Leg movement support member and spring shoes

Abstract

To provide a leg movement support member and spring shoes that make it easier for the user to maintain body balance and that prevent fatigue from progressing in the leaf spring portion. [Solution] The leg movement support member 100 comprises a sole portion 120 and a leaf spring portion 110 provided below the sole portion 120. The leaf spring portion 110 comprises a forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 extending from a rear upper end 202 toward a front lower end 201 and a rear-extending leaf spring portion 300 extending from a front upper end 301 toward a rear lower end 302. The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rear-extending leaf spring portion 300 deform independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leg movement support member and a spring shoe.

Background Art

[0002] There are known springs provided in shoes, prostheses, etc., which support movements such as walking and running by a user. As a spring for supporting the movement, for example, a leaf spring provided with a curved portion that curves is used.

[0003] As an example of a conventional shoe provided with a leaf spring, Patent Document 1 describes a shoe provided with a leaf spring below the heel. The leaf spring in this document is provided with a curved portion that curves so as to bulge greatly forward.

[0004] As an example of a conventional prosthesis provided with a leaf spring, Patent Document 2 describes a prosthesis provided with a leaf spring in the lower part of the calf or the foot. The leaf spring in this document is provided with a curved portion that curves so as to bulge greatly forward or backward.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a conventional leaf spring, when the curvature of the curved portion is small, stress concentration is less likely to occur in the curved portion when the user performs a movement. On the other hand, since the position of the user's foot with respect to the ground contact surface becomes high, there is a possibility that it becomes difficult for the user to balance the body when the user performs a movement. <统一格式,删除多余的空行

[0007] In conventional leaf springs, setting a large curvature in the curved section allows the user's foot position relative to the ground to be lower compared to a design with a small curvature, but this also makes stress concentration more likely in the curved section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first example of a leg movement support member comprises a sole portion including a first portion and a second portion located rearward of the first portion, and a leaf spring portion provided below the sole portion, wherein the leaf spring portion includes a rear upper end corresponding to the second portion and a front lower end provided forward and below the rear upper end, and comprises a forward-extending leaf spring portion extending from the rear upper end toward the front lower end, and includes a front upper end corresponding to the first portion and a rear lower end provided rearward and below the front upper end, and comprises a rear-extending leaf spring portion extending from the front upper end toward the rear lower end, wherein the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rear-extending leaf spring portion deform independently.

[0009] With the above configuration, a forward-extending leaf spring section extending from the rear upper end to the front lower end, and a rearward-extending leaf spring section extending from the front upper end to the rear lower end are provided in the leaf spring section. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a curved section that bulges significantly forward or backward in the leaf spring section. Consequently, the height of the leaf spring section is less likely to increase, and stress concentration in the leaf spring section is less likely to occur. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to maintain their balance, and fatigue in the leaf spring section is less likely to progress.

[0010] The second example of the leg movement support member is the same as the first example of the leg movement support member, wherein the rear upper end of the forward-extending leaf spring portion is located behind the center in the front-rear direction of the sole portion, the front lower end of the forward-extending leaf spring portion is located in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the sole portion, the front upper end of the rear-extending leaf spring portion is located in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the sole portion, and the rear lower end of the rear-extending leaf spring portion is located behind the center in the front-rear direction of the sole portion.

[0011] With the above configuration, the distance between the rear upper end and the front upper end, and the distance between the front lower end and the rear lower end are increased, making it easier for the user to maintain their balance.

[0012] The third example of the leg movement support member is a leg movement support member of either the first or second example, wherein the forward-extending leaf spring portion includes a first forward-extending leaf spring portion and a second forward-extending leaf spring portion provided at intervals in the left-right direction of the sole portion of the shoe, and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion extends from the front upper end toward the rear lower end so as to pass between the first forward-extending leaf spring portion and the second forward-extending leaf spring portion.

[0013] With the above configuration, the rearward-extending leaf spring section passes between the first forward-extending leaf spring section and the second forward-extending leaf spring section, making it easier for elastic force to act on the leg in a balanced manner as the leaf spring section returns to its original position.

[0014] The fourth example of the leg movement support member further comprises a deformation suppressing member that suppresses deformation of the leaf spring portion, wherein the deformation suppressing member is provided between at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rear-extending leaf spring portion and the sole portion of the shoe.

[0015] With the above configuration, the deformation suppression member suppresses the deformation of at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion, making it less likely for the leaf spring portion to deform rapidly during the user's movement.

