysteresis in the two-stage buffering of the buffer structure 1 of the present invention will be described. First, in the primary buffering process, only the column material 2 is deformed mainly (first deformation process), and the magnitude of the reaction force generated according to the material properties, shape, and dimensions of the column material 2, that is, the deformation process A with respect to the displacement. The slope of changes. Subsequently, when a transition to the secondary buffering process (second deformation process) is performed, the pressure receiving portion 4 causes the column material 2 and the ring material 3 to generate a composite reaction force, and the material properties, shape, The inclination of the deformation process B with respect to the displacement changes depending on the dimensions. Subsequently, in the third deformation process, the ring material 3 undergoes a relatively large bulging deformation in the radial direction, the apparent rigidity of the ring material 3 itself is increased, and deformation resistance is generated. In addition, in order to restrict the bulging of the column material 2 in the radial direction, the deformation resistance of the column material 2 also increases, and the deformation process for displacement depends on the material properties, shape, and dimensions of the column material 2 and the ring material 3. The slope of C changes in a complex manner. Subsequently, when the force for deforming the buffer structure 1 is removed, the increase in the apparent elastic modulus due to the shape deformation or deformation regulation of the column material 2 and the ring material 3, and the material properties and shape of the column material 2 and the ring material 3 The reaction force response to the displacement according to the dimension, that is, the path of the deformation process D is determined, and the buffering property according to the hysteresis loop areas E1 and E2 in the relationship between the amount of deformation and the force generated in the buffer structure 1. Resilience is demonstrated.
And by setting the buffer structure 1 of the present invention as described above, in the buffering process, the balance between the buffering property (E1) and the timing of suppressing the amount of compressive deformation and increasing the repulsive force are adjusted (see FIG. 17) (adjustment of the shape and inclination of the loops of the deformation processes B and C in FIG. 17), it is possible to achieve both excellent buffering and resilience while preventing bottoming. As will be described later, the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process can be further provided with a multistage buffering property by changing the configuration conditions.

Hereinafter, the pillar material 2, the ring material 3, and the pressure receiving part 4 which comprise the buffer structure 1 are further demonstrated.
First, the column member 2 will be described.
The column member 2 only needs to be able to be deformed and restored at least along the pressure-receiving direction in which a load acts, and is not particularly limited as a material. For example, rubber, gel, and foams thereof can be exemplified, and among these, particularly light weight From the viewpoints of properties and buffering properties, a foam is more preferable. Specific examples of the foam include thermoplastic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such as polyurethane, and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber.

In the case where the column member 2 is formed of a foam, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, the column member 2 has its internal foaming space crushed almost as it is due to a compressive load during pressure reception. Because of this behavior, deformation in the expansion direction substantially perpendicular to the pressure receiving direction (this is referred to as bulging deformation) is extremely small or hardly occurs. That is, when the column material 2 is a foam, the column material 2 is subjected to compression deformation as it is so as to substantially reduce the volume by pressure reception.
On the other hand, when the column member 2 is formed of a solid body such as rubber or gel, the column member 2 is compressed and deformed during pressure reception, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (c), for example. Along with this, bulging deformation is also likely to occur in a direction (lateral direction) substantially orthogonal to the pressure receiving direction, and the deformation behavior causes bulging deformation so as to keep the volume constant.

In addition, each figure shown to the said FIG.1 (a)-(d) is the figure which showed skeletal from the buffer (primary buffer process) of the 1st step to the buffer (secondary buffer process) of the 2nd step. It is. That is, the primary buffer stroke shows a deformation stage (compression deformation) in which only the column member 2 is reduced in height by the pressure-receiving load, and the secondary buffer stroke is performed after the compression deformation of only the column member 2 proceeds. Both the column member 2 and the ring member 3 show a deformation stage (compression deformation) in which the height dimension is reduced.
Here, in the secondary buffering process shown in FIG. 1 (b), the side part of the column member 2 formed of foam is subjected to the bulging deformation of the ring member 3 (here, assumed to be a solid body), and the inner side However, this is merely an example showing the deformation behavior, and it is assumed that the deformation state shown in the figure is not necessarily obtained depending on the hardness of the ring material 3 and the column material 2.
In this specification, the column material 2 is assumed to have a columnar shape (a shape obtained by obliquely cutting a column or a column), but the shape of the column material 2 is not necessarily limited to a columnar shape. Absent.

Next, the ring material 3 will be described.
The ring material 3 is formed smaller than the height dimension (length dimension) of the column member 2 in an initial state where no load is applied (no load state). It is inserted in. As described above, the ring member 3 also compresses itself as the pressure is received and acts as a buffer. However, the ring member 3 also has a function of regulating the deformation of the column member 2 located inside the ring member 3, particularly the bulging deformation. It is what you bear.
As the material of the ring material 3, various rubber materials, gel materials, or foams thereof can be applied, but the regulation force for limiting the deformation of the column material 2 changes as well as its own buffering action depending on its hardness and the like. To do.

If it is assumed that the ring material 3 that has been externally fitted to the column material 2 is not removed once, that is, if the ring material 3 is not replaced (assuming that it cannot be replaced), the ring material 3 is used as the column material. 2 can be adhered and fixed.
On the other hand, when the ring member 3 is not bonded to the pillar member 2 and can be freely fitted, the inner diameter of the ring member 3 is set to the outer diameter of the pillar member 2 within the range in which the multistage cushioning effect of the present invention can be exhibited. On the other hand, there is no particular limitation, and the multistage shock absorbing property can be adjusted by a combination of the inner diameter of the ring member 3 and the outer diameter of the column member 2. For example, the inner diameter of the ring material 3 is made smaller than the outer diameter of the column material 2 (to say “squeeze fit”), and the ring material 3 is utilized using its own tightening force when the ring material 3 is fitted to the column material 2. May be firmly held by the column member 2. This state is a state in which a stress bias is applied to both the ring member 3 and the column member 2, and this state can be adjusted as appropriate depending on, for example, the inner diameter of the ring member 3, thereby obtaining various buffer characteristics. be able to. Further, when the inner diameter of the ring material 3 is made larger than the outer diameter of the column material 2, a multistage shock absorbing performance corresponding to the gap state is obtained between the inner peripheral surface of the ring material 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the column material 2. It is done. Of course, the inner diameter of the ring member 3 and the outer diameter of the column member 2 may be the same.
In addition, by making the ring material 3 freely changeable, for example, depending on changes in foot condition over time due to long-time running or walking such as a long-distance marathon, buffering, resilience, pronation characteristics, etc. Performance can be adjusted on the fly. In addition, after the purchase, the user selects a ring material 3 that suits his / her preference and enjoys a unique arrangement (a sense of enjoying fashion), a fun to find out the user's unique multistage buffer characteristics, etc. Can also be provided to the user.

