Plates, soles, and shoes

Abstract

The present invention provides a plate that can partially differentiate functions while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, as well as a sole and shoe having said plate. [Solution] A plate 4 is placed on the sole of a shoe, and the plate 4 has a plurality of regions including a first region R1 formed by a first linear element 41 and a second region R2 formed by a second linear element 42. The rigidity of the first region R1 is different from the rigidity of the second region R2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to plates, soles, and shoes.

Background Art

[0002] In order to adjust the resilience and shock buffering properties acting on the sole of the foot, a plate may be provided on the sole of the shoe. Also, it is known to configure a plate by assembling a plurality of members, thereby making the functions partially different. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a plate composed of a sole element extending along the longitudinal direction of the foot and a reinforcing element assembled to the central portion of the sole element to partially enhance rigidity. However, in such a configuration, the number of parts increases, so there is room for improvement from the viewpoints of manufacturing cost, manufacturing man-hours, and environmental impact.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a plate that can make the functions partially different while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, as well as a sole and a shoe having the plate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The plate of the present disclosure is a plate disposed on the sole of a shoe, the plate having a plurality of regions including a first region formed by a first linear element and a second region formed by a second linear element, wherein the rigidity of the first region is different from the rigidity of the second region.

[0006] The sole of this disclosure has the plate described above.

[0007] The shoes of this disclosure comprise the sole described above and an upper positioned above the sole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Side view of a shoe according to one embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 2] Shoe exploded view [Figure 3] Top view of the plate according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] Schematic top view of the plate according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] Schematic top view of a plate according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic top view of a plate according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Top view of the plate according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Perspective view of the sole with the plate according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Side view showing an example of a shoe having a sole on which a plate according to the second embodiment is arranged. [Figure 10] Schematic top view of the plate according to the second embodiment [Figure 11] Schematic top view of a plate according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Top view of the plate according to the third embodiment [Figure 13] Top view of a plate according to a modified example of the third embodiment [Figure 14] Top view of a plate according to a modified example of the third embodiment [Figure 15] Top view of a plate according to a modified example of the third embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Shoes and soles] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the shoes and the soles they have will be briefly described. Figure 1 is a side view showing a shoe 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the shoe 1. The shoe 1 can be used as a sports shoe such as a running shoe, a walking shoe, or a casual shoe. However, the use of the shoe 1 is not particularly limited.

[0010] In this embodiment, a shoe for the left foot 1 is used as an example for explanation, but the explanation is similarly applicable to a shoe for the right foot. The shoe for the right foot is formed to be symmetrical to the shoe for the left foot, or to be generally similar in shape.

[0011] Regarding the terminology used to indicate direction, the foot length direction refers to the direction in which the shoe center SC (see Figure 4), which is the centerline of shoe 1 in a top view (plan view), extends. The foot width direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the foot length direction in a top view. The front refers to the direction from the heel to the toes, and the back refers to the opposite direction. The medial side refers to the first toe side of the foot in the foot width direction, and the lateral side refers to the fifth toe side of the foot in the foot width direction. The lower side refers to the side towards which gravity is directed when shoe 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the upper side refers to the opposite side.

[0012] Shoe 1 includes a sole 2 and an upper 3 disposed above the sole 2. The upper 3 covers at least a part of the foot of the wearer of the shoe 1. The upper 3 is connected to the sole 2 by means such as adhesion or sewing. The foot of the wearer is supported from below by the sole 2 and covered from above by the upper 3. The wearer is assumed to be a person of standard build with feet that fit the size of the shoe 1. The upper 3 may include an insole (not shown) that covers the sole of the wearer's foot. Also, an insole (not shown) may be attached above the insole.

[0013] The upper 3 is provided with an opening 31 for inserting the foot of the wearer, a toe opening 32 extending forward from the opening 31, a tongue 33 closing the toe opening 32, and a shoelace 34 disposed above the tongue 33. The tongue 33 covers the range from the front of the wearer's ankle to the toe. The tongue 33 fits to the wearer's toe by the downward pressing force accompanying the tightening of the shoelace 34. The shoelace 34 is inserted through eyelets formed on the left and right of the toe opening 32. Note that the upper 3 is not limited to such a configuration.

