Sole structure for footwear and footwear having the same

Abstract

To provide a sole structure for footwear, which has a simple structure and can achieve both stimulation of pressure points on the sole of a foot and comfort in wearing, and to provide footwear including the same.SOLUTION: The sole structure 100 for footwear includes a sole base material 10 made of a soft resin, and a plurality of dilatant members 20 arranged at positions corresponding to meridian points of the sole on the upper surface of the sole base material 10. The dilatant member 20 is constituted of a covering member 22 made of a material deformable by stress applied from the outside and having elasticity, and a dilatant material 21 sealed in the covering member and having dilatant characteristics. The shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20 is changed according to the application speed of the force applied to the acupressure point area by the body weight shift at the time of walking or the like, and the hardness of the area is changed corresponding to the shear rate so that the improvement of the stimulating action to the acupressure point of the sole and the wearing feeling can be made compatible. The dilatant member 20 arranged on the surface of the sole base material 10 constitutes a projection to stimulate the effective spot of the sole of the foot, thereby improving the blood circulation and promoting health.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a footwear sole structure that can stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet by walking or the like while wearing the footwear, thereby improving blood circulation and providing a health-promoting effect, and to footwear equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Health sandals that apply pressure and stimulation to the soles of the feet with hard protrusions have been well known. Wearing health sandals is expected to stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet, improve blood circulation, and have a health-promoting effect. However, conventional health sandals have a problem in that the weight of the body is placed on the hard protrusions, which provides strong stimulation to the soles of the feet, and when worn for a long period of time, the strong stimulation can become painful and uncomfortable.

[0003] To address this issue, a footwear insole has been proposed that provides appropriate stimulation to the soles of the feet to improve blood circulation, reduce foot fatigue, and fit snugly to the feet for a comfortable fit (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The footwear insole described in Patent Document 1 is made by fitting a textured top plate with numerous protrusions on the surface of an insole base plate that has been pre-cut to the shape of the foot so that it can be inserted into footwear, so that it comes into contact with the sole of the foot.The outer edges of these two plates are airtightly fastened together to trap air between the plates and within the protrusions, and the textured top plate is made of a material that allows the protrusions to deform and return to their original shape when pressure is applied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-090406 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the footwear insole of Patent Document 1 is configured with air filled between the insole base and the uneven surface, and the uneven surface can come into contact with and stimulate the entire sole of the foot, but when the foot is placed on the ground and weight is applied, such as when walking, the air inside concentrates in areas where weight is not applied (arch of the foot), and the protrusions in other areas remain as hard as the surface material, and the protrusions in areas where heavy weight is applied, such as the heel and protrusions slightly forward of the arch of the foot, deform and flatten when subjected to pressure from weight, resulting in a problem in which the stimulation to the sole of the foot is weakened.

[0007] Furthermore, because air is compressible, its hardness changes depending on the amount of compression, but the hardness does not change depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure area when walking, etc., so there was a problem in that it was not possible to achieve both effective acupressure stimulation and comfort.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a footwear sole structure and footwear equipped therewith that has a simple structure and can stimulate the acupressure points on the soles of the feet while providing comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, the sole structure for footwear is a sole structure for footwear, and is provided with a dilatant member having dilatant properties in an area of ​​the sole base material that corresponds to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot.

[0010] In a footwear sole structure, a dilatant member having dilatant properties is provided in the sole base material in an area corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. Under high-speed loading (hereinafter simply referred to as high-speed loading) when stress is applied at a high shear rate during walking, the dilatant member becomes relatively harder than under no load, thereby improving the stimulation effect on the acupressure points. On the other hand, under low-speed loading (hereinafter simply referred to as low-speed loading) when stress is applied at rest or at a low shear rate, the dilatant member remains flexible, improving the tactile sensation on the sole of the foot. Therefore, during walking, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure points due to weight shift, and the hardness of the area changes accordingly, thereby achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfortable wear. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture. "Walking, etc." refers to any movement or action that involves stepping on the soles of footwear, such as walking, running, or jumping.

[0011] The dilatant member preferably comprises a covering member made of an elastic material that can be deformed by externally applied stress, and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member. This suppresses the flow deformation of the dilatant material, thereby retaining its shape. Furthermore, when externally applied stress to the dilatant member is removed during walking or other activities, the dilatant member can restore its shape along with the deformation of the dilatant material. This allows for reproducible improvements in both the stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole of the foot and comfort. Furthermore, the dilatant member can be easily positioned in the sole base material in areas corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. Note that "externally applied stress" refers to the stress applied to the dilatant member when the user walks or other activities.

[0012] The dilatant members are preferably arranged on the surface of the sole base material to form protrusions. This increases the pressure on the pressure points on the sole of the foot when subjected to high-speed loads, such as when walking. Furthermore, the shape retention of the dilatant material is ensured, making it easy to arrange the dilatant members in areas of the sole base material that correspond to the pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. Furthermore, the dilatant members have a simple structure and can be easily manufactured.

[0013] It is preferable that at least a portion of the dilatant member is embedded in the sole base material, thereby obtaining a comfortable fit combined with the deformation behavior of the sole base material during walking, etc., and a pressure effect of the dilatant member on the acupressure points on the sole of the foot.

