Footwear with tongue support

Abstract

The present invention provides footwear that makes it less likely for the shoe tongue of the footwear to get caught inside the footwear when the user puts on the footwear. [Solution] The tongue of the shoe is fitted with a tongue support. When putting on the shoes, the curved part of the tongue support is curved upwards. When the shoes are put on, the curved part of the tongue support is flattened, and the tongue support fits snugly against the top of the foot, providing a comfortable fit. When taking off the shoes, the curved part of the tongue support is curved upwards, and the shoe tongue returns to its shape, ready for the next foot to be inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of footwear manufacturing, and particularly to footwear that makes it difficult for shoelaces to be caught or deformed inside the footwear.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, convenient shoes that can be worn while standing and without bending, without using hands, have become popular. In these footwear, especially shoes with laces, shoelaces are often caught inside the shoes when worn and need to be adjusted by hand, which undermines the hands-free concept. To solve this problem, it is common in the industry to fix the side part of the shoelace to the shoe hole. However, this design essentially changes the laced specification to a slip-on type, making it impossible to adjust the fit of the shoe and losing the functions of the laces and shoelaces.

[0003] In addition, as in JP 2023-090846, there is a technology in which a tongue leather reinforcement attached to the inner surface of the tongue leather adds at least some rigidity to the tongue leather, which inhibits the tongue leather from being folded, bent, or otherwise deformed under the force applied to the tongue leather, and maintains the shape and position of the tongue leather.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the tongue leather reinforcement of Patent Document 1 has some rigidity, the rigid tongue leather cannot be deformed unless at least about half of the laces passed through the eyelets are untied, which obstructs the insertion of the foot and is also troublesome to untie the laces.

[0006] Therefore, a new technology is needed that does not fix the shoe tongue to the shoelace holes, and that prevents the shoe tongue from getting caught inside the footwear or losing its shape during wear. Furthermore, it is also important to create a shoe tongue that can be adjusted according to differences in the height and width of the instep of a person, thereby improving the fit and safety. This invention solves the above problems through the ingenious design of a tongue support that has both supportive and elastic properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In this invention, a tongue support made of a thermoplastic material with supportive and elastic properties is placed inside the shoe tongue. During the shoemaking process, the shoelace holes are temporarily tied halfway, and the heat from the shoemaking process is used to shape the lower part (base) of the tongue support to the curve of the last. This creates a shape in which both sides of the base are slightly curved downwards, and the parts other than the base naturally extend to form a second form. When the foot is inserted, the part of the shoe tongue other than the base, including the upper part (curved part), rises slightly upwards due to the pressure of the foot, forming the first form. After the shoe is worn, the curved part returns downwards, changing to the second form and achieving the effect of fitting the foot.

[0008] Furthermore, a specially designed curve (bend) is incorporated to ensure that the upward-curving portion of the tongue is always positioned upwards, securing the shape for foot insertion. This bend allows the angle of the upward-curving portion to change in response to external forces.

[0009] The tongue support is formed from a flat, sheet-like structure of resin material with support and elasticity, using methods such as cutting, and is installed inside the tongue of footwear. It includes a base, a curved portion, and a bent portion. When footwear is worn, the tongue curves due to the pressure of the foot, preventing it from getting caught inside the shoe. The curved portion ensures that the tongue adheres to the foot when external force is applied, allowing for smooth insertion of the foot when putting on footwear. The tongue support deforms into two forms in response to external force. In the first form, the tongue stands up before footwear is put on, not obstructing foot insertion and widening the opening of the footwear to facilitate foot insertion. In the second form, the tongue adheres to the foot after footwear is put on, providing a comfortable fit. This change in form prevents the tongue from getting caught inside the shoe and improves the comfort of wearing footwear.