[0016] The fifth example of the leg movement support member further comprises a protective member for protecting the leaf spring portion, in addition to the leg movement support member of the first to fourth examples, wherein the protective member is provided below at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion.

[0017] With the above configuration, at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion is protected by the protective member, so the leaf spring portion is less likely to wear down during the user's movements.

[0018] In the leg movement support member of the sixth example, in any one of the leg movement support members of the first to fifth examples, the leaf spring portion is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic.

[0019] According to the above configuration, since the leaf spring portion is formed of a fiber reinforced plastic, the leaf spring portion can be made to have high strength and be lightweight.

[0020] The leg movement support member of the seventh example further includes a fixing member for fixing the shoe placed on the shoe bottom portion to the shoe bottom portion in the leg movement support members of the first to sixth examples.

[0021] According to the above configuration, since the shoe placed on the shoe bottom portion is fixed to the shoe bottom portion by the fixing member, the position of the leg movement support member with respect to the shoe is less likely to shift during the user's movement.

[0022] The spring shoe of the eighth example includes the leg movement support member of the first to seventh examples and an upper that covers the user's foot.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it becomes easier to optimize the mutual relationship between the leaf spring portion, the shoe bottom portion, and the upper.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the leg movement support member and the spring shoe of the present disclosure, it becomes easier for the user to maintain body balance and the fatigue of the leaf spring portion is less likely to progress.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the spring shoe of the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the spring shoe of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the leg movement support member of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the front extending leaf spring portion of FIG. 3. [Figure 5]This is a front view of the forward-extending leaf spring section of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the rearward-extending leaf spring section of Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the rearward-extending leaf spring section of Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the push-off motion during walking. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of heel strike during walking. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a modified spring shoe. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] (Embodiment) Referring to Figures 1 to 9, an example of an embodiment of the spring shoe 10 and leg movement support member 100 will be described. In the following, as an example, the spring shoe 10 and leg movement support member 100 for the right foot will be described. The spring shoe 10 and leg movement support member 100 for the left foot are configured to be symmetrical to the spring shoe 10 and leg movement support member 100 for the right foot.

[0027] The directions of the spring shoes 10 or leg movement support member 100 are defined as the front-to-back direction A1, the left-to-right direction A2, and the up-to-down direction A3. These directions are defined relative to the user wearing the spring shoes 10 or leg movement support member 100. The front-to-back direction A1 includes the front and back. The left-to-right direction A2 includes the left and right. The up-to-down direction A3 includes the up and down. With respect to the left-to-right direction A2, the direction toward the sagittal plane of the body may be referred to as inward, and the direction away from the sagittal plane of the body may be referred to as outward.

[0028] The state in which the spring shoes 10 or leg movement support member 100 are not worn by the user and no load is applied to the spring shoes 10 or leg movement support member 100 is defined as the no-load state.

[0029] The standard state is defined as the state in which the spring shoe 10 or leg movement support member 100 is placed on a flat contact surface G in an unloaded state. Examples of the type of contact surface G include the ground, floor, or road surface. Figures 1 to 7 show the spring shoe 10 or leg movement support member 100 in the standard state.

[0030] (Spring shoes) Refer to Figures 1 and 2. The spring shoes 10 support the movements of the user wearing the spring shoes 10. User movements include, for example, walking, running, and jumping.

[0031] The spring shoe 10 comprises an upper 11 and a leg movement support member 100. The leg movement support member 100 comprises a leaf spring portion 110 and a sole portion 120. The upper 11 is provided above the sole portion 120. The upper 11 is attached to the sole portion 120. The leaf spring portion 110 is provided below the sole portion 120. The leaf spring portion 110 is connected to the sole portion 120.

[0032] The upper 11 is made of, for example, knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, or natural leather. The upper 11 is provided with a foot placement section 11A and a foot insertion section 11B. The foot placement section 11A includes a space for the user's foot to be placed. The foot insertion section 11B includes an opening for inserting the user's foot into the foot placement section 11A.

[0033] In one example, the foot insertion section 11B is provided with an insertion assistance structure to facilitate insertion of the foot into the foot placement section 11A. An example of an insertion assistance structure is an expandable / contractible section that expands and contracts when the user inserts their foot into the foot insertion section 11B, or an openable / closable section that can be opened and closed with a string or the like.

[0034] (Leaf spring section) Refer to Figures 1 to 3. The leaf spring portion 110 is located below the sole portion 120. The leaf spring portion 110 is constructed as a separate component from the sole portion 120. The leaf spring portion 110 is connected to the lower surface of the sole portion 120.

