TW201615114A - Item of footwear of improved structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Footwear item (1) comprising a first covering (21), the first covering (21) extending lengthwise from a rear end (24) to a front end (25), widthwise between a lateral edge (26) and a medial edge (27), and heightwise from a bottom (28) to a top end (29). The footwear item (1) comprises a functional component (71, 111, 121) arranged facing the first covering (21), and a means of positioning the functional component (71, 111, 121) with respect to the covering (21).

Description

Structurally improved footwear

The present invention relates to an article of footwear, such as a shoe or similar product, and a method of making same. Footwear can be used in hiking, flat or mountain racing, skateboarding, ball sports, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, bicycles and more.

Footwear products need to meet a variety of functions, sometimes contradictory between functions, such as maintaining foot support and / or sufficient tightness, while providing satisfactory comfort. At the same time, the footwear must have a certain degree of softness. The good softness makes the shoe still able to stick to the foot when the foot is deformed. In other words, the footwear must be in close contact with the foot so that people can move freely while walking for physical activity.

For the well-known way of making an article of footwear, such as by stitching the upper and the sole to make the shoe. The upper generally comprises a plurality of components: the outer side of the shoe, the inner side of the shoe, the upper, the tongue, the heel, the heel, the front protective toe cap, the elastic mechanism including the lace holes and the laces, the inner lining and other accessories. In addition to this, some of these components may also include several components. A major problem in making such shoes is the assembly of some planar cutting members or assemblies into a three-dimensional shape. The upper and the insole are combined in a known manner to form a shoe body component. According to the first method, the upper is glued to the inner sole with a layer of adhesive. The insole, also known as the midsole, is relatively hard to withstand the assembly process. The combination is accomplished by pulling the upper to fit on the midsole, a mold is known to be inserted into the upper. This method is called traditional shoemaking. This technique is used when heating the bonding layer Apply sufficient pressure to obtain the body of the shoe. The second method is also well known in which the upper is joined to the midsole by sewing. This method is called a strobel assembly. The midsole is here a soft sole which is suturable and is called a sling sole. For each of the first and second methods, the midsole forms part of the sole. The sole also includes external components, such as one or more layers of cushioning, and a layer of wear for contact with the ground, typically by gluing the components to the midsole and the formed upper. The sole also includes one or more layers of inner layers disposed within the body member of the shoe for maintaining hygiene, shock absorption, arch cushioning, and other protection functions. Finally, the shoe body member and other members of the sole are combined to form a shoe.

It can be seen that no matter which of the above shoemaking methods are employed, the shoes produced by the prior art have some drawbacks. First, making shoes requires a large number of parts, usually consisting of 40 to 60 parts. Since the number of parts for making shoes is very large, the process of making shoes takes a long time. It usually takes 40 minutes to 90 minutes to make a pair of shoes. It can be said that the traditional shoe-making technology is not only very complicated, but also requires a large number of components and cumbersome production steps.

Another drawback stems from the discontinuity in the structure of the shoe, especially in the upper. For example, sometimes a small part is superimposed on another slightly larger part, which can seriously affect the bending ability of the upper at the position where the smaller part is set. Such shoes are not only uncomfortable to wear, but the upper is difficult to form, that is, it is difficult to form a three-dimensional shape.

Another drawback stems from the gaps between the foot and the shoe. This means that in some places the foot does not touch the upper or the sole. Especially in certain parts of the joint between the upper and the midsole. Therefore, it is noted that movement sometimes occurs between the foot and the shoe, and these movements may cause discomfort or trauma. Sometimes there is a gap between the foot, the ankle, and even between the calf and the upper. Therefore, foreign objects will inadvertently Enter the shoes.

In summary, it can be said that shoes made using existing conventional techniques are not guaranteed to be provided to the foot for support and/or sufficient tightening, or to provide satisfactory comfort. In addition, such shoes do not always fit the foot to accommodate all deformation of the foot.

Based on this, the applicant has proposed another method of making an article of footwear.

For example, according to the patent document FR 2 999 881, an article of footwear comprises a first layer of covering body extending from the rear end to the front end in length and between the outer edge and the inner edge in width. Extending, extending from the bottom end to the top end in height, the first layer of cladding includes wires that are mechanically interwoven.

The first layer of cladding is shaped to have a volume, i.e., three-dimensional, by being placed on a mold having a geometry that is very similar to the shape of the foot, and thus is very close to the foot. That is, the foot and the first layer of cladding are in contact, or at least very close. This configuration results in a small sudden movement between the foot and the first layer of cladding, even without movement, to evenly support the foot. The benefit of such an article of footwear is that it can increase the comfort of the shoe as compared to conventionally made shoes.