[0014] The sole 2 in this embodiment has an outer sole 21 and a midsole 22. The outer sole 21 constitutes the grounding part of the shoe 1. The outer sole 21 is formed of, for example, resin or rubber. The midsole 22 is disposed above the outer sole 21. The midsole 22 is formed of, for example, a resin foam material. The midsole 22 includes a lower midsole 22L and an upper midsole 2U disposed above the lower midsole 22L at least a part of the lower surface of the lower midsole 22L is covered by the outer sole 21.

[0015] The sole 2 has a sole length L2 along the length of the foot. The sole 2 has a forefoot Pf, a midfoot Pm, and a rearfoot Pr. Figure 1 shows the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot schematically. The first boundary position B1 is the boundary between the forefoot Pf and the midfoot Pm. The second boundary position B2 is the boundary between the midfoot Pm and the rearfoot Pr. The first boundary position B1 may be at 40% of the sole length L2, relative to the front end of the sole 2. The second boundary position B2 may be at 60% of the sole length L2, relative to the front end of the sole 2.

[0016] A plate 4 is positioned on the sole 2. The plate 4 is formed as a single component. The plate 4 is formed from a single member that is plate-shaped as a whole. The plate 4 does not have joints or seams resulting from the assembly of multiple separate members. The plate 4 extends continuously without interruption from the forefoot Pf through the midfoot Pm to the rearfoot Pr. The anterior end of the plate 4 is positioned at a location corresponding to the anterior end of the wearer's foot, or forward or backward. The posterior end of the plate 4 is positioned at a location corresponding to the posterior end of the wearer's foot, or forward or backward.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 2, the plate 4 is positioned between the lower midsole 22L and the upper midsole 22U, but the design is not limited to this. For example, the plate 4 can be positioned above the upper midsole 22U. In this case, the upper surface of the plate 4 may be covered by the insole, or the plate 4 may be used as the insole. Alternatively, the plate 4 can be positioned below the lower midsole 22L. In this case, the lower surface of the plate 4 may be covered by the outsole 21, or the plate 4 may be used as the outsole.

[0018] [First embodiment of the plate] A first embodiment of the plate will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a top view of the plate 4. Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the plate 4. In Figures 4 to 6, the first region R1 and the second region R2, which will be described later, are distinguished by different shaded areas. The plate 4 is formed of a plurality of linear elements 40. More specifically, the plate 4 is composed of a molded body formed by shaping the plurality of linear elements 40 into a plate shape. The plate 4 has a plurality of regions, including a first region R1 formed by a first linear element 41 and a second region R2 formed by a second linear element 42. The rigidity of the first region R1 is different from the rigidity of the second region R2.

[0019] Plate 4 has a first region R1 and a second region R2 with different rigidities, allowing for partially different functions depending on their arrangement. For example, the region with relatively high rigidity can enhance rebound properties, while the region with relatively low rigidity can enhance shock absorption (cushioning). Plate 4 also offers superior production efficiency compared to plates composed of assemblies of multiple members.

[0020] The linear element 40 can be a linear body made of resin or the like, a yarn formed from multiple fibers, a twisted yarn, or the like. As the linear body, for example, fibrous materials such as thermoplastic resin fibers, glass fibers, and carbon fibers can be used. Examples of thermoplastic resin fibers include TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fibers, TPEE (polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer) fibers, PEBA (polyether block amide) fibers, and polyester fibers. It is also possible to use a fiber bundle made by bundling fibrous materials together, as exemplified in the third embodiment described later.

[0021] As previously described, the first region R1 and the second region R2 have different stiffnesses. This stiffness may be bending stiffness. Bending stiffness may be the stiffness against bending along a straight line parallel to the leg length direction. Bending stiffness is measured, for example, by a three-point bending test. In a three-point bending test, the distance between supports and the pressing force at each part are set to be constant during measurement. In addition, the stiffness may be tensile stiffness instead of or in addition to bending stiffness. Tensile strength or tensile modulus may be used as tensile stiffness.