[0035] The leaf spring section 110 is configured to deform when a load is applied due to the user's movement, and to generate elastic force when it returns to its original shape. The elastic force of the leaf spring section 110 acts on the user's legs, supporting the user's movement.

[0036] The leaf spring portion 110 is formed from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), metal materials, or resin materials. Examples of metal materials include aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and titanium alloys. Examples of resin materials include nylon 6 and nylon 6,6.

[0037] As an example of the material for the leaf spring portion 110, fiber-reinforced plastic is selected. Examples of fiber-reinforced plastics include carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP), boron fiber-reinforced plastics (BFRP), and aramid fiber-reinforced plastics (AFRP).

[0038] The leaf spring section 110 is configured to deform significantly during the user's push-off and heel strike phases of movement. The leaf spring section 110 comprises a forward-extending leaf spring section 200 and a rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 that deform independently.

[0039] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 and the rear-extending leaf spring section 300 are configured as separate components. The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 is provided as a spring that deforms significantly when pushing off. The rear-extending leaf spring section 300 is provided as a spring that deforms significantly when the heel strikes the ground.

[0040] (Sole of shoe) The sole portion 120 is configured to support the sole of the foot. For example, the sole portion 120 is made of fiber-reinforced plastic or thermoplastic plastic. Examples of thermoplastic plastics include polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, and foamed resins.

[0041] When the sole portion 120 is made of thermoplastic plastic, a reinforcing member for connecting the leaf spring portion 110 is provided on the lower surface or inside of the sole portion 120. The reinforcing member is, for example, a thin plate with high rigidity. Examples of materials for the thin plate include metal and fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0042] Refer to Figure 2. The sole portion 120 includes a toe 120X, a rear 120Y, and a bottom 120Z. The toe 120X is the foremost part of the sole portion 120 in the longitudinal direction A1. The rear 120Y is the rearmost part of the sole portion 120 in the longitudinal direction A1. The bottom 120Z is the lowest part of the sole portion 120 in the vertical direction A3.

[0043] A plane parallel to the front-to-back direction A1 and containing the bottommost part 120Z of the sole portion 120 is defined as a virtual plane XA. The midpoint of the line segment connecting the point corresponding to the front end 120X on the virtual plane XA and the point corresponding to the rear end 120Y on the virtual plane XA is defined as the front-to-back center C of the sole, which is the center of the sole portion 120 with respect to the front-to-back direction A1.

[0044] The sole portion 120 is divided into a front portion 121 and a rear portion 122, for example, with respect to the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The front portion 121 is the part in front of the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The rear portion 122 is the part behind the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0045] The front portion 121 includes the toe portion 121A. The toe portion 121A includes the tip 120X. The rear portion 122 includes the heel portion 122A. The heel portion 122A includes the rear end 120Y. The portion of the sole portion 120 between the toe portion 121A and the heel portion 122A is divided into an intermediate portion 123. The intermediate portion 123 includes the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0046] The sole portion 120 includes a first portion 120A and a second portion 120B, to which the leaf spring portion 110 is connected. The first portion 120A and the second portion 120B are located at different positions with respect to the front-rear direction A1. The second portion 120B is located rearward relative to the first portion 120A.

[0047] The first part 120A is included, for example, in the front part 121. The first part 120A is included, for example, in the toe part 121A. The second part 120B is included, for example, in the rear part 122. The second part 120B is included, for example, in the heel part 122A.

[0048] (Forward-extending leaf spring section) Refer to Figures 2 to 5. The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 is configured as a separate component from the sole portion 120. The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 is configured to be detachable from the sole portion 120.

[0049] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 includes at least one of a straight portion and a curved portion. In the illustrated example, the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 is configured to curve gently as a whole. Specifically, the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 comprises an end region that extends substantially straight so as to be connectable to the sole portion 120, and a curved portion that extends gently in an S-shape from the end region. The end region does not necessarily have to be straight, as long as it is a shape that is complementary to or approximates the sole portion 120 to the extent that it can be connected. The thickness of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 is set to be constant throughout the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200.

[0050] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes a forward-lower end 201 and a rear-upper end 202. The forward-lower end 201 is located forward and below the rear-upper end 202. The forward-lower end 201 is located below the toe portion 121A of the sole portion 120. The forward-lower end 201 is the portion of the forward-extending leaf spring section 200 that is forward of the bottommost portion 205, with reference to the state in which the leaf spring section 110 is connected to the sole portion 120. When the bottommost portion 205 is located at the foremost position of the forward-extending leaf spring section 200, the forward-lower end 201 includes the bottommost portion 205. The rear-upper end 202 is connected to the second portion 120B of the sole portion 120.