It is also noted that, according to the manufacturing process of the patent document FR 2 999 881, the first layer of cladding has a continuous structure in its inner and/or outer surface, even if it is not completely regular, at least in a substantially regular direction. In this way, the discomfort of the wearer will be reduced, or even uncomfortable.

The above conclusions show that the first layer of cladding can maintain the shape of the foot and provide satisfactory comfort to the foot. In addition, the first layer of the covering can also conform to various deformations of the foot. According to the patent document FR 2 999 881, such an article of footwear can maintain comfort even when it is stationary or moving.

In addition, according to the manufacturing process of the patent document FR 2 999 881, attention is paid. By that, fewer parts can be used to make an article of footwear.

Based on this, the present invention is directed to the overall improvement of footwear. More specifically, the present invention is intended to improve, for example, the transmission of steering forces, the reaction forces of the ground or equipment, or the perception of sensory information. The present invention aims to optimize utilization and reduce fatigue of the wearer. The present invention is also directed to meeting the particular needs of a wearer while retaining essential features such as comfort and footing. For example, in the case of sports, when it is necessary to seek support or strong information transmission, this is a real challenge. Indeed, the optimization of comfort and force transmission effects is the opposite concept.

In order to solve the problems previously presented, the present invention provides an article of footwear comprising a first layer of covering body extending from the rear end to the front end in length and at the outer and inner edges in width Extends and extends from the bottom to the top in height. As will be seen later, for some embodiments, the first layer of cladding includes wires that are mechanically interwoven. The article of footwear of the present invention is characterized by comprising a functional component disposed opposite the first layer of cladding and a positioning mechanism for positioning the functional component relative to the cladding.

This gives the cladding one or more specific properties at a certain location. As will be explained in detail later, the functional component can be a tubular portion located in the metatarsal region. The purpose of this tubular portion is to locally increase the resistance to lateral deformation of the cladding. In fact, it is beneficial to support in the sacral area. Such articles of footwear are suitable for use in practice requiring a relatively strong sensory information transmission, steering force transmission or ground reaction. For example, in the case of rugged terrain competitions. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, as will be seen below, providing additional potential functionality for added components.

Among these advantages, the utilization rate is optimized, and thus the wearer's fatigue Reduced labor. The added features retain the basic properties of the wrap comfort and support feet. Thus, the present invention successfully reconciles two contradictory features of the prior art, such as comfort and transmission accuracy.

In the following, we will supplement the description of the invention, which also proposes a method of making the manufacture of an article of footwear easier.

In summary, it can be said that the present invention improves the structure and method of making an article of footwear.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1‧‧‧shoe products; shoes

4‧‧‧ (shoes) rear end; heel

5‧‧‧(shoe) front end; toe cap

6‧‧‧ (shoe) outer edge

7‧‧‧ (shoe) inner edge

10‧‧‧(shoes) lower part

12‧‧‧(shoe) bottom

13‧‧‧ (shoes) top

21‧‧‧(first layer) cladding

24‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) back end

25‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) front end

26‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) outer edge

27‧‧‧ (first layer of cladding) inner edge

28‧‧‧(first layer cladding) bottom

29‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) top

31‧‧‧ (second layer) cladding

34‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) back end

35‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) front end

36‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) outer edge

37‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) inner edge

38‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) bottom

39‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) top

41‧‧‧Sleeve

42‧‧‧ (sleeve) first end

43‧‧‧ (sleeve) second end

44‧‧‧(Group 1) line

45‧‧‧(Group 2) line

46‧‧‧ line

47‧‧‧ line

48‧‧‧ line

49‧‧‧(melted) fiber

51‧‧‧Reinforcement

54‧‧‧ (reinforcement) backend

55‧‧‧ (reinforcement) front end

56‧‧‧ (reinforcement) outer edge

57‧‧‧ (reinforcement) inner edge

58‧‧‧ (reinforcement) bottom

59‧‧‧ (reinforcement) top

61‧‧‧ elastic mechanism

62‧‧‧Lace hole

63‧‧‧lace

64‧‧‧Locking mechanism

67‧‧‧ hole

71‧‧‧Features

72‧‧‧ heel area

73‧‧‧The arch area

74‧‧‧跖骨骨区

75‧‧‧ front area

76‧‧‧Foot

77‧‧‧ hole

78‧‧‧Outer soles

79‧‧‧ wear layer

80‧‧‧buffer layer

83‧‧‧ pleat

84‧‧‧sole

91‧‧‧(first layer cladding) (first) area

92‧‧‧(first layer cladding) (second) area

93‧‧‧(first layer cladding) (third) area

101‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (first) area

102‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (second) area

103‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (third) area

111‧‧‧Features

121‧‧‧Features

L‧‧‧Portrait (line)

W‧‧‧ horizontal (line)

1 is a front, front perspective view of an article of footwear made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1.