Next, the pressure receiving unit 4 will be described.
The pressure receiving part 4 is a part that transmits a load (load) at the time of pressure receiving to the pillar material 2 and the ring material 3, and can be provided as a member completely different from the sole S 1 such as a midsole or an outer sole in the shoe S. In addition, a part of the sole S1 can be used as the pressure receiving portion 4. When the pressure receiving portion 4 is formed as a part of the sole S1, the material is naturally the same as the sole S1, but the pressure receiving portion 4 is formed as a member that is completely different from the sole S1. Even if it exists, it is possible to apply the same material as the sole S1. In addition, when forming the pressure receiving part 4 with a material completely different from the sole S1, for example, a resin material harder than the sole S1 can be applied.

In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, a clearance C is formed between the ring material 3 and the pressure receiving portion 4 in an initial state where no load is applied, and a compressive load is applied. When applied (at the time of pressure reception), first, only the column material 2 starts compressive deformation to reduce the height dimension (length dimension), and after the column material 2 is compressed by the clearance C, the ring 2 is compressed. The material 3 causes compression deformation. As described above, the ring material 3 is not compressed and deformed as soon as an impulsive compressive load is applied. In the present embodiment, the clearance C exists, and accordingly, the ring material 3 waits until compression deformation starts. It will be in the state. Therefore, the deformation standby area of the ring material 3 is used as the action standby part 5, and the clearance C becomes the action standby part 5 in this embodiment. In other words, the presence of such an action standby portion 5 (here, clearance C) exhibits a multistage buffer action that sequentially deforms from the pillar material 2 to the ring material 3.
It should be noted that the operation standby unit 5 is not necessarily limited to the clearance C provided between the ring material 3 and the pressure receiving unit 4, and the operation standby unit 5 other than the clearance C will be described later.

  Here, the essence of the action standby unit 5 is that a two-stage buffering action (multistage buffering action) is caused by causing a time difference in the deformation start timing in the height direction between the column member 2 and the ring member 3, and the ring member 3 Since there is an oblique buffering action due to the fact that the pressure receiving part 4 is not bonded and fixed, the embodiment is not limited to the aspect in which the clearance C is provided unless these two actions are impaired. That is, even if the clearance C does not exist, it is possible to form the operation standby portion 5, in other words, to provide a time difference in the compression deformation of the column member 2 and the ring member 3, which will be described below.

  As the action standby part 5 other than the clearance C, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the contact tip of the ring material 3 with the pressure receiving part 4 (here, the upper pressure receiving part 4U) is formed in an acute angle on the entire circumference. The form which forms the unsatisfied space NS in which the meat | flesh (material) of the ring material 3 does not exist in the said site | part is mentioned (Because it is contacting, it does not exist as clearance C). In this case, when a load is applied, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the inner column member 2 is not only compressed and deformed, but the outer ring member 3 is also almost at the same height (length dimension). It is deformed (compressed deformation) so as to make it smaller. However, the deformation (compression deformation) of the ring material 3 in this primary buffering process is that the meat (material) of the ring material 3 that should originally undergo bulging deformation has moved to fill the unsatisfied space NS. This is a possible deformation behavior, and therefore hardly occurs as an outward bulging deformation. Therefore, there is some time difference from the start of pressure reception until the ring material 3 undergoes substantial bulging deformation. For this reason, such an unsatisfied space NS is also one of the action standby portions 5.

Incidentally, in FIG. 2A, assuming that the ring material 3 is formed of a solid body, the secondary buffer stroke is illustrated, that is, the unsatisfied space NS is almost filled with the ring material 3 (material). Thereafter, the ring material 3 is drawn so as to bulge and deform. However, when the ring material 3 is formed of a foam, such bulge deformation is unlikely to occur as described above. However, even if the ring material 3 is formed of a foam, a stepwise buffering action occurs although not as remarkable as when the ring material 3 is formed of a solid body. That is, when the unsatisfied space NS exists, it functions as a primary buffering process until it is filled or until the ring material 3 bulges and deforms.
Thus, the action standby unit 5 is not necessarily limited to the clearance C. If the unsatisfied space NS is formed in the initial state, the unsatisfied space NS can be the action standby unit 5. It is.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (a) above, when the unsatisfied space NS as the action standby portion 5 is formed in the ring material 3, the effective action height at which the ring material 3 undergoes substantial deformation is This is a height dimension excluding “(the initial state) maximum height” from “the length dimension of the action standby portion 5 (until the unfilled space NS is filled or the ring material 3 bulges and deforms)”. .
Of course, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, it is effective when the clearance C is formed as the action standby portion 5 between the ring material 3 and the pressure receiving portion 4 (upper pressure receiving portion 4U). The working height (effective working height of the ring material 3) matches the height dimension of the ring material 3 in the initial state, and the “height dimension of the column material 2” is subtracted from the “length dimension of the clearance C”. It becomes a dimension.

  Hereinafter, the other form which forms the unsatisfied space NS as the effect | action waiting | standby part 5 in the ring material 3 is demonstrated. For this, it is possible to form irregularities on the contact edge of the ring material 3 with the pressure receiving portion 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, a partial protrusion is formed on the upper edge of the ring material 3. A plurality of 51 can be provided over the entire circumference. More specifically, only the upper surface of the projection 51 is brought into contact with the upper pressure receiving portion 4U, and the space between the projections 51 is defined as an unsatisfied space NS (action standby portion 5). Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, it can be realized by providing a plurality of partial recesses 52 on the upper end edge of the ring material 3 over the entire circumference. Specifically, the recesses 52 themselves are formed in the unsatisfied space NS. The part (the upper end edge of the ring material 3) in which the dent 52 is not formed is brought into contact with the upper pressure receiving part 4U.

Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (d) is a form in which concentric corrugated irregularities 53 along the circumferential direction are formed on the upper end edge of the ring member 3 in multiple layers. The unsatisfied space NS can be formed. That is, in this case, the top portion (the highest portion) of the corrugated unevenness 53 comes into contact with the upper pressure receiving portion 4U, and other non-contact portions (spaces formed between individual waves) are not yet formed. It becomes the sufficiency space NS (action standby section 5). Here, as an example, the waveform unevenness 53 may be formed so as to be higher as it goes to the outer peripheral side of the ring member 3 as shown in FIG. That is, in this case, the upper end edge of the ring material 3 on which the corrugated unevenness 53 is formed has a difference in height, and has an inclined shape (so-called “mortar shape”) in which the inside is low and the outside is high. Is formed.
Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (f) is a form in which the corrugated irregularities 53 on the upper edge of the ring material 3 are formed so as to swell (up and down) along the circumferential direction (not concentric). . Of course, the uneven shape in this case does not necessarily have a waveform. For example, as shown in FIG. 2G, the upper edge of the ring material 3 is cut into a plurality of semicircular shapes when viewed from the radial direction (here Can be made substantially the same state as the waveform irregularities 53 shown in FIG. 2 (f).

