Shoe counters, shoe counter products, and shoes equipped with shoe counter products

Abstract

By incorporating an ankle support structure as cushioning material, positioned from the rear end of the heel to below the inner and outer ankles, while considering its placement in relation to the counter, the design improves ease of wear and provides lateral support. [Solution] A shoe counter comprising an outer frame which is a counter body and a cushioning material which is bonded to the inner surface of the shoe which is laminated to the counter body, The cushioning material consists of a heel posterior support body comprising an upper inclined portion, an opposing portion connected to the upper inclined portion, a lower inclined portion connected to the opposing portion, and a lower recess connected to the lower inclined surface. The device includes an ankle support body that extends from a position near the upper edge of the cushioning material on the opposite side of the heel posterior support body, bending in the direction of the other end (downward) along the axis of symmetry of the cushioning material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Conventionally, in commercially available shoes, a hard counter that is difficult to lose its shape is arranged to cover the wearer's heel in order to maintain the shape of the heel part. Generally, because the counter is hard, in order to prevent shoe abrasion due to friction between the wearer's heel and the counter, a cushioning material is bonded to the counter, and the functionality of the shoe such as ease of wearing is improved by changing the shape and arrangement position of the counter and the cushioning material.

[0002] In this regard, there are shoes in which a part corresponding to the topline in the heel part of the shoe is inclined obliquely upward in the direction opposite to the toe direction (heel direction). For example, "a shoe having a heel part that covers the periphery of the heel, an outer wall and an inner wall that continuously cover the left and right sides of the foot from this heel part, and a vamp that continuously covers the toe part on the outer wall and the inner wall, and inserting the foot through the opening surrounded by the heel part, the outer wall, the inner wall, and the vamp, and a heel guiding part that extends obliquely backward is continuously provided above the heel part" (Patent Document 1). Specifically, when the toe 12 of the foot 10 is inserted into the shoe 1 from the opening 2 and the toe 12 is moved forward in the shoe 1, the heel 11 of the foot 10 abuts against the heel guiding part 51, and due to the shoehorn function of the heel guiding part 51, the heel 11 is guided and the foot 10 can be smoothly inserted into the shoe 1.

[0003] There are also shoes provided with a cushioning material that extends downward from the topline in the heel part of the shoe. For example, "a shoe in which a top pad is provided at the heel part of the upper, the upper is one in which the surface skin and the back skin are sewn in a bag near the topline, and the top pad is provided so as to extend downward from near the topline between the surface skin and the back skin of the upper" (Patent Document 2). Specifically, the top pad 4, which is a cushioning material, is positioned between the outer layer 5 and inner layer 6 of the upper 2, extending downward from near the top line 6B. This ensures a comfortable fit to the heel 3 of the foot when worn, resulting in a comfortable walking experience, ease of putting on and taking off the shoes, and reduced risk of blisters. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3195071 Gazette [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-110692 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The shoes described in Patent Document 1 are easy to put on because the heel guide, which extends diagonally backward above the heel, functions as a shoehorn. However, they have the problem of not providing lateral support because there are no pads below the inner and outer ankles.

[0006] In the shoe described in Patent Document 2, the pad portion corresponding to the cushioning material is provided in the heel portion so as to be laminated with the counter (Claim 6 of Patent Document 2), so that the rear end of the heel, which is a part prone to chafing, is protected by the pad portion. However, because the portion corresponding to the top line of the heel portion of the shoe is not sloped diagonally upward in the opposite direction to the toe direction (heel direction), it is difficult to put on, and, similar to Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the pad portion is not provided below the inner and outer ankles, resulting in a lack of lateral support.

[0007] The inventors of this invention have diligently conducted research to solve the above problems and have now completed this invention.

[0008] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a shoe that is easy to wear and provides lateral support by providing an ankle support body as a cushioning material from the rear end of the heel to the lower part of the inner and outer ankles, which are areas where blisters are likely to occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The characteristic configuration of the shoe counter of the present invention, which solves the above problem, is as follows: A shoe counter comprising an outer frame which is a counter body and a cushioning material which is bonded to the inner surface of the shoe which is laminated to the counter body, The aforementioned cushioning material is The upper inclined portion has an inclined surface that gradually slopes from the upper edge of the cushioning material toward the toe-direction edge of the upper inclined portion, The opposing portion is connected to the aforementioned upper inclined portion and has a heel-facing surface which is a surface facing the upper part of the wearer's heel, A lower inclined portion having an inclined surface that is connected to the opposing portion and gradually slopes from the lower edge of the opposing portion toward the inner side surface of the cushioning material of the shoe, A heel rear end support body comprising a lower recess that connects to the lower inclined surface and forms a recess along the lower edge of the lower inclined surface, thereby accommodating the lower part of the wearer's heel, The key feature is that it includes an ankle support body that bends and extends from a position near the upper edge of the cushioning material at the opposing portion of the heel posterior end support body in the direction of the other end of the cushioning material's axis of symmetry.

