Schuh

Abstract

A shoe (1) has a sole (1S) and an upper (1U). The upper (1U) has: a topline section (410); a slit section (420); a circumferential edge section (430); and a forefoot section covering section (500). The forefoot section covering section (500) has: an inner functional section (510); and an outer functional section (520). The inner functional section (510) has: a plurality of inner sections (510H) of high stiffness arranged to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the foot; and a plurality of inner sections (510L) of low stiffness arranged between the inner sections (510H) of high stiffness.The outer functional section (520) has: a plurality of outer sections (520H) with high stiffness, arranged to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the foot; and a plurality of outer sections (520L) with low stiffness, arranged between the outer sections (520H) with high stiffness. The length between the ends, on an outer side in the foot-width direction, of the outer sections (520L) with low stiffness that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the foot is longer than the length between the ends, on the inner side in the foot-width direction, of the inner sections (510L) with low stiffness that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shoe. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in a shoe used for ball sports or the like, there is a demand for a shoe that is excellent not only in a running support function but also in a support function for quickly and smoothly performing a change of direction (a so-called cutting maneuver). For example, WO 2011 / 129017 discloses a structure of a forefoot portion of an upper of a shoe that has a high-rigidity region and a low-rigidity region that is easier to pull apart and bend than the high-rigidity region. The low-rigidity region has a plurality of inner flexible portions formed on the inner side in a foot width direction and a plurality of outer flexible portions formed on the outer side in the foot width direction.The flexible sections are spaced apart from each other in a foot longitudinal direction. The high-stiffness region has an inner reinforcement section located between the inner flexible sections, which are adjacent to each other, and an outer reinforcement section located between the outer flexible sections, which are adjacent to each other. CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] PTL 1: WO 2011 / 129017 SUMMARYTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In sports (such as tennis) where a cutting maneuver frequently occurs, there is a concern that a user's toe may be locally compressed if wrinkles are created in a forefoot portion of an upper at the time of a cutting maneuver.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a shoe capable of suppressing generation of wrinkles in an upper at the time of a cutting maneuver. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] A shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a shoe having a sole and an upper, the upper having: a topline portion that allows a wearer of the shoe to slip a foot into and out of the shoe; a slit portion that defines an opening extending forward in a foot longitudinal direction from the topline portion; a peripheral edge portion connected to the sole; and a forefoot portion covering portion that covers a forefoot portion of the wearer of the shoe, the forefoot portion covering portion having: an inner functional portion formed on an inner side in a foot width direction and between the slit portion and the peripheral edge portion;and an outer functional portion formed on an outer side of the inner functional portion in the foot width direction and between the slit portion and the peripheral edge portion, the inner functional portion having: a plurality of high-rigidity inner portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction;and a plurality of low-rigidity inner portions arranged between the high-rigidity inner portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of low-rigidity inner portions having a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions and having a shape extending in the foot width direction, wherein the outer functional portion has: a plurality of high-rigidity outer portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction;and a plurality of outer low-rigidity portions disposed between the outer high-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, wherein each of the plurality of outer low-rigidity portions has a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of outer high-rigidity portions, and has a shape extending in the foot width direction, and a length between ends, on an outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction; ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a shoe capable of suppressing generation of wrinkles in an upper at the time of a cutting maneuver can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a shoe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the shoe at an angle different from the angle in Fig. 1 differs. Fig. 3 is a top view of the shoe. Fig. 4 is an underside view of a shoe. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship between an outer reinforcing portion and a front end of an inside / outside separation groove. Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a displacement of a ground contact region of the sole at the time of a cutting maneuver. Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a positional relationship between an inner functional portion, a front end of an inner reinforcing portion, and a bending guide groove. Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a forefoot portion covering portion. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IX-IX in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XX in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of a high-rigidity outer portion and a low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer section and the low-rigidity outer section. Fig. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 18 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 19 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 21 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 22 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 23 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically showing a modification of the high-rigidity outer portion and the low-rigidity outer portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description, terms such as longitudinal direction, width direction, front, and rear are used. Such directional terms indicate directions as viewed from a standpoint of a wearer wearing a shoe 1 placed on a flat plane such as the ground. For example, front refers to the toe side, and rear refers to the heel side. Furthermore, the inner side refers to the first toe side of a foot in the width direction, and the outer side refers to the fifth toe side of the foot in the width direction.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a shoe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the shoe at an angle different from the angle in Fig. 1 differs. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the shoe. The shoe 1 according to the present embodiment is suitable for shoes for court sports (such as tennis) in which a so-called cutting maneuver frequently occurs.

[0010] Although Fig. While Figures 1 to 3 show shoe 1 for a left foot, shoe 1 is also applicable to a right foot. In this case, the shoe for the right foot is designed to have a shape that is symmetrical or substantially the same as the shoe for the left foot.