3 is a schematic perspective view of a semi-finished product and a functional component prior to assembly, the semi-finished product being used to make the first layer of cladding and the second layer of cladding of the article of footwear of FIG.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the assembly of the semi-finished product and the functional component similar to Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the covering body of the article of footwear of Fig. 1 is constructed.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the covering body of the article of footwear of Fig. 1 is constructed.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the covering body of the article of footwear of Fig. 1 is constructed.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a stiffener for embedding the interior of the article of footwear of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the manufacture of the article of footwear of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another fabrication of the article of footwear of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a semi-finished product for making a first layer of cladding according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a front, front perspective view of the article of footwear of the semi-finished product of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a semi-finished product for making a first layer of cladding according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which has been assembled with functional components.

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a functional component similar to that of Figure 13 prior to assembly of the semi-finished product.

The first embodiment to be described is exemplified by an article of footwear for hiking or riding on a flat or mountain. However, the first embodiment can also be applied to other fields mentioned above.

The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the article of footwear 1 is intended to accommodate the wearer's foot. It is suitable for the description below, and although the article of footwear 1 is a shoe, it is unusual to see its structure immediately by detail. Thus, the shoe 1 extends in the longitudinal direction L between the rear end or the heel 4 and the front end or the toe 5 in length, extending in the transverse direction W between the outer edge 6 and the inner edge 7 in width.

As shown, the shoe 1 includes a lower portion 10 for wrapping the foot without including any upper. Alternatively, however, it is also contemplated that the shoe 1 includes both a lower portion and an upper that can wrap around the ankle or even the lower leg.

According to the first embodiment described, the shoe 1 extends in height from the bottom 12 to the top end 13, that is to say up to the free end of the shoe 1 or the lower part 10. The bottom is the subdivision of the shoe for the foot.

The shoe 1 is constructed to allow a person to support and receive while walking Feel the transmission of information and keep your feet running smoothly when subjected to impact. This is also the reason why shoe 1 or footwear is relatively soft.

As described in detail below, the shoe 1 comprises a first layer of cladding 21 extending lengthwise from the rear end 24 to the front end 25 in the longitudinal direction L and extending in the transverse direction W between the outer edge 26 and the inner edge 27 in width. Extending from the bottom 28 to the top end 29 in height. This allows the first layer of wrap to wrap and support the wearer's foot. In its constitution, the first layer of cladding includes wires that are mechanically interwoven, which will be explained later. Likewise, for the first layer of cladding, at least a portion of the wire comprises at least one molten fiber, as will also be explained below.

According to a non-limiting first embodiment, the line of the first layer of cladding comprising at least one molten fiber is distributed throughout the first layer of cladding 21, the melting of the wire being more or less depending on the amount and density of the wire. It contributes to the maintenance and/or adhesion and/or wear resistance of the first layer of cladding. In fact, the melting of the wire allows the first layer of cladding 21 to retain its shape. That is to say, if there is no other external force applied, even if it is not connected to other parts, it will not collapse. It can be said that, on the one hand, the first layer covering body 21 is a single component, and on the other hand, it can form a self-supporting member, and its shape is more or less imparted to the shoe according to the amount/density of the thread. Therefore, the first layer covering body 21 imparts its shape to the shoe 1. In other words, the rear end 24, the front end 25, the outer edge 26, the inner edge 27, the bottom 28 and the top end 29 of the first layer of cladding define the rear end 4, the front end 5, and the outer edge 6 of the article of footwear or shoe 1, respectively. , the inner edge 7, the bottom 12 and the top end 13. The extremely simple construction of the first layer of cladding 21 ensures simplicity, lightness and other advantages, as will be seen later.

Without limitation, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the shoe 1 further includes a second layer of cladding 31 that extends longitudinally from the rear end 34 to the front end 35 in the longitudinal direction. Extending, extending in width transversely between outer edge 36 and inner edge 37, and extending from bottom 38 to top end 39 in height. Like the first layer of cladding 21, the second layer of cladding 31 also wraps the foot. The second layer covering body 31 is located outside the first layer covering body 21, and thus does not directly wrap the foot. The final shape of the shoe 1 is determined by the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31 together. The advantages of using a two-layer cladding are then better seen below.