[0022] In this embodiment, the plate 4 has a structure in which linear elements 40 are arranged in a mesh-like manner. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the weight of the plate 4. At the outer edge of the plate 4, the linear elements 40 are arranged to extend along the outer edge, but are not limited to this. The plate 4 is formed by, for example, embroidery, 3D printing, resin printing, or fiber printing, but may be formed by other methods.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the first linear element 41 is formed from a different material than the second linear element 42. The difference in stiffness between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is due to the difference in these materials. Therefore, by forming the first linear element 41 from a relatively stiff material and the second linear element 42 from a relatively stiff material, the stiffness of the first region R1 is higher than that of the second region R2. Among the fibrous materials mentioned above, for example, carbon fiber is a relatively stiff material, thermoplastic resin fiber is a relatively stiff material, and glass fiber is positioned somewhere in between.

[0024] This embodiment shows an example in which the rigidity of the first region R1 is higher than that of the second region R2. As shown in Figure 4, the first region R1 is located in the forefoot Pf, and the second region R2 is located elsewhere than the forefoot Pf. With this configuration, since the region with relatively high rigidity is located in the forefoot Pf, the rebound force on the toes and forefoot of the foot can be increased, thereby improving athletic performance. The second region R2 is located in the rearfoot Pr. By placing the region with relatively low rigidity in the rearfoot Pr, the shock absorption capacity on the heel of the foot can be increased, and the load at ground contact can be reduced. In one aspect of this configuration, carbon fiber is used for the first linear element 41, and thermoplastic resin fiber is used for the second linear element 42.

[0025] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the rigidity of the first region R1 is higher than that of the second region R2, and the first region R1 is positioned along a location corresponding to at least a portion of the metatarsals of the wearer's foot, with the second region R2 positioned around it. With this configuration, the relatively rigid region is positioned along the locations corresponding to the metatarsals, thereby effectively increasing the repulsive force against forces from the wearer's foot. In one embodiment of this configuration, carbon fiber is used for the first linear element 41, and glass fiber is used for the second linear element 42. In the illustrated example, the first region R1 extends along a location corresponding to each of the first toe to the fifth toe of the foot, with the second region R2 positioned between them.

[0026] In the modified example shown in Figure 6, a third region R3 is positioned between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The stiffness of the third region R3 is lower than the higher of the stiffness of the first region R1 and the stiffness of the second region R2, and higher than the lower of the two. This configuration suppresses abrupt changes in stiffness between the first region R1 and the second region R2, thereby improving the durability of the plate 4. In this embodiment, since the stiffness of the first region R1 is higher than the stiffness of the second region R2, the stiffness of the third region R3 is lower than the stiffness of the first region R1 and higher than the stiffness of the second region R2. In the example shown in Figure 6, the third region R3 is positioned in the midfoot Pm, but this is not the only example.

[0027] In the third region R3, the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 may coexist. In that case, the third region R3 can be formed using the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 as described above. For example, if carbon fiber is used for the first linear element 41 and thermoplastic resin fiber is used for the second linear element 42, it is conceivable to form the third region R3 with linear elements containing carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin fiber in proportions of approximately 50% each.

[0028] The third region R3 may also be configured to include a region in which the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 are stacked vertically. This allows the third region R3 to be formed using the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 as described above. For example, if carbon fiber is used for the first linear element 41 and thermoplastic resin fiber is used for the second linear element 42, it is conceivable to form a third region R3 that includes a region in which the carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin fiber are stacked vertically. The region in the third region R3 in which the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 are stacked vertically may extend along the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 with a width of 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0029] A third region R3, formed by a third linear element, is positioned between the first region R1 and the second region R2, and this third linear element may be made of a different material from both the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42. In this case, the difference in stiffness between the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 is due to the difference in these materials. In one embodiment of this configuration, carbon fiber is used for the first linear element 41, thermoplastic resin fiber is used for the second linear element 42, and glass fiber is used for the third linear element.