[0014] It is also preferable that at least a portion of the dilatant member is disposed in a recess that opens onto the surface of the sole substrate that comes into contact with the sole of the foot, and that the dilatant member and the recess are at least partially separated in the planar direction of the sole substrate. This forms a space between the dilatant member and the recess of the sole substrate, and this space functions as a deformation-permitting portion when the dilatant member is compressed and deformed. This provides an excellent pressing effect on the acupressure points on the sole of the foot when subjected to high-speed loads such as walking, while reducing the repulsion of the covering member against the sole of the foot due to deformation of the dilatant member when subjected to loads at rest or low speeds, thereby further improving the feel on the sole of the foot.

[0015] The dilatant member preferably has a structure in which a sole base material is impregnated with a material having dilatant properties, which makes it possible to easily integrate the dilatant member and the sole base material, thereby improving productivity.

[0016] The dilatant member is preferably configured so that the dilatant properties are different for each region corresponding to the acupressure point, thereby allowing the strength of stimulation to be adjusted for each acupressure point on the sole as needed.

[0017] Preferably, a power generation means is disposed on the bottom side of the dilatant member, and a light-emitting element is electrically connected to the power generation means, the light-emitting element being disposed on the surface side of the dilatant member in a state capable of emitting light. This causes the dilatant member to become relatively harder under high-speed load during walking than under no load, improving the efficiency of transmission of pressure to the power generation means by the dilatant member while providing a pressure effect on the acupressure points on the soles of the feet, and adding a thermal effect by the light emitted from the light-emitting element, thereby enabling a complex stimulation effect on the acupressure points on the soles of the feet. Meanwhile, when standing or under low-speed load, the dilatant member becomes softer, improving the feel of the soles of the feet. Therefore, during walking, etc., the shear rate applied to the dilatant member changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure points due to weight shift, and the hardness of the area changes corresponding to that shear rate, thereby achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the soles of the feet and comfortable wear.

[0018] The sole structure is preferably a detachable insole that fits into the sole of a shoe or other footwear. This allows the insole to be worn inside the shoe or other footwear only when necessary, stimulating the acupressure points on the sole of the foot. Furthermore, by forming an insole structure for each function, in which the arrangement pattern of the dilatant members corresponds to the acupressure points on the sole that contribute to each effect, the insole can be replaced with a health module that is arranged to suit the physical condition of the day, such as an insole that is effective for the stomach and intestines or an insole that is effective for lower back pain.

[0019] According to the present invention, footwear is characterized by including any one of the above-described footwear sole structures of the present invention.

[0020] By wearing the footwear of the present invention, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member changes depending on the speed at which pressure is applied when walking, etc., and the hardness changes in response to that shear rate, stimulating the acupressure points on the soles of the feet, improving blood circulation, and providing health-promoting effects while also improving comfort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the footwear sole structure includes a dilatant member having dilatant properties in the sole base material in an area corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. When a high-speed load is applied during walking, the dilatant member becomes relatively harder than when no load is applied, thereby improving the stimulation effect on the acupressure points. On the other hand, when the foot is stationary or when a low-speed load is applied, the dilatant member becomes softer, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, when walking, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure points due to weight shift, and the hardness of the area changes accordingly, thereby achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfortable wear. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the footwear is provided with a footwear sole structure, and when walking, etc., the shear rate applied to the dilatant member changes depending on the rate at which force is applied to the acupressure point area due to weight shift, and the hardness of that area changes in response to that shear rate, thereby achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the soles of the feet and comfort when wearing the foot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a footwear sole structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a local cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a local cross-sectional view illustrating changes in state during use of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of footwear including the footwear sole structure of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear sole structure of FIG. 1 in use. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a footwear sole structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a local cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7A to 7C are local cross-sectional views illustrating changes in state during use of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of footwear including the footwear sole structure of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the footwear sole structure of FIG. 6 in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a footwear sole structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a local cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 12A to 12C are local cross-sectional views illustrating changes in state during use of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of footwear including the footwear sole structure of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a footwear sole structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a local cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the footwear sole structure of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of footwear including the footwear sole structure of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a local cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a footwear sole structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 19 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of footwear including the footwear sole structure of FIG. 18. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a footwear sole structure and footwear including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First, the configuration of a footwear sole structure and footwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a footwear sole structure 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX showing the configuration of the footwear sole structure 100, and (B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dilatant member 20. Fig. 3 shows the state changes of the footwear sole structure 100 during use, with Fig. 3(A) showing a state where the foot is not stepping on the sole structure (corresponding to an unworn state), (B) showing a state when the foot is standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), and (C) showing a state when the foot is stepping on the sole structure strongly and quickly and walking (under high-speed load).

[0027] 1 and 2, a footwear sole structure 100 according to this embodiment includes a sole substrate 10 made of a soft resin, and a plurality of dilatant members 20 arranged on the upper surface of the sole substrate 10 at positions corresponding to pressure points on the sole of the foot. This footwear sole structure 100 is an insole that can be inserted into or removed from footwear such as shoes.