According to the gist of the present invention, the second layer covering body 31 includes wires that are mechanically interwoven, at least part of the wires including at least one molten fiber, and wires including at least one molten fiber are distributed throughout the second layer covering body 31, and The shape of the second layer of cladding is fixed by melting a wire comprising at least one molten fiber. Also, the melting can maintain the second layer covering body 31 in its own shape. That is to say, if there is no other external force applied, it will not collapse even if it is not connected to other parts. It can be said that, on the one hand, the second layer covering body 31 is a single component, and on the other hand, it can form a self-supporting member which is more or less imparted to the shoe according to the amount/density of the thread. Therefore, the second layer covering body 31 also imparts its shape to the shoe 1. In other words, the rear end 34, the front end 35, the outer edge 36, the inner edge 37, the bottom 38 and the top end 39 of the second layer of cladding 31 also define the rear end 4, front end 5, and outer side of the article of footwear or shoe 1, respectively. Edge 6, inner edge 7, bottom 12 and tip 13. The extremely simple structure employed by the second layer of cladding 31 ensures simplicity, lightness and other advantages, as will be seen later.

In order to further highlight the specific features of the present invention, it is necessary to specify how the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31 are made. The details will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

First, as seen in the schematic views of Figures 3 and 4, it is shown that each of the covering bodies 21, 31 is made by forming the sleeve 41, that is, the sleeve is actually Obtained by mechanically intertwined lines. It can also be said that the covering bodies 21, 31 are sock-like as can be seen in the subsequent figures. The sleeve 41 is a semi-finished product for making the article of footwear 1 . By combining the non-limiting first embodiment, the sleeve 41 can simultaneously form the first layer covering body 21 and the second layer covering body 31. The sleeve 41 extends from the first end 42 to the second end 43 in the length direction. The first end 42 herein is stitched by conventional techniques well known to those skilled in the art, such as stitching after folding, adding a top made of mechanically interwoven threads, or the like. The second end 43 is a simple opening.

It has been found that the sleeve 41 can allow the covering bodies 21, 31 to be made in one piece. At this time, the first layer covering body 21 and the second layer covering body 31 are extended to each other. In this way, the production is simplified by reducing the number of parts and reducing the time required for component mounting.

The manner in which the wires for forming the sleeve 41, that is, the covering bodies 21, 31 are combined is as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In general, it is desirable to combine the threads with each other by appropriate textile techniques such as knitting, weaving, weaving or other techniques. In the case of knitting, it is possible to use a circular single jersey machine or a double jersey machine, a drum loom or a linear loom. Two pieces of woven fabric can be joined together by intarsia techniques or embroidery. Various decorative patterns can be obtained directly in the knitting process by Intarsia, embroidery, Jacquard technology or other means. Figure 5 illustrates a conventional weaving technique in which a first set of lines 44 are oriented in a first direction and a second set of lines 45 are oriented in a second direction, with the first set of lines 44 and the second set of lines 45 intersecting each other to form an elastic mesh. The knitting technique of Fig. 6 is that the three wires 46, 47, 48 are intertwined with each other. Of course, other various patterns can also be applied.

The sleeve 41 is made, for example, of a linear weaving machine that allows changing the cross-section, in fact, the diameter of the sleeve, to obtain different shapes of the heel, openings for the laces and lace holes, and changing the sleeve wall. Density, or especially the tightness of the stitches degree. In fact, linear textile machines offer a wide range of setting options and are suitable for making sleeves of all sizes, regardless of diameter and length. In this regard, linear textile machines are more practical than circular textile machines. In fact, circular textile machines can only work in a small range of sleeve diameters. Therefore, it is necessary to use a plurality of different circular weaving machines in order to make a full range of sleeves 41, that is to say, for all dimensions of the full range of shoes, only one linear weaving machine is sufficient. Finally, the linear textile machine can produce one or more layers of three-dimensional shapes with all the required characteristics and the required dimensions.

In addition, attention should also be paid to the wires used in the present invention.

First, the wire can be a single fiber, for example, extruded from a molten synthetic material such as polyamide, polyurethane, polyethylene or other equivalent or similar material. The production of fibres is continuous, similar to the way silk is spun. Incidentally, the fibers may be a single component, or a single material, the cross section of which is regular. However, the fibers can also be multi-component, such as two components. In the case of two components, the cross section of the fiber shows a core composed of a first material and a sheath encasing the core, and the outer skin is composed of a second material. Each material is meltable or one of them is meltable. If both materials are meltable, the melting temperatures are not the same.

The wire can also be a composite fiber. In this case, it is obtained by twisting several fibers. This twisting is shown in Figure 7. All of the fibers 49 herein are of the same nature, meaning that each fiber has the same melting point. However, it is also possible to provide a combination of fibers of different properties, some of which are meltable, while others are not meltable or have different melting points from each other. The fibers can be twisted to each other by any known technique.

Alternatively, the wire can be realized in the form of a web. This fiber is a finite length of fiber. Fiber by any known technique, in particular, tanning Closely connected to form a net. Typically, the fibers are held together by friction, in particular, natural fibers, such as cotton. However, for the present invention, the retention between the fibers can be either by friction or by a combination of friction and fusion bonding, or even by all bonding, since the present invention employs a hot melt material.