[0010] According to the shoe counter configuration described above, when a wearer puts on a shoe, after inserting their toes into the shoe, their heel is placed on the inclined surface of the upper inclined part of the cushioning material. The heel then slides down the inclined surface, passes through the opening, and is stored in the lower recess of the cushioning material, thus improving ease of putting on the shoe. Furthermore, when the wearer is wearing shoes, even if the wearer moves up and down with the heel tucked into the lower recess of the cushioning material, the lower sloping part catches on the heel, making it difficult for the heel to slip out of the lower recess. As a result, the heel is prevented from slipping out of the lower recess and moving towards the opening of the shoe. Furthermore, when the wearer is wearing shoes, the heel is housed in the lower recess of the cushioning material, the opposing part contacts the back of the heel, and the ankle support part contacts the lower part of the ankle, which is also the site where blisters occur. As a result, blisters are prevented, the fit is improved, and the left and right holding force at the lower side of the heel is exerted, thus improving ease of wearing.

[0011] In the shoe counter according to the present invention, The outline of the counter body consists of an upper outline curve and a lower outline. In the case of the cushioning material, it is preferable that only the lower part of the ankle support body is laminated with the counter body.

[0012] With this shoe counter configuration, the lower part of the ankle support cushion overlaps with the counter body. When the wearer puts on the shoe, the counter body applies pressure, preventing the shoe from expanding in the width direction. Furthermore, the lower part of the ankle support cushion contacts the lower part of the wearer's heel, thus preventing chafing, improving the fit, and providing better lateral support to the lower sides of the heel, resulting in improved ease of wearing.

[0013] In the shoe counter according to the present invention, When the counter body and the cushioning material are stacked together, they are in a relationship where they do not overlap in the area enclosed by the upper outer curve of the counter body, the upper edge of the cushioning material, and the side edge of the cushioning material, and it is preferable that the counter body does not overlap with the upper part of the ankle lower support body of the cushioning material.

[0014] According to the counter of the shoe of this configuration, since the upper part of the side surface of the heel rear end support body of the cushioning material and the upper part of the ankle lower part support body do not overlap (are laminated) with the counter body, there is no pressure from the counter body when the wearer puts on the shoes. By spreading in the width direction from the topline of the shoe opening toward the sole direction (lower side direction), as a result, the left and right holding forces on the upper part of the heel side surface are partially released, and thus the improvement of putting on and taking off the shoes can be achieved.

[0015] The characteristic configuration of the counter product of the shoe of the present invention for solving the above problems is In the counter of the shoe, a counter surface material with a design as the appearance of the shoe is attached to only the outer side surface of the shoe of the counter body or to each of the outer side surface of the shoe of the counter body and the outer side surface of the shoe of the cushioning material, and a counter back material is attached to the inner side surface of the shoe of the cushioning material.

[0016] According to the counter product of the shoe of this configuration, when manufacturing a shoe using the counter of the shoe of the present invention, the counter product of the shoe as an independent product with a design on the heel part of the shoe can be directly connected to the outsoles and the uppers. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. In addition, by applying an independent design different from the design of the upper to the design of the counter product of the shoe, the design property of the whole shoe can be improved.

[0017] The characteristic configuration of the shoe using the counter product of the shoe of the present invention for solving the above problems is It is provided with the counter product of the shoe.

[0018] According to the shoe using the counter product of the shoe of this configuration, the wearer can comfortably put on and take off the shoes.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a side perspective view of the counter of the shoe of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the counter of the shoe according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a bottom view of the counter of the shoe according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a side view for assisting the explanation of the role of the upper inclined portion which is a heel rear end support body of the cushioning material in the shoe provided with the counter of the shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a side perspective view of the counter of the shoe according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a side perspective view of the counter product of the shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a side perspective view of the shoe provided with the counter product of the shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic side view of a shoe wearing a shoe provided with a counter product related to the counter of the shoe according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an example of a mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0021] ] <Embodiment 1> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the counter 100 of the shoe according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a counter main body 10 which is an outer frame, and a cushioning material 20 which is bonded so as to be laminated with each other within a range surrounded by the outer contour line of the counter main body 10 with respect to the inner shoe surface 10a of the counter main body 10. Further, the cushioning material 20 includes a heel rear end support body 30 composed of an upper inclined portion 31, an opposing portion 32, a lower inclined portion 33, and a lower concave portion 34, and an ankle lower portion support body 40.

