Footwear

Abstract

To provide footwear which improves a walking power.SOLUTION: Footwear 1 comprises an instep material 10, an inner sole 30, and a sole 20. The instep material 10, the inner sole 30, and the sole 20 are laminated in this order from the top so that a foot may enter between the instep material 10 and the inner sole 30. The instep material 10 has its end fixed to the sole 20. The inner sole 30 is a hermetically sealed bag 35 having granular material 40 housed therein, and is placed so as to be in contact with the sole 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to footwear. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In general, footwear such as sandals and slippers are widely used as a means of walking comfortably, protecting the feet, and assisting walking, whether indoors or outdoors.

[0003] Additionally, footwear has been proposed that uses a stretchable cloth bag filled with granular material, which swings between repeated pressure and no pressure, providing a moderate stimulation similar to walking barefoot on the ground or sand; however, this has not been designed with muscle strengthening through walking in mind (Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3096623 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-167377 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In today's world, with the spread of the internet and the increase in telecommuting, fewer people are going out and exercising, which means that the burden on the body is greatly reduced, accelerating muscle deterioration. Furthermore, in the future, due to a lack of financial resources and manpower, there is a risk that people who have previously been able to receive nursing care services or enter nursing homes will no longer be able to do so. For this reason, it is necessary to take preventative measures on a daily basis to stay healthy and avoid becoming dependent on care.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide footwear that utilizes the effects of sand walking, which involves walking on a sandy beach, as an aid for strengthening the legs and lower back in everyday life, both indoors and outdoors, and maintaining a healthy body that can continue walking on its own two feet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the footwear of the present invention comprises: Footwear having an upper, an insole and an outsole, The upper material, the insole, and the outsole are layered in this order from the top so that the foot can be placed between the upper material and the insole. The upper material has an end portion fixed to the outsole, The insole is a sealed bag in which granular material is stored and which is arranged so as to contact the outsole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Walking on sand requires the feet to conform to the uneven surface, making full use of the muscles in the feet. Furthermore, it is said that walking on sand consumes twice as much energy as walking on grass or paved roads. Walking on sand improves blood circulation and conditions the feet, as the feet, not wearing shoes, can move freely and naturally without any constraints.

[0009] According to the present invention, walking in footwear having an insole filled with granular material strengthens the muscles of the feet and other parts of the body, thereby contributing to maintaining good health. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear according to a first embodiment, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear of Example 1 cut along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear of Example 1 cut along line BB in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the insole during walking in Example 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the footwear according to the second embodiment, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear of Example 2 taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear of Example 2 cut along line DD in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the insole during walking in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the footwear according to the third embodiment, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing the insole in Example 1-3 cut horizontally. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the insole in Example 4 cut horizontally. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view showing the insole in Example 4 cut horizontally. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view showing the insole in Example 4 cut horizontally. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view showing the insole of Example 4 cut horizontally. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows one specific example of the present invention, and therefore the arrangement, functions, and numerical values ​​of the components described in the embodiment are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0012] The following description will be given using sandals and slippers as examples of footwear, but the footwear in the embodiments is not limited to these and can be applied to other common footwear such as walking shoes, sports shoes, commuting shoes, boots, etc. [Example]

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of footwear in Example 1, seen from diagonally above. In Example 1, sandals will be used as an example of footwear 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, footwear 1 of Example 1 comprises upper material 10, which supports the toes, instep, and ankle of the foot; insole 30 on which the foot rests; and outsole 20, which is positioned below insole 30 and comes into contact with the ground to stabilize walking. Footwear 1 has a three-layer structure consisting of, from top to bottom, upper material 10, insole 30, and outsole 20. Upper material 10 is made up of instep band 12, which supports the area around the toes, angle band 14, which supports the instep near the base of the foot, and heel band 16, which supports the area around the heel. The lower end of upper material 10, including angle band 14, is fixed by adhesive or other means to the side edges of footwear 1 between insole 30 and the side of outsole 20.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of footwear 1 in Example 1 taken along line AA in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, in upper material 10, angle band 14, which supports the instep near the base of the foot, has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape to fit the instep. Insole 30 is made of a bag body 35 made of a stretchable elastic material and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and granular material 40 is stored inside.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of footwear 1 in Example 1 taken along line BB in Figure 1. Upper material 10 is composed of instep band 12, angle band 14, and heel band 16, and insole 30 and outsole 20 are formed so that their thickness increases from the tip to the heel. The thickness of the tip of outsole 20 is 1 cm to 2 cm, and the thickness of the rear end of the heel is 2 cm to 4 cm. The thickness of the tip of insole 30 is 2 cm to 3 cm, and the thickness of the rear end of the heel is 3 cm to 5 cm. The thicknesses of outsole 20 and insole 30 are preferably within the above numerical ranges, but are not limited to these values.