[0010] Footwear includes parts such as the upper, sole, midsole, and tongue. A tongue support is attached to the tongue of the footwear. When wearing the footwear, the tongue support fits snugly against the instep, providing a comfortable fit. When removing the footwear, the curved portion of the tongue support lifts upwards, returning the tongue to its original shape, ready for the next foot to be inserted. This design ensures not only comfort but also makes putting on and taking off the footwear extremely easy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The technology of the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to conventional technologies. 1. Easy to attach and detach The tongue support does not get in the way of putting on the foot, widens the opening of the shoe, and makes putting on and taking off the shoe very easy. 2. Comfortable and stable The tongue support automatically adjusts to prevent the tongue from getting caught inside the shoe when putting on or taking off the footwear, further improving comfort. The elimination of the need to manually adjust the tongue provides significant convenience, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. 3. Reduction of manufacturing costs Using resin materials for the tongue support simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces mold costs, effectively lowering the production costs of footwear. 4. Fit improvement The footwear of the present invention can improve the fit of the instep by adjusting the tightness of the shoelaces, and can meet the safety requirements for daily wear and the aesthetic requirements when worn.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a side view of the footwear in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a side view of the foot when wearing the shoe in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A diagram showing a three-dimensional side structure view of the first form of the heel support in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a three-dimensional side structure view of the first form of another heel support in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a plan view of the second form of the heel support including a contraction space in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the state of switching between the first form and the second form of the heel support including a contraction space in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the cross-sectional curvature from point A to point B of FIG. 5 of the footwear in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A three-dimensional side view of the second form of the heel support including a contraction space in an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following examples are only a part of the present invention and do not cover all embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, in this embodiment, footwear with an opening in which a heel support 200 is incorporated inside the shoe 15 is provided. The heel support 200 includes a base 201 and a bent portion 202 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the warping part 202 is located near the upper part of the chute 15, and plays a role in raising the upper part of the chute 15 by means of a structure that rises or bends upward. Thereby, when the foot enters the shoe, the opening angle of the entrance 10 is widened, the risk that the chute 15 is caught in the shoe is reduced, and the wearing convenience is improved.

[0016] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, the material of the insole support 200 is a resin or rubber plastic material having a supporting force and elasticity, and is manufactured by integral molding. It can also be manufactured by pressing or cutting using a mold. The thickness of the insole support 200 may be uniform, but in some embodiments, the thickness of the insole support 200 is designed to be 1.5 mm. A thickness of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm is preferable as long as it does not give a sense of discomfort to the foot within a range where it can be deformed smoothly.

[0017] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, in the second form, the base portion 201 of the insole support 200 is bent slightly in the shoe direction on both the inner and outer sides in accordance with the curvature of the instep, and the portion including the warping part 202 extends naturally. When the foot is inserted into the shoe, the instep pushes up the warping part 202 of the chute 15 slightly, and the insole support 200 built in the chute 15 provides a certain supporting force, so that the chute 15 can be prevented from being caught inside the footwear as the instep is inserted.

[0018] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, it is preferable to further provide a bending part 203. The bending part 203 is formed by bending the material by methods such as shaping or crimping, and causes an adaptive deformation when an external force acts, and as a result, plays a role in changing the angle of the warping part 202.

[0019] In the first embodiment of the tongue support 200, both the inner and outer sides of the base 201 curve toward the inside of the shoe, and the curved portion 202 curves toward the outside of the shoe along the bent portion 203. At this time, a force acts to return the curved portion 202 to a flat state, but the curved shape of the bent portion 203 plays a role in limiting this movement. Due to this curved shape, the central part of the bent portion 203 is pressed and the sides are pulled, making it difficult for the curved portion 202 to completely return to its original shape. Specifically, the curved shape of the bent portion 203 evenly distributes the repulsive force against the deformation of the curved portion 202, thereby suppressing the movement of the curved portion 202 to return to a flat state (original shape), allowing the shape to be stably maintained and the curved state to be preserved. This configuration is suitable for the state before putting on footwear, as the tongue support 200 supports the tongue 15, lifting it upright and increasing the space for inserting the foot into the opening 10, making it easier to insert the foot into the shoe.