[0022] The "counter main body 10" is formed of a hard member for maintaining the shape of the counter of the shoe of the present invention, and is arranged so as to wrap the wearer's heel to prevent tilting to the left and right during walking. Examples of materials for the counter body 10 include TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and silicone, but TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is preferred in terms of abrasion resistance, elastic recovery, and bending resistance. The dimensions of the counter unit 10 vary in proportion to the wearer's size, but are generally within the range of approximately 5.0 cm to 10.0 cm in width and 5.0 cm to 10.0 cm in height. The general shape of the counter body 10 in the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a roughly U-shape in plan view, enclosed by the outlines 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10, which connect the left end 10cL of the upper outline, the right end 10cR of the upper outline, the left end 10dL of the lower outline, and the right end 10dR of the lower outline, which form four corners, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0023] "The outlines 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10" refer to the linear parts that represent the outline of the counter body 10, and include the upper outline 10c, the lower outline 10d, and the side outline 10e of the counter body 10. "Upper outline 10c of the counter body 10" refers to the linear portion corresponding to the upper edge of the outline of the counter body 10. "The lower outer outline 10d of the counter body 10" refers to the portion corresponding to the bottom edge of the outer outline of the counter body 10, and means the linear portion that faces the outsole when the counter of the shoe of the present invention is positioned. "The side outline 10e of the counter body" refers to the linear portion corresponding to the side edge of the outline of the counter body 10, connecting the upper outline 10c and the lower outline 10d of the counter body 10, and means the left side 10eL and the right side 10eR of the side outline of the counter body.

[0024] The "cushioning material 20" is made of an elastic material bonded to the inner surface 10a of the counter body 10 in a layered manner, and its main purpose is to prevent blisters on the wearer's heel caused by friction between the wearer's heel and the counter body 10. The cushioning material 20 is equipped with a heel posterior support body 30 (upper inclined portion 31, opposing portion 32, lower inclined portion 33, lower recess 34) and an ankle lower portion support body 40 on the inner side surface 20a of the cushioning material, and the outer side surface 20b of the cushioning material 20 is connected to the inner side surface 10a of the counter body 10. In the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1, the counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20 are in a stacking relationship with each other, and the cushioning material 20 is joined to the counter body 10 by placing the cushioning material 20 on the outside, so that the cushioning material 20 is stacked against the inner surface 10a of the shoe of the counter body 10. The general shape of the cushioning material 20 in the shoe cushioning material 20 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and is roughly U-shaped in plan view and roughly U-shaped overall in overall view, enclosed by the outlines 20c, 20d, and 20e of the cushioning material 20, which connect the four corners of the cushioning material 20: the upper edge end 22L of the left cushioning material (= left end of the upper outline of the cushioning material 20cL), the upper edge end 22R of the right cushioning material (= right end of the upper outline of the cushioning material 20cR), the lower edge end 24L of the left cushioning material (= left end of the lower outline of the cushioning material 20dL), and the lower edge end 24R of the right cushioning material (= right end of the lower outline of the cushioning material 20dR).

[0025] "The inner surface 10a of the counter body 10" refers to the surface of the counter body 10 in the toe direction Td when the counter body 10 is placed in a shoe, while "the outer surface 10b of the counter body 10" refers to the surface of the counter body 10 opposite to the inner surface 10a, that is, the surface of the counter body 10 in the heel direction Hd when the counter body 10 is placed in a shoe. The main method for joining the counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20 is adhesive, but other methods such as sewing, heat pressing, and welding may also be used. In this embodiment, polyurethane is used as the material for the cushioning material 20, but it may also be polyethylene, for example, and is not particularly limited. The size of the cushioning material 20 varies in proportion to the wearer's size, but is generally within the range of approximately 5.0cm to 10.0cm in width and 5.0cm to 10.0cm in height.

[0026] In the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the layering relationship between the counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20 is as follows: The counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20 are layered within the area enclosed by the outer outline of the counter body 10. Specifically, the four corners of the counter body 10—the left end 10cL of the upper outline, the right end 10cR of the upper outline, the left end 10dL of the lower outline, and the right end 10dR of the lower outline—are positioned near or in contact with the four corners of the cushioning material 20—the upper edge 22L of the left cushioning material (= left end 20cL of the upper outline of the cushioning material), the upper edge 22R of the right cushioning material (= right end 20cR of the upper outline of the cushioning material), the lower edge 24L of the left cushioning material (= left end 20dL of the lower outline of the cushioning material), and the lower edge 24R of the right cushioning material (= right end 20dR of the lower outline of the cushioning material). In this way, the counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20 are stacked within the area enclosed by the outline of the counter body 10.

[0027] Furthermore, regarding the lamination relationship between the counter body 10 and the cushioning material 20, the cushioning material 20 may be laminated so that its outlines 20c, 20d, and 20e extend beyond the outlines 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10, or it may be laminated so that it does not extend beyond the outlines, i.e., the cushioning material 20 may be laminated so that its outlines 20c, 20d, and 20e follow the outlines 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10.

