Footwear

Abstract

Provided is a footwear capable of imparting a scent emitted from a liquid perfume while avoiding contact with the feet to the footwear and its surroundings. 【Solution means】This footwear 10 has a bottom portion 11 and a top covering portion 12 provided on the front side of the bottom portion 11 and covering at least a part of the instep. An absorber 14 capable of absorbing and holding at least a liquid perfume among a liquid perfume and a fragrance-free liquid deodorant is attached to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear provided with an absorber on an outer surface portion of the footwear that can absorb at least a liquid fragrance among a liquid fragrance and a fragrance-free liquid deodorant.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, footwear such as slippers and shoes equipped with a fragrance or a deodorant for the purpose of achieving a deodorizing effect or a fragrance effect has been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a slipper composed of a top part and a bottom part, in which a decorative article is provided on the surface (outer surface) of the top part, and a fragrance is laid on this decorative article, aiming to obtain a constantly good fragrance effect. The decorative article is, for example, a flower-shaped appliqué sewn on the surface of the top part, and a space capable of accommodating a fragrance is provided in this appliqué. Granular, powdery, or other shaped fragrances are accommodated in this accommodation space.

[0004] Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses footwear such as zori, beach sandals, sneakers, and various shoes, which includes a footwear body and a separate fragrance or deodorant, and a storage part capable of removably accommodating the fragrance or deodorant is provided at an appropriate position of the footwear body. The fragrance or deodorant is stored in a sealed state that can be opened during use. The storage part is, for example, in the shape of a pocket and is provided on the surface of the upper part of the footwear, and a sealed body of the fragrance or deodorant is accommodated in this storage part. The sealed body is formed by sandwiching, for example, a granular fragrance or deodorant between a pair of breathable sheet-like bodies such as non-woven fabric and bonding them together.

[0005] Also, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a shoe in which a member that accommodates granular fragrance agents between a pair of resin films and has ventilation holes provided in the resin film on the front side is attached to the surface of the upper of the shoe.

[0006] Further, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses a slipper comprising a bottom base and a covering body attached to the front part of the front side of the bottom base, wherein a decorative piece formed in a predetermined shape from a mesh material is attached to a part of the surface side of the covering body, and a bag portion is formed by the decorative piece and the covering body, and a granular or powdery fragrance is stored in the bag portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Conventionally, the fragrance imparted to footwear such as slippers by a fragrance or deodorant mainly aimed to eliminate unpleasant odors such as foot odor. Recently, however, there has been a trend to carry liquid fragrances such as aromatherapy oils when going out, etc., so that one can feel one's favorite fragrance. Therefore, there has begun to be a demand to impart one's favorite fragrance to footwear as well. On the other hand, in the case of footwear having a structure as described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, the fragrance that can be imparted is limited to the fragrance emitted from a solid-state fragrance such as a granular or powdery form, and it has been difficult to impart the fragrance emitted from a liquid fragrance to footwear. For example, a method of applying a liquid fragrance to the inner part of footwear such as the surface of the insole or the back surface of the upper cover to impart a desired fragrance to the footwear is conceivable. However, since some liquid fragrances have an unfavorable effect when they come into contact with the skin, taking such means is not preferable.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present specification is to provide a footwear that can impart a scent emitted from a liquid fragrance to the footwear and its surroundings while avoiding contact with the feet. **Means for Solving the Problem**

[0010] The solution to the above problem is achieved by the footwear according to the present invention. That is, this footwear is a footwear having a bottom and a top covering portion provided on the front side of the bottom and covering at least a part of the instep, and is characterized in that an absorber capable of absorbing and holding at least a liquid fragrance among a liquid fragrance and a fragrance-free liquid deodorant is attached to the outer surface portion of the footwear. Here, the outer surface portion of the footwear means a portion that comes into contact with the surrounding space when a person wears the footwear, excluding the sole portion that contacts the ground and the inner portion that contacts the foot.

[0011] Thus, in the footwear according to the present invention, since an absorber capable of absorbing and holding at least a liquid fragrance is attached to the footwear, by supplying an appropriately selected liquid fragrance to the absorber, for example, while wearing the footwear, a preferred scent emitted from the footwear can be felt and enjoyed. In addition, in the footwear according to the present invention, since the above-described absorber is attached to the outer surface portion of the footwear that does not touch the foot, contact between the liquid fragrance and the foot can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to freely use any type of fragrance (liquid fragrance) without worrying about an unfavorable influence on the skin depending on the type of fragrance used.

[0012] Further, in the footwear according to the present invention, the absorber may be formed of non-woven fabric or felt as a material.

[0013] Both non-woven fabric and felt have characteristics not only excellent in liquid absorbency but also excellent in the holding power of the absorbed liquid. Therefore, by forming the absorber according to the present invention using non-woven fabric or felt as a material, the absorber can absorb the liquid fragrance firmly without waste, and it is possible to enjoy the scent of the liquid fragrance for a long time.