  In the above description, the unsatisfied space NS as the action standby part 5 is described as being formed exclusively in the ring material 3, but such an action standby part 5 is not only the ring material 3 but also the pressure receiving part 4 or It is also possible to provide the column material 2 or the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, a plurality of protrusions 55 that are in partial contact with the ring material 3 can be provided on substantially the entire periphery of the lower end edge of the upper pressure receiving portion 4U. Also in this case, since the ring material 3 is in partial contact with the upper pressure receiving portion 4U in the initial state, the same deformation behavior as described above is exhibited, and the protrusion 55 of the upper pressure receiving portion 4U is an unsatisfied space as the action standby portion 5. NS is formed.

Further, in forming the unsatisfied space NS (action standby part 5) between the ring material 3 and the upper pressure receiving part 4U, the partial contact region with the upper pressure receiving part 4U is not necessarily provided as shown in FIG. The ring member 3 need not be formed over the entire circumference of the ring member 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, a ring member 3 can be formed by obliquely cutting a short cylindrical member. That is, in this case, only the uppermost end portion of the ring member 3 is in contact with the upper pressure receiving portion 4U in the initial state, and the non-contact portion becomes the unsatisfied space NS (action standby portion 5).
Furthermore, the thickness in the radial direction of the ring member 3 in this case may not be constant over the entire circumference as shown in FIG. 3C, for example. Here, the column member 2 is eccentric with respect to the ring member 3. It is provided in a state where both axes do not match.

Next, the relationship between “the height of the column member 2 (effective working height)” and “the effective working height of the ring member 3” will be described.
The multi-stage buffering in the buffer structure 1 of the present invention is one of the major features of the deformation behavior in which the column material 2 first compresses and deforms and then the ring material 3 compresses and deforms during pressure reception. That is, there is a time difference (time lag) from the compression deformation of the column material 2, and the ring material 3 is compressed and deformed.
In short,
"Height dimension of column material 2">"Effective working height dimension of ring material 3"
It turns out that.
The ratio as a specific numerical value, that is, the ratio of the “effective height dimension of the ring member 3” to the “height dimension of the column member 2” is preferably 0.2 to 0.95, and more preferably 0. 0.5 to 0.85 is more preferable.
Here, the height of the column 2 is also written in parentheses as “(effective action height)” because the member in which the unsatisfied space NS as the action standby part 5 is formed as described above is not necessarily This is because the material is not limited to the ring material 3.

Next, the technical significance of the height ratio will be described.
First, if the height ratio is less than 0.2 (lower limit), good multistage buffer deformation cannot be realized, and further, the strength support action of the column member 2 by the ring member 3 is reduced, so the load flexibility of the column member 2 is reduced. (The column material 2 is likely to buckle when receiving pressure), and stability during running and walking decreases.
If the height ratio exceeds 0.95 (upper limit), the distance between the pressure receiving portion 4 and the ring material 3 is too short (for example, the clearance C that is the operation standby portion 5 is too small), and effective multistage buffering is performed. Deformation is impaired.

In addition, the raw material (combination) of the column material 2 and the pressure receiving part 4 is appropriately selected according to the purpose, and these may be formed of the same material or different materials. I do not care.
In addition, regardless of whether it is a different material or the same material, when the column member 2 and the pressure receiving portion 4 are formed as separate members, they can be bonded after formation. Of course, when the column member 2 and the pressure receiving portion 4 are integrally formed from the beginning, productivity can be improved, and the possibility of peeling when these are formed as separate members and bonded can be eliminated. Yes (to ensure adhesive strength).
In addition, when forming the column material 2 and the pressure receiving part 4 integrally, multicolor injection molding etc. can be applied, and also it is suitable also when these are integrated with sole S1.

In addition, the combination of the material of the pillar material 2 and the ring material 3 is in the order of the pillar material 2 / ring material 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to 1 (d) as examples. / Solid, solid / foam, and foam / foam can be combined, and each combination has different multi-stage deformation characteristics (deformation behavior), and can be selected appropriately according to the desired buffer performance.
Hereinafter, the deformation behavior (buffering property) of the buffer structure 1 in each combination will be described.
(1) In the case of solid body / solid body: Fig. 1 (a)
In this combination, the column material 2 bulges in the radial direction (bulging deformation) with compression deformation at the time of pressure reception, and the ring material 3 acts to suppress it. For this reason, the buffer structure 1 of the present combination exhibits a relatively high elastic multi-stage buffering property.

(2) In the case of foam / solid: FIG. 1 (b)
In this combination, the column material 2 is easily crushed in the pressure-receiving direction and is easily contracted in volume at the time of pressure reception, so that the bulging deformation of the column material 2 becomes smaller than that in FIG. Therefore, the repulsive switching due to the deformation of the ring material 3 becomes more significant than in FIG. For this reason, in the case of this combination, it is a combination suitable for a design that exhibits a soft cushioning property at the initial stage of pressure reception, gradually increases the resilience, and achieves both a cushioning property and a resilience.
In addition, since the sole S1 is often formed of a foam, this combination is suitable even when the column member 2 is desired to be integrated with the sole S1, and contributes to the weight reduction of the shoe S.

(3) In the case of solid / foam: FIG. 1 (c)
In this combination, the column material 2 bulges and deforms when receiving pressure, but since the ring material 3 is a foam, the suppression effect of the ring material 3 on the column material 2 is reduced, and the ring material 3 itself is compressed. The deformation repulsive force is also reduced. For this reason, this combination is a combination suitable when it is desired to design a multistage buffer effect small.

(4) In the case of foam / foam: FIG. 1 (d)
In this combination, since both the column member 2 and the ring member 3 are foams, the compression deformation repulsive force of each member itself is small, and the effect of suppressing the column member 2 by the ring member 3 is also small, so that the buffer structure 1 is a combination suitable for the case where it is desired to design the multistage buffer performance as 1 smaller than that in FIG.
In the case of this combination, the resilience exerted by the buffer structure 1 after absorbing the impact (after compression) may not be expected so much, but the weight and impact such as the approximate center of the sole of the sole S1. It is a combination suitable for the case where it is provided in a part where the amount of the film is not so much. That is, even if the shock absorption and the multistage shock absorbing properties are low as the actual action, if the shock absorbing structure 1 is provided on the entire sole, the user will have sufficient satisfaction and fullness. Incidentally, when purchasing a shoe S, the user often touches such a cushioning structure 1, especially the ring material 3 with hands or fingers (see FIG. 1), and only the functionally necessary parts are cushioned. Even if it is only necessary to provide 1, a product in which the buffer structure 1 is provided on the entire sole is more likely to stimulate the user's willingness to purchase.