[0051] The correspondence between the rear upper end 202 and the second portion 120B includes the fact that the rear upper end 202 is connected to the second portion 120B, and that the rear upper end 202 is integrally formed with the second portion 120B.

[0052] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 extends from the rear upper end 202 toward the front lower end 201. The front lower end 201 is configured such that the gap with the contact surface G widens as it extends forward from the bottom 205. The rear upper end 202 extends in a substantially straight line so that it can be connected to the sole portion 120. The rear upper end 202 does not necessarily have to be straight, as long as it has a shape that is complementary to the sole portion 120 or approximates it to the extent that it can be connected.

[0053] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes an intermediate section 203 provided between the front lower end 201 and the rear upper end 202. The intermediate section 203 is configured such that its deformation is accelerated when a load is applied.

[0054] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 includes a connecting portion 204. The connecting portion 204 is provided at the rear upper end portion 202. The connecting portion 204 is configured to connect the rear upper end portion 202 to the sole portion 120. One example of a means for connecting the rear upper end portion 202 to the sole portion 120 is a bolt.

[0055] The rear upper end 202 is connected to the second portion 120B of the sole portion 120. The rear upper end 202 is located behind the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The front lower end 201 is located in front of the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0056] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes a bottom portion 205. The bottom portion 205 is the lowest part of the forward-extending leaf spring section 200. The bottom portion 205 is located, for example, in the intermediate section 203. The bottom portion 205 is located, for example, in a position corresponding to the anterior end of the metatarsal bones of the user's foot with respect to the anterior-posterior direction A1. In a configuration in which no other members are connected to the lower surface of the forward-extending leaf spring section 200, the bottom portion 205 contacts the ground surface G in the standard state.

[0057] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes a first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and a second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. The first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B are spaced apart in the left-right direction A2 of the sole section 120. The first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A is positioned inward relative to the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B.

[0058] The front lower end 201 of the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A curves outward as it extends forward. The front lower end 201 of the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B curves inward as it extends forward.

[0059] The rear upper end 202 of the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A curves outward as it extends towards the rear. The rear upper end 202 of the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B curves inward as it extends towards the rear.

[0060] In a plan view of the leg movement support member 100, the distance between the first forward-extending leaf spring portion 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring portion 200B in the left-right direction A2 increases in the front-rear direction A1 as it moves from the rear upper end 202 towards the bottom 205.

[0061] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes a spring joint section 210. The spring joint section 210 connects the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. The spring joint section 210 includes a front spring joint section 211 and a rear spring joint section 212.

[0062] The front spring joint 211 connects the front lower end 201 of the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the front lower end 201 of the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. The front spring joint 211 is integrally formed with each leaf spring section 200A and 200B.

[0063] The rear spring connection section 212 connects the rear upper end 202 of the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the rear upper end 202 of the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. The rear spring connection section 212 is integrally formed with each leaf spring section 200A and 200B.

[0064] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes an insertion section 220. The insertion section 220 is a space provided between the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. The insertion section 220 is configured to accommodate the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300.

[0065] Refer to Figure 2. The distance between the virtual plane XA and the upper surface of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 in the vertical direction A3 is defined as the front bottom surface distance. The front bottom surface distance increases from the rear upper end 202 towards the bottom 205. The front bottom surface distance increases non-linearly. The front bottom surface distance is maximum between the virtual plane XA and the bottom 205.

[0066] (Rear extension leaf spring section) Refer to Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7. The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 is configured as a separate component from the sole portion 120. The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 is configured to be detachable from the sole portion 120.

[0067] The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 includes at least one of a straight portion and a curved portion. In the illustrated example, the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 is configured to curve gently as a whole. Specifically, the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 comprises an end region that extends substantially straight so as to be connectable to the sole portion 120, and a curved portion that extends gently in an S-shape from the end region. The end region does not necessarily have to be straight, as long as its shape is complementary to or approximates the sole portion 120 to the extent that it can be connected. The thickness of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 is set to be constant throughout the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300.

[0068] The rearward extending leaf spring portion 300 includes a front upper end 301 and a rear lower end 302. The front upper end 301 is located in front of and above the rear lower end 302. The front upper end 301 corresponds to the first portion 120A of the sole portion 120. The rear lower end 302 is located below the heel portion 122A of the sole portion 120.

[0069] The correspondence between the front upper end portion 301 and the first portion 120A includes the fact that the front upper end portion 301 is connected to the first portion 120A, and that the front upper end portion 301 is integrally formed with the first portion 120A.