[0028] "The outline lines 20c, 20d, and 20e of the cushioning material 20" refer to the linear portions that represent the outline of the cushioning material 20, and include the upper outline line 20c, the lower outline line 20d, and the side outline line 20e of the cushioning material. "Upper outer outline 20c of cushioning material 20" refers to the linear portion corresponding to the upper edge of the outer outline of cushioning material 20. The "lower outer contour line 20d of the cushioning material 20" refers to the linear portion corresponding to the bottom edge of the outer contour line of the cushioning material 20, and is the part that faces the outsole when the counter of the shoe of the present invention is positioned. "The side outline 20e of the cushioning material 20" refers to the linear portion corresponding to the side edge of the outline of the cushioning material 20, connecting the upper outline 20c and the lower outline 20d of the cushioning material, and means the left side 20eL and the right side 20eR of the side outline of the cushioning material. "Laminate the cushioning material 20 so that its outer contours 20c, 20d, and 20e extend beyond the outer contours 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10" means that the outer contours 20c, 20d, and 20e of the cushioning material 20 extend beyond the outer contours 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10 by approximately 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm during the lamination process.

[0029] The "heel rear end support body 30" is a part of the cushioning material 20 that houses and protects the wearer's heel, and consists of an upper inclined portion 31, an opposing portion 32, a lower inclined portion 33, and a lower recess 34.

[0030] The "upper inclined portion 31" is a portion having an inclined surface 35a that gradually slopes from the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material toward the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, when a wearer puts on the shoe 400, the heel is placed on the inclined surface 35a, causing the heel to slide down the inclined surface 35a and act as a guide member that leads the heel from the opening 75 to the lower recess 34 inside the shoe. "Upper edge 21 of the cushioning material" refers to the edge of the upper part 20a of the cushioning material, and the portion that overlaps with the upper outer outline 20c of the cushioning material 20. "Upper inclined portion toe-direction edge 31a" refers to the edge of the inclined surface 35a of the upper inclined portion 31 in the toe-direction Td.

[0031] The distance between the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material and the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion 31 on the inclined surface 35a of the upper inclined portion 31 varies in proportion to the shoe size, becoming longer or shorter. The longest distance is between the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material, which is the point where the axis of symmetry CUX of the cushioning material 20 intersects with the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material, and the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion. The distance gradually decreases as you move from the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material toward the ends 22L and 22R of the upper edge of the cushioning material. Therefore, the upper inclined portion 31 has an inclined surface 35a that gradually slopes from the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material toward the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion, and the distance / gap between the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material and the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion gradually shortens as it moves from the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material toward the ends 22L and 22R of the upper edge of the cushioning material. "The center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material" refers to the point where the axis of symmetry CUX of the cushioning material 20 intersects with the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material. "Upper edge ends 22L, 22R of the cushioning material" refers to the left and right ends of the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material, and there is a left upper edge end 22L of the cushioning material and a right upper edge end 22R of the cushioning material. Furthermore, the distance / spacing between the upper edge ends 22L and 22R of the cushioning material and the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion is within the range of approximately 0.50 cm to 4.0 cm, and the distance / spacing between the other upper edge 21 of the cushioning material and the toe-direction edge 31a of the upper inclined portion is within the range of approximately 0.50 cm to 4.0 cm.

[0032] The "opposing portion 32" is a part that, in the direction of CUXa (upward direction) at one end of the symmetry axis CUX of the cushioning material, is connected to the upper inclined portion 31 and has a heel-facing surface 32b that faces the upper part of the wearer's heel. When the wearer puts on the shoe, it plays a role in protecting the upper part of the heel, which is near the lower part of the wearer's ankle. The opposing portion 32 connects with the upper inclined portion 31 in the direction CUXa (upward direction) of one end of the symmetry axis CUX of the cushioning material, so that the vicinity of the boundary between the opposing portion 32 and the upper inclined portion 31 forms a smooth curved surface 37a.

[0033] The "lower inclined portion 33" is a portion of the cushioning material that is connected to the opposing portion 32 in the direction of one end CUXa (upward direction) of the symmetry axis CUX, and has an inclined surface 35b that gradually slopes from the lower end edge 32a of the opposing portion 32 toward the inner surface 20a of the shoe of the cushioning material. This prevents the heel from slipping out of the opening 75 by catching on the heel when the wearer moves up and down while wearing the shoe. The lower inclined portion 33 connects with the opposing portion 32 in the direction CUXa (upward direction) of one end of the cushioning material's axis of symmetry CUX, so that the area near the boundary between the lower inclined portion 33 and the opposing portion 32 forms a smooth curved surface 37b. The "lower edge 32a of the opposing portion 32" refers to the boundary between the opposing portion 32 and the lower inclined portion 33.