[0030] [Second embodiment of the plate] A second embodiment of the plate will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Since the second embodiment can be configured in the same way as the first embodiment, except for the configuration described below, commonalities will be omitted and the differences will be the main focus of the description. Components already described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0031] Figure 7 is a top view of plate 4. Figure 8 is a perspective view of sole 2 on which plate 4 is placed. The plate 4 of the second embodiment has a projection 5 configured to project outward from sole 2 in a top view. The projection 5 protrudes outward from the outer outline of sole 2 in a top view. The projection 5 is formed in a shape that tapers towards the direction of projection, specifically in a triangular shape. The shape of the projection 5 is not limited to this. The projection 5 is connected to the upper 3 in a manner illustrated in Figure 9. The projection 5 has a connecting portion 51 used for connecting to the upper 3. The connecting portion 51 is formed in an annular shape, but may be formed in a hook shape, for example.

[0032] Figure 9 is a side view showing an example of a shoe 1 having a sole 2 on which the plate 4 described above is placed. The upper 3 of this shoe 1 comprises a fabric-like base material 35 and a plurality of linear bodies 36 arranged on the outside of the base material 35. Each of the plurality of linear bodies 36 extends in the direction of the length of the foot and is arranged side by side in the direction of the width of the foot. The linear bodies 36 interlock with other linear bodies 36 adjacent to them in the direction of the width of the foot. Each of the plurality of linear bodies 36 has a portion that interlocks with another linear body 36 adjacent to it on one side in the direction of the width of the foot, and a portion that interlocks with another linear body 36 adjacent to it on the other side in the direction of the width of the foot, which are alternately set along the direction of the length of the foot.

[0033] At least one of the multiple linear bodies 36 (two in the illustrated example) is provided with an end 36e for applying tension to the upper 3. By pulling this end 36e backward, tension is sequentially transmitted to the multiple linear bodies 36, thereby applying tension to the upper 3. The end 36e is fitted with a cord lock 37 for fixing the linear body 36 immovably and a cord tip 38 to prevent the linear body 36 from coming out of the cord lock 37.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 9, the protrusion 5 is connected to the upper 3 in a state where it is bent in a direction intersecting the plate 4. The linear body 36 is inserted through the connecting part 51, thereby hooking the protrusion 5 onto the linear body 36. When tension is applied to the multiple linear bodies 36 by pulling the end 36e, a force is applied that pulls the plate 4 towards the upper 3, thereby improving the fit of the plate 4. It is also possible to use the protrusion 5 as a means of connecting the upper 3 to the sole 2. In this case, the sole 2 and the upper 3 can be easily separated by pulling out the linear body 36 from the connecting part 51, resulting in a structure with excellent recyclability.

[0035] Figure 10 is a schematic top view of plate 4, but the connecting portion 51 is not shown. In this example, the rigidity of the first region R1 is higher than that of the second region R2, and the second region R2 is located on the protrusion 5. Placing a region with relatively low rigidity on the protrusion 5 is advantageous for bending the protrusion 5 to connect it to the upper 3, as described above. In the example shown in Figure 10, the first region R1 is located on the portion of plate 4 excluding the protrusion 5. This ensures good rigidity of plate 4 inside the outer contour of sole 2.

[0036] When a second region R2 with relatively low rigidity is positioned in the protrusion 5, each of the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 may be formed from a material containing a thermoplastic resin, and the second linear element 42 may be formed from a material with a higher melting point than the first linear element 41. With this configuration, when molding the plate 4, by heating at a temperature higher than the melting point of the first linear element 41 and lower than the melting point of the second linear element 42, the first linear element 41 solidifies after thermal melting, but the second linear element 42 does not. As a result, a plate 4 with a flexible protrusion 5 is obtained, making it easier to bend the protrusion 5 and connect it to the upper 3 as described above.

[0037] In one embodiment of the plate 4 that utilizes the difference in melting points described above, a first region R1 is formed by embroidering a first linear element 41 made of carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin fiber, and a second region R2 is formed by embroidering a second linear element 42 made of thermoplastic resin fiber with a higher melting point than the thermoplastic resin fiber used in the first linear element 41, and the second region R2 is placed on the protruding portion 5.