[0011] As in Fig. 1 to 3, the shoe 1 has a sole 1S and an upper 1U. <sohle>

[0012] First, the sole 1S is described.

[0013] The sole 1S supports a wearer's foot. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the sole 1S has a forefoot region R1 and a hindfoot region R2.

[0014] The forefoot region R1 is a region that overlaps with a forefoot portion of the wearer of the shoe 1 in a thickness direction of the sole 1S. The forefoot portion is a portion that overlaps with a front part of the wearer's foot in a foot longitudinal direction (top-bottom direction in Fig. 3) of the shoe 1. The forefoot region R1 is a region located in a range of approximately 0% to 50% from a front end to a rear end of the shoe 1 with respect to a total length of the shoe 1 along a shoe center SC (see Fig. 3).

[0015] The foot longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the shoe center SC. Note that the shoe center SC is not limited to a center line of the shoe 1 and may be a line corresponding to a straight line connecting a center of a calcaneus B10 and the first and second toes of a standard wearer of the shoe 1.

[0016] The rearfoot region R2 is a region that overlaps with a rearfoot portion of the wearer of the shoe 1 in the thickness direction of the sole 1S. The rearfoot portion is a portion located at a rear part of the wearer's foot in the foot longitudinal direction. The rearfoot region R2 is a region located within a range of 50% to 100% from the front end to the rear end of the shoe 1 with respect to the total length of the shoe 1.

[0017] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the sole 1S has a midsole 100, an inner reinforcement portion 210, an outer reinforcement portion 220, a heel reinforcement portion 230, and an outsole 300.

[0018] The midsole 100 primarily performs a shock-absorbing function when the foot touches the ground. The midsole 100 is made, for example, of a resin foam material containing a resin material as a main component; and a foaming agent and a cross-linking agent as subcomponents. Note that the material of the midsole 100 is not limited to the material described above, and the midsole 100 may be made of a resin or rubber material that has excellent shock-absorbing properties while maintaining appropriate strength.

[0019] The inner reinforcement portion 210 is provided on a side part of the midsole 100 on the inner side in a foot width direction. The inner reinforcement portion 210 is made of a material (for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane resin or a nylon resin) that has a higher hardness than the material of the midsole 100 and a material of the upper 1U. The inner reinforcement portion 210 reinforces the upper 1U. The inner reinforcement portion 210 has a shape that extends in the foot longitudinal direction. The inner reinforcement portion 210 has a function of allowing the heel side of the midsole 100 to twist inward with respect to the toe side of the midsole 100 when the foot lifts off the ground at the time of a cutting maneuver. The inner reinforcement portion 210 covers a lower part of the upper 1U.A front end 212 of the inner reinforcement portion 210 in the foot longitudinal direction is located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than a position corresponding to an MP joint (see . Fig. 3) of the wearer’s foot.

[0020] The outer reinforcement portion 220 is provided on a side part of the midsole 100 on the outer side in the foot width direction. The outer reinforcement portion 220 is made of a material (for example, a thermoplastic polyurethane resin or a nylon resin) that has a higher hardness than the material of the midsole 100 and the material of the upper 1U. The outer reinforcement portion 220 may be made of a material that has a lower hardness than the material of the inner reinforcement portion 210. The outer reinforcement portion 220 reinforces the upper 1U. The outer reinforcement portion 220 has a shape that extends in the foot longitudinal direction. The outer reinforcement portion 220 has a function of suppressing a decrease in compression rigidity of the midsole 100.In the present embodiment, the outer reinforcement portion 220 also has a function of suppressing an increase in the bending rigidity of the sole 1S near the MP joint of the wearer's foot. As shown in FIG. Fig. 2, the outer reinforcement portion 220 has a rear reinforcement portion 222, a front reinforcement portion 224, and a flexion-allowing portion 226.

[0021] The rear reinforcement section 222 is located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than an extension line L of the MP joint of the wearer's foot. As shown in Fig. 2, the rear reinforcing portion 222 covers an outer side surface of the midsole 100 in the foot width direction.

[0022] The front reinforcement portion 224 is located further forward in the foot longitudinal direction than the extension line L of the MP joint of the wearer's foot. The front reinforcement portion 224 covers the outer side surface of the midsole 100 in the foot width direction. The front reinforcement portion 224 has a shape such that an upper part of the outer side surface of the midsole 100 is exposed.

[0023] The bending-permitting portion 226 is located on the extension line L of the MP joint and couples the rear reinforcement portion 222 to the front reinforcement portion 224. The bending-permitting portion 226 allows bending of the front reinforcement portion 224 with respect to the rear reinforcement portion 222. In the present embodiment, the bending-permitting portion 226 is realized by a notch that is open upward.