[0020] Based on embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, when a foot is inserted into the shoe, the instep applies pressure to the bent portion 203 in response to the foot sliding in, pushing the tongue 15 in the far direction towards the inside of the shoe. The base portion 201 and the curved portion 202 installed inside the tongue 15 exceed the restraining force of the tongue 15, disrupting the balance of the stable rebound force of the first form of the tongue support 200. The curved portion 202 deforms toward the plane of the base portion 201, and the tongue support 200 switches to the second form. In this form, the base portion 201 and the curved portion 202 are on almost the same plane, and both the inner and outer sides of the tongue support 200 are slightly curved toward the inside of the shoe. In this state, the tongue support 200 fits snugly to the instep, providing excellent fit and comfort.

[0021] Based on embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, when the foot pulls out the footwear and separates from the opening 10, the instep pushes in the curved portion 202, causing the curved portion 202 to rise again, and the tongue support 200 switches to the first form. As a result, the opening diameter of the foot opening 10 widens, maintaining a state ready for foot insertion.

[0022] Based on embodiments of the present invention, the material of the tongue support 200 is a resin that is elastic, flexible, and resistant to bending. The manufacturing method involves integral molding using a mold or injection molding. The surface of the tongue support 200 has a fine texture, designed to have a depth not exceeding 0.5 millimeters. The texture can be linear, mesh-like, dotted, sandblasted, rough, wavy, spotted, uneven, spiral, or granular, and these textures are distributed on the surface of the tongue support 200. This increases the contact area and frictional force, significantly improving the adhesive performance of the adhesive and further preventing slippage and movement within the shoe tongue 15.

[0023] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the design of the tongue support 200 is slightly different and includes a base 201, two curved sections 202, and a bent section 203 connecting the base 201 and the two curved sections 202. By increasing the number of curved sections 202, it can be adapted to various styles of tongues 15, such as longer tongues 15. This design can effectively increase the curvature of the tongue 15.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, when the foot pulls the footwear out of the opening 10, the instep of the foot pushes up the curved portion 202, causing the curved portion 202 to rise in a direction away from the inside of the shoe. As a result, the tongue support 200 switches to the first form, and the foot insertion space at the opening 10 widens. Maintaining this state ensures that the foot can be smoothly inserted into the footwear.

[0025] In another embodiment, the tongue support 200 can be made from rubber or plastic and molded using a mold. Alternatively, a synthetic sheet with elasticity and toughness can be used and rolled in a mold to form the bent portion 203. In the molding process of rubber or plastic, the flexibility and durability of the tongue support 200 can be improved by selecting a fold-resistant spun material as the base material.