[0028] The sole substrate 10 is formed into the shape of a sole of a foot from a soft, cushioning soft resin or the like. This improves the cushioning properties of the sole structure for footwear, contributing to better comfort. The soft resin may be a resin or resin foam such as urethane, silicone, olefin, or natural rubber. A gel-like resin with excellent flexibility and cushioning properties, such as a silicone-based gel-like resin, may also be used. Furthermore, when the footwear sole structure 100 is an insole, the sole substrate 10 may be made of known insole materials or structures, such as cork or a structure in which a sheet-like container is sealed to allow fluid to flow.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2(B), the dilatant member 20 is composed of a covering member 22 made of an elastic material that can be deformed by an externally applied stress, and a dilatant material 21 that has dilatant properties and is sealed within the covering member 22. The dilatant member 20 deforms under a low-speed load, and then, when the load is removed, returns to its initial shape accompanied by deformation of the dilatant material 21 due to a restoring force based on the elasticity of the covering member. In this embodiment, multiple dilatant members 20 are arranged on the top surface of the sole substrate 10 at positions corresponding to acupressure points on the sole of the foot, forming multiple protrusions.

[0030] The dilatant material 21 constituting the dilatant member 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can exhibit the effects of the present invention, and any known dilatant material can be used. Specifically, for example, a reaction product of a silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane with a boron compound, a dilatant composition in which acrylate-styrene copolymer microparticles are dispersed in water, or a structure in which a porous resin base is impregnated with a dilatant liquid in which microparticles are dispersed can be used. However, it is preferable to use a reaction product of a silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane with a boron compound, which is less likely to cause separation of the solid content from the dispersion medium.

[0031] Examples of silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxanes include silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxanes, silanol-terminated polydiphenylsiloxanes, and silanol-terminated polytrifluoropropylmethylsiloxanes, with silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxanes being preferred. Commercially available products may be used as the silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxanes, including, for example, XC96-723, YF3800, XF3905, YF3057, and YF3807 (all manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan), DMS-S12, DMS-S14, and DMS-S15 (manufactured by AZMAX Corporation). Furthermore, from the viewpoint of facilitating control of the reaction between the silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane and the boron compound when preparing the dilatant composition, the molecular weight of the silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane is preferably 400 to 40,000, and more preferably 400 to 4,000.

[0032] The boron compounds contained in dilatant composition 2 include, specifically, boroxines or boroxine derivatives such as boroxine, trimethoxyboroxine, and triisopropoxyboroxine, boric acid, trimethyl borate, triethyl borate, and triphenyl borate, and boroxines such as trimethoxyboroxine are preferably used because they have a fast crosslinking reaction rate between the silanol-terminated dimethylpolysiloxane and the boron compound and are highly productive.

[0033] The blending ratio of each component constituting dilatant composition 2 is preferably 2 to 20 parts by weight of boron compound, 1 to 20 parts by weight of plasticizer, and 0 to 300 parts by weight of inorganic filler per 100 parts by weight of silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane, and more preferably 3 to 11 parts by weight of boron compound, 2 to 15 parts by weight of plasticizer, and 0 to 250 parts by weight of inorganic filler per 100 parts by weight of silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane. Furthermore, components other than those described above can also be added to the components constituting dilatant composition 2 as needed.

[0034] The covering member 22 constituting the dilatant member 20 is a component that assists the dilatant material 21 in retaining its shape when no load is applied, in deforming when pressure is applied, and in restoring its shape after decompression. The covering member 22 as a whole has rubber elasticity and is configured so that the repulsive force of the covering member 22 alone when compressed 25% is preferably 5 to 10 N, and more preferably 6 to 9 N. The repulsive force of the covering member 22 described above is a value measured when the interior of the covering member 22 is filled with pure water and compressed and deformed by 25% of its height (thickness) at 120 mm / min using a universal testing machine (Shimadzu Corporation's AG-Xplus).

[0035] The covering member 22 may be made of any material that can achieve a predetermined repulsive force, and is not particularly limited thereto, but may be made of, for example, silicone rubber, SEBS rubber, or urethane rubber. These materials have rubber elasticity, and the repulsive force that the covering member 22 should have can be adjusted as appropriate, so they can be suitably selected as the material for the covering member 22.

[0036] The method for forming dilatant member 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can be sealed with dilatant material 21 and covering member 22, but for example, the covering member is composed of a main container portion with an opening and a lid portion for closing the opening, and after filling the main container portion with dilatant material 21 through the opening, the opening is closed with the lid portion and adhered to the main container portion, sealing dilatant material 21 with covering member 22. The lid portion is formed from a resin film such as a PET film, a PE film, a PP film, a urethane film, or a silicone film, or from one of the above materials that constitute the main container portion, and the main container portion and the lid portion are adhered and sealed between them via an adhesive or the like.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the state of the footwear sole structure 100 changes during use as follows.

[0038] When the wearer's foot is not stepping on the dilatant member 20 (or when the dilatant member 20 is not being worn), the dilatant member 20 is in its initial state, i.e., the covering member 22 of the dilatant member 20 is not deformed, as shown in FIG. 3(A).

[0039] Furthermore, when the wearer is standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), as shown in Fig. 3(B), stress is applied at a low shear rate, causing the dilatant member 20 to slowly deform and become flat. In this case, there is almost no stimulation to the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet, so the shoes can remain comfortable.