Next, the hardness of the column material 2 and the ring material 3 will be described.
The column material 2 preferably has an Asker C hardness of 30 to 100 or a JIS A hardness of 40 to 120, and the ring material 3 preferably has a hardness of JIS A hardness of 30 or less. Thus, it is desirable to appropriately adjust the multistage buffer performance of the buffer structure 1.

Hereinafter, the technical significance of setting the column material 2 and the ring material 3 to the above-described hardness will be described.
This is because if the hardness of the pillar material 2 is less than the lower limit value (assumed to be soft), the resilience may be deteriorated regardless of the hardness of the ring material 3, and the stability during walking or running may be reduced. This is because if the hardness of the material 2 exceeds the upper limit value (assumed to be hard), the column material 2 is unlikely to undergo compressive deformation, and it may be difficult to exhibit a multistage buffering action regardless of the hardness of the ring material 3.
Further, the hardness of the ring material 3 influences the multistage buffering behavior due to the cooperation of the ease of compressive deformation of the ring material 3 itself and the restricting action of the bulging deformation of the column material 2 at the time of pressure reception. If the column material 2 is the same, the cushioning performance is higher as the hardness of the ring material 3 is smaller (softer), but the resilience tends to decrease, and conversely, as the hardness of the ring material 3 is larger (harder), Although the multi-stage buffering property becomes low, the resilience tends to increase. However, if the hardness of the ring material 3 is less than the lower limit value, the resilience of the shoe S as a whole may be significantly reduced, and running or walking stability may not be obtained. On the other hand, when the hardness of the ring material 3 is more than the upper limit (hard assumption), the resilience can be secured, but the buffering property may be lowered, so the hardness range is set.

As described above, the deformation behavior of the buffer structure 1 according to the present invention is an aspect in which, after the column material 2 first undergoes compression deformation, the ring material 3 undergoes compression deformation with a time lag. The deformation behavior of 1 is not necessarily limited to two stages, and multistage buffering of three or more stages is possible, and various other buffering performances can be obtained. explain.
First, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A is a form capable of exhibiting a three-stage buffering performance, and the structure is a structure in which the ring material 3 having different heights is double-fitted with respect to the column material 2. Basic. Here, the properties of the double ring material 3 may be the same or different. In addition, the code | symbol 3I in a figure shows an inner side ring material, and the code | symbol 3O in a figure shows an outer side ring material.
In this case, the primary buffering stroke is compression deformation of only the column member 2, and if the column member 2 is formed of a foam, it is assumed that it hardly bulges and deforms, and this figure is illustrated based on this assumption. Is.
The secondary buffer stroke is a composite stroke in which the deformation (compression and bulging) of the inner ring material 3I is added to the compressive deformation of the column material 2. If the inner ring material 3I is a solid body, the secondary buffer stroke is expanded along with the compression deformation. It is assumed that the deformation also occurs (or is likely to occur), and this figure is illustrated based on this assumption. As described above, since the deformation of the inner ring material 3I is added in the main stroke, naturally, the inner ring material 3I is less likely to be crushed than the primary buffer stroke (lower in buffering property), and the resilience is larger than the primary buffer step.

Thereafter, the deformation (compression and bulging) of the outer ring material 3O is further added to the compression deformation of the column material 2 and the deformation (compression and bulging) of the inner ring material 3I, and this stage becomes the tertiary buffering process. . Here, in the third buffering stroke, deformation (compression and bulging) of the outer ring material 3O is added, so that it is more difficult to be crushed than the secondary buffering stroke (lowering of buffering properties), and further than the secondary buffering step. Increases resilience.
As described above, the multi-stage cushioning performance is obtained by fitting the ring member 3 to the column member 2 in a multiple manner.
In addition, although the height dimension of the inner side ring material 3I was formed higher than the outer side ring material 3O in this figure, it is not necessarily limited to this, The inner side ring material 3I may be formed higher, Of course, in that case, the buffering performance is obtained by performing a deformation behavior different from the above.

FIG. 4B shows a shape in which the cross-sectional size of the pillar material 2 is not constant, that is, a form in which the cross-sectional size changes in the pressure receiving direction. Here, the upper side of the pillar material 2 has a truncated cone shape. And the lower side is shown in a cylindrical shape.
In this case, the primary buffering process is a stage in which only the truncated cone part at the upper part of the column member 2 is deformed (compression deformation), and if the column member 2 is formed of a foam, it is assumed that it hardly bulges and deforms. This figure is based on this assumption.
In addition, the secondary buffer stroke is a stage in which the column material 2 (cylindrical portion) after the primary buffer stroke is compressed and deformed until it becomes almost the same height as the ring material 3, and this secondary buffer stroke is also the primary buffer stroke. It becomes harder to be crushed and the resilience is greater. This is because, in the secondary buffer stroke, the cross-sectional area of the column material 2 to be compressed is larger, or the column material 2 itself gradually approaches the crushing limit (compression limit). Also, based on such a concept, in the case shown in FIG. 4B, the difficulty of crushing gradually increases even in the primary buffer stroke.
The tertiary buffer stroke is a composite stroke in which the deformation (compression or bulging) of the ring material 3 is added to the compression deformation of the column material 2 (cylindrical portion). If the ring material 3 is solid, It is assumed that bulging deformation also occurs (or is likely to occur) with compression deformation, and this drawing is illustrated based on this assumption. Of course, the difficulty of crushing is much higher than the primary buffering process and the secondary buffering process, and repulsion occurs rapidly in this tertiary buffering process.

Moreover, the Example shown in FIG.4 (c) is the form which fitted and attached so that the ring material 3 from which a property differs may be connected in series in an up-down direction. Here, reference numeral 3U in the figure is a ring material fitted on the upper side, and reference numeral 3D in the figure is a ring material fitted on the lower side. Moreover, in this figure, although the clearance C is divided and provided in several places, various aspects are possible as how to take the clearance C.
In addition, although illustration of the multistage buffer deformation in the buffer structure 1 of the present embodiment is omitted, the primary buffer process is performed by compressing deformation in the clearance C interval dimension (sum), and only the column member 2 is compressed. If it is the stage which raise | generates and the column material 2 is formed with the foam, it will hardly bulge and deform | transform.
The secondary buffer stroke is a composite stroke in which the deformation (compression or bulging) of the ring material 3 is added to the compression deformation of the column material 2. At this time, for example, the ring material 3 that is soft in nature and easy to bulge ( For example, the upper ring material 3U) is first compressed or expanded. Further, as the pressure receiving to the buffer structure 1 proceeds, the ring material 3 that is more likely to bulge (for example, the upper ring material 3U) has a greater degree of deformation. Accordingly, even when the ring materials 3 having different properties are fitted in series as described above, various buffering properties, or at least buffer properties different from the case where one ring material 3 is fitted to the column material 2 are obtained. Is.