[0024] The heel reinforcement portion 230 reinforces a heel portion of the upper 1U. The heel reinforcement portion 230 is made of a material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane resin or a nylon resin) that has a higher hardness than the material of the midsole 100 and the material of the upper 1U. The heel reinforcement portion 230 has a function of suppressing bending of the heel portion of the upper 1U when the foot lifts off the ground, for example, at the time of a cutting maneuver. The heel reinforcement portion 230 covers a part of the heel portion of the upper 1U. The heel reinforcement portion 213 is continuous with a rear end of the inner reinforcement portion 210.The heel reinforcement portion 230 may be made of the same material as the material of the inner reinforcement portion 210 or may be made of a material different from the material of the inner reinforcement portion 210.

[0025] The outsole 300 is arranged on the side of the lower surface of the midsole 100. In the present embodiment, the outsole 300 is connected to a lower surface of the midsole 100. The outsole 300 forms a ground contact portion. The outsole 300 is formed of rubber or the like.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the sole. As in Fig. 4, the outsole 300 has an inner ground contact portion 310, an outer ground contact portion 320, an inner / outer separation groove 330, and a front ground contact portion 340.

[0027] The inner ground contact portion 310 is located on the inner side in the foot width direction. The inner ground contact portion 310 has an inner edge portion 312. The inner edge portion 312 is an edge portion that overlaps with the rear foot portion of the wearer in the thickness direction of the shoe 1 and is located on the inner side in the foot width direction. The inner ground contact portion 310 has a shape that extends in the foot longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the inner ground contact portion 310 has a shape that extends from a rear end of the outsole 300 forward in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0028] The outer ground contact portion 320 is located on the outer side in the foot width direction. The outer ground contact portion 320 has an outer edge portion 322. The outer edge portion 322 is an edge portion that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot portion in the thickness direction of the shoe 1 and is located on the outer side in the foot width direction. The outer ground contact portion 320 has a shape that extends in the foot longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the outer ground contact portion 320 has a shape that extends forward in the foot longitudinal direction from the rear end of the outsole 300.

[0029] The inner / outer separation groove 330 is formed between the inner ground contact portion 310 and the outer ground contact portion 320 to separate the inner ground contact portion 310 and the outer ground contact portion 320. The inner / outer separation groove 330 has a shape that extends forward in the foot longitudinal direction from the rear end of the outsole 300. A front end 332 of the inner / outer separation groove 330 in the foot longitudinal direction is located at an outer edge portion of the outsole 300 in the foot width direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the front end 332 is formed at a position overlapping with the bending permitting portion 226 in the thickness direction.

[0030] The front ground contact portion 340 is formed at a position overlapping with a front part of the wearer's forefoot portion in the thickness direction of the shoe 1. The front ground contact portion 340 is a region located in a range of approximately 0% to 40% from the front end to the rear end of the shoe 1 with respect to the total length of the shoe 1 along the shoe center SC.

[0031] A displacement of a ground contact region of the outsole 300 at the time of a cutting maneuver is now calculated with reference to Fig. 6 described. Fig. 6 shows the ground contact region of the outsole 300 from when the foot touches the ground until when the foot lifts off the ground (leaves the ground), at the time of a cutting maneuver. In Fig. 6, the ground contact region is marked with diagonal lines, and a rear end of the ground contact region is marked with a dash-dot-dot line.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 6, from the early stage of ground contact to lift-off, the rear end of the ground contact region gradually moves forward in the foot longitudinal direction. Specifically, an outer side of the rear end of the ground contact region in the foot width direction moves further forward than an inner side of the rear end of the ground contact region in the foot width direction. In other words, from the early stage of ground contact to lift-off, an amount of forward movement of an end on the outer side in the foot width direction of the rear end of the ground contact region is greater than an amount of forward movement of an end on the inner side in the foot width direction of the rear end of the ground contact region.In order to smooth this displacement of the ground contact region, a groove defining a bending portion of the outsole 300 at the time of a cutting maneuver (hereinafter referred to as "bending guide groove 342") is provided in the outsole 300.

[0033] As in Fig. 4, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) bending guide grooves 342 are formed in the front ground contact portion 340. The plurality of bending guide grooves 342 are arranged to be spaced and aligned from each other in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of bending guide grooves 342 has a shape that extends continuously or intermittently from an inner edge portion to an outer edge portion of the front ground contact portion 340 in the foot width direction. Each of the bending guide grooves 342 is formed to have a shape based on the displacement of the rear end of the ground contact region shown in Fig. 6. Each of the bending guide grooves 342 has a shape that gradually extends forward in the foot longitudinal direction toward the outer side in the foot width direction. Each of the bending guide grooves 342 has a shape that extends straight. A length L32 between edges, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves 342 that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length L31 between edges, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves 342 that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0034] The plurality of bending guide grooves 342 include a rearmost bending guide groove 342r located furthest back in the foot longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 4, an outer edge of the rearmost bending guide groove 342r in the foot width direction is located further forward in the foot length direction than the front end 332 of the inside / outside separation groove 330. As shown in Fig. 7, an inner edge of the rearmost bending guide groove 342r in the foot longitudinal direction is located further forward in the foot longitudinal direction than the front end 212 of the inner reinforcing portion 210. <obermaterial>

[0035] Next, the upper material 1U is described.