[0040] Furthermore, when the wearer steps hard and fast while walking (high-speed load), as shown in Figure 3(C), stress is applied at a high shear rate, causing the dilatant member 20 to harden and remain almost undeformed from its initial state, allowing the protrusions to stimulate the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet.

[0041] In this way, when the wearer steps hard and fast under high-speed load during walking, etc., the dilatant member 20 becomes hard, improving the effect of stimulating the acupressure points. On the other hand, when the wearer is standing still or steps slowly under low-speed load during walking, etc., the dilatant member 20 becomes softer, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20 changes depending on the speed at which force is applied due to weight shift, and the hardness of that region changes accordingly, thereby achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole of the foot and comfort.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows the configuration of footwear 200 equipped with footwear sole structure 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows an image of footwear sole structure 100 in use.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4, footwear 200 of the present invention includes footwear sole structure 100 and upper 110. Footwear sole structure 100 is configured to be detachable from a portion of footwear 200 that is attached to the sole of the foot as an insole.

[0044] 5, when the footwear 200 is worn, the dilatant members 20 are positioned to correspond to the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet. When the wearer steps hard and fast while walking under high-speed load, the dilatant members 20 become hard and act as protrusions to stimulate the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet.

[0045] As described above, the footwear sole structure 100 of the first embodiment includes a sole substrate 10 made of a soft resin, and a plurality of dilatant members 20 arranged at positions corresponding to pressure points on the sole of the foot on the upper surface of the sole substrate 10. The dilatant members 20 are composed of a covering member 22 made of an elastic material that can be deformed by externally applied stress, and a dilatant material that has dilatant properties and is sealed within the covering member.

[0046] As a result, when the wearer steps hard and fast under high-speed load conditions, such as walking, the dilatant member 20 becomes relatively hard, improving the stimulation effect on the acupressure points. On the other hand, when the wearer is standing still or walking slowly, the dilatant member 20 becomes softer, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20 changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure point area due to weight shift. By changing the hardness of the dilatant member 20 in that area in response to the shear rate, both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfort can be achieved. In this case, the dilatant member 20 arranged on the surface of the sole substrate 10 forms protrusions during walking, stimulating the acupressure points on the sole, improving blood circulation and promoting health. Furthermore, the sole has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0047] The configuration of a footwear sole structure and footwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows the configuration of footwear sole structure 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY showing the configuration of footwear sole structure 100A, and Fig. 7(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of dilatant member 20A. Fig. 8 shows the state changes of footwear sole structure 100A during use, with Fig. 8(A) showing the state with no foot stepping on it (corresponding to the state when not being worn), Fig. 8(B) showing the state when standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), and Fig. 8(C) showing the state when stepping on it strongly and quickly and walking (under high-speed load).

[0049] 6 and 7, a footwear sole structure 100A according to this embodiment includes a sole base material 10A made of a soft resin and a plurality of dilatant members 20A embedded in the sole base material 10A. This footwear sole structure 100A is an insole that can be inserted into or removed from footwear such as shoes. The side and bottom surfaces of the dilatant members 20A may or may not be fixed to the sole base material 10A.

[0050] The sole substrate 10A is formed into a sole shape from a soft resin that is soft enough to provide cushioning and allow the dilatant member 20A to harden and protrude when the wearer steps in strongly and quickly (high-speed loading), as shown in FIG. 8(C). In this embodiment, a resin porous material that has both flexibility and cushioning is preferably used as the soft resin to facilitate protrusion of the dilatant member 20A under high-speed loading. Examples of the resin porous material include resin foam and a three-dimensional network structure in which resin fibers are fused and fixed. A resin porous material with an interconnected structure is more preferable to facilitate protrusion of the dilatant member 20A under high-speed loading. This improves the cushioning properties of the sole structure for footwear, improving comfort under low-speed loading and facilitating the stimulation of acupressure points by the protrusion of the hardened dilatant member 20A under high-speed loading. The soft resin can be a resin material such as urethane, silicone, olefin, or natural rubber. Furthermore, the sole base material 10A may be made of a solid resin or a gel resin, such as a silicone gel resin, as long as the dilatant member 20A can protrude during high-speed loading. The sole base material 10A has a thickness that allows the dilatant member 20A to be embedded therein.

[0051] The dilatant member 20A is composed of a covering member 22A made of an elastic material that can be deformed by externally applied stress, and a dilatant material 21 having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member 22A, and is disposed at positions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, multiple dilatant members 20A are embedded inside the sole base 10A (the upper surface is open) at positions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole. Here, the dilatant members 20A have a pillar-like shape, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0052] The dilatant material 21 and covering member 22A constituting the dilatant member 20A can be the same as the dilatant member 20 and covering member 22 described in the first embodiment.

[0053] In the second embodiment, when the bottom surface of the dilatant member 20A is fixed to the sole base material 10A, the state of the footwear sole structure 100A changes as follows during use.

[0054] When the wearer's foot is not stepping on the sole (or when the sole is not being worn), the dilatant member 20A is in its initial state, that is, the cover member 22A is not deformed, as shown in FIG. 8(A).

[0055] Furthermore, when the wearer is standing still or running slowly (under low-speed load), the dilatant member 20A is slowly deformed and flattened due to the application of a low-speed force, as shown in Fig. 8(B). In this case, there is almost no stimulation to the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet, so the shoes can be kept comfortable.