[0017] The bag 35 constituting the insole 30 contains spherical granular material 40. The granular material 40 is preferably spherical, e.g., like beads. The granular material 40 is beads with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm. To enhance the exercise effect of walking, the diameter of the beads can be selected from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and further, depending on the application, a diameter of approximately 1 mm to 4 mm can be selected. Alternatively, two or three different diameters within the above diameter range (approximately 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm) can be mixed. For example, in the case of two types, the small diameter bead should be 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, and the large diameter bead should be 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Alternatively, a mixture of beads with a wide range of diameters, approximately 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm, can be used. The granular material 40 is preferably made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polystyrene, or foams of these resins, but is not limited to these materials.

[0018] In order to absorb impacts from the floor or ground when walking and to reduce strain on the ankles, knees, hips, etc., the outsole 20 is preferably made of an elastic material in addition to the insole 30. Elastic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), PU (polyurethane), natural rubber, and SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) are preferred for the outsole 20, but are not limited to these.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the insole 30 during walking in Example 1. As shown in the figure, when the toe steps forward while walking, the granular material 40 stored near the toe moves toward the heel, stimulating the sole of the foot and placing a load on the foot. When the heel is lifted and a step is taken, the granular material 40 that has gathered near the heel moves back to the toe area and returns to its original state. When walking, stepping forward and bracing the foot and placing a load on the foot can lead to muscle strengthening and contribute to health promotion.

[0020] The bag 35 that constitutes the insole 30 is made of a stretchable and wear-resistant material. The material of the bag 35 is a nylon / polyester blend, but is not limited to this and may be any stretchable and wear-resistant material. For example, the bag 35 may be made of textile products such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, and nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and polyurethane, as well as sheets made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyester. [Example]

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of footwear 2 in Example 2, seen from diagonally above. The basic configuration of footwear 2 is the same as that of Example 1, and includes upper material 10, which supports the toes, instep, and ankle, insole 31 on which the foot rests, and outsole 21, which is positioned below insole 31 and comes into contact with the ground to stabilize walking. Footwear 2 has a three-layer structure, consisting of upper material 10, insole 31, and outsole 21, in that order from top to bottom. Upper material 10 is fixed to outsole 21 and is composed of instep band 12, which supports the area around the toes, angle band 14, which supports the instep near the base of the foot, and heel band 16, which supports the area around the heel.

[0022] In Example 2, the insole 31 is characterized in that it is detachably attached to the footwear 2. A side wall portion 25 is formed at the upper end of the outsole 21, rising upward around the entire periphery of the side of the outsole 21. The side wall portion 25 functions as a stopper that limits movement to prevent the insole 31 from accidentally detaching from the footwear 2 when walking. Furthermore, a fixing plate 50 having approximately the same shape as the upper part of the outsole 21 is disposed on the bottom surface of the insole 31 so that the bottom surface of the insole 31 maintains a constant shape (see Figures 6 and 7). The fixing plate 50 has a highly rigid structure that does not easily deform. Furthermore, the fixing plate 50 is always in contact with the outsole 21, even while walking, so that the insole 31 will not slip off or detach from the upper part of the outsole 21 while walking.

[0023] In Example 2, the fixing plate 50 is fixed to the bottom surface inside the pouch 36 of the insole 31, but the fixing plate 50 may also be provided externally on the side of the insole 31 that contacts the upper surface of the outsole 21, that is, exposed on the bottom surface of the insole 31. Note that the insole 31 and the outsole 21 may be configured to not slip off each other by forming the surfaces of the pouch 36 and the outsole 21 that come into contact with each other into uneven surfaces, by arranging hook-and-loop fasteners, or by adhering them together with adhesive tape.

[0024] By making the insole 31 a removable member, the insole 31 can be easily replaced when worn or damaged, and by changing the material of the insole 31 or the size and material of the granular material 40, the insole 31 can be easily replaced by simply replacing the insole 31 without replacing the footwear 2 itself, making it easier for consumers to be satisfied.

