Main heel structure and shoe
By combining a zoned design with a heel structure made of materials of different densities, the contradiction between support and comfort in the traditional shoe heel is resolved, achieving better comfort and stability, and improving the overall performance and user experience of the shoe.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional shoe heel structures struggle to balance support and comfort; overly stiff materials cause discomfort, while overly soft materials affect stability and lifespan.
The design employs a partitioned approach, combining materials of different densities. The first partition, made of low-density material, provides softness and cushioning, while the second partition, made of high-density material, provides support. These partitions are combined through integral molding or adhesive layers to form a seamless overall structure.
While ensuring necessary support, it significantly improves wearing comfort and stability, reduces foot fatigue caused by prolonged walking or exercise, and enhances the overall performance and durability of the shoe.
Smart Images
Figure CN224069861U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of shoe manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a main heel structure and a shoe. Background Technology
[0002] As a key component of the heel counter, the main function of the heel counter is to provide necessary support and fixation for the heel, ensure that the heel counter maintains its ideal shape, and improve stability and comfort when wearing the shoe.
[0003] In traditional shoemaking, the main heel is typically made of a single-density material. On one hand, to ensure sufficient support and structural stability, traditional main heels often use a relatively stiff material. While this design effectively prevents shoe deformation and provides stable support, overly stiff materials can lead to discomfort, especially during prolonged walking or exercise, causing pressure and fatigue in the heel area. On the other hand, choosing a softer material to improve comfort may sacrifice necessary support, making the shoe more prone to deformation during use, affecting its overall performance and lifespan. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the background art, this application provides a main heel structure that, by adopting a partitioned design and combining the advantages of materials with different densities, ensures effective support for the heel and stability of the shoe shape, while also improving comfort when wearing it.
[0005] A second aspect of this application provides a shoe.
[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a main root structure, including:
[0008] The main body is designed to be pressed against the side of the heel counter facing the interior space of the shoe;
[0009] The main body includes a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is disposed in the middle of the main body and the second partition is disposed on both sides of the main body;
[0010] Wherein, the material density of the first partition is less than the material density of the second partition;
[0011] The first partition and the second partition are integrally formed, or an adhesive layer is provided at the connection between the first partition and the second partition.
[0012] The material of the first partition and the second partition is thermoplastic polyurethane.
[0013] According to the main heel structure provided in the first aspect of this application, the main body is designed to be pressed onto the side of the shoe's heel counter facing the inner space of the shoe, ensuring that it can directly contact the heel and provide necessary support and comfort. The main body consists of two sections: the first section is located in the middle of the main body and is made of a low-density material. This design aims to utilize the softness and cushioning properties of the low-density material to conform to the heel, reducing pressure on the heel during walking or exercise, thereby improving wearing comfort; the second section is located on both sides of the main body and uses a higher-density material to enhance the hardness and rigidity of this area, providing necessary support for the heel, preventing shoe deformation, and ensuring the stability and durability of the shoe. When a one-piece molding design is used, forming a seamless integral structure, delamination can be avoided, greatly enhancing the durability and stability of the main heel structure. When an adhesive layer is used, the adhesive layer has good adhesion, durability, and flexibility to adapt to different wearing conditions and environmental changes.
[0014] More importantly, this zoned design combines the advantages of materials with different densities, effectively resolving the conflict between support and comfort inherent in traditional single-density heels. It also further enhances the overall performance and user experience of the shoe, significantly reducing foot fatigue during prolonged walking or exercise while ensuring necessary support, providing wearers with superior comfort and stability. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) offers excellent abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and chemical resistance.
[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the thickness of the first partition is less than the thickness of the second partition.
[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the thickness of the first partition is half the thickness of the second partition.
[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the outline of the main body is adapted to the heel counter of a shoe, and the edges of the main body are provided with transition rounded corners.
[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, a microporous structure is formed on the surface of the first partition, and reinforcing ribs are formed on the second partition.
[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the pore size of the microporous structure ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and the height of the reinforcing ribs ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm.
[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a shoe including a main heel structure as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main root structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0023] in,
[0024] 1. Main body; 11. First section; 12. Second section; 13. Adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.
[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a first aspect embodiment of this application provides a main root structure, including:
[0031] The main body 1 is adapted to be pressed onto the side of the heel counter facing the interior space of the shoe;
[0032] The main body 1 includes a first partition 11 and a second partition 12. The first partition 11 is located in the middle of the main body 1, and the second partition 12 is located on both sides of the main body 1.
[0033] The material density of the first partition 11 is less than that of the second partition 12.
[0034] Specifically, the main body 1 is the core part of the entire heel, adapted to be pressed onto the side of the heel counter facing the interior space of the shoe, directly contacting the heel. Its design aims to provide effective support and protection for the heel.