In the embodiment described above, the height (effective working height) of the ring material 3 is basically constant over the entire circumference, but the height dimension of the ring material 3 is not necessarily constant over the entire circumference. Need not be, and can be partially different.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper and lower edges of the ring material 3 having a short cylindrical shape are inclined, and the ring material 3 is formed to have a tapered shape in a side view. Is possible. Here, in this figure, the lower one (the shorter one as the length dimension) of the ring material 3 is shown on the right side, and the higher one (the longer one as the length dimension) is shown on the left side.

As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the primary buffering process in the present embodiment is performed only on the column member 2 until the upper and lower pressure receiving portions 4U and 4D come into contact with the ring member 3 (the one with the higher working height). Is a stage in which deformation (compression deformation) occurs, and if the column member 2 is formed of a foam, it is assumed that it hardly bulges and deforms, and this figure is illustrated based on this assumption.
The secondary buffer stroke is a composite stroke in which the deformation (compression and bulging) of the ring material 3 is added to the compression deformation of the column material 2, and if the ring material 3 is a solid body, it accompanies the compression deformation. It is assumed that bulging deformation also occurs (or is likely to occur), and this figure is shown based on this assumption.
In this secondary buffering process, the ring material 3 is originally tapered in a side view, and the higher height dimension is less likely to deform (more difficult to compress and bulge) than the lower one. The pressure receiving portions 4 are not parallel to each other, and fall down in the lower height dimension as shown in the figure.

When such a cushioning structure 1 (a cushioning structure 1 that tilts while exhibiting a buffering action when receiving pressure) is provided in the shoe S, for example, during the period from the landing action of the foot to the kicking action, It is possible to control the direction in which the wearer's foot falls while absorbing the shock applied to (shoe S). In other words, a person's foot usually has a function called “pronation” that relieves the impact when the ankle falls inward when it receives an impact when landing. However, it is said that if this collapse becomes too large due to constitution or fatigue, it will be “overpronation” and cause a knee or lower back failure. By providing a cushioning structure 1 (for example, by placing the ring member 3 with the higher height dimension toward the inner side of the foot (IN side)), the inversion speed is moderated and overpronation is performed. It can be prevented.
As described above, the buffer structure 1 according to the present invention can not only simply absorb and relieve the applied impact but also have an action of guiding in a specific direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (b), the lower end edge of the ring material 3 is formed in a substantially horizontal state, and only the upper end edge is inclined, so that the ring material has a gradient shape in a side view. 3 is formed.
Also in this embodiment, although it is difficult to illustrate a specific multistage buffer deformation, the primary buffer stroke is a stage in which only the column member 2 undergoes compressive deformation until the upper pressure receiving portion 4U comes into contact with the tip of the ring member 3. If the column member 2 is formed of a foam, it hardly bulges and deforms.
The secondary buffer stroke is a composite stroke in which the deformation (compression or bulging) of the ring material 3 is added to the compression deformation of the column material 2. If the ring material 3 is formed of a solid body, the bulging deformation is performed. It is something that wakes up (easy to wake up).
For this reason, in the secondary buffering stroke, the upper pressure receiving portion 4U falls into the lower height of the ring member 3 in the same manner as described above, and prevents, for example, the wearer's foot from being overpronated. It is something that can be done.
In forming the ring material 3 in a side view gradient shape, the ring material 3 can be formed by inclining only the lower end edge of the ring material 3, and the same effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, in order to make the height dimension of the ring material 3 partially different, it is not limited to the form which inclines the upper end edge and lower end edge of the ring material 3, For example, as shown in FIG.5 (c), a ring It is possible to partially reduce the height dimension of the ring material 3 by partially cutting out the upper edge and the lower edge of the material 3 (this is referred to as a notch 31). In FIG. 5C, the upper and lower cutouts 31 are provided so as to be positioned substantially on a straight line. In this case, the upper pressure-receiving portion 4U is of a height dimension in the secondary buffer stroke. Deforms to fall into a lower part.

  Note that the upper and lower cutouts 31 formed in the ring material 3 can be formed with a slight shift in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 5D, for example. In this case, the pressure receiving portion 4 It is considered that a torsional action is also applied to the upper and lower pressure receiving portions 4 simultaneously with the tilting operation of. That is, the buffer structure 1 in this case can be guided in a specific direction by tilting and twisting the foot when absorbing the shock.

Further, the ring material 3 does not have to be constant in the entire circumference with respect to the radial thickness. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the column material 2 is provided in an eccentric state with respect to the ring material 3, It is possible to vary the thickness of the material 3 in the radial direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), if the height of the ring member 3 is constant over the entire circumference, the pressure receiving part 4 has a smaller thickness (thinner) of the ring member 3 when receiving pressure. Fall down (easily fall down) and have the same induction action as above.
If the ring member 3 is not bonded and fixed to the column member 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the user freely rotates the ring member 3 so that the tilt direction (load guiding direction) is appropriately set. It can be set and the user can be provided with the pleasure of finding unique buffering properties. Incidentally, such a concept is widely applicable when the ring member 3 is not fixed to the column member 2 and the tilting direction and the load guiding direction can be changed depending on the fitting position of the ring member 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, for example, a concave ring bulging space AS can be formed in the pillar member 2 at a contact portion with the ring member 3. This ring bulge space AS functions as a deformation space when the ring material 3 undergoes bulge deformation at the time of pressure reception, as shown in the secondary buffer stroke depicted in FIG. Therefore, the ring material 3 is easily bulged and deformed, and the buffering property (shock absorbing property) as the buffer structure 1 can be improved.
In FIG. 6 (a), the inner peripheral surface (ring bulging space AS side) of the ring member 3 bulging in the secondary buffering stroke is illustrated so as to enter the inner part of the ring bulging space AS. However, such deformation behavior is not always taken, and depending on the hardness of the ring member 3 and the column member 2, it is considered that the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 3 does not enter the ring bulging space AS. It is done. However, since at least a deformation space of the ring material 3 is secured by the ring bulging space AS, the ring material 3 is easily deformed when receiving pressure.