[0034] The "lower recess 34" is a part that accommodates the lower part of the wearer's heel by gradually recessing the inner surface 20a of the shoe along the lower edge 33a of the lower inclined portion 33, in the direction CUXa (upward direction) of the cushioning material's axis of symmetry CUX, and widening from the center of the lower inclined portion 33 (the axis of symmetry CUX of the cushioning material). When the wearer puts on the shoe, the part corresponding to the wearer's calcaneus is housed in the hole of the recess, thereby protecting the lower part of the wearer's heel. The lower recess 34 connects with the lower inclined portion 33 in the direction CUXa (upward direction) of one end of the cushioning material's axis of symmetry CUX, so that the surrounding area, including the boundary between the lower recess 34 and the lower inclined portion 33, forms a smooth curved surface 37c. The "lower edge 33a of the lower inclined portion 33" refers to the boundary between the lower inclined portion 33 and the lower recess 34.

[0035] The "ankle bone lower support body 40" is a part that extends from near the left and right upper edge ends 22L and 22R of the cushioning material at the opposing part 32 of the heel posterior end support body 30, bending in the direction of the other end COXb (downward direction) of the symmetry axis COX of the cushioning material 20, and bulging out to surround the lower recess 34 from both sides. This part protects the lower part of the wearer's left and right ankles, thereby providing lateral holding power. The term "below the ankle" refers to the area approximately 0.10 cm to 4.0 cm below the wearer's ankle, and the below-ankle support body 40 is provided at this position. The "ankle bone lower support body 40" includes a left ankle bone lower support body 40L and a right ankle bone lower support body 40R. When the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is placed in the right shoe, the left ankle bone lower support body 40L protects the lower part of the wearer's inner ankle bone, and the right ankle bone lower support body 40R protects the lower part of the wearer's outer ankle bone. Conversely, when the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is placed in the left shoe, the left ankle bone lower support body 40L protects the lower part of the wearer's outer ankle bone, and the right ankle bone lower support body 40R protects the lower part of the wearer's inner ankle bone. "The position near the upper edge ends 22L and 22R of the cushioning material in the opposing portion 32" refers to a range of approximately 1.0 cm to 5.0 cm from the upper edge end 22L of the left cushioning material and the upper edge end 22R of the right cushioning material, respectively.

[0036] <Embodiment 2> As shown in Figure 5, the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is characterized in that the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are laminated within the area enclosed by the outer outline of the counter body 10', the outer outline of the counter body 10' is an upper outer curve 11 and a lower outer curve 10d, and the cushioning material 20 partially extends beyond the upper outer curve 11 of the counter body 10', and the counter body 10' is laminated with the lower parts 40Lb and 40Rb of the ankle lower support body 40 of the cushioning material 20. In other words, in the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the counter body 10' is not laminated with the upper parts 40La and 40Ra of the lower ankle support body 40, and is characterized in that only the lower parts 40Lb and 40Rb of the lower ankle support body 40 are laminated. Furthermore, the cushioning material 20 (heel rear end support body 30, ankle lower part support body 40) of the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is essentially the same as the cushioning material 20 of the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the general shape of the counter body 10' in the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is roughly U-shaped when viewed from below, enclosed by the upper outer shape curve 11 of the counter body 10', which is a curve connecting the left end 10dL and the right end 10dR of the lower outer shape, which are the two corners on the left and right sides of the bottom edge of the outer shape of the counter body 10', toward one end direction (upward direction) of the axis of symmetry of the counter body (COXa), and the lower outer shape line 10d of the counter body 10', which is a line connecting the left end 10dL and the right end 10dR of the lower outer shape.

[0038] The statement "The counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are stacked within the area enclosed by the outer contour of the counter body 10'" means that when the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are stacked together, they are in a relationship where they are stacked together in the area enclosed by the upper outer contour curve 11 of the counter body 10' and the lower edge 23 of the cushioning material 20. "Lower edge 23 of the cushioning material" refers to the edge of the lower part 20b of the cushioning material, which overlaps with the lower outer shape line 20d of the cushioning material 20, and is the part that faces the outsole when the counter of the shoe of the present invention is positioned. "The lower part 40Lb, 40Rb of the lower ankle support body 40" refers to the lower portion of the lower ankle support body 40, and means the area within a range of approximately 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm along the axis of symmetry CUX of the cushioning material 20, measured from the lower tip of the lower ankle support body 40.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is such that the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are partially laminated together, and the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are laminated together within the area enclosed by the outline of the counter body 10', the outline of the counter body 10' being the upper outline curve 11 and the lower outline curve 10d, and when the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are laminated together, they are in a relationship where they do not laminate together in the area enclosed by the upper outline curve 11 of the counter body 10', the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material (= upper outline curve 20c of the cushioning material), and the side edge 25 of the cushioning material (= left side of the side outline curve 20eL and right side of the side outline curve 20eR of the cushioning material), and the counter body 10' is also a shoe counter that does not laminate with the upper parts 40La and 40Ra of the ankle lower support body 40 of the cushioning material 20.