The general structure of the sleeve 41 is described above, and its use for making the shoe 1 will be described below. However, before that, in order to maintain the gist of the first embodiment, the article of footwear 1 or shoe including the reinforcing member 51 is explained. It can be better seen that the reinforcing member is embedded in the covering bodies 21, 31 when the shoe 1 is made, so that the shoe obtains special properties.

As shown in Figure 8, the stiffener 51 is a member that extends from the rear end 54 to the front end 55 in length, between the outer edge 56 and the inner edge 57 in width, and from the bottom 58 in height. Extends to the top 59. The length and width of the reinforcing member 51 are similar to those of the covering bodies 21 and 31. More specifically, the stiffener 51 extends relative to the first layer of cladding 21 from the rear end 24 to the front end 25 in length, between the outer edge 26 and the inner edge 27 in width, from the bottom in height 28 extends to the top end 29. Such a structure can reinforce the first layer of cladding 21, thereby reinforcing the article of footwear 1 , particularly at the bottom 12 and around the bottom.

Optionally, the stiffener 51 is provided with a slack mechanism 61. This elastic mechanism includes, for example, a lace hole 62 (located at the top end 59), as well as a lace 63 and a locking mechanism 64 as are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the reinforcing member 51 can be tightened or loosened, so that the shoe 1 can be tightened or relaxed, and then will be better presented. Other elastic methods are also available.

According to the invention, it can be understood with the aid of Figures 1 to 10 that the article of footwear 1 comprises a functional component 71 arranged relative to the first layer of cladding 21 and the positioning of the functional component 71 relative to the first layer of cladding. Positioning mechanism. According to the first embodiment It will be seen that the functional component 71 imparts specific mechanical properties to the article of footwear 1 . The positioning mechanism, which will be described later, can accurately mount the functional component 71 to the first layer covering body 21, that is, finally to the article of footwear 1 . Since the article of footwear 1 is a three-dimensional object, the present invention allows the functional component to be stereoscopically configured. In fact, the functional component 71 has a three-dimensional structure. This structure has the same or similar shape as the surface to be fitted. This facilitates placement of it in the desired position.

Since the article of footwear 1 has recesses and/or projections, the functional component 71 in most cases also has recesses and/or projections due to its adaptability, which is deformed and/or used by mechanical structures (mesh). Made from spandex fibers and/or elastic fibers.

In the specific case of the first embodiment of the invention, the functional component 71 is formed by a tubular portion, that is, by a handle portion or a sock portion. This can be fixed to the desired position relative to the covering bodies 21, 31 by fitting it on one of the covering bodies 21, 31, or simultaneously on the two layers. The sock may have no heel or one or more heels, and the sock may be closed at one end or closed at both ends. When the functional component is in the shape of a sock or a sock, a more accurate longitudinal positioning can be obtained when disposed on the covering bodies 21, 31 due to the joint formed by the heel portion and the front end of the sock portion.

For example, non-limitingly, the functional component 71 is disposed on the first layer of cladding 21. For ease of understanding, the article of footwear 1 is illustrated from the rear end 4 to the front end 5 including four regions that are connected. These areas are: heel area 72, arch area 73, tibia area 74 and front area 75 for receiving the toes. For the first embodiment of the invention, the functional component is disposed in the tibia region. In fact, the functional component completely surrounds the tibial region laterally along the plane of the article of footwear 1 . This allows the article of footwear 1 to have a greater resistance to lateral deformation. The advantage is that the tibia on the ground can get better support and has better Lateral stability.

Still not limiting, as will be seen later, the functional component 71 is located between the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31, thereby making it easier to fit into the article of footwear 1 .

For the cladding bodies 21, 31, the functional component 71 comprises lines 44 to 48 that are mechanically interwoven, at least part of which comprises at least one molten fiber 49. Once the melting is completed, the subdivided portion of the functional component 71 can be made to have a stable self-supporting structure.

Here, the wire system including at least one molten fiber is distributed throughout the functional component 71, and the shape of the functional component 71 may be fixed by, or not fixed by, melting of a wire including at least one molten fiber.

Still in a non-limiting manner, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the tubular sleeve portion, the positioning mechanism that positions the functional component 71 relative to the first layer of cladding 21 also includes a structure that is coupled to the functional component. Reversible telescopic line. This means that the lines that make up the feature are flexible. These lines are for example made of spandex. In fact, the functional component 71, that is, the sleeve portion, since it is tubular and made of a retractable wire, will be sewn to a desired position around the first layer of the covering body 21, as will be subsequently Will introduce.

How the sleeve 41 is used to make the shoe 1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. In fact, the assembly of the components of the shoe 1 is done by hand, without the use of complicated and expensive machines as in the prior art.