[0056] Furthermore, when the wearer steps in strongly and quickly while walking (high-speed load), as shown in Fig. 8(C), the dilatant member 20A becomes hard due to the force applied at high speed and remains almost unchanged from its initial state, so that it can act as a protrusion to stimulate the pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. Note that when the side surface of the dilatant member 20A is fixed to the sole substrate 10A, the dilatant member 20A protrudes from the top of the dilatant member 20A, with the sole substrate 10A sloping like a skirt.

[0057] Thus, when walking, etc., with a strong, fast, and high-speed load, the dilatant member 20A becomes hard, improving the stimulation effect on the acupressure points. On the other hand, when standing still or walking slowly, it becomes softer, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20 changes depending on the speed of force application due to weight shift, and the hardness of that area changes accordingly, achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfort. In this case, when walking, etc., the dilatant member 20A embedded inside the sole substrate 10A protrudes from the upper surface of the sole substrate 10A, stimulating the acupressure points on the sole, improving blood circulation and promoting health. Furthermore, the simple structure allows for easy manufacturing. Furthermore, when walking under high-speed load conditions with strong and fast steps, the dilatant member 20A hardens, and in the process of providing a stimulating effect to the acupressure points, in the first embodiment described above, the dilatant member 20 and the sole substrate 10 are pressed while stacked in the thickness direction of the footwear sole structure 100, but in the second embodiment, the dilatant member 20A and the sole substrate 10A are arranged in parallel in the planar direction of the footwear sole structure 100, and this, combined with the deformation behavior of the sole substrate 10A, provides a stimulating effect to the acupressure points on the soles of the feet and a comfortable fit that is different from the first embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows the configuration of footwear 200A including footwear sole structure 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 shows an image of footwear sole structure 100A in use.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 9, footwear 200A of the present invention includes footwear sole structure 100A and upper 110. Footwear sole structure 100A is configured to be detachable as an insole to a portion of footwear 200A that is attached to the sole of the foot.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 10, when footwear 200A is worn, dilatant members 20A are positioned to correspond to the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet. When the wearer walks under high-speed load, stepping hard and fast, the sole base material 10A deforms, and the dilatant members 20A harden, protruding from the surface of sole base material 10A and acting as protrusions to stimulate the pressure points on the soles of the wearer's feet.

[0061] As described above, the footwear sole structure 100A of this embodiment includes a sole base material 10A made of a soft resin and a plurality of dilatant members 20A embedded in the sole base material 10A. The dilatant members 20A are composed of a covering member 22A made of an elastic material that is deformable by an externally applied stress, and a dilatant material 21 having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member 22A, and are arranged at positions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the foot.

[0062] As a result, when the wearer steps hard and quickly (under high-speed load) while walking, etc., the dilatant member 20A becomes relatively hard as the sole substrate 10A deforms, causing it to protrude from the surface of the sole substrate 10A, stimulating the acupressure points. On the other hand, when the wearer is standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), the dilatant member 20A becomes softer and flattens as the sole substrate 10A deforms, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20A changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure points due to weight shift. By changing the hardness of the dilatant member 20A in that area accordingly, both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfort can be achieved. In this case, the dilatant member 20A protruding from the surface of the sole substrate 10A stimulates the acupressure points on the sole of the foot during walking, etc., improving blood circulation and promoting health. Moreover, it has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured.

[0063] Hereinafter, the configuration of a footwear sole structure and footwear according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] Fig. 11 shows the configuration of footwear sole structure 100B according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ showing the configuration of footwear sole structure 100B. Fig. 13 shows the state changes of footwear sole structure 100B during use, with Fig. 13(A) showing the state with no foot stepping on it (corresponding to the state when not being worn), Fig. 13(B) showing the state when standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), and Fig. 13(C) showing the state when stepping on it strongly and quickly and walking (under high-speed load).

[0065] 11 and 11 , a footwear sole structure 100B according to this embodiment includes a sole base material 10B made of a soft resin and a plurality of dilatant members 20B embedded in the sole base material 10B. This footwear sole structure 100B is an insole that can be inserted into or removed from footwear such as shoes.

[0066] The sole substrate 10B is formed into a sole shape from a soft resin that is soft enough to allow the dilatant member 20A to harden and protrude when the wearer steps in strongly and quickly (high-speed loading), as shown in Figure 13(C). This improves the cushioning properties of the sole structure for footwear, improving comfort at low speeds and facilitating acupressure stimulation by the protrusion of the hardened dilatant member 20A at high speeds. The soft resin may be a resin such as urethane, silicone, olefin, or natural rubber, or a resin foam. Alternatively, a gel resin with excellent flexibility and cushioning properties, such as a silicone-based gel resin, may be used. The sole substrate 10B has a recess 11B on the surface that comes into contact with the sole of the foot for accommodating the dilatant member 20B.

[0067] The dilatant members 20B are composed of a covering member made of an elastic material that can be deformed by externally applied stress, and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member, and are arranged in recesses 11B formed at positions corresponding to acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, multiple dilatant members 20B are arranged in multiple recesses 11B formed on the surface of the sole substrate 10B that comes into contact with the sole of the foot, and the dilatant members 20B and the recesses 11B are at least partially separated in the planar direction of the sole substrate 10. Here, the dilatant members 20B have a prism-like shape, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0068] The dilatant material and covering member constituting the dilatant member 20B can be the same as the dilatant member 20 and covering member 22 described in the first embodiment.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the state of the footwear sole structure 100B changes during use as follows.