[0040] The statement "When the counter body 10' and the cushioning material 20 are stacked on top of each other, they do not stack on top of each other in the area enclosed by the upper outer curve 11 of the counter body 10', the upper edge 21 of the cushioning material (= upper outer shape line 20c of the cushioning material), and the side edge 25 of the cushioning material (= left side of the side outer shape line 20eL of the cushioning material, right side of the side outer shape line 20eR of the cushioning material)" means that the area enclosed by the three points 21C, the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material, 22L, the left end of the upper edge of the cushioning material (= left end of the upper outer shape line 20cL of the cushioning material), and 24L, the left end of the lower edge of the cushioning material (= left end of the lower outer shape line 20dL of the cushioning material) is an exposed, roughly triangular-shaped cushioning material 20 that does not overlap with the counter 10' on the outer surface 20b of the cushioning material 20. Furthermore, regarding the exposed, roughly triangular-shaped cushioning material 20, if we consider that the upper outer curve 11 of the counter body 10' and the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material do not overlap, and that a line is drawn connecting the upper outer curve 11 of the counter body 10' and the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material, then it can also be described as an exposed, roughly rectangular-shaped cushioning material 20. Specifically, the area enclosed by the line connecting the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material and the left upper edge end 22L of the cushioning material (= left end 20cL of the upper outline of the cushioning material), the line connecting the left upper edge end 22L of the cushioning material (= left end 20cL of the upper outline of the cushioning material) and the left lower edge end 24L of the cushioning material (= left end 20dL of the lower outline of the cushioning material), and the line connecting the left lower edge end 24L of the cushioning material (= left end 20dL of the lower outline of the cushioning material) and the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material means that the cushioning material 20 is an exposed, roughly triangular-shaped cushioning material 20 that does not overlap with the counter 10' on the outer surface 20b of the shoe. Furthermore, the area enclosed by the three points 21C, the center point of the upper edge of the cushioning material, 22R, the end of the upper edge of the right cushioning material (= the right end of the upper outline of the cushioning material 20cR), and 24R, the end of the lower edge of the right cushioning material (= the right end of the lower outline of the cushioning material 20dR), means that the cushioning material 20 is an exposed, roughly triangular-shaped cushioning material 20 that does not overlap with the counter 10' on the outer surface 20b of the shoe. Specifically, this means that the cushioning material 20 is an exposed, roughly triangular-shaped cushioning material 20 that does not overlap with the counter 10' on the outer surface 20b of the shoe, enclosed by a line connecting the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material and the right upper edge end 22R (= right end 20cR of the upper outline of the cushioning material), a line connecting the right upper edge end 22R (= right end 20cR of the upper outline of the cushioning material) and the right lower edge end 24R (= right end 20dR of the lower outline of the cushioning material) and a line connecting the lower edge end 24R (= right end 20dR of the lower outline of the cushioning material) and the center point 21C of the upper edge of the cushioning material. The exposed, roughly triangular cushioning material 20 is not compressed by the counter body 10' when the wearer puts on the shoe, and as a result of the upper outer curve 11 of the counter body 10' becoming a fold line, it widens in the width direction from the top line of the opening 75 toward the sole 72 and 73, making it possible to improve the ease of putting on and taking off the shoe. "The upper part 40La, 40Ra of the lower ankle support body 40" refers to the upper portion of the lower ankle support body 40, and means the area within a range of approximately 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm along the axis of symmetry CUX of the cushioning material 20, measured from the upper tip of the lower ankle support body 40. "Cushion material side edge 25" refers to the area connecting the upper edge end 22L (= left end of the upper outer shape of the cushion material 20cL) and the lower edge end 24L (= left end of the lower outer shape of the cushion material 20dL) of the outer outline 20c and 20d of the cushion material, and the area connecting the upper edge end 22R (= right end of the upper outer shape of the cushion material 20cR) and the lower edge end 24R (= right end of the lower outer shape of the cushion material 20dR) of the cushion material. Specifically, it refers to the side outer shape 20e (left side of the side outer shape of the cushion material 20eL, right side of the side outer shape of the cushion material 20eR). "Lower edge ends 24L, 24R of the cushioning material" refers to the left and right ends of the lower edge 23 of the cushioning material (= lower outer outline 20d of the cushioning material). The left lower edge end 24L of the cushioning material is the left end 20dL of the lower outer outline of the cushioning material 20, and the right lower edge end 24R of the cushioning material is the right end 20dR of the lower outer outline of the cushioning material 20.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, the final shoe counter product 300 according to the present invention is a product in which the outer material 50 and inner material 60 described below are attached to the shoe counters 100 and 200 according to the present invention by methods such as sewing, and then integrated into a single product.