[0036] The upper 1U is located above the sole 1S and is connected to the sole 1S. The upper 1U forms a space that accommodates the wearer's foot, together with the sole 1S. The upper 1U covers an upper surface of the foot. The upper 1U includes a topline portion 410, a slit portion 420, a peripheral edge portion 430, and a forefoot portion covering portion 500.

[0037] The topline section 410 is a section that allows the wearer of the shoe to slip the wearer's foot into and out of the shoe 1. The topline section 410 is open at the top.

[0038] The slit portion 420 defines an opening extending forward in the foot longitudinal direction from the topline portion 410. An insertion hole through which a shoelace is inserted is formed in the slit portion 420.

[0039] The peripheral edge portion 430 is a portion forming a peripheral edge of the upper 1U. The peripheral edge portion 430 is bonded to the sole 1S. Specifically, the peripheral edge portion 430 is bonded to the midsole 100. The peripheral edge portion 430 is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like. The peripheral edge portion 430 is continuous along the peripheral edge of the upper 1U. A surface of the peripheral edge portion 430 may be formed to be smooth. The peripheral edge portion 430 is formed in a range of approximately 1 mm to 20 mm from an upper end of the midsole 100 to the upper side.

[0040] The forefoot portion covering portion 500 covers the forefoot portion of the wearer. The forefoot portion covering portion 500 has a base portion made of a mesh fabric and a strength portion provided at the base portion. The strength portion has a higher flexural rigidity than the flexural rigidity of the base portion. The strength portion is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0041] Bending stiffness refers to the stiffness when a target section is bent relative to a straight line parallel to the foot width direction. For example, the bending stiffness of the rigid section refers to the stiffness when the rigid section is bent relative to a straight line parallel to the foot width direction. Bending stiffness is measured by a so-called three-point bending test or the like.

[0042] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the forefoot portion covering portion 500. As in Fig. 1 to 3 and 8, the forefoot portion covering portion 500 has an inner functional portion 510 and an outer functional portion 520.

[0043] The inner functional portion 510 is formed on the inner side in the foot width direction and between the slit portion 420 and the peripheral edge portion 430. The inner functional portion 510 has a function of suppressing breakage of the base portion caused by friction. As shown in Fig. 3, the inner functional portion 510 is formed in an area that overlaps with the ball of the wearer's foot in the foot width direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the inner functional portion 510 has a plurality of high-rigidity inner portions 510H and a plurality of low-rigidity inner portions 510L.

[0044] The plurality of high-rigidity inner portions 510H are arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions 510H has a shape that extends in the foot width direction. Each of the high-rigidity inner portions 510H has a shape that extends continuously from the slit portion 420 to the peripheral edge portion 430. Therefore, the tensile force from the shoelace is effectively transmitted to the peripheral edge portion 430. Each of the high-rigidity inner portions 510H forms a part of the strength portion. That is, each of the high-rigidity inner portions 510H is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0045] As in Fig. 8, the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions 510H includes a rearmost high-rigidity inner portion 511H located furthest back in the foot longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 7, the front end 212 of the inner reinforcing portion 210 is located further rearward in the foot longitudinal direction than a line segment L1 connecting an inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion 511H in the foot longitudinal direction and an inner end of the rearmost bending guide groove 342r in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, each of the high-rigidity inner portions 510H includes a plurality of high-rigidity inner members 512 coupled together in the foot width direction. Each of the high-rigidity inner members 512 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity inner members 512 become closer to each other. Each of the high-rigidity inner members 512 is formed to have a rectangular shape. Each of the high-rigidity inner members 512 is preferably formed to have a diamond shape. Corners of the high-rigidity inner members 512 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are preferably in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0047] The plurality of low-rigidity inner portions 510L are arranged between the high-rigidity inner portions 510H, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of low-rigidity inner portions 510L has a bending rigidity that is lower than a bending rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions 510H. Each of the low-rigidity inner portions 510L has a shape that extends in the foot width direction. Each of the low-rigidity inner portions 510L has a shape that extends continuously from the slit portion 420 to the peripheral edge portion 430. The position and shape of each of the low-rigidity inner portions 510L, which are in Fig. 8 are determined based on the displacement of the rear end of the ground contact region shown in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, each of the low-rigidity inner portions 510L includes a plurality of low-rigidity inner members 514 coupled together in the foot width direction. Each of the low-rigidity inner members 514 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the low-rigidity inner members 514 become closer to each other. Each of the low-rigidity inner members 514 is formed to have a rectangular shape. Each of the low-rigidity inner members 514 is preferably formed to have a diamond shape. Corners of the low-rigidity inner members 514 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are preferably in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a thickness of each of the high-rigidity inner members 512 is greater than a thickness of each of the low-rigidity inner members 514. The low-rigidity inner member 514 may be made of the same material (such as polyurethane) as a material of the high-rigidity inner member 512, or may be made of the same material (mesh) as the material of the base portion.