As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the sleeve 41 is fitted over a member 76 called a foot mold which is formed in accordance with the shape of the wearer's foot. The sleeve is placed over the foot mold 76 in the form of a sock on the foot. Since the sleeve 41 is made of a woven material having elasticity, it conforms to the shape of the foot mold 76. The reversible elastic deformation of the sleeve mesh structure can cause the sleeve 41 to be attached. Hehe. The functional component 71, i.e., the handle-like portion, is sewn to the desired area of the first layer of cladding 21 on the foot mold 76, in this case, in the tibia region 74. It maintains elasticity at the desired location because it exerts stress on the foot mold and the first layer of cladding. Subsequently, the reinforcing member 51 is fitted to the subdivided portion of the sleeve 41 which is to be the first layer covering body 21. Then, the subdivided portion of the sleeve 41 to be the second layer covering body 31 is folded over the reinforcing member 51, thereby covering the reinforcing member 51 and the subdivided portion and the functional portion assigned as the first layer covering body. 71. Thereby, a semi-finished product of the shoe 1 which can wrap the foot is formed, which finally comprises a first layer of the covering body 21, a functional part 71, a reinforcing member 51 and a second layer covering body 31. It is noted that the second layer of cladding 31 has apertures 77 therein for the passage of the laces 63. Through all applicable techniques, the semi-finished product shapes the shoe 1 at a high temperature sufficient for the molten fibers of the melted cladding and the subdivided portion 71 to impart the included geometry to the shoe 1. In this case, the functional component 71 improves the overall resistance to deformation of the shoe in the form of a torsionally rigid housing, which is particularly important for the tibial region and can provide better stability to the overall. After heating, the foot mold 76 can be withdrawn from the semi-finished product. The shoe 1 is basically completed. According to the first embodiment, it is only necessary to add an outer sole 78. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the article of footwear 1 or shoe includes an outer sole 78. The latter is used to support on the ground so that it is constructed to resist frictional wear and absorb shock. Therefore, it includes, for example, the wear layer 79 and the buffer layer 80. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe designed to receive the area of the arch, noting that the geometry of the base 12 is not planar, generally the same shape as the aforementioned arch. According to the invention, the shoe 1 is actually fitted as described. Therefore, it is not necessary to add an inner sole in the shoe 1 to meet the needs of fitting to the arch of the foot or other parts of the sole. The invention thus simplifies the manufacture of the shoe 1 as compared to prior art shoes. The weight of the shoe 1 is also reduced, thus reducing mechanical inertia. One advantage is improved athletic performance. For example, according to this The shoes made invented are ideal for long distance runners.

FIG. 2 also shows that the stiffener 51 is located between the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31. Inevitably, the elastic mechanism 61 is also mostly located between the first layer covering body 21 and the second layer covering body 31. This avoids the shoelace 63 being hooked by the branches while running in the forest.

Still referring to Fig. 2, and also referring to Fig. 1, it is observed that the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31 are continuous in cross section. These covers may extend to the tips 29, 39, respectively, in a continuous manner and thus extend to the top end 13 of the shoe.

Referring to FIG. 1, while referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the boundary between the first layer of cladding 21 and the second layer of cladding 31 has a pleated layer 83 defining a shoe opening 84. Therefore, the periphery of the shoe opening 84 is simply defined by folding the two layers of the covering bodies 21, 31 to each other. This means that the perimeter may not require sewing or patching as in the prior art, and therefore, the shoe 1 does not impart a discomfort to the wearer including the shoe opening 84.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the first layer of cladding 21 includes three regions 91, 92, 93 having different mechanical properties. Its characteristics depend on the percentage of molten fiber contained in the wire. The first region 91 is provided here in a non-limiting manner, having a high concentration of molten fibers, such as 60% to 100%. The first region 91 defines the bottom portion 28 and its perimeter. Subsequently, an intermediate zone, or second zone 92, is provided having a medium density of molten fibers, such as 30% to 70%. The second region extends primarily at the outer edge 26 and the inner edge 27. Finally, a third zone 93 has a low concentration of molten fibers, such as 5% to 40%. The third zone extends primarily at the top end 29. Such an arrangement allows the first layer of cladding 21 to be relatively less flexible on the bottom 28 and more flexible on the top end 29. Flexibility or flexibility is the nature of the knit net and / Or the elasticity of the constituent materials of the net. This elasticity allows the first layer of the covering body 21 to always contact the foot, the ankle or the lower leg to prevent the invasion of foreign matter. The elastic fiber supported by the tension provides good support for the foot.