[0035] A lower-density material is used in the first section 11, which typically has better softness and cushioning properties. Positioned in the middle of the main body 1, closest to the center of the heel, it effectively absorbs the impact generated during walking or exercise, reducing pressure on the heel and improving wearing comfort.
[0036] Higher-density material is used in the second section 12, providing greater rigidity and stiffness. Located on both sides of the main body 1, its main function is to provide necessary support for the heel, prevent deformation of the shoe during wear, and ensure the stability and durability of the shoe.
[0037] According to the main heel structure provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application, the main body 1 is designed to be pressed onto the side of the shoe's heel facing the inner space of the shoe, ensuring that it can directly contact the heel and provide necessary support and comfort. The main body 1 consists of two sections: the first section 11 is located in the middle of the main body 1 and is made of a low-density material. This design aims to utilize the softness and cushioning properties of the low-density material to conform to the heel, reducing pressure on the heel during walking or exercise, thereby improving wearing comfort; the second section 12 is located on both sides of the main body 1 and uses a higher-density material to enhance the hardness and rigidity of this area, providing necessary support for the heel, preventing shoe deformation, and ensuring the stability and durability of the shoe. Through this section design, the advantages of materials with different densities are combined, which not only effectively solves the contradiction between support and comfort in traditional single-density main heels, but also further improves the overall performance and user experience of the shoe. It can significantly reduce foot fatigue caused by long-term walking or exercise while ensuring necessary support, allowing the wearer to experience better comfort and stability.
[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the first partition 11 and the second partition 12 are integrally molded, or an adhesive layer 13 is provided at the connection between the first partition 11 and the second partition 12. In the integrally molded design, the first partition 11 (low-density material) and the second partition 12 (high-density material) are directly bonded together by hot pressing or other molding processes to form a seamless integral structure, which can avoid delamination and greatly enhance the durability and stability of the main heel structure. This simplifies the production process, improves production efficiency, and reduces manufacturing costs. In addition, through precise process control, a smoother transition can be achieved between two materials of different densities, further improving wearing comfort and support performance.
[0039] When using adhesive layer 13, a specialized adhesive is added between the first section 11 and the second section 12 to firmly bond the two parts together. Adhesive layer 13 possesses excellent adhesion, durability, and flexibility to adapt to different wearing conditions and environmental changes. This combination method allows for the selection of the most suitable material combination according to specific needs, achieving a good bond even when two materials have significant differences in physical properties, thanks to the appropriate adhesive layer 13. If an area is damaged, it can be locally repaired by reapplying adhesive without replacing the entire main heel structure.
[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the first section 11 is less than the thickness of the second section 12. The thinner first section 11 better conforms to the shape of the heel, reducing pressure on the heel during walking or exercise and improving comfort. The low-density material combined with the thinner design gives the first section 11 better flexibility and cushioning performance, effectively alleviating fatigue from prolonged activity. The second section 12, due to its higher-density material and greater thickness, provides stronger support when the shoe is subjected to external forces, preventing deformation. Especially during strenuous exercise or prolonged standing, the second section 12 ensures that the heel counter maintains its ideal shape, increasing stability and safety.
[0041] By rationally allocating the thickness of different zones, the advantages of each material can be maximized, avoiding unnecessary material waste. For example, thinner, low-density materials can be used where high-strength support is not required, while thicker, high-density materials can be used where higher-strength support is needed, thereby maximizing cost-effectiveness.
[0042] This differential thickness design also allows for flexible adjustments based on the different types of shoes (such as athletic shoes, casual shoes, etc.) and the needs of the target user group. For example, for casual shoes that require greater comfort, the thickness of the first section 11 can be further reduced; while for high-performance athletic shoes used by professional athletes, the thickness of the second section 12 may need to be appropriately increased to provide stronger support.
[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the first partition 11 is half the thickness of the second partition 12. Specifically, the thickness of the first partition 11 may be 0.4 mm, and the thickness of the second partition 12 may be 0.8 mm.
[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the outline of the main body 1 is adapted to the heel counter of the shoe, and the edges of the main body 1 are provided with transition rounded corners. The outer outline of the main body 1 precisely matches the internal shape of the heel counter, ensuring that the main heel can be seamlessly installed inside the shoe and tightly integrated with the shoe structure. When the main heel fits tightly against the heel counter, it can more effectively provide support, helping to maintain the shape stability of the shoe and prevent deformation. This helps maintain the shape stability of the shoe and prevents deformation or discomfort caused by mismatch between the main heel and the heel counter. Transition rounded corners are specially designed at the edges of the main body 1. These rounded corners replace traditional right angles or sharp edges, making the contact between the main heel and the heel smoother and softer. The design of the transition rounded corners reduces friction and potential pressure points on the heel skin, avoiding wear or discomfort that may be caused by prolonged wear.