[0050] The outer functional portion 520 is formed on the outer side of the inner functional portion 510 in the foot width direction and between the slit portion 420 and the peripheral edge portion 430. The outer functional portion 520 has a function of restricting displacement of the foot in the shoe 1 while ensuring the fit of the upper 1U with the foot. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the outer functional portion 520 is formed in a range from a region located in front of the slit portion 420 to a region located further back than a position overlapping the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the foot width direction. An area of ​​the outer functional portion 520 is larger than an area of ​​the inner functional portion 510. As shown in Fig. 8, the outer functional portion 520 has a plurality of high-rigidity outer portions 520H and a plurality of low-rigidity outer portions 520L.

[0051] The plurality of high-rigidity outer portions 520H are arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions 520H has a shape that extends in the foot width direction. Each of the high-rigidity outer portions 520H has a shape that extends continuously from the slit portion 420 to the peripheral edge portion 430. Therefore, the tensile force from the shoelace is effectively transmitted to the peripheral edge portion 430. Each of the high-rigidity outer portions 520H forms a part of the strength portion. That is, each of the high-rigidity outer portions 520H is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, each of the high-rigidity outer portions 520H includes a plurality of high-rigidity outer members 522 coupled together in the foot width direction. Each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity outer members 522 become closer to each other. Each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is formed to have a rectangular shape. Each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is preferably formed to have a diamond shape. Corners of the high-rigidity outer members 522 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are preferably in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0053] The plurality of low-rigidity outer portions 520L are arranged between the high-rigidity outer portions 520H, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of low-rigidity outer portions 520L has a bending rigidity lower than a bending rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions 520H. Each of the low-rigidity outer portions 520L has a shape that extends in the foot width direction. Each of the low-rigidity outer portions 520L has a shape that extends continuously from the slit portion 420 to the peripheral edge portion 430.

[0054] As in Fig. 8, a length between the outer low-rigidity portions 520L adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction gradually becomes longer toward the outer side in the foot width direction. The position and shape of each of the outer low-rigidity portions 520L located in Fig. 8 are determined based on the displacement of the rear end of the ground contact region shown in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0055] As in Fig. 8, a length L20 between ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions 520L adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length L10 between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions 510L adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. The above-described length L20 is preferably equal to or more than 1.5 times and equal to or less than 5 times, and more preferably equal to or more than 2 times and equal to or less than 3 times the above-described length L10.

[0056] Note that "ends, on the outer side in the root width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions 520L" refer to a boundary portion between the outer low-rigidity portions 520L and the peripheral edge portion 430, and "ends, on the inner side in the root width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions 510L" refer to a boundary portion between the inner low-rigidity portions 510L and the peripheral edge portion 430.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the low-rigidity outer portions 520L includes a plurality of low-rigidity outer members 524 coupled together in the foot width direction. Each of the low-rigidity outer members 524 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the low-rigidity outer members 524 become closer to each other. Each of the low-rigidity outer members 524 is formed to have a rectangular shape. Each of the low-rigidity outer members 524 is preferably formed to have a diamond shape. Corners of the low-rigidity outer members 524 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are preferably in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a thickness of each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is greater than a thickness of each of the low-rigidity outer members 524. The low-rigidity outer member 524 has a resin portion 524a made of the same material (such as polyurethane) as a material of the high-rigidity outer member 522, and a fabric portion 524b made of the same material (mesh) as the material of the base portion.

[0059] As described above, in the shoe 1 according to the present embodiment, the inner low-rigidity portions 510L and the inner high-rigidity portions 510H are alternately aligned in the foot longitudinal direction on the inner side in the foot width direction, and the outer low-rigidity portions 520L and the outer high-rigidity portions 520H are alternately aligned in the foot longitudinal direction on the outer side in the foot width direction. Therefore, the forefoot portion covering portion 500 of the upper 1U bends in each of the low-rigidity portions 510L and 520L at the time of a so-called cutting maneuver.Since the length L20 between the ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the low-rigidity outer portions 520L adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than the length L10 between the ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the low-rigidity inner portions 510L adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, the forefoot portion covering portion 500 effectively conforms to the forefoot portion of the wearer as the bending portion of the forefoot portion covering portion 500 shifts forward from the early stage of ground contact to takeoff. Therefore, generation of wrinkles in the forefoot portion covering portion 500 is effectively suppressed.