Likewise, the second layer of cladding 31 comprises three regions 101, 102, 103 having different mechanical properties. Its characteristics still depend on the percentage of molten fibers contained in the wire. The first region 101 is provided here in a non-limiting manner, having a high concentration of molten fibers, such as 60% to 100%. The first region 101 defines a bottom portion 38 and its perimeter. Subsequently, an intermediate zone, or second zone 102, is provided having a medium density of molten fibers, such as 30% to 70%. The second region extends primarily at the outer edge 36 and the inner edge 37. Finally, there is a third zone 103 having a low concentration of molten fibers, such as 5% to 40%. The third portion extends primarily at the top end 39. This arrangement allows the second layer of cladding 31 to be relatively less flexible on the bottom 38 and more flexible on the top end 39. Also, this extension to the tip allows the second layer of covering 31 to always wrap around the foot, ankle or lower leg to prevent foreign matter from entering. Similarly, the elastic fibers supported by the tension provide good support for the feet.

For each of the layers 21, 31, the melting of the fibers determines the physical or mechanical properties of the proportionally melted fibers. For example, the amount of molten fiber increases, for example, the percentage increases, and the better the wear resistance. Conversely, if the percentage of molten fiber is reduced, the elasticity is maintained. It has also been found that the higher the percentage of molten fibers, the better the wear resistance, which inevitably leads to a decrease in elasticity. On the contrary, if the percentage of the molten fiber is lowered, the abrasion resistance is deteriorated, which inevitably leads to an increase in elasticity.

Finally, when the covering bodies 21, 31 and the functional component 71 are assembled, the flexibility of the shoe 1 from the bottom 12 to the top end 13 is increased. Thus, on the one hand, the ability to support the foot can be given, and on the other hand, the reversible expansion of the tip 13 facilitates wearing and taking off the shoe.

It should be noted that the above-described coating body arrangement is merely an example and is not a limitation. In particular, it is possible to impart characteristics required for each of the covering body and the functional member 71 such as elasticity, water repellency, abrasion resistance, bactericidal performance, desired aesthetic appearance, and the like.

Still according to the first embodiment, the thickness of the first layer covering body 21 is less than or equal to 5 mm, and preferably, the value thereof is less than or equal to 3 mm. This makes the first layer covering body 21 very light.

Similarly, the thickness of the second layer covering body 31 is less than or equal to 5 mm, and preferably, the value is less than or equal to 3 mm. This makes the second layer covering body 31 very light.

The thickness of the functional component 71 is less than or equal to 3 mm. This will make it lighter.

For the functional components 21, 31, 71, the thickness is measured after melting the wire comprising at least one molten fiber.

Finally, comparing the technical features, the shoe 1 made in accordance with the present invention is lighter than the shoe made using the prior art.

Other shoe-making methods of the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to Figures 11 through 14. For the sake of convenience, only the differences from the first embodiment will be specifically described. In addition, the same component symbols are used for the same or similar components as those seen in the first embodiment.

Thus, for the second embodiment, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the article of footwear or shoe 1 has a rear end 4 and a front end 5, an outer side edge 6 and an inner side edge 7, or a bottom portion 12 and a top end 13.

The second embodiment is unique in that it is a structure of a semi-finished product or sleeve 41. The sleeve 41 is, for example, a closed first end 42 and an open second end 43 Extended between. However, the sleeve 41 is only sized according to the first layer of cladding 21 and does not include subdivisions of other cladding or cladding. Thus, the open end 43 of the first layer of cladding 21 defines a shoe opening 84. According to the second embodiment, the shoe 1 includes the first layer covering body 21, the functional member 71 and the reinforcing member 51, and the elastic mechanism 61, excluding other covering bodies. It can also be said that the reinforcing member 51 covers the first layer covering body 21. This means that the shoe 1 is lighter than the first embodiment. According to a second embodiment, an outer sole 78 can also be provided, although it is not mandatory.

For the third embodiment, according to Figs. 13 and 14, the sleeve 41 can be sized only to form the first layer of cladding 21.

The second embodiment is unique in that it includes a plurality of functional components. In this case, at the rear end 24, the functional component 111 is a heel skin and is a three-dimensional component. In the front, the function member 121 is a front head and a three-dimensional part. These components 111, 121 improve such as wear resistance or give greater rigidity. The three-dimensional shape is easy to install and position.

The invention is not limited to the shoemaking method described above, and includes all equivalent techniques that fall within the scope of the subsequent claims.

In particular, one or more of the functional components 71, 111, 121 may be included.

Depending on the desired technical effect, each functional component can be mounted inside the cladding, either outside the cladding or between the two claddings.

In some cases, the positioning mechanism that positions the functional components 71, 111, 121 relative to the cladding bodies 21, 31 includes a bonded product.

In other cases, the positioning mechanism that positions the functional component relative to the wrapper includes a fastening element.

The invention is applicable to all kinds of shoes made of compatible material uppers class. In this case, the upper is placed on the shoe mold, and then the functional component with the predetermined characteristics is placed on the upper and bonded, and finally the outer sole is added.