[0014] Further, in the footwear according to the present invention, the absorber may be detachably attached to the outer surface portion.

[0015] By attaching the absorber detachably to the outer surface portion of the footwear in this way, the absorber can be easily replaced. Therefore, for example, by preparing a dedicated absorber for each liquid fragrance to be used, it becomes possible to change the fragrance only by replacing the absorber.

[0016] Further, in the footwear according to the present invention, the absorber may be in a state of absorbing and holding at least a liquid fragrance among a liquid fragrance and a fragrance-free liquid deodorant. Further, when a predetermined decorative portion is provided on the outer surface portion, the absorber may absorb and hold a liquid fragrance having a fragrance reminiscent of the appearance or concept of the decorative portion.

[0017] The appearance and concept of the decorative portion are important factors when a consumer purchases footwear having the decorative portion, and a decorative portion with a design that suits the consumer's own hobbies and preferences can promote the consumer's willingness to purchase. Therefore, as described above, for footwear in which a liquid fragrance having a fragrance reminiscent of the appearance or concept of the decorative portion is absorbed and held by the absorber, the fragrance of the liquid fragrance absorbed and held by the absorber can contribute to further promoting the consumer's willingness to purchase.

[0018] Further, as described above, when the absorber is in a state of absorbing and holding at least a liquid fragrance, the absorber may have a color reminiscent of the fragrance of the liquid fragrance absorbed and held by the absorber.

[0019] By configuring in this way, the connection between the color of the absorber and the fragrance emitted by the footwear can be strengthened. Therefore, for example, when the absorber is made detachable from the outer surface portion of the footwear and a plurality of absorbers are prepared so as to be replaceable, by combining a liquid fragrance and an absorber having a color reminiscent of the fragrance of the liquid fragrance, just by looking at the absorber (its color), the fragrance of the liquid fragrance absorbed and held by the absorber can be remembered. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily select and attach (use) the absorber having the fragrance.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a footwear that can impart a fragrance emitted from a liquid fragrance to the footwear and its surroundings while avoiding contact with the feet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the content of the footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a photograph of footwear 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention taken from an obliquely upper front side. As shown in FIG. 1, the footwear 10 according to the present embodiment includes a bottom portion 11, a vamp portion 12 provided on the front side of the bottom portion 11, a decorative portion 13, and an absorber 14.

[0024] The bottom portion 11 can contact and support the sole of the foot when the footwear 10 is worn, and has a form corresponding to the type of the footwear 10. When the footwear 10 is a slipper as in the present embodiment, the bottom portion 11 can have a general and well-known structure as the bottom of the slipper. Similarly with respect to the material, the bottom portion 11 can be formed of a general and well-known material as the bottom of the slipper.

[0025] The vamp portion 12 can cover the instep of the foot when the footwear 10 is worn, and has a form corresponding to the type of the footwear 10. When the footwear 10 is a slipper as in the present embodiment, the vamp portion 12 can have a general and well-known structure as the vamp of the slipper. Similarly with respect to the material, the vamp portion 12 can be formed of a general and well-known material as the vamp of the slipper.

[0026] The decorative part 13 is usually provided in an area visible when the footwear 10 is worn, that is, on the outer surface part 10a of the footwear 10. In the present embodiment, the decorative part 13 is provided on the outer surface of the upper covering part 12 of the slipper as the footwear 10. Of course, the shape, pattern, color, position, number, and size of the decorative part 13 are arbitrary. In addition, when the footwear 10 has parts covering the side of the foot or the heel like shoes, it is of course possible to provide the decorative part 13 on the outer surfaces of these covering parts.

[0027] The absorber 14 is capable of absorbing and holding at least a liquid fragrance and is attached to the outer surface part 10a of the footwear 10. The absorber 14 can take any form as long as it can absorb and hold the liquid fragrance as described above. In the present embodiment, the absorber 14 has a cloth shape (more specifically, a short strip shape), and one end and the other end thereof are fixed to the outer surface and the edge (the part where the outer surface and the inner surface are connected) of the upper covering part 12, respectively. In this case, a gap into which a finger can be inserted, for example, can be formed between the absorber 14 and the upper covering part 12.

[0028] The material of the absorber 14 is also arbitrary as long as it can absorb and hold the liquid fragrance. In the present embodiment, the absorber 14 is formed of felt having excellent water absorption and water retention properties.

[0029] In addition, the size of the absorber 14, the attachment position to the footwear 10, and the range can also be arbitrarily set.

[0030] As the liquid fragrance, known liquid fragrances such as natural fragrances, synthetic fragrances, and compounded fragrances are applicable. In addition, the liquid fragrance referred to here also includes a liquid fragrance having a deodorizing effect. Examples of the liquid fragrance include essential oils containing natural fragrances and aroma oils obtained by diluting the essential oils with alcohol or vegetable oil.