[0060] Modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below. (First modification)

[0061] Each of the inner high-rigidity members 512 and the outer high-rigidity members 522 may be formed to have a convex polygonal outer shape. Each of Fig. 11 to 13 shows an example in which each of the outer members 522 is formed with high rigidity to have a pentagonal outer shape. Each of Fig. 14 to 16 shows an example in which each of the outer members 522 is formed with high rigidity to have a trapezoidal outer shape. Fig. 17 shows an example in which each of the outer members 522 is formed with high rigidity to have a triangular outer shape. Fig. 18 shows an example in which each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is formed to have a rectangular outer shape. In each of the examples, corners of the high-rigidity outer members 522 that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction are in contact with each other or close to each other. (Second modification)

[0062] Each of the inner high-rigidity members 512 and the outer high-rigidity members 522 may be formed to have a concave polygonal outer shape.

[0063] Fig. 19 shows an example in which each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is formed to have a concave octagonal outer shape. Each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 has a shape such that an acute-angled corner and an obtuse-angled corner are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and the acute-angled corners of the high-rigidity outer members 522, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, are in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0064] Fig. 20 shows an example in which each of the high-rigidity outer members 522 is formed to have a concave hexagonal outer shape. In each of the high-rigidity outer members 522, two acute-angled corners and one obtuse-angled corner are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction, and the acute-angled corners of the high-rigidity outer members 522, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, are in contact with or close to each other. (Third modification)

[0065] The outer shape of each of the inner high-rigidity members 512 and the outer shape of each of the outer high-rigidity members 522 may partially include a curved portion.

[0066] Fig. 21 shows an example in which each of the outer members 522 is formed with high rigidity to have an oval outer shape.

[0067] Each of the high rigidity outer elements 522 arranged in Fig. 22, has a pair of first curved portions 522a facing each other in the foot longitudinal direction and a pair of second curved portions 522b facing each other in the foot width direction. Each of the first curved portions 522a has a shape curved to be convex outward in the foot longitudinal direction. Each of the second curved portions 522b has a shape curved to be convex inward in the foot width direction. The first curved portions 522a of the high-rigidity outer members 522, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, are in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0068] Each of the high rigidity outer elements 522 arranged in Fig. 23, has a pair of straight portions 522c facing each other and a pair of curved portions 522d facing each other. Each of the curved portions 522d has an inflection point. Corners formed by the straight portions 522c and the curved portions 522d of the high-rigidity outer members 522, which are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, are in contact with each other or close to each other.

[0069] Each of the high rigidity outer elements 522 arranged in Fig. 24, has three curved portions 522e. Each of the curved portions 522e has a shape curved to be convex inward from the high-rigidity outer member 522. Corners of the high-rigidity outer members 522 that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiment described above is a specific example of the aspects described below. [Aspect 1]

[0071] A shoe with a sole and an upper, the upper having: a topline section that allows a wearer of the shoe to slip one of the wearer's feet into and out of the shoe; a slit portion defining an opening extending forward in a foot longitudinal direction from the topline portion; an edge portion connected to the sole; and a forefoot covering portion covering a forefoot portion of the wearer of the shoe, the forefoot covering portion having: an inner functional portion formed on an inner side in a foot width direction and between the slit portion and the edge portion; and an outer functional portion formed on an outer side of the inner functional portion in the foot width direction and between the slit portion and the edge portion, the inner functional portion having: a plurality of high-rigidity inner portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction; and a plurality of low-rigidity inner portions disposed between the high-rigidity inner portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of low-rigidity inner portions having a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions and having a shape extending in the foot width direction, the outer functional section has the following: a plurality of high-rigidity outer portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction; and a plurality of low-rigidity outer portions disposed between the high-rigidity outer portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of low-rigidity outer portions having a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions and having a shape extending in the foot width direction, and a length between ends, on an outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0072] In this shoe, the inner low-rigidity sections and the inner high-rigidity sections are alternately aligned in the foot longitudinal direction on the inner side in the foot width direction, and the outer low-rigidity sections and the outer high-rigidity sections are alternately aligned in the foot longitudinal direction on the outer side in the foot width direction. Therefore, the upper covering the forefoot section in each of the low-rigidity sections bends during a so-called cutting maneuver.Since the length between the ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than the length between the ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, the forefoot portion covering portion effectively fits the wearer's forefoot portion when the bending portion of the forefoot portion covering portion shifts forward from the early stage of ground contact to take-off. Therefore, the generation of wrinkles in the forefoot portion covering portion is suppressed. [Aspect 2]

[0073] The shoe according to aspect 1, wherein a length between the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction gradually becomes longer toward the outer side in the foot width direction.

[0074] In this aspect, generation of wrinkles in the forefoot portion covering portion is more reliably suppressed. [Aspect 3]

[0075] The shoe according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the length between the ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is equal to or more than 1.5 times and equal to or less than 5 times the length between the ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. [Aspect 4]

[0076] The shoe according to one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein each of the high-rigidity inner sections has a plurality of high-rigidity inner elements coupled together in the foot width direction, each of the outer high-rigidity sections has a plurality of outer high-rigidity elements coupled together in the foot width direction, each of the high-rigidity inner members adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity inner members become closer to each other, and each of the high-rigidity outer members adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity outer members become closer to each other.