Further, the ring bulge space AS is not necessarily provided in the column material 2 but can be provided in the ring material 3 as shown in FIG. 6B, for example. Also in this case, the ring bulging space AS functions as a deformation space of the ring member 3 at the time of pressure reception, and improves the buffering property, particularly the shock absorbing property, as the buffer structure 1. However, in this case, it seems that the ring bulging space AS formed in the ring material 3 gradually shrinks with the progress of pressure reception.
In addition, since the form which provides the ring swelling space AS in the pillar material 2 or the ring material 3 is a form which forms a cavity in a mutual contact part and reduces both contact areas, the pillar material 2 by the ring material 3 Regulatory power is somewhat reduced. Further, the column material 2 is easily deformed at the time of receiving pressure.

Further, on the outer side (outer peripheral side) of the ring material 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to provide a bulge restricting portion ER that regulates the bulge deformation of the ring material 3.
Here, FIG. 7A shows a form in which the bulge restricting portion ER is formed on one of the outer sides of the buffer structure 1 like a standing wall. In this case, as shown in the figure, the ring material 3 naturally bulges greatly in the direction without a wall, especially in the secondary buffer stroke. That is, the bulge deformation is largely bulged and deformed at the portion where the bulge restriction portion ER does not exist, because the bulge deformation is restricted by the bulge restriction portion ER.

  FIG. 7B shows a form in which the bulge restricting portion ER is formed in a ring shape (ring shape) at the upper portion of the buffer structure 1, which is installed on the sole of the shoe S. Is assumed. For this reason, the upper pressure receiving portion 4U is formed integrally with the sole S1, and the hatched portion in the figure is the bulge restricting portion ER, which is also formed integrally with the sole S1 or embedded. It is. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), especially in the secondary buffer stroke, the ring material 3 is closely attached to the bulge restricting portion ER on the upper side. It swells greatly on the lower side that does not exist.

FIG. 7C shows a form in which the bulge restricting portion ER is directly fitted on the outside of the ring member 3, and for example, a case where a hard metal ring is applied as the bulge restricting portion ER is assumed. . In this case, the deformation state of the ring member 3, that is, the buffering performance of the buffer structure 1 is different depending on the position where the bulge restricting portion ER is provided.
In this way, the bulge regulating portion ER can appropriately set the material, shape, installation location, number of installations, etc. depending on how the ring material 3 is to be deformed and regulated at the time of pressure reception (by the intended control). It is. In other words, the buffer performance of the buffer structure 1 can be controlled by controlling the deformation of the column member 2 and the ring member 3 during pressure reception.

In the embodiment described above, the pillar material 2 (or the ring material 3) is basically formed of one kind of material, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is possible to form one column member 2 with materials having different properties at the upper part and the lower part thereof and to vary the hardness (repulsive force) and the like. In this case, the deformation of the column material 2 at the time of pressure reception, particularly the bulging deformation when the column material 2 is formed as a solid body, is different between the upper part and the lower part although it is the same column material 2, and specifically, The lower the hardness, the easier it is to bulge and deform, and the degree of bulge becomes larger.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8B is a form in which the properties such as hardness are different in the left and right semi-cylindrical portions in one column member 2. In this case, the deformation of the column member 2 at the time of pressure reception, particularly compression deformation, is different on the left and right of the column member 2 even though it is the same column member 2, and therefore the upper pressure receiving portion 4U tilts toward the semi-cylinder side having a low hardness (soft). Accordingly, the degree of swelling on the semi-cylindrical side having a low hardness is increased accordingly.

Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C is a form in which the properties such as hardness are different between the upper part and the lower part of one ring member 3. Also in this case, the regulating force of the column material 2 by the ring material 3 is different vertically, and the deformation of the ring material 3 itself at the time of pressure reception, especially the bulging deformation when the ring material 3 is formed of a solid body is different vertically. It is.
Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8D is a form in which only one inner side (inner peripheral side) of the lower part of the ring material 3 is heterogeneous, and also in this case, the regulating force of the column material 2 by the ring material 3 Are different in the upper and lower sides, and the deformation (bulging deformation) of the ring material 3 itself at the time of pressure reception is also different in the upper and lower sides.
Even if one ring material 3 is formed of the same material, it is possible to make the properties partially different. For example, as shown in FIG. If a large number of holes 32 are opened, even the same ring material 3 can partially have different properties.

Further, when the properties such as hardness are made different in the same column material 2 or ring material 3, it is possible to make them different in three or more stages. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8F, for example, the upper and lower portions of one pillar 2 are formed of the same property material (for example, low hardness), and the middle portion is formed of a material having a different property (for example, high hardness). ). Incidentally, in FIG. 8F, the properties of the ring material 3 are not changed.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 (g), the upper and lower portions of one ring material 3 are formed of a material having the same property (for example, high hardness), and the middle portion is formed of a material having a different property (for example, low hardness). It is also possible to do. Incidentally, in FIG. 8G, the properties of the column member 2 are not changed.
Of course, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8H to 8J, the column material 2 and the ring material 3 may have different properties such as hardness. In addition, the smuggling attached | subjected to sectional drawing of this FIG.8 (h)-(j) shows the raw material (hardness etc.) of the same property if the same kind.

In the embodiment described above, the column member 2 and the ring member 3 are basically formed in a straight shape in the height direction, that is, having the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a configuration in which a ring material 3 that is narrowed upward is attached to a columnar column material 2 is possible. In this case, since the thickness of the ring material 3 in the radial direction increases toward the lower side, the lower part is less likely to be deformed during pressure reception (particularly bulging deformation), and the lower the ring material 3 is, the lower the buffering property is.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 9B is a form in which the column member 2 has a conical truncated conical shape, and a ring member 3 having a substantially constant radial thickness is fitted around it. In this case, since the thickness of the ring material 3 is substantially constant, the ring material 3 itself is easily deformable (in other words, not easily changed). Therefore, the lower part is more easily deformed (especially more easily bulged and deformed) when receiving pressure.

Moreover, when changing the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the column material 2 and the ring material 3, not only it changes smoothly (uniformly), but also, for example, as shown in FIGS. In the vertical direction, the cross-sectional size (diameter dimension) of the ring member 3 may be changed stepwise, thereby realizing more various multistage shock absorbing performances.
In addition, the Example shown in FIG.9 (d) is the buffer structure 1 formed helically, changing the cross-sectional size (diameter dimension) of the ring material 3 in steps in a height direction. In this case, a twisting action is added as the ring material 3 expands and contracts in the vertical direction. For example, when a user who has excessive or internal abduction wrinkles during traveling wants to correct the wrinkles, etc. Useful.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the upper and lower pressure receiving portions 4 are formed in a separated or independent state, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. It is possible to connect the pressure receiving portions 4 to function as plate springs. In this case, in addition to the elasticity of the column member 2, the elasticity of the ring member 3 itself, and the regulating force of the column member 2 by the ring member 3, the elasticity of the upper and lower pressure receiving parts 4 that function as leaf springs is added. It shows multistage buffer characteristics.
Incidentally, when the upper and lower pressure receiving parts 4 are connected like a leaf spring as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the pressure receiving part 4 is formed of a member different from the sole S1, for example, a completely different hard resin material. As an example, a polyether block amide copolymer (for example, Pebax (registered trademark)) can be used.

