Shoe counter, shoes

Abstract

When used in the heel area of ​​a shoe, it does not add thickness to the heel area inside the shoe, resulting in a lighter shoe. [Solution] The heel counter used in shoes is formed by hardening scraps of leather and resin into a plate and heat-pressing it using a mold of the heel of a foot. The perimeter of the formed heel bottom is bent to the rear or front by a predetermined width, creating a bent portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a counter of shoes.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to prevent the heel part of the foot from slipping out or floating during walking and to facilitate putting the foot in and taking it out, a hands-free type of sneaker shoe (simply referred to as a shoe) having a heel counter (core (made of resin)) at the heel part of the shoe has been commercially available.

[0003] In this sneaker shoe, the heel end side is raised up to near the ankle, and in accordance with this configuration, a warping part (also referred to as a guide) is provided at the upper end part of the heel counter.

[0004] Such a heel counter often uses a counter formed by plastic molding, and a thermoplastic (thermoplastic resin) sheet-like material is formed by a mold.

[0005] The thickness of this counter is about 0.6 to 1.0 mm for women's shoes and about 0.8 to 1.5 mm for men's shoes.

[0006] Regarding such a counter, for example, there are Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. In Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that by providing a guide part that slopes upward as it moves away from the rear edge at the heel part including the rear edge of the opening edge of the shoe mouth, the shoe can be easily put on without increasing the opening area of the shoe mouth. The bottom of this counter is bent to the inside of the shoe.

[0007] In paragraph 0020 of Patent Document 2, it is described that the neck arch part 120 mimics the shape of the Achilles tendon part of the heel of the foot, is formed in a substantially arc-shaped V shape with a narrow rear part and a wide front part, and the width of the V-shaped horizontal opening part 121 is formed narrower than the width of the heel of the foot.

[0008] Furthermore, paragraph 0022 of Patent Document 2 states, "Also, as shown in Figure 5, the heel counter 100 is positioned between the upper 210 and the lining 220 of the heel of the shoe. When the upper 210 is lasted, the foot portion 140 is folded and sandwiched between the midsole 240 and outsole 230 of the shoe, and is firmly attached and integrated with the upper 210."

[0009] In other words, the foot portion 140 is bent inward (see Figure 2). Furthermore, paragraph 0024 states that when downward pressure is applied to the tray portion 111 of the head arch portion 110 of the heel counter 100 of the present invention, the tray portion 111 deforms in a way that it bends backward in response to the pressure. This deformation force is transmitted to the neck arch portion 120, and the neck arch portion deforms so that the width of the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 widens.

[0010] This is shown in Figure 3. When pressure P is applied to the heel counter 100, the tray portion 111 of the head arch deforms in the D direction, and at the same time, the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 of the neck arch deforms to widen in the R and L directions. Figure 4(b) is an end view when cut at position AA' in Figure 2(a), showing how the width of the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 of the neck arch has widened and deformed.

[0011] Furthermore, paragraph 0025 states that when the heel counter 100 is released from its pressure, the head arch portion 110 and the neck arch portion 120 immediately return to their original shapes due to the elastic recovery force.

[0012] Paragraph 0026 states that when a user puts on the shoe, the heel of the foot rests on the tray portion 111 of the head arch portion 110, and when a downward force is applied to the tray portion 111, the tray portion 111 bends back as described above. This increases the opening area of ​​the shoe opening, and the head arch portion 110 also functions as a slide to allow the heel of the foot to slide into the shoe, so that the user can easily insert their heel into the shoe.

[0013] Furthermore, it is stated that "at this time, the neck arch portion 120 deforms so that the width of the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 widens, allowing the heel of the foot to pass through the neck arch portion 120 and slide smoothly into the abdominal arch portion 130, making it easy to insert the heel of the foot into the shoe."

[0014] Paragraph 0027 states that when the heel of the foot slides into the abdominal arch portion 130, the curve of the tray portion 111 of the head arch portion 110 returns to its original position, and the area of ​​the shoe opening also returns to its original position. At the same time, the width of the widened V-shaped horizontal opening 121 of the neck arch portion is restored and narrowed.

[0015] Therefore, the heel portion of a shoe equipped with the heel counter 100 of this invention fits snugly against the heel of the foot, making it less likely to slip off during natural walking or exercise. Furthermore, when removing the shoe, the neck arch portion has appropriate elasticity, which widens the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 when the instep is lifted, allowing the shoe to be removed easily.

[0016] Furthermore, it is stated that "similar to putting on shoes, applying downward force widens the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 of the neck arch 120, making it easier to remove shoes."

[0017] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 7630000) discloses a shoe counter to solve the problem that, conventionally, when wearing footwear such as sports shoes, users often had to use one or both hands, or operate a separate shoehorn, to properly insert their feet into the shoes and prevent the quarter from being crushed under the heel.