[0077] In this aspect, the portion of the forefoot portion covering portion that bends at the time of a cutting maneuver is effectively defined by the portion of the inner functional portion between the inner high-rigidity elements that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction and the portion of the outer functional portion between the outer high-rigidity elements that are adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. [Aspect 5]

[0078] The shoe according to aspect 4, wherein each of the internal elements is formed with high rigidity to have a rectangular shape, and each of the outer elements is designed with high rigidity to have a rectangular shape. [Aspect 6]

[0079] The shoe according to one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the sole has the following: a midsole that supports the wearer's foot; and an outer reinforcing portion provided on a side part of the midsole on the outer side in the foot width direction and made of a material having a hardness higher than a hardness of a material of the midsole, and the outer reinforcement section has the following: a rear reinforcement portion located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than an extension line of an MP joint of the wearer's foot; a front reinforcement section located further forward in the longitudinal direction of the foot than the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot; and a bending-allowing portion located on the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot and coupling the rear reinforcement portion to the front reinforcement portion, the bending-allowing portion allowing bending of the front reinforcement portion with respect to the rear reinforcement portion.

[0080] In this aspect, a decrease in compression stiffness of the midsole is suppressed and an increase in bending stiffness of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is suppressed. [Aspect 7]

[0081] The shoe according to aspect 6, wherein the sole further has an outsole arranged on one side of a lower surface of the midsole. [Aspect 8]

[0082] The shoe according to aspect 7, wherein the outsole has the following: an inner ground contact portion having an inner edge portion overlapping with a rearfoot portion of the wearer in a thickness direction of the shoe and located on the inner side in the foot width direction, the inner ground contact portion having a shape extending in the foot longitudinal direction; an outer ground contact portion having an outer edge portion overlapping with the rear foot portion of the wearer in the thickness direction and located on the outer side in the foot width direction, the outer ground contact portion having a shape extending in the foot longitudinal direction; and an inner / outer separation groove formed between the inner ground contact portion and the outer ground contact portion to separate the inner ground contact portion and the outer ground contact portion, and a front end of the inside / outside separation groove in the foot longitudinal direction is formed at a position overlapping with the bending-permitting portion in the thickness direction.

[0083] In this aspect, relative displacement of the outer ground contact portion with respect to the inner ground contact portion is permitted at the time of a cutting maneuver, and flexion of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is promoted. [Aspect 9]

[0084] The shoe according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein the outsole has a front ground contact portion that overlaps with the forefoot portion covering portion in a thickness direction of the shoe, a plurality of bending guide grooves arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction are formed in the front ground contact portion, each of the plurality of bending guide grooves having a shape extending continuously or intermittently from an inner edge portion to an outer edge portion in the foot width direction, and a length between ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0085] In this aspect, the flexion portion of the outsole effectively shifts to the front side from the early stage of ground contact to take-off at the time of a cutting maneuver. [Aspect 10]

[0086] The shoe according to aspect 9, wherein the sole further has an inner reinforcing portion provided on a side part of the midsole on the inner side in the foot width direction and made of a material having a hardness higher than a hardness of a material of the midsole, the plurality of high-rigidity inner sections comprise a rearmost high-rigidity inner section located at a rearmost position in the foot longitudinal direction, the plurality of bending guide grooves include a rearmost bending guide groove located at a rearmost position in the foot longitudinal direction, and a front end of the inner reinforcing portion in the foot longitudinal direction is located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than a line segment connecting an inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion in the foot longitudinal direction and an inner end of the rearmost bending guide groove in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0087] In this aspect, inward twisting of the heel side of the midsole with respect to the toe side of the midsole is permitted when the foot lifts off the ground at the time of a cutting maneuver, and flexion of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is encouraged.

[0088] It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative and not restrictive in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than by the description of the foregoing embodiment, and it is intended to encompass any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 shoe 1S sole 1U upper material 100 midsole 210 Inner reinforcement section 220 Outer reinforcement section 222 Rear reinforcement section 224 Front reinforcement section 226 Bend-permitting section 230 Heel reinforcement section 300 outsole 310 Inner ground contact section 320 Outer ground contact section 330 internal / external separating groove 332 Front end 340 Front ground contact section 342 bending guide groove 342r Rearmost bend guide groove 410 Topline Section 420 slot section 430 peripheral edge section 500 Forefoot section covering section 510 Inner functional section 510H High rigidity inner section 510L Low stiffness inner section 512 High-stiffness inner element 514 Low stiffness inner element 520 Outer functional section 520H High-rigidity outer section 520L Low stiffness outer section 522 Outer element with high rigidity 524 Low stiffness outer element R1 forefoot region R2 hindfoot region C Shoe Center QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2011 / 129017 [0002, 0003]< / obermaterial> < / sohle>