[0070] The rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 extends from the front upper end 301 toward the rear lower end 302. The front upper end 301 extends in a substantially straight line so as to be connectable to the sole section 120. The front upper end 301 does not necessarily have to be straight, as long as it has a shape complementary to the sole section 120 or a shape that approximates it to the extent that it can be connected. The rear lower end 302 is the part of the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 that is behind the bottommost part 305, with reference to the state in which the leaf spring section 110 is connected to the sole section 120. If the bottommost part 305 is located at the rearmost position of the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300, the rear lower end 302 includes the bottommost part 305. The rear lower end 302 is configured such that the gap with the contact surface G widens as it extends toward the rear.

[0071] The rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 includes an intermediate section 303 provided between the front upper end 301 and the rear lower end 302. The intermediate section 303 is configured such that its deformation is accelerated when a load is applied. A portion of the intermediate section 303 is positioned in the insertion section 220 of the frontward-extending leaf spring section 200.

[0072] The rearward extending leaf spring portion 300 includes a connecting portion 304. The connecting portion 304 is provided at the front upper end portion 301. The connecting portion 304 is configured to connect the front upper end portion 301 to the sole portion 120. One example of a means for connecting the front upper end portion 301 to the sole portion 120 is a bolt.

[0073] The front upper end 301 is connected to the first portion 120A of the sole portion 120. When the leaf spring portion 110 is connected to the sole portion 120, the front upper end 301 is located in front of the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The rear lower end 302 is located behind the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0074] The rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 includes a bottom portion 305. The bottom portion 305 is the lowest part of the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300. The bottom portion 305 is provided, for example, in the intermediate section 303. The bottom portion 305 is provided, for example, in a position corresponding to the bottom of the calcaneus with respect to the anterior-posterior direction A1. In a configuration in which no other members are connected to the lower surface of the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300, the bottom portion 305 contacts the ground surface G in the standard state.

[0075] Refer to Figure 2. The distance between the virtual plane XA and the upper surface of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 located below the virtual plane XA, with respect to the vertical direction A3, is defined as the rear bottom surface distance. The rear bottom surface distance increases from the point where the upper surface of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 intersects with the virtual plane XA towards the bottommost portion 305. The rear bottom surface distance increases non-linearly. The rear bottom surface distance is maximum between the virtual plane XA and the bottommost portion 305.

[0076] Refer to Figures 2 and 6. The distance between one edge and the other edge of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 in the left-right direction A2 is defined as the rear spring width. In a predetermined front portion of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300, which is the range from the front upper end portion 301 to a predetermined portion of the intermediate portion 303, the rear spring width is set to be constant. The rear spring width in the predetermined front portion does not have to be constant. The rear spring width in the predetermined front portion can be set arbitrarily within a range in which the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 does not interfere with the frontward-extending leaf spring portion 200.

[0077] In the predetermined rear portion of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300, which is the portion behind a predetermined portion of the intermediate portion 303, the rear spring width increases from the predetermined portion of the intermediate portion 303 toward the maximum width portion 306 of the rearward-lower end portion 302. The rear spring width of the predetermined rear portion decreases from the maximum width portion 306 toward the tip of the rearward-lower end portion 302. It is preferable that the rear spring width of the maximum width portion 306 is greater than the width of the frontward-extending leaf spring portion 200.

[0078] (Intersection) Refer to Figure 2. The leaf spring portion 110 includes an intersection CP where the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 intersect. The intersection of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 refers to a state in which, when viewed from the front of the leg movement support member 100, a part of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and a part of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 appear to overlap.

[0079] In the standard state, the distance between the virtual plane XA and the ground surface G in the vertical direction A3 is defined as the height of the leaf spring portion 110. The plane passing through the center of the height of the leaf spring portion 110 and parallel to the virtual plane XA is defined as the virtual plane XB.

[0080] In a preferred example, the intersection CP is located on or near the front-to-rear center C of the sole with respect to the front-to-rear direction A1. The intersection CP is located on or near the virtual plane XB with respect to the vertical direction A3.

[0081] (Protective material) Refer to Figure 2. The leg movement support member 100 includes a protective member 140. The protective member 140 is configured to protect the leaf spring portion 110. The protective member 140 is provided, for example, on the lower surface of the rear lower end 302 of the rearward extending leaf spring portion 300.

[0082] In one example of a configuration in which a protective member 140 is provided on the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300, the protective member 140 makes contact with the ground surface G in the standard state. Whether or not the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 makes contact with the ground surface G in the standard state depends on the size of the protective member 140 and the position in which the protective member 140 is provided.