The present invention also relates to a method of making an article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising a first layer of covering that extends from the rear end to the front end in length and at the outer and inner edges in width The extension extends from the bottom to the top in height, and the method includes the step of disposing the functional component on the covering wrapped on the foot mold before assembling with the outer sole.

In the manufacturing method of the present invention, the functional member has a positioning mechanism, such as by using a tubular portion/sock shape or other three-dimensionally shaped portion, which can be conveniently positioned, or a tube/sock portion can be made by using a stretchable material.

1‧‧‧shoe products; shoes

4‧‧‧ (shoes) rear end; heel

5‧‧‧(shoe) front end; toe cap

6‧‧‧ (shoe) outer edge

7‧‧‧ (shoe) inner edge

10‧‧‧(shoes) lower part

12‧‧‧(shoe) bottom

13‧‧‧ (shoes) top

24‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) back end

25‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) front end

26‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) outer edge

27‧‧‧ (first layer of cladding) inner edge

28‧‧‧(first layer cladding) bottom

29‧‧‧ (first layer cladding) top

31‧‧‧ (second layer) cladding

34‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) back end

35‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) front end

36‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) outer edge

37‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) inner edge

38‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) bottom

39‧‧‧ (second layer cladding) top

63‧‧‧lace

64‧‧‧Locking mechanism

67‧‧‧ hole

71‧‧‧Features

72‧‧‧ heel area

73‧‧‧The arch area

74‧‧‧跖骨骨区

75‧‧‧ front area

78‧‧‧Outer soles

83‧‧‧ pleat

84‧‧‧sole

101‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (first) area

102‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (second) area

103‧‧‧(second layer cladding) (third) area

L‧‧‧Portrait (line)

W‧‧‧ horizontal (line)

Claims (21)

An article of footwear comprising a first layer of cladding (21) extending lengthwise from a rear end (24) to a front end (25) and a width at an outer edge (26) And extending from the inner edge (27), extending from the bottom (28) to the top end (29) in height, characterized in that it further comprises a functional component (71) disposed opposite the first layer covering body (21) , 111, 121), and a positioning mechanism for positioning the functional components (71, 111, 121) with respect to the covering body (21). The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first layer of cladding (21) comprises wires (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) that are mechanically interwoven. The article of footwear of claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional component (71, 111, 121) is of a three-dimensional structure. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional component (71, 111, 121) comprises mechanically interwoven lines (44, 45, 46, 47, 48), at least in part The wires (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) comprise at least one molten fiber (49). The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the wire system comprising at least one molten fiber is distributed throughout the functional component (71, 111, 121). The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the functional component (71) is made of a tubular portion. The article of footwear of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional component (71) is located in the tibial region (74). The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional component (111) is a heel liner. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the functional component (121) is a front toe cap. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the positioning mechanism for positioning the functional component (71, 111, 121) relative to the covering body (21, 31) comprises a reversible expansion and contraction Lines, which are combined with the structure of the feature. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mechanism for positioning the functional component (71, 111, 121) relative to the covering comprises a bonded product. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the positioning mechanism for positioning the functional component (71, 111, 121) relative to the covering body (21, 31) comprises a fastening element. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least a portion of the line (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) of the first layer of cladding (21) comprises at least one molten fiber (49) ). The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the line of the first layer of the covering body (21) including the at least one molten fiber is distributed throughout the first layer of the covering body (21), and the fusion of the lines contributes to The strength and/or adhesion and/or wear resistance of a layer of cladding. The article of footwear of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second layer of cladding (31) extends from the rear end (34) to the front end (35) in length Extending between the outer edge (36) and the inner edge (37) in width and extending from the bottom (38) to the top end (39) in height. The article of footwear of claim 15 wherein the second layer of cladding (31) comprises mechanically interwoven threads (44, 45, 46, 47, 48) and at least a portion of the threads comprises at least one molten fiber Further, a wire system including at least one molten fiber is distributed throughout the second layer coating body, and the shape of the second layer coating body is fixed by melting of a wire including at least one molten fiber (49). The article of footwear of claim 15 or 16, wherein the first layer of cladding (21) and the second layer of cladding (31) extend from each other. The article of footwear of any of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a stiffener (51) with a slack mechanism (61). The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising an outer sole (78). A method of making an article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising a first layer of cladding (21) extending lengthwise from a rear end (24) to a front end (25), in width The outer edge (26) extends between the inner edge (26) and the inner edge (27) and extends from the bottom (28) to the top end (29) in height, wherein the method includes placing the functional component (71) prior to assembly with the outer sole. , 111, 121) The step of being disposed on the covering body wrapped on the foot mold. The method of claim 20, wherein the functional component (71, 111, 121) has a positioning mechanism.