Claims

[1] Shoe with a sole and an upper, the upper having: a topline section that allows a wearer of the shoe to slip one of the wearer's feet into and out of the shoe; a slit portion defining an opening extending forward in a foot longitudinal direction from the topline portion; a peripheral edge portion connected to the sole; and a forefoot section covering section covering a forefoot section of the wearer of the shoe, the forefoot section covering section has the following: an inner functional portion formed on an inner side in a foot width direction and between the slit portion and the peripheral edge portion; and an outer functional portion formed on an outer side of the inner functional portion in the foot width direction and between the slit portion and the peripheral edge portion, the inner functional section has the following: a plurality of high-rigidity inner portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction; and a plurality of low-rigidity inner portions disposed between the high-rigidity inner portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of low-rigidity inner portions having a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity inner portions and having a shape extending in the foot width direction, the outer functional section has the following: a plurality of high-rigidity outer portions arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions having a shape extending in the foot width direction; and a plurality of low-rigidity outer portions disposed between the high-rigidity outer portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of low-rigidity outer portions having a flexural rigidity lower than a flexural rigidity of each of the plurality of high-rigidity outer portions and having a shape extending in the foot width direction, and a length between ends, on an outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. [2] The shoe according to claim 1, wherein a length between the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction gradually becomes longer toward the outer side in the foot width direction. [3] The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the length between the ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is equal to or more than 1.5 times and equal to or less than 5 times the length between the ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. [4] Shoe according to claim 1, wherein each of the high-rigidity inner sections has a plurality of high-rigidity inner elements coupled together in the foot width direction, each of the outer high-rigidity sections has a plurality of outer high-rigidity elements coupled together in the foot width direction, each of the high-rigidity inner members adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity inner members become closer to each other, and each of the high-rigidity outer members adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction has a shape such that a length in the foot width direction gradually becomes shorter as the high-rigidity outer members become closer to each other. [5] Shoe according to claim 4, wherein each of the internal elements is formed with high rigidity to have a rectangular shape, and each of the outer elements is designed with high rigidity to have a rectangular shape. [6] Shoe according to claim 1, wherein the sole has the following: a midsole that supports the wearer's foot; and an outer reinforcing portion provided on a side part of the midsole on the outer side in the foot width direction and made of a material having a hardness higher than a hardness of a material of the midsole, and the outer reinforcement section has the following: a rear reinforcement portion located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than an extension line of an MP joint of the wearer's foot; a front reinforcement section located further forward in the longitudinal direction of the foot than the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot; and a bending-allowing portion located on the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot and coupling the rear reinforcement portion to the front reinforcement portion, the bending-allowing portion allowing bending of the front reinforcement portion with respect to the rear reinforcement portion. [7] The shoe of claim 6, wherein the sole further comprises an outsole disposed on a side of a lower surface of the midsole. [8] Shoe according to claim 7, wherein the outsole has the following: an inner ground contact portion having an inner edge portion overlapping with a rearfoot portion of the wearer in a thickness direction of the shoe and located on the inner side in the foot width direction, the inner ground contact portion having a shape extending in the foot longitudinal direction; an outer ground contact portion having an outer edge portion overlapping with the rear foot portion of the wearer in the thickness direction and located on the outer side in the foot width direction, the outer ground contact portion having a shape extending in the foot longitudinal direction; and an inner / outer separation groove formed between the inner ground contact portion and the outer ground contact portion to separate the inner ground contact portion and the outer ground contact portion, and a front end of the inside / outside separation groove in the foot longitudinal direction is formed at a position overlapping with the bending-permitting portion in the thickness direction. [9] Shoe according to claim 7, wherein the outsole has a front ground contact portion that overlaps with the forefoot portion covering portion in a thickness direction of the shoe, a plurality of bending guide grooves arranged to be aligned in the foot longitudinal direction are formed in the front ground contact portion, each of the plurality of bending guide grooves having a shape extending continuously or intermittently from an inner edge portion to an outer edge portion in the foot width direction, and a length between ends, on the outer side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction is longer than a length between ends, on the inner side in the foot width direction, of the bending guide grooves adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction. [10] Shoe according to claim 9, wherein the sole further has an inner reinforcing portion provided on a side part of the midsole on the inner side in the foot width direction and made of a material having a hardness higher than a hardness of a material of the midsole, the plurality of high-rigidity inner sections comprise a rearmost high-rigidity inner section located at a rearmost position in the foot longitudinal direction, the plurality of bending guide grooves include a rearmost bending guide groove located at a rearmost position in the foot longitudinal direction, and a front end of the inner reinforcing portion in the foot longitudinal direction is located further back in the foot longitudinal direction than a line segment connecting an inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion in the foot longitudinal direction and an inner end of the rearmost bending guide groove in the foot longitudinal direction.

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