[0070] When the wearer's foot is not stepping on the sole (or when the sole is not being worn), the dilatant member 20B is in its initial state, ie, in an undeformed state, as shown in FIG. 13(A).

[0071] 13(B), when the wearer is standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), the dilatant member 20B slowly deforms and becomes flat due to the application of a force at a low speed. In the second embodiment described above, when the side surface of the dilatant member 20A is embedded in the sole substrate 10A and the sole substrate 10A is made of a material other than a porous resin material, the dilatant member 20A is prevented from expanding toward its circumferential side when it is compressed in its thickness direction. However, in this embodiment, the side surface of the dilatant member 20B is separated from the sole substrate 10B via the recess 11B, and therefore the dilatant member 20B is not prevented from expanding toward its circumferential side when it is compressed in its thickness direction. This further reduces pressure on the pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot, further improving comfort.

[0072] Furthermore, when the wearer steps in strongly and quickly while walking (high-speed load), as shown in Fig. 13(C), the dilatant members 20B become hard due to the high-speed force applied and remain substantially unchanged from their initial state, allowing them to function as protrusions to stimulate the pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. Furthermore, because the recesses 11B are formed, the sole base 10A is easily deformed, even if the sole base 10A is made of a material other than a porous resin material, and this makes it easier for the dilatant members 20B to protrude.

[0073] Thus, when walking, etc., with a strong, fast, and high-speed load, the dilatant member 20B hardens, improving the stimulation effect on the acupressure points. On the other hand, when standing still or walking slowly, it softens, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20B changes depending on the speed of force application due to weight shift, and the hardness of that area changes accordingly, achieving both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfort. In this case, the dilatant member 20B disposed on the sole substrate 10B protrudes from the upper surface of the sole substrate 10B during walking, etc., stimulating the acupressure points on the sole, improving blood circulation and promoting health. Furthermore, the simple structure allows for easy manufacturing.

[0074] Fig. 14 shows the configuration of footwear 200B including footwear sole structure 100B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, footwear 200B of the present invention includes footwear sole structure 100B and upper 110. Footwear sole structure 100B is configured to be detachable as an insole attached to a portion of footwear 200B that is worn on the sole of the foot.

[0075] As described above, the footwear sole structure 100B of this embodiment includes a sole base material 10B made of a soft resin and a plurality of dilatant members 20B embedded in the sole base material 10B. The dilatant members 20B are composed of a covering member made of an elastic material that can be deformed by an externally applied stress, and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member, and are disposed in recesses 11B formed at positions corresponding to acupressure points on the sole of the foot.

[0076] As a result, when the wearer steps hard and quickly (under high-speed load) while walking, etc., the dilatant member 20B becomes relatively hard as the sole substrate 10B deforms, causing it to protrude from the surface of the sole substrate 10B, stimulating the acupressure points. On the other hand, when the wearer is standing still or walking slowly (under low-speed load), the dilatant member 20B becomes soft and flattens as the sole substrate 10B deforms, improving the feel on the sole of the foot. Therefore, the shear rate applied to the dilatant member 20B changes depending on the speed at which force is applied to the acupressure points due to weight shift. By changing the hardness of the dilatant member 20B in that area according to the shear rate, both improved stimulation of the acupressure points on the sole and comfort can be achieved. In this case, the dilatant member 20B protruding from the surface of the sole substrate 10B stimulates the acupressure points on the sole of the foot during walking, etc., improving blood circulation and promoting health.

[0077] The configuration of a footwear sole structure and footwear according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0078] FIG. 15 shows the configuration of a footwear sole structure 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV showing the configuration of footwear sole structure 100C.

[0079] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the footwear sole structure 100C of this embodiment comprises a sole base material 10C made of soft resin, a plurality of dilatant members 20C embedded in the sole base material 10C, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 30C which are power generation means capable of generating electricity in response to changes in pressure when walking, etc., and a plurality of light-emitting elements 40C which emit light using the electricity generated by the piezoelectric elements 30C.

[0080] The sole substrate 10C is formed into a sole shape from a soft resin that is soft and cushioned enough to allow the dilatant member 20C to harden and protrude when the wearer steps in strongly and quickly (high-speed load), for example. This improves the cushioning of the sole structure for footwear, improving comfort at low speeds, and facilitating acupressure stimulation by the protrusion of the hardened dilatant member 20C at high speeds. The soft resin may be a resin or resin foam such as urethane, silicone, olefin, or natural rubber. Alternatively, a gel-like resin, such as a silicone-based gel-like resin, may be used, which has excellent flexibility and cushioning properties. The sole substrate 10C has a thickness that allows the dilatant member 20C to be embedded therein. Furthermore, the sole substrate 10C is infrared-transparent at least on the sole side where the light-emitting element 40C is located. In this embodiment, the sole substrate 10C has a light-transmitting region 11C made of an infrared-transparent soft resin on the upper surface of the light-emitting element 40C.