[0083] (Support during exercise) Refer to Figure 8. When the user pushes off during walking, the front lower end 201 of the forward-extending leaf spring section 200 makes contact with the ground surface G, a load is placed on the forward-extending leaf spring section 200, and the forward-extending leaf spring section 200 deforms significantly.

[0084] As the deformed forward-extending spring section 200 returns to its original shape, the elastic force of the forward-extending spring section 200 acts on the user's leg. At this time, the elastic force of the forward-extending spring section 200 acts to push the user's leg forward, making it easier for the kicking motion to proceed smoothly.

[0085] Refer to Figure 9. When the user walks and the heel strikes the ground, the protective member 140 of the rear extension leaf spring section 300 makes contact with the ground surface G, a load is placed on the rear extension leaf spring section 300, and the rear extension leaf spring section 300 deforms significantly.

[0086] As the rearward-extending spring section 300 deforms, the impact acting on the user's leg during heel strike is mitigated. As the deformed rearward-extending spring section 300 returns to its original shape, the elastic force of the rearward-extending spring section 300 acts to push the user's leg upward, making it easier for the movement after heel strike to proceed smoothly.

[0087] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The spring shoe 10 of the embodiment is compared with a conventional spring shoe equipped with a leaf spring as described in the prior art documents (hereinafter referred to as the "comparative spring shoe"). The comparative spring shoe is equipped with a leaf spring portion made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The leaf spring portion is provided with a curved portion so as to promote deformation when a load is applied.

[0088] When a leaf spring made of fiber-reinforced plastic includes a curved section with a large curvature, the risk of delamination due to stress concentration in the curved section increases. In the comparative example of spring shoes, when a configuration is adopted to alleviate stress concentration in the curved section, the curvature of the curved section is set to be small. Consequently, the height of the leaf spring section increases.

[0089] In the comparative example's spring shoes, the curved portion of the leaf spring bulges significantly forward or backward and extends vertically in the A3 direction. When a user wears the comparative example's spring shoes, the position of the user's feet relative to the ground surface G is higher, making it difficult for the user to maintain balance.

[0090] The spring shoe 10 of this embodiment includes a leg movement support member 100. The leg movement support member 100 includes a forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and a rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 that deform independently. The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 extends from a rear upper end 202 toward a front lower end 201. The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 extends from a front upper end 301 toward a rear lower end 302.

[0091] Since each leaf spring section 200, 300 is configured to extend diagonally in the front-rear direction A1 and the up-down direction A3, the height of the leaf spring section 110 can be set low. Because each leaf spring section 200, 300 does not include a curved section with a large curvature, stress concentration in each leaf spring section 200, 300 is less likely to occur.

[0092] Therefore, according to the spring shoes 10 of this embodiment, the user can easily maintain their balance, and the fatigue of the leaf spring portion 110 is less likely to progress. Furthermore, even when fiber-reinforced plastic is used as the material for the leaf spring portion 110, delamination of the layers in the leaf spring portion 110 is less likely to occur.

[0093] (2) The rear upper end 202 of the front extension leaf spring portion 200 is located behind the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The front upper end 301 of the rear extension leaf spring portion 300 is located in front of the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0094] With the above configuration, the distance between the rear upper end 202 and the front upper end 301 is increased, making it easier for the user to maintain their balance.

[0095] (3) The front lower end 201 of the front extension spring portion 200 is located in front of the front-to-rear center C of the sole. The rear lower end 302 of the rear extension spring portion 300 is located behind the front-to-rear center C of the sole.

[0096] With the above configuration, the distance between the front lower end 201 and the rear lower end 302 is increased, making it easier for the user to maintain their balance.

[0097] (4) The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 includes a first forward-extending leaf spring portion 200A and a second forward-extending leaf spring portion 200B, which are spaced apart in the left-right direction A2 of the sole portion 120. The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 extends from the front upper end 301 toward the rear lower end 302 so as to pass between the first forward-extending leaf spring portion 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring portion 200B.

[0098] With the above configuration, the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 passes between the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B, making it easier for elastic force to act on the leg in a balanced manner as the leaf spring section 110 returns to its original position.

[0099] (5) The leg movement support member 100 further comprises a protective member 140 for protecting the leaf spring portion 110. The protective member 140 is provided below at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300.

[0100] With the above configuration, at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rear-extending leaf spring portion 300 is protected by the protective member 140, so that the leaf spring portion 110 is less likely to wear down during the user's movements.