Moreover, in the Example mentioned above, although the one buffer structure 1 was provided with the one pillar material 2, this invention is not necessarily limited to this. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to provide a plurality of pillar members 2 in one buffer structure 1, which is a form in which the pillar members 2 are cage-shaped.
Here, for example, FIG. 11A is a form in which one ring material 3 is fitted to the outside of the plurality of column members 2, and as a fitting mode of the ring material 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 11B. In addition, it is possible to fit one ring material 3 to each column material 2 (the same number of ring materials 3 as the column material 2 are required), as shown in FIG. In addition, it is possible to divide the plurality of column members 2 into several groups and fit ring members 3 for each group (the number of ring members 3 is less than the number of column members 2).

As described above, when three or more column members 2 are provided in one buffer structure 1, various multistage buffering properties and load inductivity can be expressed by changing the fitting pattern of the ring material 3. It can be done. Further, if the column materials 2 and the ring materials 3 have different hardnesses, thicknesses (shapes) and the like, various buffering properties can be expressed. Note that the plurality of column members 2 shown in FIG. 11 may be formed of the same material or different materials.
Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when one ring member 3 is fitted to each pillar member 2, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. Since the body 1 (ring material 3) can interfere with each other, it is possible to obtain various buffering properties by this interference. Of course, the ring members 3 interfere with each other during pressure reception even in the case shown in FIG. 11C.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when a plurality of pillar materials 2 are provided in one buffer structure 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, each pillar material 2 is formed of a hard resin material, At the time of pressure reception, it is possible to positively swell and deform the column 2 to the outer peripheral side, particularly from the primary buffer stroke.
Here, as an example of the hard resin material, a polyether block amide copolymer (for example, Pebax (registered trademark)) can be given.

In the above-described embodiment, the column member 2 is basically formed of a single member (although it was not formed by combining a plurality of parts), but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Instead, it is possible to form the column member 2 with a plurality of members (composite structure) and to move and deform it when receiving pressure.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the column member 2 is divided into two parts in the vertical direction, and these are fitted in a nested configuration. Here, the upper part of the two divided pillar members 2 is the upper pillar member 2U, and the lower part is the lower pillar member 2D. In particular, in this embodiment, the upper pillar member 2U is the outside, and the lower pillar member 2D. The fitting is located on the inside. Further, the upper column member 2U is configured so as to be always movable integrally by, for example, being integrally formed with the upper pressure receiving portion 4U from the beginning, and the lower column member 2D. Is also configured to move integrally with the lower pressure receiving portion 4D. The ring material 3 is not in contact with the lower pressure receiving portion 4D in the initial state, that is, a clearance C is formed between the ring material 3 and the lower pressure receiving portion 4D.
Furthermore, here, air is sealed in the fitting space between the upper column member 2U and the lower column member 2D, and when both approach, the air in the internal space is compressed and air damper (air spring) action is exerted. Shall occur. In addition, it is assumed that the lower column member 2D does not come off (drop off) from the upper column member 2U in the initial state.

In the case of FIG. 13 described above, in the primary buffering process, the upper columnar material 2U and the lower columnar material 2D are relatively close to each other by the clearance C due to the pressure-receiving load (the buffer structure 1 is compressed). Yes, only the damper action between the upper pillar 2U and the lower pillar 2D functions as a buffering action. Moreover, since this primary buffering process is a stage until the ring material 3 touches the lower pressure receiving part 4D, the ring material 3 is not affected by the pressure receiving load.
In the secondary buffering stroke, the compression deformation of the ring material 3 is added to the damper action of the upper columnar material 2U and the lower columnar material 2D, and as this is added, the buffer structure 1 is crushed more than the primary buffering stroke. It becomes difficult (it reduces as buffering property). In the present embodiment, the ring material 3 is assumed to be a solid body (which bulges and deforms as it is compressed).
Incidentally, in the present embodiment, it has been described that air is enclosed in the fitting space between the upper column member 2U and the lower column member 2D, but it is also possible to enclose liquid or the like instead of air.

In addition, in the fitting space between the upper column member 2U and the lower column member 2D, for example, as shown in FIG.
Here, in FIG. 14, the sole S1 is formed so as to be separated in the vertical direction so that the ring material 3 can be accommodated therebetween, and the upper pressure-receiving portion 4U and the upper column material are disposed on the upper sole S1. 2U is formed integrally, and the lower pressure receiving portion 4D and the lower column member 2D are integrally provided on the lower sole S1.
Then, for example, when the user replaces the ring material 3 by himself / herself, the user accesses from the side of the shoe S and separates the sole S1 vertically, that is, the upper column material 2U and the lower column material 2D are separated by this operation. The ring material 3 is exchanged.

Furthermore, as another form which comprises the pillar material 2 by the combination of a some member, the form shown, for example in FIG. 15 is mentioned.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, first, the downward pressure column 21 (which constitutes a part of the column member 2, particularly this is the upper column 21 </ b> U) is formed in the upper pressure receiving portion 4 </ b> U. The casing 22 (this is particularly referred to as the upper casing 22U) is continuously formed so as to protrude from the lower end portion to the outer peripheral side, and the upper pressure receiving portion 4U, the upper column 21U, and the upper casing 22U are connected to each other. Collectively, the upper part is 10U.
On the other hand, also in the lower pressure receiving portion 4D, an upward column 21 (which also forms part of the column 2 and particularly the lower column 21D) is formed so as to protrude from the upper end to the outer peripheral side. The housing 22 (this is particularly the lower housing 22D) is continuously formed, and the lower pressure receiving portion 4D, the lower column 21D, and the lower housing 22D are collectively referred to as a lower part 10D.