[0081] The dilatant member 20C is composed of a covering member made of an elastic material that can be deformed by an externally applied stress and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member, and is arranged at positions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, the multiple dilatant members 20C are arranged inside the sole base 10C at positions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole to form multiple pedestal-shaped bodies.

[0082] The dilatant material and covering member constituting the dilatant member 20C can be the same as the dilatant member 20 and covering member 22 described in the first embodiment.

[0083] The piezoelectric element 30C serves as a power generating means and can generate electricity in response to changes in pressure during walking, etc. In this embodiment, for example, a relatively thin, disk-shaped piezoelectric element is used. The piezoelectric element 30C is disposed on the underside of the dilatant member 20C, and during walking, etc., pressure is transmitted to the piezoelectric element 30C via the dilatant member 20C.

[0084] The light-emitting element 40C serves as a light-emitting means and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 30C. The light-emitting element 40C can emit light using electricity generated by the piezoelectric element 30C. For example, a plurality of infrared light sources (light-emitting diodes) or far-infrared LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can be used as the light-emitting element 40C. By using infrared LEDs or far-infrared LEDs, the infrared or far-infrared rays can penetrate deeply into the acupressure points, stimulating the acupressure points on the soles of the feet through a thermal effect (deep heating). In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 40C is disposed on the upper surface (sole side) of the dilatant member 20C. During walking, the dilatant member 20C protrudes to stimulate the acupressure points on the soles of the feet, and the thermal effect of the infrared or far-infrared rays can stimulate the acupressure points on the soles of the feet. The light-emitting means may be composed of a light source and a light-emitting unit. In this case, a light guide plate is provided to optically connect the light source and the light-emitting unit.

[0085] Fig. 17 shows the configuration of footwear 200C including footwear sole structure 100C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 17, footwear 200C of the present invention includes footwear sole structure 100C and upper 110. Footwear sole structure 100C is configured to be detachable as an insole attached to a portion of upper 110 that is attached to the sole of the foot.

[0086] As described above, the footwear sole structure 100C of this embodiment includes a sole substrate 10C made of a soft resin, a plurality of dilatant members 20C embedded in the sole substrate 10C, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 30C arranged on the lower surfaces of the plurality of dilatant members 20C, and a plurality of light-emitting elements 40C arranged on the upper surfaces of the plurality of dilatant members 20C. The dilatant members 20C are composed of a covering member made of an elastic material that can be deformed by an externally applied stress, and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member, and are arranged at positions corresponding to acupressure points on the sole of the foot.

[0087] As a result, when the wearer steps down hard and quickly (at high-speed load) while walking, etc., the sole base material 10C deforms, and the dilatant member 20C becomes relatively hard and protrudes from the surface of the sole base material 10C, stimulating the acupressure points on the sole of the foot. At the same time, the piezoelectric element 30C generates electricity due to changes in pressure, and the heat effect of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 40C stimulates the acupressure points on the sole of the foot (moxibustion effect), improving blood circulation and promoting health.

[0088] Hereinafter, the configuration of a footwear sole structure and footwear according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] Fig. 18 is a local cross-sectional view showing the configuration of footwear sole structure 100D. Fig. 19 shows an image of footwear sole structure 100D (footwear 200D) in use.

[0090] 18, a footwear sole structure 100D according to this embodiment includes a sole base material 10D made of a soft resin and a plurality of dilatant members 20D embedded in areas of the sole base material 10D that correspond to the acupressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, the sole base material 10D has a configuration similar to that of the sole base materials 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C according to the above-described embodiments.

[0091] The dilatant members 20D are formed by impregnating the sole substrate 10D with a dilatant material having dilatant properties at positions corresponding to the pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, the dilatant members 20D form cylindrical bodies extending across the thickness of the sole substrate 10D. This allows the dilatant members 20C and the sole substrate 10C to be integrated.

[0092] The sole substrate 10D is made of a porous material, with at least the portion impregnated with the dilatant material having a porous structure. Examples of porous materials include open-cell foam, nonwoven fabric, and a three-dimensional network structure formed by melt-bonding resin fibers. The entire sole substrate 10D may be made of a porous material. Different porous materials may be used for each dilatant member 20D. To ensure the recovery of the dilatant members 20D, it is preferable that at least the portion of the sole substrate 10C impregnated with the dilatant material be configured to have elastic properties similar to those of the covering members constituting the dilatant members in the first to fourth embodiments. Specifically, the material and porous structure of the porous material are appropriately selected. Note that if only the portion of the sole substrate 10D impregnated with the dilatant material is made of a porous material, the other portions of the sole substrate 10D are made of the same material as in the second and third embodiments.

[0093] The dilatant material to be impregnated into the sole substrate 10C can be the same as the dilatant member 20 and covering member 22 described in the first embodiment, but from the viewpoint of shape retention after impregnation, a material with low fluidity is preferred, such as a reaction product of a silanol-terminated polyorganosiloxane and a boron compound.

[0094] As a result, when the wearer steps hard and fast (high-speed load) while walking, etc., the dilatant member 20D becomes relatively hard as the sole base material 10D deforms, and deforms less than other parts of the sole base material 10D, causing it to protrude and stimulate acupressure points.

[0095] 15, footwear 200D according to this embodiment includes a footwear sole structure 100D and an upper 110. This footwear 200D can achieve substantially the same effects as footwear 200A according to the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, by forming a recess on or near the outer edge of the portion of sole base material 10D that is impregnated with the dilatant material, it can achieve substantially the same effects as footwear 200B according to the third embodiment.