[0026] In embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the tongue support 200 is provided with several shrinkage spaces 204. These spaces are intended to ensure sufficient compression space when the tongue support 200 deforms, thereby facilitating deformation.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the foot is inserted into the footwear, the instep applies pressure to the bent portion 203 and the central portion of the tongue support 200. As a result, the curved portion 202 deforms toward the plane on which the base portion 201 is located, and the contracted space portion 204 is compressed and narrowed. This causes the tongue support 200 to switch to a second form. In this form, the base portion 201 and the curved portion 202 are on substantially the same plane, and both the inner and outer sides of the tongue support 200 are slightly bent toward the inside of the footwear. In this state, the tongue support 200 adheres closely to the instep, providing excellent fit and comfort.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the end view of point AB shown in Figures 5 and 7 is arc-shaped, representing a shape in which the tongue support 200 is curved inwards towards the shoe on both the inner and outer sides to match the arc shape of the instep. In this configuration, the base 201 always maintains this arc shape in both the first and second embodiments.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of sewing the tongue support 200 to the shoe tongue 15 can be employed to prevent the tongue support 200 from moving within the shoe tongue 15. The sewing position can be designed according to the overall design of the footwear, as long as it does not affect the stability or durability of the tongue support 200. The sewing stitch may also be unified with the folded portion 203. Other fastening methods (e.g., adhesive or staking) are also included in the scope of the present invention if similar effects can be obtained.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bent portion 203 may be a groove shape that is thinner than the base portion 201 and the curved portion 202. Alternatively, it may be a linear dot hole composed of multiple holes. As long as the bending effect is achieved, these shapes are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue support 200 is sewn to the inside of the shoe tongue 15 along the bent portion 203, thereby providing a fixing function and facilitating bending by forming linear dot holes in the bent portion 203.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bent portion 203 is designed in an arc shape that curves inward toward the base portion 201. The greater the curvature, the stronger the force (restoring force) that causes the structure to return to its original shape. Therefore, as the curvature (arc degree) of the bent portion 203 increases, the curvature angle of the curved portion 202 also increases. The greater the arc degree of the bent portion 203, the wider the area over which the force is distributed when subjected to an external force, and the greater the stability during deformation. Normally, when an elastic and rigid material takes on a curved shape, deformation within the elastic range tends to occur evenly, and it has the characteristic of returning to its original shape when the external force is released. Because the bent portion 203 is arc-shaped, the stress is distributed throughout the entire arc rather than concentrating at a specific point, thus reducing the risk of material failure. In addition, compared to a linear design, the arc-shaped structure has higher adaptability to stress, allowing for smooth shape transformation in response to external forces. Because the shape is arc-shaped, the applied force gradually spreads across the entire curve, allowing for flexible response to the direction and magnitude of the force, resulting in stable deformation of the curved portion 202 of the shoe tongue. The reason for adopting the arc-shaped bend 203 in this design is to evenly distribute external forces and prevent stress concentration, thereby increasing the adaptability of the shoe tongue to changes in its curvature angle and shape.

[0033] Furthermore, adjusting the arc allows for flexible adjustment of the tongue's curvature angle to suit the shoe's design and intended use, offering a technical advantage of providing a stable and comfortable fit. Depending on the specifications of the tongue 15 and the design of the footwear, the arc of the bent portion 203 can be adjusted to meet the requirements for the tongue's curvature angle. The arc-shaped design of the bent portion 203 improves adaptability to changes in external forces. When the tongue support 200 receives pressure from the instep, the arc-shaped structure of the bent portion 203 evenly distributes the stress, causing the curved portion 202 to naturally deform inward, maintaining a stable state after the external force is released.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, multiple curved portions 202 and bent portions 203 can be provided depending on the design of the shoe tongue 15. If the shoe tongue 15 is long, this can be addressed by increasing the number of bent portions 203, with one curved portion 202 added corresponding to each bent portion 203. The more bent portions 203 there are, the more curved the shoe tongue 15 will be, rather than simply standing upright.

[0035] The Tongue Support 200 is applicable not only to sports shoes but also to everyday casual shoes. Its simple structural design improves the convenience and comfort of putting on and taking off footwear, and it has the potential for a wide range of applications.

[0036] From the detailed description of the above embodiments, the tongue support 200 of the present invention can effectively improve the ease of putting on and taking off footwear and comfort, has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, and is applicable to various types of footwear.

[0037] This invention provides an innovative tongue structure 15, achieving several remarkable beneficial effects through its unique design. First, the tongue 15, with its curved portion 202 design, naturally lifts upward in its initial state, away from the inside of the shoe, and increases the opening angle of the collar 10. This design makes putting on and taking off the footwear much easier, allows the foot to enter the shoe more smoothly, and effectively reduces the risk of the tongue 15 getting caught inside the shoe.