[0101] (6) The leaf spring portion 110 is made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0102] According to the above configuration, since the leaf spring portion 110 is made of fiber-reinforced plastic, the leaf spring portion 110 can be made stronger and lighter.

[0103] (7) The spring shoes 10 include a leg movement support member 100 and an upper 11 that covers the user's foot.

[0104] The above configuration makes it easier to optimize the relationship between the leaf spring portion 110, the sole portion 120, and the upper portion 11.

[0105] (modified version) The description of embodiments is illustrative of possible forms of the leg movement support member 100 and spring shoe 10 according to this disclosure, and is not intended to limit their forms. The leg movement support member 100 and spring shoe 10 of the embodiments may take the forms of modifications of the embodiments shown below, and at least two non-inconsistent modifications combined. In the following modifications, parts common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the embodiments and their descriptions are omitted.

[0106] As shown in Figure 10, the leg movement support member 100 may further include a deformation suppressing member 130 that suppresses deformation of the leaf spring portion 110. The deformation suppressing member 130 is formed of a resin material.

[0107] The deformation-retaining member 130 is provided between at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rear-extending leaf spring portion 300 and the sole portion 120. In the illustrated example, the deformation-retaining member 130 is provided between the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the sole portion 120.

[0108] According to this modified example, the deformation suppression member 130 suppresses the deformation of at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 and the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300, making it less likely for the leaf spring portions 200 and 300 to deform rapidly during the user's movements.

[0109] The leg movement support member 100 may further include a fixing member for fixing another shoe, which is a shoe placed on the sole 120, to the sole 120. The other shoe is, for example, the shoe the user is wearing.

[0110] Examples of fixing members include bindings and hook-and-loop fasteners. When other shoes are fixed to the sole portion 120 by fixing members, the other shoes and the leg movement support member 100 have a relationship similar to that between the upper 11 and the leg movement support member 100 in the spring shoes 10.

[0111] According to this modified version, the position of the leg movement support member 100 relative to other shoes becomes less likely to shift during the user's exercise. As a result, the user's posture becomes more stable during exercise.

[0112] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 may be integrally formed with the sole portion 120.

[0113] The rearward extending leaf spring portion 300 may be integrally formed with the sole portion 120.

[0114] The thickness of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 may be set to different thicknesses for each part. The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 may include, for example, a thick-walled portion and a thin-walled portion.

[0115] The thickness of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 may be set to different thicknesses for each part. The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 may include, for example, a thick-walled portion and a thin-walled portion.

[0116] The first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A may be configured as a separate component from the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B. In this modified example, the inter-spring connection section 210 is omitted. In this case, the insertion section 220 refers to the space enclosed by the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B.

[0117] The front inter-sprung connection portion 211 or the rear inter-sprung connection portion 212 may be omitted from the inter-sprung connection portion 210. In this case, the insertion portion 220 refers to the space enclosed by the first forward-extending leaf spring portion 200A and the second forward-extending leaf spring portion 200B.

[0118] The inter-spring connection section 210 may include an inter-spring connection section other than the front inter-spring connection section 211 and the rear inter-spring connection section 212. The other inter-spring connection section may connect, for example, the intermediate section 203 of the first forward-extending leaf spring section 200A to the intermediate section 203 of the second forward-extending leaf spring section 200B.

[0119] The number of forward-extending leaf spring sections included in the forward-extending leaf spring section 200 can be arbitrarily changed. The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 includes one forward-extending leaf spring section or three or more forward-extending leaf spring sections. By setting the width of one forward-extending leaf spring section to be small, the maximum number of forward-extending leaf spring sections included in the forward-extending leaf spring section 200 can be increased.

[0120] For example, if multiple forward-extending leaf spring sections are included in the forward-extending leaf spring section 200, each forward-extending leaf spring section may be connected to each other, or each forward-extending leaf spring section may be separated. If each forward-extending leaf spring section is connected to each other, for example, an inter-spring connection section 210 is provided.

[0121] The number of rearward-extending leaf spring sections included in the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 can be arbitrarily changed. The rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 may include two or more rearward-extending leaf spring sections. By setting the width of one rearward-extending leaf spring section to be small, the maximum number of rearward-extending leaf spring sections included in the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 can be increased.

[0122] For example, if multiple rearward-extending leaf spring sections are included in the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300, each rearward-extending leaf spring section may be connected to each other, or each rearward-extending leaf spring section may be separated. If each rearward-extending leaf spring section is connected to each other, for example, an inter-spring connection section having a configuration similar to the inter-spring connection section 210 is provided.