[0096] In the above-described embodiments of the footwear sole structures 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, the dilatant members 20, 20A, 20B, and 20C have the same dilatant properties in the regions corresponding to the acupressure points on the sole of the foot. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dilatant properties may be different for each region corresponding to the acupressure point on the sole of the foot. This allows the strength of stimulation to be adjusted for each acupressure point on the sole as needed. This allows for more effective stimulation and promotes health.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment of the footwear sole structure 100A, an example has been described in which the entire dilatant member 20A is embedded in the sole substrate 10A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the lower portion of the dilatant member may be embedded in the sole substrate, with the upper portion exposed from the surface of the sole substrate 10A. This allows for a configuration in which the characteristics of the sole substrate 10A, such as deformability and hardness, and the degree of exposure of the dilatant member are varied, thereby enabling various designs to be made for the comfort of wearing, which is combined with the deformation behavior of the sole substrate during walking, etc., and the pressure effect of the dilatant member on the acupressure points on the sole of the foot.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, examples have been described in which a plurality of dilatant members are formed and arranged independently, but a dilatant member having a structure in which a plurality of dilatant members are integrated while retaining the structural features of each embodiment may also be used. This allows the structure to be further simplified while maintaining the effects of each embodiment, thereby improving productivity.

[0099] In the footwear sole structure 100C of the above-described embodiment, the sole base material 10C has infrared transparency on the sole side of the foot where the light-emitting element is arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. The entire surface layer of the sole base material may be made of a material that is infrared transparent. Alternatively, the entire sole base material may be made of a material that is infrared transparent.

[0100] Furthermore, in the footwear sole structure 100C of the above-described embodiment, the light emitting element 40C may be disposed on the underside (ground side) of the dilatant member 20C. In this case, the dilatant member 20C is configured to have a through-hole that is permeable to the light emitted from the light emitting element 40C, or a flexible light-transmitting portion in which this through-hole is filled with an infrared-transmitting material. As a result, even if the light source is hard, it comes into contact with the sole of the foot via the dilatant member 20C, thereby achieving the effects of the above-described fourth embodiment and improving the tactile sensation on the sole of the foot when standing still or walking slowly.

[0101] Furthermore, in the footwear sole structure 100C of the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a piezoelectric element 30C is used as a power generation means, but the power generation means is not limited to this, and known elements such as a magnetostrictive power generation element that distorts a magnetostrictive material with stress to obtain electrical energy through the magnetostrictive effect and electromagnetic induction, or an electromagnetic induction element composed of a thin-film coil and a magnetic core, can also be used.

[0102] Furthermore, in the footwear sole structure 100C of the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which an infrared LED or a far-infrared LED is used as the light-emitting element 40C, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other light sources having a warming effect may also be used.

[0103] In addition, in the footwear sole structure 100C of the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the piezoelectric element 30C is disposed at a position corresponding to the dilatant member, but the present invention is not limited to this. The piezoelectric element 30C may be disposed at a position other than the heel portion.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the footwear sole structures 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have been described as examples of insoles that can be attached to and detached from the sole of footwear such as shoes, but the present invention is not limited to this. They may also be used to form the sole of footwear such as shoes.

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and its technical scope includes various modified design forms within the scope that do not deviate from the gist of the invention described in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The present invention can be used for the purpose of improving health promotion effects by stimulating pressure points on the soles of the feet by wearing footwear such as shoes, thereby improving blood circulation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D sole base material 11B Recess 11C Light transmission area 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D Dilatant members 21 Dilatant Materials 22, 22A Covering material 30C piezoelectric element 40C Light-emitting element 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Footwear sole structure 110 Upper 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D Footwear

Claims

1. 1. A sole structure for footwear, comprising: A sole structure for footwear, characterized in that a sole base material formed according to the shape of the sole of the foot is provided with a dilatant member having dilatant properties in areas corresponding to pressure points on the sole of the wearer's foot.

2. 2. The footwear sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the dilatant member is composed of a covering member made of an elastic material that is deformable by externally applied stress, and a dilatant material having dilatant properties sealed within the covering member.

3. The footwear sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the dilatant members are disposed on the surface of the sole base material and form protrusions.

4. 3. The footwear sole structure according to claim 2, wherein the dilatant member is at least partially embedded in the sole base material.

5. 3. The footwear sole structure according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the dilatant member is disposed in a recess that opens on the surface of the sole base material that comes into contact with the sole of the foot, and the dilatant member and the recess are at least partially separated in a planar direction of the sole base material.

6. 2. The footwear sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the dilatant member has a structure in which the sole base material is impregnated with a dilatant material having dilatant properties.

7. 2. The footwear sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the dilatant member is configured so that the dilatant properties differ for each of the regions corresponding to the acupressure points.

8. The footwear sole structure according to claim 1, characterized in that a power generating means is arranged on the bottom side of the dilatant member, and a light emitting element is electrically connected to the power generating means, and the light emitting element is arranged on the surface side of the dilatant member in a state capable of emitting light.

9. 9. The sole structure for footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure is an insole that is detachable from a sole attachment portion of the footwear.

10. Footwear comprising the footwear sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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