[0031] On the one hand, when the footwear 10 is provided with the decoration part 13 as in the present embodiment, the absorber 14 may absorb and hold a liquid fragrance having a scent reminiscent of the appearance or concept of the decoration part 13. As an example, when the decoration part 13 with a design motif of a flower such as lavender is provided, the liquid fragrance of the scent of the flower is absorbed and held by the absorber 14.

[0032] As described above, in the footwear 10 according to the present invention, since the absorber 14 capable of absorbing and holding the liquid fragrance is attached to the footwear 10, by supplying the appropriately selected liquid fragrance to the absorber 14, for example, while wearing the footwear 10, a favorite scent emitted from the footwear 10 can be felt and enjoyed. In addition, in the footwear 10 according to the present embodiment, since the above-described absorber 14 is attached to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10 that does not touch the foot, contact between the liquid fragrance and the foot can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to freely use any type of fragrance (liquid fragrance) without worrying about an unfavorable effect on the skin depending on the type of fragrance used.

[0033] Further, in the present embodiment, since the absorber 14 is formed of felt excellent in water absorption and water retention as a material, the absorber 14 can absorb the liquid fragrance firmly without waste, and it is possible to enjoy the scent of the liquid fragrance for a long time.

[0034] As described above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the footwear according to the present invention is not limited to the above-exemplified form, and can take any form within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the absorber 14 capable of absorbing and holding the liquid fragrance is attached to the footwear 10 has been exemplified, but of course, it is not limited to this. For example, as the absorber 14, an absorber capable of not only absorbing and holding the liquid fragrance but also absorbing and holding a fragrance-free liquid deodorant may be attached to the footwear 10. Alternatively, in addition to the liquid fragrance, it is also possible to attach the absorber 14 in a state of absorbing and holding a fragrance-free liquid deodorant to the footwear 10.

[0036] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the absorber 14 is fixedly attached to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10 in a non-removable manner by sewing or the like was exemplified. However, of course, other forms are also possible. For example, although not shown, a convex portion (one or more) of a snap button is attached to the absorber 14, and a concave portion (the same number as the convex portion) corresponding to the convex portion of the snap button attached to the absorber 14 is attached to a predetermined position on the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10, so that the absorber 14 can be removably attached to the predetermined position on the outer surface portion 10a. Of course, the absorber 14 may be removably attached to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10 by elements other than snap buttons.

[0037] In this way, by removably attaching the absorber 14 to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear 10, the absorber 14 can be easily replaced. Therefore, for example, although not shown, by preparing a dedicated absorber 14 for each liquid fragrance to be used, it is possible to change the fragrance only by replacing the absorber 14.

[0038] Also, as described above, when the absorber 14 is removably attached to the outer surface portion 10a of the footwear and a plurality of absorbers 14 are prepared, the color of each absorber 14 may be a color reminiscent of the fragrance of the liquid fragrance absorbed and held by each absorber 14. By configuring in this way, the association between the color of the absorber 14 and the fragrance of each absorber 14 can be strengthened. Therefore, by combining the liquid fragrance and the absorber 14 having the color reminiscent of the fragrance of the liquid fragrance, just by looking at the absorber 14 (its color), the fragrance of the liquid fragrance absorbed and held by the absorber 14 can be remembered. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily select and attach (use) the absorber 14 having the fragrance.

[0039] In the above description, the case where the absorber 14 according to the present invention is provided when the footwear 10 is a slipper has been exemplified. However, of course, the present invention can also be applied to footwear other than slippers. That is, although not shown in the drawings, in the case of footwear having a portion that covers the foot other than the upper part such as shoes, the absorber according to the present invention may be provided on the outer surface of the portion that covers the foot (such as the heel part).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0040] 10 Footwear 10a Outer surface part 11 Bottom part 12 Upper part 13 Decorative part 14 Absorber

Claims

1. A footwear having a sole and an upper part provided on the front side of the sole and covering at least a part of the instep, The footwear has an absorbent attached to an outer surface portion of the footwear, the absorbent being capable of absorbing and retaining at least the liquid fragrance out of the liquid fragrance and the unscented liquid deodorant.

2. The footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent body is made of a nonwoven fabric or a felt.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent body is removably attached to the outer surface portion.

4. 2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent is in a state of absorbing and retaining at least the liquid fragrance of the liquid fragrance and the fragrance-free liquid deodorant.

5. A predetermined decorative portion is provided on the outer surface portion, 5. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the liquid fragrance having a scent evoked by the appearance or concept of the decorative portion is absorbed and retained in the absorbent body.

6. 6. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent body has a color that is reminiscent of the scent of the liquid fragrance absorbed and retained in the absorbent body.

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