[0025] The fixing plate 50 can be made of a flat elastic material such as polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, or cork, but is not limited to these as long as it maintains its shape and does not put strain on the foot.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of footwear 2 in Example 2, taken along line CC in Figure 5. Angle band 14, which supports the instep near the base of the foot, has a generally semicircular cross-section to fit the instep. Insole 31 is made of a pouch 36 made of a stretchable elastic material and has a generally rectangular cross-section, and granular material 40 is stored inside. Outsole 21 and insole 31 are in contact with each other, and side walls 25 are erected near both sides of the upper part of outsole 21 so as to surround insole 31. A fixing plate 50 is also disposed at the bottom of pouch 36 of insole 31.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of footwear 2 in Example 2 taken along line DD in FIG. 5. Upper material 10 has the same configuration as in Example 1, consisting of instep band 12, angle band 14, and heel band 16, and insole 31 and outsole 21 are formed so that their thickness increases from the tip to the heel. As in Example 1, the thickness of the tip of outsole 21 is 1 cm to 2 cm, and the thickness of the rear end of the heel is 2 cm to 4 cm. The thickness of the tip of insole 31 is 2 cm to 3 cm, and the thickness of the rear end of the heel is 3 cm to 5 cm. The thicknesses of outsole 21 and insole 31 are preferably within the above numerical ranges, but are not limited to these values.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, side walls 25 are formed on the upper end of the toe side (tip end) and the upper end of the heel side (rear end) of the outsole 21, rising upward from the outsole 21. The side walls 25 are formed to rise from the upper end of the side of the outsole 21 all around. The side walls 25 function as stoppers that limit movement so that the insole 31 does not inadvertently come off the footwear 2 when walking. Furthermore, a fixing plate 50 having approximately the same shape as the upper part of the outsole 21 is disposed on the bottom surface of the insole 31 so that the bottom surface of the insole 31 maintains a constant shape.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the insole 31 during walking in Example 2. The behavior of the bag body 36 is the same as in Example 1 shown in Fig. 4, and by stepping off with the toes and applying strain to the feet during walking, it is possible to strengthen muscles and contribute to health promotion. In the case of Example 2, the fixing plate 50, which is an elastic body, is disposed at the bottom of the bag body 36. The fixing plate 50 acts as a spring, and the strain on the feet increases, which leads to further strengthening of muscles and contributes to health promotion. [Example]

[0030] 9 is a perspective view of footwear in Example 3, seen from diagonally above. In this example, upper material 10 is replaced with upper material (cap) 11 that encases the toes and part of the heel. The footwear in this example is commonly called slippers, but other than replacing upper material 10 with upper material 11, the structure is the same as in Examples 1 and 2, and the effects are also the same.

[0031] As shown in Figure 9, footwear 3 of Example 3 comprises upper material 11 that supports the toes and part of the instep of the foot, insole 32 on which the foot rests, and outsole 22 that is positioned below insole 32 and comes into contact with the ground to stabilize walking. Footwear 3 has a three-layer structure consisting of, from top to bottom, upper material 11, insole 32, and outsole 22. The lower end of upper material 11 is fixed by adhesive or other means between insole 32 and the side portions of outsole 22 at the tip and side edges of footwear 3.

[0032] The insole 32 is formed from a bag (not shown) made of a stretchable elastic material and having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, similar to that of Example 1 or Example 2, and contains granular material inside. The outsole 22 and the insole 32 are in contact with each other, and side walls 26 are erected near both sides of the upper part of the outsole 22 so as to surround the insole 32. Also, as in Example 2, a fixing plate (not shown) is arranged at the bottom of the insole 32. Note that, when the insole 32 and the outsole 22 are fixed together by means of adhesion, sewing, or the like, as in Example 1, the side walls 26 can be omitted.

[0033] In the footwear 3 of Example 3, the outsole 22 and the insole 32 may be formed so that their thickness increases from the tip to the heel, as in Examples 1 and 2. In this case, the thickness is the same as in Examples 1 and 2. [Example]

[0034] Here, Example 4 will be described. Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing the insole 30-32 in Example 1-3 cut horizontally. The insole 30-32 is composed of bags 35, 36 and granular material 40 stored therein.

[0035] 10B to 10E are cross-sectional views showing the state in which the insole 33 in Example 4 is cut horizontally. The insole 33 and the bag body 37 have the same configuration as the insoles 30-32 and the bags 35, 36 in Examples 1-3, and the bag body 37 contains the granular material 40 and / or the fixing plate 50 inside.

[0036] 10B shows an example in which a partition 60 is provided in the bag body 37 of the insole 33 in the longitudinal direction from the toes to the heel (i.e., the direction of movement when walking). The partition 60 is provided vertically upward from the bottom of the insole 33. The bag body 37 is divided into two, left and right, with the partition 60 in the longitudinal direction at the center. The partition 60 is made of the same or similar flexible elastic material as the bag body 37, and is formed so as not to cause discomfort to the sole of the foot when walking.