The column bodies 21 and the casings 22 of the upper and lower parts 10U and 10D are alternately formed by the upper and lower parts 10U and 10D. That is, the column 21 is in a state in which the upper part 10U and the lower part 10D are completely compressed (closest state), and the lower column 21D is accommodated (engaged) between the upper columns 21U. The bodies 21U and 21D have a three-dimensional cylindrical appearance. On the other hand, the upper and lower housings 22U and 22D are in an initial state where no load is applied. For example, the lower housing 22D is positioned between the upper housings 22U, and the upper and lower housings 22U and 22D have a single disk shape projecting in the outer circumferential direction. Configured to present.
For this reason, when the separated upper and lower parts 10U and 10D are individually viewed, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper and lower pressure receiving portions 4U and 4D are provided with column bodies 21U and 21D and housings 22U and 22D. It is visually observed so as to form a continuous hook shape, and it is difficult to understand that these form the three-dimensional column member 2 and the casing 22.
Moreover, the groove | channel 33 for receiving the housing | casing 22 is formed in the inside center part of the ring material 3 in the shape of a boring shape over the perimeter with such a structure.
In this embodiment, the ring member 3 is not in contact with the lower pressure receiving portion 4D in the initial state and has a clearance C.

In the case of the present embodiment, in the primary buffering process, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper column 21U (upper part 10U) and the lower column 21D (lower part 10D) are separated by the clearance C by the pressure-receiving load. Are relatively close to each other (the buffer structure 1 is compressed).
At this time, the upper housing 22U of the upper part 10U presses the ring material 3 downward, while the lower housing 22D of the lower part 10D presses the ring material 3 upward. For this reason, forces acting alternately in the vertical direction (force that shears vertically: shearing force) act on the grooves 33 formed in the ring material 3, and this functions as a buffering action in the primary buffering process. If the ring material 3 is formed of a solid body, the upper and lower housings 22U and 22D are slightly bulged and deformed by the forces of pressing in opposite directions, and this figure is based on this assumption. Are shown.
In the secondary buffer stroke, the upper and lower pressure receiving portions 4 press the ring material 3 in addition to the above-described pressing by the upper and lower housings 22U and 22D, and compression deformation due to this is applied to the ring material 3. For this reason, in the secondary buffering process, the buffer structure 1 is inevitably less crushed than the primary buffering process (decreasing the buffering property).

  In the above-described embodiments, the buffer structure 1 has many shaft centers set in the pressure receiving direction, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. That is, the major feature of the present invention is the behavior of compressing and deforming the column material 2 and then compressing and deforming the ring material 3 with a time difference, thereby obtaining multistage buffering properties. Therefore, as long as such deformation behavior is adopted, the present invention is encompassed by the present invention even if the axis of the buffer structure 1 is inclined with respect to the pressure receiving direction. Actually, the shoes S at the time of landing or the like often land in an inclined state or a curved state with the toe side slightly upward, and hardly come down straight while maintaining a horizontal state.

The shock absorbing structure 1 of the present invention has the basic structure as described above. When actually mounting such a shock absorbing structure 1 in a shoe S or the like, a plurality of shock absorbing structures 1 may be incorporated. Many such installation examples will be described below.
First, in the installation example shown in FIG. 16A, a plurality of cushioning structures 1 are not the entire sole, but a thumb ball (base of the thumb), a little finger ball (base of the little finger), a heel part (here, 3 near the heel). It is a form incorporated in the part). It is said that the weight of the wearer is evenly applied to the three points (triangles) of the thumb ball, the little finger ball, and the heel portion, and the balance during walking is stable even by intensively providing the buffer structure 1 at the site. (Triangular balance maintenance theory).
In FIG. 16 (a), the cushion structure 1 is provided in the heel portion more than the thumb ball or the little finger ball because many people land from the heel when landing, and the heel has a large impact. This is because it hangs.

  In addition, the installation example shown in FIG. 16B is an example in which the buffer structure 1 is entirely incorporated in the sole, but the buffer structure 1 having different buffering properties is arranged according to the installation site. On the inner side (IN side), a relatively hard cushioning structure 1 (with a relatively low buffering performance and a relatively early rebound is exhibited), and on the outer side of the foot (OUT side), This is a configuration in which a soft buffer structure 1 (having a relatively high buffer performance and a relatively low rebound property) is disposed. In this case, it is possible to move the load (center of gravity) applied to the sole in the desired direction between landing and kicking off (off) (load induction action). The broken line is the proper pronation line that prevents over-inversion of the foot when landing.

In addition, when applied to shoes such as running suitable for mid-foot strike (Mid Foot Strike), which has been attracting attention in recent years, for example, a repulsive balance as shown in FIG. It is preferable to arrange a plurality of cushioning structures 1 having different performances to increase the resilience (hardness) of the inner side (IN side) of the foot, and an appropriate pronation line can be realized even in a midfoot strike.
Further, when applied to shoes such as tennis and basketball, for example, a plurality of buffer structures 1 having different performances are arranged so as to have a repulsive balance as shown in FIG. It is preferable to increase the resilience (hardness) of the outer side (OUT side), and a movement that quickly turns back in the lateral direction can be realized.

Claims (12)

Pillar material,
An elastic ring material fitted to the pillar material;
In the buffer structure comprising the upper and lower pressure receiving parts connected by the pillar material,
The pillar material can be deformed and restored at least in the pressure receiving direction,
Further, the ring material is set in an effective working height lower than that of the column material, and is formed in an unbonded state with the upper and lower pressure receiving portions,
At the time of pressure reception, a shock absorber structure characterized in that after the column material first undergoes compression deformation in the pressure reception direction, the ring material then exhibits compression deformation in the pressure reception direction so as to exhibit multistage buffer performance.
The buffer structure according to claim 1, wherein the effective height of the ring material is 0.2 to 0.95 with respect to the column material.
3. The shock absorbing structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pillar material and the ring material is formed such that an effective action height is not constant over the entire circumference.
4. The shock absorbing structure according to claim 1, wherein the pillar material is formed of a foam and the ring material is formed of a solid body.
The hardness of the said column material is Asker C hardness 30-100 or JIS A hardness 40-120, and the hardness of a ring material is JIS A hardness 30 or less, The claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Buffer structure.
6. The buffer structure according to claim 1, wherein a concave ring bulging space is formed on at least one of the contact surfaces of the ring member and the column member. .
7. The buffer structure according to claim 1, wherein a bulge restricting portion that restricts bulge deformation of the ring material is provided at least partially on the outside of the ring material. body.
8. At least one of the ring material and the pillar material is composed of a plurality of different materials or parts having different repulsive forces, according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. Buffer structure.
The column member is formed by combining a plurality of members, and the members are configured to be movable and deformed in a pressure receiving direction. Or the buffer structure according to 8;
The shock absorber according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the ring member is detachably attached to the pillar member.
A shoe in which a shock absorbing structure that cushions an impact applied to a wearer's leg when landing is incorporated in the sole,
A shoe characterized in that the buffer structure according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 is applied to the buffer structure.
  The shoe according to claim 11, wherein the buffer structure is provided on a sole surface of a sole.

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