[0038] In another embodiment of the plate 4 that utilizes the difference in melting points described above, a first region R1 is formed by embroidering a first linear element 41 made of TPU yarn, which is a TPU fiber, and a second region R2 is formed by embroidering a second linear element 42 made of thermoplastic resin fiber, which has a higher melting point than TPU, and the second region R2 is placed on the protruding portion 5. The connecting portion 51 may also be made of TPU yarn.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 10, multiple protrusions 5 are provided around the entire circumference of the plate 4, spaced apart from each other. With this configuration, not only can the sole 2 and the upper 3 be firmly connected via the protrusions 5, but the force pulling the plate 4 towards the upper 3 is evenly applied, lifting the entire sole of the foot, thus improving the fit of the plate 4. However, this is not the only possible configuration, and various modifications of the protrusions 5, as shown in Figure 11, are conceivable.

[0040] In the modified example shown in Figure 11(A), the protrusion 5 is provided only in the central part of the plate 4 in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The location of this protrusion 5 may be the part located in the midfoot Pm. The protrusion 5 protrudes from both the medial and lateral sides of the plate 4. With this configuration, the force that pulls the plate 4 toward the upper 3 via the protrusion 5 can be concentrated in the midfoot where a stronger fit is required.

[0041] In the modified example shown in Figure 11(B), the protrusion 5 is provided only in the central part of the plate 4 in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The location of this protrusion 5 may also be the part located in the midfoot Pm. The protrusion 5 protrudes from the medial side of the plate 4 but not from the lateral side. With this configuration, the force that pulls the plate 4 toward the upper 3 via the protrusion 5 can be concentrated in the arch area where a stronger fit is required. Alternatively, the protrusion 5 may protrude from the lateral side of the plate 4 but not from the medial side. With this configuration, the force that pulls the plate 4 toward the upper 3 via the protrusion 5 can be concentrated on the lateral side.

[0042] In the modified example shown in Figure 11(C), the protrusion 5 is provided only in the central part of the plate 4 in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The location of this protrusion 5 may be the part located in the midfoot Pm. The protrusion 5 protrudes from both the medial and lateral sides of the plate 4. The protrusion 5 may protrude from at least one of the medial or lateral sides of the plate 4. A string-like linear body 52 is integrally connected to the protrusion 5. By tightening the pair of linear bodies 52, which are positioned upward along the circumference of the foot, the plate 4 is pulled towards the upper 3, improving the fit. The linear bodies 52 may be connected to shoelaces, or they may be inserted into eyelets as part of the shoelaces themselves.

[0043] In the modified example shown in Figure 11(D), a projection 5 is provided around the rearfoot portion Pr (see Figure 1), which supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The projection 5 is C-shaped in a top view and has a rounded shape overall. By bending this projection 5 and placing it between the outer material and the lining of the upper 3, it can be used in place of or as part of a heel counter. The heel counter is a reinforcing material that stabilizes the heel of the upper 3 to support walking and running, and also enhances the shape retention of the shoe 1.

[0044] [Third embodiment of the plate] A third embodiment of the plate will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Since the third embodiment can be configured similarly to the first and second embodiments, except for the configuration described below, commonalities will be omitted and the differences will be the main focus of the description. Components already described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0045] Figure 12 is a top view of plate 4. Figure 4 can be referenced as a schematic top view of plate 4 shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment, plate 4 is formed from fiber bundles of linear elements 40. More specifically, plate 4 is composed of a molded body formed by shaping fiber bundles of fibrous material into a plate. The fact that plate 4 is formed from such linear elements 40, and the direction of the fibrous material described later, can be recognized by observing the appearance and cross-section of plate 4 after it has solidified through thermal melting. The ends of the fibrous material are arranged at the outer edge of the illustrated plate 4, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a curved outer surface formed by curving the fiber bundles in a U-shape when viewed from above may be arranged.