[0123] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 may include a plurality of forward-extending leaf spring sections, and the rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 may include a plurality of rearward-extending leaf spring sections. The plurality of forward-extending leaf spring sections and the plurality of rearward-extending leaf spring sections are configured such that, for example, the forward-extending leaf spring sections and the rearward-extending leaf spring sections are arranged alternately in the left-right direction A2. The plurality of forward-extending leaf spring sections may be connected to each other or separated. The plurality of rearward-extending leaf spring sections may be connected to each other or separated.

[0124] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 may be configured such that the distance between the front bottom surfaces increases linearly from the rear upper end 202 to the front lower end 201.

[0125] The forward-extending leaf spring portion 200 may be configured to include a portion in which the distance between the front bottom surfaces remains constant as it moves forward.

[0126] The rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 may be configured such that the distance between the rear bottom surfaces increases linearly from the front upper end 301 to the rear lower end 302.

[0127] The rearward-extending leaf spring section 300 may be configured to include a portion where the distance between the rear bottom surfaces remains constant as it moves backward.

[0128] The forward-extending leaf spring section 200 may have a bottom section 205 at the front lower end 201 instead of the intermediate section 203. The bottom section 205 may also be provided at the intermediate section 203 and the front lower end 201.

[0129] The rearward extending leaf spring section 300 may have a bottom section 305 at the rear lower end 302 instead of the intermediate section 303. The bottom section 305 may also be provided at the intermediate section 303 and the rear lower end 302.

[0130] The intersection point CP may be located either forward or backward relative to the front-to-back center C of the sole with respect to the front-to-back direction A1.

[0131] The intersection CP may be located at a position above or below the virtual plane XB with respect to the vertical direction A3.

[0132] The protective member 140 may be provided at the front lower end 201 of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200. Alternatively, the protective member 140 may be provided at another part of the forward-extending leaf spring portion 200, either instead of the front lower end 201 or in addition to the front lower end 201.

[0133] The protective member 140 may be provided in the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300 in place of the rearward-lower end portion 302, or in addition to the rearward-lower end portion 302, on other parts of the rearward-extending leaf spring portion 300.

[0134] The protective member 140 may be omitted from the leaf spring portion 110. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10...Spring shoe, 11...Upper, 100...Leg movement support member, 110...Leaf spring section, 120...Sole section, 120A...First section, 120B...Second section, 130...Deformation suppression member, 140...Protective member, 200...Forward extending leaf spring section, 200A...First forward extending leaf spring section, 200B...Second forward extending leaf spring section, 201...Front lower end, 202...Rear upper end, 300...Rear extending leaf spring section, 301...Front upper end, 302...Rear lower end.

Claims

1. The sole includes a first part and a second part located behind the first part, It comprises a leaf spring portion located below the sole portion of the shoe, The aforementioned leaf spring portion is, A forward-extending leaf spring portion extending from the rear upper end toward the front lower end, including a rear upper end corresponding to the second portion and a front lower end provided forward and below the rear upper end, It includes a front upper end corresponding to the first portion, and a rear lower end provided rearward and below the front upper end, and comprises a rearward extending leaf spring portion extending from the front upper end toward the rear lower end, The forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rear-extending leaf spring portion deform independently. Leg movement support component.

2. The rear upper end of the forward-extending leaf spring portion is located behind the center of the sole portion in the front-to-back direction. The forward-extending leaf spring portion is located in front of the center of the sole portion in the front-to-back direction. The front upper end of the rearward extending leaf spring portion is located in front of the center of the sole portion in the front-to-back direction. The rear lower end of the rearward extending leaf spring portion is located behind the center of the sole portion in the front-to-back direction. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

3. The forward-extending leaf spring portion includes a first forward-extending leaf spring portion and a second forward-extending leaf spring portion, which are provided at intervals in the left-right direction of the sole portion of the shoe. The rearward extending leaf spring portion extends from the front upper end toward the rear lower end so as to pass between the first forward extending leaf spring portion and the second forward extending leaf spring portion. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a deformation suppressing member that suppresses the deformation of the leaf spring portion, The deformation-retaining member is provided between at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rear-extending leaf spring portion and the sole portion of the shoe. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned leaf spring portion is further provided with a protective member, The protective member is provided below at least one of the forward-extending leaf spring portion and the rear-extending leaf spring portion. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

6. The leaf spring portion is formed of fiber-reinforced plastic. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes a fixing member for securing the shoe placed on the sole to the sole. The leg movement support member according to claim 1.

8. The leg movement support member according to claim 1, It features an upper that covers the user's foot, Spring shoes.

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