[0038] When the foot is placed inside the shoe, the bent portion 203 of the tongue support 200 automatically adjusts to a shape that better fits the instep in response to the pressure from the instep, thereby improving wearing comfort. The tongue support 200 maintains high stability even after the shape has changed, and the fine texture applied to its surface further increases friction with the material inside the tongue 15, effectively preventing the tongue 15 from slipping and enhancing overall wearing stability.

[0039] Furthermore, the tongue support 200 is made of a resilient resin material with excellent bending resistance and flexibility, thus providing superior functionality while ensuring a long service life. This design is particularly suitable for frequently worn footwear such as athletic shoes and casual shoes, effectively preventing the tongue 15 from getting caught inside the shoe and ensuring that the tongue 15 always stays in the optimal position. This provides users with a more comfortable and convenient wearing experience. The structure of this improved tongue 15 has the potential for a wide range of applications and significantly improves the usability of footwear products.

[0040] This invention, through its innovative design, cleverly integrates the tongue support 200 into the structure of the tongue 15, enabling automatic adjustment of the opening angle of the collar 10 and dynamic adaptation to foot pressure, thereby providing a superior wearing experience. This design breaks through the limitations of existing technology, achieving multiple technological advancements such as automatic adjustment, dynamic adaptation, and high stability, demonstrating remarkable creativity. The use of lightweight and durable resin materials further enhances the product's integrity and lifespan, features not found in current technology, demonstrating the technological innovation and inventiveness of this invention.

[0041] When a user puts on the footwear, the front of the foot is inserted into the shoe and the heel is pressed down, causing the instep to press against the bent portion 203, and the curved portion 202 deforms into the same plane as the base portion 201 due to the action of stress, bending slightly inward in accordance with the curvature of the instep, so that the tongue 15 fits snugly against the instep.

[0042] When removing footwear, lifting the foot upwards towards the opening causes the curved portion 202 of the tongue support 200 to lift away from the inside of the shoe along the bent portion 203 due to the push-out of the instep. Even after the foot leaves the opening, it maintains this lifted shape, and the shoe tongue 15 remains in a position to receive the foot.

[0043] The footwear of this invention has a simple design and manufacturing process, and can be mass-produced using conventional production equipment. This results in high market competitiveness due to low cost and great application value.

[0044] The footwear of the present invention is suitable for a wide range of applications and is particularly useful for consumer groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities. For these users, putting on and taking off footwear is often a cumbersome task, and the footwear of the present invention can significantly improve this convenience. Furthermore, the present invention is particularly suitable for groups such as healthcare workers and athletes who need to change their footwear frequently, and these groups have a high demand for ease of putting on and taking off footwear and comfort, so they can enjoy the benefits of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1. Footwear 10 Opening 11 Front section 12 Heel 13. Instep side 14 Bottom of instep 15 Shoe tongue 200 tongue support 201 Base 202 Curved section 203 Bend section 204 Contraction space

Claims

1. A tongue support for footwear, including a base and a curved portion, The inner and outer sides of the base curve slightly inward towards the footwear to match the curve of the instep, and the curved portion connects to the base and extends naturally. The tongue support has support and elastic properties, and when the foot is inserted, the curved portion rises slightly upward due to the pressure of the foot, and after the shoe is worn, the curved portion returns to its original position, fitting the foot. The tongue support is attached inside the shoe tongue, supports the shoe tongue, and maintains a stable shape so that the tongue support does not get caught inside the shoe when the footwear is worn.

2. The tongue support further includes a bent portion, The tongue support according to claim 1, characterized in that the tongue support also includes a form in which both the inner and outer sides of the base are bent toward the inner cavity of the footwear, and at the same time the curved portion bends toward the direction away from the inner cavity of the footwear along the bent portion and is maintained therein.

3. The tongue support according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a contraction space for making the tongue support easier to deform.

4. The tongue support according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a plurality of the aforementioned curved portions and the aforementioned bent portions.

5. Footwear characterized by including a tongue support according to claim 1 or 2 in the shoe tongue.

Images