[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the materials of the first section 11 and the second section 12 include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU possesses excellent abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and chemical resistance, meaning that the main heel maintains good performance in both everyday use and extreme environments. Specifically, the first section 11 uses a lower-hardness TPU, while the second section 12 uses a higher-hardness TPU. By selecting TPU materials of different hardness for the first section 11 and the second section 12 respectively, wearing comfort can be significantly improved without sacrificing support. The lower-hardness TPU provides necessary cushioning for the heel, while the higher-hardness TPU ensures sufficient support. Combinations of TPU materials with different hardness and density can be adjusted according to the needs of different types of shoes. For example, athletic shoes may prioritize cushioning and could choose a softer TPU; while work boots or outdoor shoes may require stronger support, in which case a higher-hardness TPU can be selected.
[0046] In some embodiments of this application, a microporous structure is formed on the surface of the first section 11, and reinforcing ribs are formed on the second section 12. The microporous structure not only increases the cushioning performance of the material but also improves breathability, making it more comfortable to wear. The micropores effectively absorb and disperse pressure on the heel, reducing localized pressure points and thus reducing fatigue caused by prolonged wear. The reinforcing ribs enhance the overall rigidity and support of the second section 12, preventing deformation and providing more stable support. They can significantly increase the strength of the material without affecting flexibility, ensuring that the heel counter maintains its ideal shape and stability.
[0047] This surface treatment method can be adjusted according to the needs of different types of shoes. For example, for casual shoes that require higher comfort, the cushioning effect can be further improved by increasing the micropore density; while for professional sports shoes, it may be necessary to increase the number or thickness of reinforcing ribs to provide stronger support.
[0048] In some embodiments of this application, the pore size of the microporous structure ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and the height of the reinforcing ribs ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm. By setting the pore size within the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, optimal cushioning and breathability can be achieved. Smaller pore sizes can better distribute pressure points and reduce localized pressure; larger pore sizes facilitate airflow, keeping feet dry, thus significantly improving comfort during extended wear. The 1 mm to 3 mm height design provides sufficient support without making the shoe bulky. This reasonable height ensures that the second section 12 can provide strong support when needed, especially during strenuous exercise or prolonged standing, effectively preventing shoe deformation and maintaining the ideal shape of the heel counter.
[0049] Sports shoes can be designed with microporous structures with a pore size of close to 2 mm to achieve better breathability and cushioning, while reinforcing ribs with a height of 3 mm are set to ensure sufficient support during intense exercise.
[0050] Casual shoes can use a microporous structure with a hole diameter of about 1 mm to provide good comfort and moderate cushioning, while choosing reinforcing ribs with a height of 1 mm to 2 mm to ensure a certain level of support without sacrificing lightness.
[0051] In step 400, the heated main heel structure is molded to the shoe's heel counter. During this process, the main heel structure is pressed into the corresponding position on the shoe's heel counter and firmly fixed in place by the pressure of the upper and lower molds. Subsequently, the material is allowed to return to room temperature through natural or forced cooling, ensuring a tight bond between the main heel structure and the shoe's heel counter, forming a unified whole. This process requires strict control of pressure and cooling rate to avoid air bubbles or other defects.
[0052] Molding and cooling processes are crucial steps in ensuring a tight bond between the main heel structure and the shoe's heel counter. Proper molding parameters and cooling strategies not only improve the product's appearance but also enhance its structural strength and durability. Through this series of meticulous processes, the final shoe provides excellent support and comfort while maintaining a good shape, meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, efficient production processes help shorten production cycles, reduce costs, and improve market competitiveness.
[0053] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.
[0054] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A master heel structure, characterized by, Comprising: a main body part adapted to be pressed against a side of a shoe upper facing an inner space of the shoe; the main body part comprises a first sub-zone and a second sub-zone, the first sub-zone is disposed in the middle of the main body part, and the second sub-zone is disposed on both sides of the main body part; wherein the material density of the first sub-zone is less than the material density of the second sub-zone; the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone are integrally formed, or the connection part of the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone is provided with a bonding layer the material of the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone is thermoplastic polyurethane.
2. The primary heel structure of claim 1, wherein, the thickness of the first sub-zone is less than the thickness of the second sub-zone.
3. The primary heel structure of claim 2, wherein, the thickness of the first sub-zone is half of the thickness of the second sub-zone.
4. The primary heel structure of claim 1, wherein, the contour of the main body part is adapted to the shoe upper, and the edge of the main body part is provided with a transition round corner.
5. The primary heel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, a micro-porous structure is formed on the surface of the first sub-zone, and a reinforcing rib is formed on the second sub-zone.
6. The primary heel structure of claim 5, wherein, the pore size of the micro-porous structure ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and the height of the reinforcing rib ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm.
7. A shoe characterized by comprising the main heel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.