[0046] In the first region R1, the fiber bundles of the first linear element 41 are oriented in a first direction, and in the second region R2, the fiber bundles of the second linear element 42 are oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The difference in rigidity between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is due to the difference in the orientation of these fiber bundles. In this embodiment, the first direction is along the leg length direction, and the second direction is along the leg width direction. In this case, the first direction does not need to strictly coincide with the leg length direction; it is sufficient if it is roughly parallel to the leg length direction to the extent that it differs from the second direction. The same applies to the relationship between the second direction and the leg width direction. The first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42 may be made of the same material.

[0047] The first direction may be the direction along the width of the foot, and the second direction may be the direction along the length of the foot. Alternatively, the first direction may be the direction inclined with respect to both the width and length of the foot, and the second direction may be the direction inclined with respect to both the width and length of the foot, but different from the first direction. For example, the first direction may be the direction of the angle bisector along the angle bisector of the angle between the width and length of the foot.

[0048] In this embodiment, we show an example in which the rigidity of the first region R1 is higher than that of the second region R2. As shown in Figure 4, the first region R1 is located in the forefoot Pf, and the second region R2 is located outside the forefoot Pf. The advantageous effects of this configuration have already been described in the first embodiment.

[0049] In the third embodiment, which utilizes the direction of the fiber bundle, the configuration shown in Figure 5 can also be applied. In that case, for example, the first direction in the fiber bundle of the first linear element 41 forming the first region R1 may be the direction along the leg length direction, and the second direction in the fiber bundle of the second linear element 42 forming the second region R2 may be the direction along the leg width direction. The advantageous effects of such a configuration have already been described in the first embodiment.

[0050] In the modified example shown in Figure 13, a third region R3 is positioned between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Figure 6 can be referenced as a schematic top view of the plate 4 shown in Figure 13. The stiffness of the third region R3 is lower than the higher of the stiffness of the first region R1 and the stiffness of the second region R2, and higher than the lower of the two. With this configuration, the durability of the plate 4 can be improved by suppressing abrupt changes in stiffness between the first region R1 and the second region R2. In the illustrated example, the third region R3 is positioned in the midfoot Pm, but it is not limited to this.

[0051] In one embodiment, a third region R3 formed by a third linear element 43 is positioned between the first region R1 and the second region R2, and in the third region R3, the fiber bundle of the third linear element 43 is oriented in a third direction which is the direction between the first direction and the second direction. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first direction may be the direction along the leg length, the second direction may be the direction along the leg width, and the third direction may be the direction of the line bisector. The third linear element 43 may be made of the same material as the first linear element 41 and the second linear element 42.

[0052] In the modified example shown in Figure 14, the third direction changes such that it approaches the first direction, the leg length direction, as it approaches the first region R1, and approaches the second direction, the leg width direction, as it approaches the second region R2. Figure 6 can be seen as a schematic top view of the plate 4 shown in Figure 14. With this configuration, the abrupt change in rigidity between the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be suppressed more effectively, and the durability of the plate 4 can be suitably improved. The third linear element 43 extends in a curved linear shape, but it may also extend in a bent linear shape or in other shapes.

[0053] In the modified example shown in Figure 15, a protrusion 5 is provided, configured to protrude outward from the sole 2 in a top view. The protrusion 5 is provided on both the medial and lateral sides of the plate 4, and also along the rearfoot portion Pr (see Figure 1) that supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The protrusion 5 may be provided on at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the plate 4. Such a protrusion 5 has already been explained with reference to Figures 11(A) and (D). Matters described in the second embodiment, such as how to use the protrusion 5, where to set it, and how a flexible protrusion 5 can be obtained by utilizing the difference in melting point, can be applied to the third embodiment without any particular restrictions.

[0054] In one embodiment of the configuration shown in Figure 15, a first region R1 is formed by embroidering a first linear element 41 made of TPU yarn, a second region R2 is formed by embroidering a second linear element 42 also made of TPU yarn, and a protrusion 5 is formed from thermoplastic resin fibers with a higher melting point than TPU. The connecting portion 51 may also be made of TPU yarn. The protrusion 5 used as a heel counter may be made of the same thermoplastic resin fibers as the first linear element 41 or the second linear element 42 so as to ensure adequate rigidity.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0056] [1] The plate of this disclosure is a plate disposed on the sole of a shoe, and the plate has a plurality of regions including a first region formed by a first linear element and a second region formed by a second linear element, wherein the rigidity of the first region is different from the rigidity of the second region. This provides a plate that can have partially different functions while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0057] [2] In the plate described in [1] above, a third region may be positioned between the first region and the second region, wherein the rigidity of the third region is lower than the higher of the rigidity of the first region and the rigidity of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two. With such a configuration, abrupt changes in rigidity between the first region and the second region can be suppressed.