[0042] Regarding the layering relationship between the counter bodies 10, 10' and the cushioning material 20, if the outer contours 20c, 20d, and 20e of the cushioning material 20 extend beyond the outer contours 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter bodies 10, 10', then, in the case of the shoe counter according to the present invention, a counter surface material 50, which is a synthetic fiber fabric material such as nylon with an aesthetic design as part of the shoe's appearance, is attached to the outer surface 10b of the counter bodies 10, 10' and the outer surface 20b of the cushioning material 20 by sewing or other methods, and at the same time, a counter backing material 60, which is a synthetic fiber fabric material such as nylon formed in a mesh pattern, is attached to the inner surface 20a of the cushioning material 20 by sewing or other methods. In contrast, regarding the layering relationship between the counter body 10, 10' and the cushioning material 20, if the layering is done so that there is no overhang, that is, if the outer contours 20c, 20d, and 20e of the cushioning material 20 are laid along the outer contours 10c, 10d, and 10e of the counter body 10, 10', then the counter surface material 50, which is a synthetic fiber fabric material such as nylon with an aesthetic design as the appearance of the shoe, is attached to the outer surface 10b of the counter body 10 of the shoe counter according to the present invention by sewing or other methods, and at the same time, the counter backing material 60, which is a synthetic fiber fabric material such as nylon formed in a mesh pattern, is attached to the inner surface 20a of the cushioning material 20 of the shoe by sewing or other methods.

[0043] "The inner surface 20a of the cushioning material 20" refers to the surface of the cushioning material 20 in the toe direction Td when the cushioning material 20 is placed in the shoe, while "the outer surface 20b of the cushioning material 20" refers to the surface of the cushioning material 20 opposite to the inner surface 20a, i.e., the surface of the cushioning material 20 in the heel direction Hd when the cushioning material 20 is placed in the shoe.

[0044] As a result of attaching the counter surface material 50 and counter back material 60 to the counter bodies 10, 10' and cushion material 20, a shoe counter product 300 according to the present invention is completed as the final product of the shoe counter 100 according to Embodiment 1 or the shoe counter 200 according to Embodiment 2 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 5.

[0045] A method for manufacturing a shoe equipped with the shoe counter product 300 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, is injection molding, in which a material such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is heated and melted, then injected into a mold under high pressure to form a specific shape. Other shoe manufacturing methods include direct molding, cemented construction, vulcanized construction, McKay construction, and Goodyear welt construction, but any of these are acceptable and the method is not limited to any one of them. In the manufacturing process described above, the shoe counter product 300 according to the present invention is firmly attached and integrated with the outsole 73 and the left and right band-shaped members 74, which are part of the upper material, by methods such as stitching. As a result, a shoe equipped with the shoe counter product 300 according to the present invention is completed.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, when a wearer wears a shoe 400 equipped with a shoe counter product 300 relating to the shoe counter 200 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the lower ankle support body 40 will come into contact with the lower part of the wearer's ankle 81. Furthermore, in the same figure, the lower part 40Lb of the left ankle support body 40 of the cushioning material 20 is laminated with the counter body 10', and the counter body 10' is not laminated with the upper part 40La of the left ankle support body 40 of the cushioning material 20.

[0047] In the shoe 400 equipped with the shoe counter product 300 relating to the shoe counter 200 of Embodiment 2 shown in the figure, the lower part 40Lb of the ankle support body 40 of the cushioning material 20 overlaps with the counter body 10'. As a result, when the wearer puts on the shoe 400, there is pressure from the counter body 10', preventing the shoe from spreading in the width direction, and the lower part 40Lb of the ankle support body 40 comes into contact with the lower part of the ankle of the wearer's heel. This further prevents chafing, improves the fit, and provides left and right holding force to the lower side of the heel, resulting in improved ease of wearing. Furthermore, since the upper side of the heel posterior support body 30 and the upper part 40La of the ankle lower support body 40 of the cushioning material 20 do not overlap with the counter body 10', when the wearer puts on the shoe 400 there is no pressure from the counter body 10', and as the opening 75 widens in the width direction from the top line toward the sole, the left and right holding force of the upper side of the heel is partially released, resulting in improved ease of putting on and taking off the shoe. [Industrial applicability]