[0037] Alternatively, bag 37 may be divided into left and right halves by using a means for gluing or sewing the top and bottom sides of bag 37 along partition 60, and the adhesive or sewing location may be formed as partition 60. Granular material 40 stored in bag 37 is divided evenly into left and right halves along partition 60, and movement of granular material 40 to the left and right is restricted. Therefore, unlike when partition 60 is not provided, granular material 40 will not become biased to one side or remain biased to one side inside bag 37, and comfortable and stable walking can be achieved.

[0038] 10C shows an example in which a partition 61 is provided in the pouch 37 of the insole 33 near the arch in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the line extending from the toe to the heel. Similar to the partition 60, the partition 61 is vertically erected upward from the bottom of the insole 33 and is arranged to divide the longitudinal direction of the pouch 37 into front and rear sections along the transverse (horizontal) partition 61 near the arch. The partition 61 is made of the same material as the partition 60 and is formed so as not to cause discomfort to the sole of the foot when walking. Alternatively, the pouch 37 may be divided into front and rear sections near the arch by bonding or sewing the top and bottom sides of the pouch 37 together along the partition 61, and the bonding or sewing point may be formed as the partition 61.

[0039] The granular material 40 in the bag body 37 is divided into front and rear parts along the partition part 61, and the movement of the granular material 40 between front and rear is restricted, so that the granular material 40 does not become biased to one side or the other in the bag body 37, or remain biased to one side, and comfortable and stable walking can be realized.

[0040] 10D shows an example in which a partition 62 is provided in the short direction near the toe of the insole 33, and a partition 63 is provided in the short direction near the heel. By providing partitions 62, 63 near the toe and heel of the foot, i.e., in the front and rear parts of the insole 33, and restricting the movement of granular material 40 in the front and rear directions, it is possible to precisely restrict the movement of granular material 40. Furthermore, by providing partitions 62, 63, granular material 40 will not become biased to either the front or rear of the insole 33 or remain biased to one side, allowing for comfortable and stable walking.

[0041] Fig. 10E shows an example in which a partition 60 provided in the front-to-back direction shown in Fig. 10B is added to the transverse (horizontal) partitions 62, 63 provided at two locations shown in Fig. 10D. By providing partitions 60, 62, 63 at the front, back, left and right parts of the foot, the movement of granular material 40 in the front, back and left and right directions is precisely restricted, and granular material 40 stored in bag body 37 is prevented from being excessively concentrated on one side of the sole, allowing for comfortable and stable walking.

[0042] The partitions 60-63 shown in Example 4 can be adjusted to suit individual differences by adjusting the amount of granular material 40 stored in the bag body 37 of the insole 33, the particle size of each granular material 40, the mixing ratio of granular materials 40 with different particle sizes, and the position of the partitions 60-63 in the insole 33, making it possible to contribute to muscle strengthening and health promotion through walking that is satisfactory to each individual.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to Examples 1 to 4, the present invention is not limited to the above-described Examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] According to the present invention, walking in footwear having an insole filled with granular material strengthens the muscles of the feet and other parts of the body, thereby contributing to maintaining good health. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1,2,3...Footwear 10,11... Upper material 12. Instep band 14. Angle band 16. Heel band 20,21,22... Outsole 25, 26 Side wall 30, 31, 32, 33 Insoles 35,36,37...Bag body 40····················································… 50...Fixing plate 60, 61, 62, 63 Partition

Claims

1. Footwear having an upper, an insole and an outsole, The upper material, the insole, and the outsole are layered in this order from the top so that the foot can be placed between the upper material and the insole, The upper material has an end portion fixed to the outsole, The insole is a sealed bag, and granular material is stored inside the bag and is arranged so as to contact the outsole. Footwear characterized by:

2. The bag body is made of a stretchable elastic material, The particulates are spherical beads. Footwear according to claim 1.

3. The insole is fixed to the outsole. Footwear according to claim 1.

4. The upper material comprises an instep band that supports the area around the toes, an angle band that supports the instep near the base of the foot, and a heel band that supports the area around the heel. Footwear according to claim 1.

5. The upper material is a front cover that supports the area around the toes. Footwear according to claim 1.

6. The insole is removable, and a fixing plate having substantially the same shape as the surface of the outsole is attached to the bottom of the insole. Footwear according to any one of claims 4 or 5.

7. The fixed plate is an elastic plate. Footwear according to claim 6.

8. The fixing plate is fixed to the inside of the bag body of the insole. Footwear according to claim 6.

9. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein the granules have a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm.

10. The bag body has a partition portion, and the granular material stored inside the bag body is divided into a plurality of sections by the partition portion. Footwear according to claim 1.

11. The partition is made of a stretchable elastic material. Footwear according to claim 10.

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