[0058] [3] In the plate described in [2] above, the first linear element and the second linear element may coexist in the third region. With this configuration, the third region can be formed using the first linear element and the second linear element.

[0059] [4] In the plate described in [2] or [3] above, the third region may include a region in which the first linear element and the second linear element are stacked vertically. With this configuration, the third region can be formed using the first linear element and the second linear element.

[0060] [5] In the plate described in [4] above, the region in which the first linear element and the second linear element are stacked vertically may extend along the boundary between the first region and the second region with a width of 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. With this configuration, abrupt changes in stiffness between the first region and the second region can be suppressed more effectively.

[0061] [6] In any one of the plates described in [1] to [5] above, the plate may have a structure in which linear elements are arranged in a mesh-like manner. With such a configuration, the weight of the plate can be reduced.

[0062] [7] In any one of the plates described in [1] to [6] above, the plate may be formed by embroidery, 3D printing, resin printing, or fiber printing.

[0063] [8] In any one of the plates described in [1] to [7] above, the rigidity of the first region may be higher than that of the second region, the first region may be located in the forefoot, and the second region may be located elsewhere. With such a configuration, the region with relatively higher rigidity is located in the forefoot, thereby increasing the rebound force on the toes and ball of the foot and improving athletic performance.

[0064] [9] In any one of the plates described in [1] to [8] above, the rigidity of the first region may be higher than that of the second region, the first region may be positioned along a location corresponding to at least a portion of the metatarsals of the wearer's foot, and the second region may be positioned around it. With such a configuration, the region with higher rigidity is positioned along a location corresponding to the metatarsals, thereby effectively increasing the repulsive force against forces from the wearer's foot.

[0065]

[10] In any one of the plates described in [1] to [9] above, a protrusion may be provided which is configured to protrude outward from the sole when viewed from above. For example, the protrusion can be connected to the upper to improve the fit of the shoe.

[0066]

[11] In the plate described in

[10] above, the rigidity of the first region may be higher than that of the second region, and the second region may be located on the protruding portion. Such a configuration is convenient for bending the protruding portion and connecting it to the upper as described above.

[0067]

[12] In any one of the plates described in [1] to

[11] above, the first linear element may be made of a different material than the second linear element. With this configuration, the rigidity can be made different between the first region and the second region based on the difference in the material of the linear element.

[0068]

[13] In the plate described in

[12] above, a third region formed by a third linear element is positioned between the first region and the second region, the rigidity of the third region being lower than the higher of the rigidity of the first region and the rigidity of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two, and the third linear element being formed from a material different from both the first linear element and the second linear element. With such a configuration, abrupt changes in rigidity between the first region and the second region can be suppressed.

[0069]

[14] In any one of the plates described in [1] to

[13] above, the fiber bundles of the first linear elements may be oriented in a first direction in the first region, and the fiber bundles of the second linear elements may be oriented in a second direction different from the first direction in the second region. With such a configuration, the stiffness can be made different between the first region and the second region based on the orientation of the fibers of the linear elements.

[0070]

[15] In the plate described in

[14] above, the first direction may be along the leg length direction, and the second direction may be along the leg width direction. With this configuration, the bending stiffness for bending along a straight line along the leg length direction is relatively high in the first region and relatively low in the second region.

[0071]

[16] In the plate described in

[14] above, the first direction may be along the width direction of the foot, and the second direction may be along the length direction of the foot. With this configuration, the bending stiffness with respect to bending along a straight line along the length direction of the foot is relatively low in the first region and relatively high in the second region.