[0048] The shoe counter according to the present invention can be used for all types of shoes, including business shoes, athletic shoes, boots, and women's shoes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 100 Shoe counter of Embodiment 1 200 Shoe counter of Embodiment 2 300 shoe counter products 400 shoes with counter products 10 Counter body of Embodiment 1 10' Counter body of Embodiment 2 10a Inner side of the counter body 10b Outer side of the counter body 10c Upper outline of the counter body 10cL Counter body upper outline left end 10cR Counter body upper outline right end 10d Lower outline of the counter body 10dL Lower outline of the counter body, left end 10dR Counter body lower outline right end 10e Side outline of the counter body 10eL Counter Body Side Outline Left Side Right side of the outer outline of the 10eR counter body. 11. Upper outer shape curve of the counter body (upper outer shape of the counter body in Embodiment 2) 20 Cushioning material 20A Upper part of cushioning material 20B Lower part of cushioning material 20a Cushioning material on the inner side of the shoe 20b Cushioning material on the outer side of the shoe 20c Upper outline of cushioning material 20cL cushioning material, upper outline, left end Right edge of the upper outline of the 20cR cushioning material 20d Lower outline of cushioning material 20dL cushioning material, left edge of the lower outer contour. Right end of the lower outline of the 20dR cushioning material 20e Side outline of cushioning material 20eL cushioning material, left side outline 20eR Cushioning material, right side outline 21. Upper edge of cushioning material (= upper outer outline 20c of cushioning material) 21C Center point of the upper edge of the cushioning material 22L Left side upper edge of cushioning material (= left side of the upper outer outline of the cushioning material, 20cL) 22R Right side upper edge of cushioning material (= right side of the upper outer outline of the cushioning material 20cR) 23. Lower edge of cushioning material (= lower outer outline of cushioning material 20d) 24L Left side cushion material lower edge (= left side of the lower outer outline of the cushion material, 20dL) 24R Right side lower edge of cushioning material (= right side of the lower outer outline of the cushioning material, 20dR) 25. Side edge of the cushioning material (= outer outline of the side of the cushioning material 20e) 30 Heel posterior support body 31 Upper slope 31a Edge of upper slope towards toe 32 Opposing part 32a Lower edge of the opposing part 32b Heel facing surface 33 Lower inclined section 33a Lower edge of the lower inclined section 34 Lower recess 35a Inclined surface (inclined surface of the upper inclined section) 35b Inclined surface (inclined surface of the lower inclined section) 36. Upper side 37a Curved surface (nearby curved surface including the boundary between the upper inclined section and the opposing section) 37b Curved surface (nearby curved surface including the boundary between the opposing section and the lower inclined section) 37c Curved surface (nearby curved surface including the boundary between the lower inclined section and the lower recess) 40 Ankle support body below the ankle 40L Left ankle lower support body 40La Upper part of the support body below the left ankle bone 40 lb, lower part of the support body below the left ankle bone. 40R Right ankle bone lower support body 40Ra Upper part of the support body below the right ankle bone 40Rb Lower part of the support body below the right ankle bone 50 Countertop material 60 Counter backing material 70 Upper material 71 Upper material (lining) 72 Midsole 73 Outsole 74 Strip-shaped member 75 Opening 80. The wearer's heel 81. The wearer's ankle Axis of symmetry of the COX counter body One end of the symmetry axis of the COXa counter body (upward direction) The other end (downward direction) of the axis of symmetry of the COXb counter body. CUX cushioning material axis of symmetry CUXa cushioning material's axis of symmetry, one end direction (upward direction) CUXb Cushion material's axis of symmetry in the direction of the other end (downward direction) Td Toe direction Hd Heel direction

Claims

1. A shoe counter comprising a counter body which is an outer frame, and cushioning material which is joined to the inner surface of the shoe of the counter body so as to be stacked on top of each other within the area enclosed by the outer shape of the counter body, The aforementioned cushioning material is The upper inclined portion has an inclined surface that gradually slopes from the upper edge of the cushioning material toward the toe-direction edge of the upper inclined portion, The opposing portion is connected to the aforementioned upper inclined portion and has a heel-facing surface which is a surface facing the upper part of the wearer's heel, A lower inclined portion having an inclined surface that is connected to the opposing portion and gradually slopes from the lower edge of the opposing portion toward the inner side surface of the cushioning material of the shoe, A heel rear end support body comprising a lower recess that connects to the lower inclined surface and forms a recess along the lower edge of the lower inclined surface, thereby accommodating the lower part of the wearer's heel, A shoe counter characterized by comprising an ankle bone lower support body that bends and extends from a position near the upper edge of the cushioning material at the opposing portion of the heel posterior support body in the direction of the other end of the cushioning material's axis of symmetry.

2. The outline of the counter body consists of an upper outline curve and a lower outline. The shoe counter according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower part of the ankle support body of the cushioning material is laminated with the counter body only at the lower end.

3. The shoe counter according to claim 2, wherein when the counter body and the cushioning material are stacked together, they do not overlap in the region enclosed by the upper outer curve of the counter body, the upper edge of the cushioning material, and the side edge of the cushioning material, and the counter body does not overlap with the upper part of the ankle lower support body of the cushioning material.

4. A shoe counter product characterized in that, in the shoe counter according to claims 1 to 3, a counter surface material having an aesthetic design as the appearance of a shoe is attached only to the outer surface of the counter body or to the outer surface of the counter body and the outer surface of the cushioning material, and a counter backing material is attached to the inner surface of the cushioning material.

5. A shoe equipped with the shoe counter product of claim 4.

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