[0072]

[17] In any one of the plates described in

[14] to

[16] above, a third region formed by a third linear element is located between the first region and the second region, wherein the stiffness of the third region is lower than the higher of the stiffness of the first region and the stiffness of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two, and in the third region, the fiber bundles of the third linear element are oriented in a third direction which is between the first direction and the second direction. With such a configuration, abrupt changes in stiffness between the first region and the second region can be suppressed.

[0073]

[18] In the plate described in

[17] above, the third direction may change such that it approaches the first direction as it approaches the first region, and approaches the second direction as it approaches the second region. With such a configuration, abrupt changes in stiffness between the first region and the second region can be suppressed more effectively.

[0074]

[19] The sole of the present disclosure has one of the plates described in [1] to

[18] above.

[0075]

[20] The shoes of this disclosure comprise one of the soles described in [1] to

[19] above, and an upper positioned above the sole.

[0076] While embodiments of the plate, sole, and shoe relating to this disclosure have been described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated not only by the above-described embodiments but also by the claims, and furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included.

[0077] The plates, soles, and shoes relating to this disclosure are not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, nor are they limited to the effects described above. The plates, soles, and shoes relating to this disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, the various components adopted in the embodiments described above can be arbitrarily combined and adopted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1 shoe, 2 sole, 3 upper, 4 plate, 5 protrusion, 40 linear element, 41 first linear element, 42 second linear element, 43 third linear element, 51 connection, R1 first region, R2 second region, R3 third region

Claims

1. A plate placed on the sole of a shoe, The plate has a plurality of regions, including a first region formed by a first linear element and a second region formed by a second linear element. A plate in which the rigidity of the first region is different from the rigidity of the second region.

2. A third region is positioned between the first region and the second region. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the third region is lower than the higher of the rigidity of the first region and the rigidity of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two.

3. The plate according to claim 2, wherein the first linear element and the second linear element coexist in the third region.

4. The plate according to claim 2, wherein the third region includes a region in which the first linear element and the second linear element are stacked vertically.

5. The plate according to claim 4, wherein the region in the third region in which the first linear element and the second linear element are stacked vertically extends along the boundary between the first region and the second region with a width of 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

6. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the plate has a structure in which linear elements are arranged in a mesh-like manner.

7. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the plate is formed by embroidery, 3D printing, resin printing, or fiber printing.

8. The rigidity of the first region is higher than the rigidity of the second region. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the first region is located in the forefoot and the second region is located outside the forefoot.

9. The rigidity of the first region is higher than the rigidity of the second region. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the first region is positioned along a location corresponding to at least a portion of the metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot, and the second region is positioned around it.

10. The plate according to claim 1, having a protrusion configured to protrude outward from the sole when viewed from above.

11. The rigidity of the first region is higher than the rigidity of the second region. The plate according to claim 10, wherein the second region is arranged on the protruding portion.

12. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the first linear element is formed of a different material from the second linear element.

13. A third region formed by a third linear element is positioned between the first region and the second region. The rigidity of the third region is lower than the higher of the rigidity of the first region and the rigidity of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two. The plate according to claim 12, wherein the third linear element is formed of a material different from both the first linear element and the second linear element.

14. The plate according to claim 1, wherein in the first region, the fiber bundles of the first linear elements are oriented in a first direction, and in the second region, the fiber bundles of the second linear elements are oriented in a second direction different from the first direction.

15. The plate according to claim 14, wherein the first direction is along the length of the foot and the second direction is along the width of the foot.

16. The plate according to claim 14, wherein the first direction is along the width direction of the foot, and the second direction is along the length direction of the foot.

17. A third region formed by a third linear element is positioned between the first region and the second region. The rigidity of the third region is lower than the higher of the rigidity of the first region and the rigidity of the second region, and higher than the lower of the two. The plate according to claim 14, wherein in the third region, the fiber bundle of the third linear element is oriented in a third direction which is between the first direction and the second direction.

18. The plate according to claim 17, wherein the third direction changes such that it approaches the first direction as it approaches the first region, and approaches the second direction as it approaches the second region.

19. A sole having the plate according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A shoe comprising a sole according to claim 19 and an upper disposed above the sole.

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