[0018] Paragraph 0015 of this Patent Document 3 states, "The heel cup 52 has a shape substantially corresponding to the heel cover and has a profile similar to a pear shape. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mediola teral width of the heel cup near the heel cup collar 84 is smaller than the mediola teral width of the lower part 54."

[0019] Also, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 3 shows a front view of a heel counter, and the front shape is not a pear shape but a “kamakura” shape.

[0020] Also, FIG. 2 of Patent Document 3 shows a perspective view of the heel counter. The middle part 58 and the lower part 54 are concave shapes that wrap around the heel of the foot, and on top of this middle part, an upper part 64 that is warped backward is formed.

[0021] Also, FIG. 3 of Patent Document 3 shows a side view of the heel counter. Its shape is such that the front edge gently descends from near the bottom of the upper part 64, descends in a substantially straight line from near the middle of the middle part 58, and the rear edge is a hock shape that bulges backward at the middle part 58 and the lower part 54.

[0022] That is, for the heel counter of Patent Document 3, even if the upper part 64 that is warped backward is said to be narrower than the width of the middle part 58, the lower sides at both ends gradually widen in the width direction and connect to the middle part 54.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0023]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0024] However, Patent Documents 1 and Patent Document 2 are anchors that bend inward. For example, when used in a stitch-down type shoe, a thickness occurs at the heel part inside the shoe. That is, it is not suitable for stitch-down type shoes.

[0025] In addition, in the cases of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the mold has to be prepared according to the shape of the counter, it is costly. Furthermore, in the case of Patent Document 2, it is formed in a substantially arcuate V-shape with the rear part being narrow and the front part being wide, and the width of the V-shaped horizontal opening 121 is formed to be narrower than the width of the heel of the foot. Therefore, when inserting the foot, it is difficult for the foot to smoothly enter, and it is also difficult to smoothly pull out the foot when removing it.

[0026] Furthermore, for the counter of Patent Document 3, above the middle part, the upper part 64 that is warped backward, even if it is said to be narrower than the width of the middle part 58, the lower sides at both ends gradually widen in the width direction and connect to the middle part 54. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the shape of the edge is so-called mountain-shaped.

[0027] Also, generally, the foot narrows from below the ankle of the foot to the upper part of the heel of the foot and reaches the heel part.

[0028] For this reason, when putting the foot into the shoe equipped with the counter of this Patent Document 3, as shown in FIG. 21, gaps occur on both sides of the shoe, so there is a problem that the foot is likely to come out.

[0029] To solve this problem that the foot is likely to come out, Patent Document 3 provides a convex-shaped internal foam layer 92 shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of that document on the inner wall of the counter. For this reason, it is costly to manufacture the shoe.

[0030] Furthermore, since the range from below the heel of the foot to the heel end of the foot of the foot is narrowing, the entrance of the foot of the upper of the shoe is formed to be narrowed. Therefore, even when the foot is inserted into or removed from the entrance of the upper, maintaining this narrowed shape can keep the shape of the shoe beautiful.

[0031] However, in the case of Patent Document 3, since the shape viewed from the front direction is simply a widened shape, as shown in FIG. 20, gaps always occur on both sides of the foot.

[0032] Furthermore, since the material of the counter in Patent Document 3 is a polymer material (thermoplastic elastomer) such as DuPont Hytrel, the mold must be prepared according to the shape of the counter, which increases costs.

[0033] Furthermore, in the counter described in Patent Document 3, as shown in Patent Document 3, the relationship between the posterior end of the heel and the upper end of the upper part (the part that curves backward above the middle section) is such that the posterior end of the heel is further posterior than the upper end. In other words, the upper end of the upper part is located in front of the posterior end of the heel.

[0034] Therefore, in order to insert your foot into the shoe opening, you must first insert your foot mostly into the front of the shoe, and then insert it while keeping your heel facing upwards. In other words, you actually have to lift your leg quite high to smoothly insert it into your shoe.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6B of Patent Document 3, the heel cup 52 has thickness at the upper part 64, thinness in the middle part 58, and thickness at the lower part 54. In other words, because the middle section of the heel counter is thin, there is a risk of it breaking if an upward load is applied.

[0036] This invention was made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a counter that, when used on the heel of any type of hands-free shoe, allows for smooth putting on and taking off of the shoe, fits the heel of the shoe to the heel of the foot, and reduces the weight of the shoe without damaging the middle section when putting on or taking off the foot. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for molding counters that allows for easy production of counters for the above-mentioned purposes, tailored to different types of hands-free shoes, using only one type of mold, without requiring the use of separate molds for each type of counter being molded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0037] The counter according to the present invention is a counter used in the heel portion of a shoe, It consists of an upper, middle, and lower section, and the shape of the view from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped. The width of the area where the intermediate portion and the upper portion connect is less than or equal to the width of the intermediate portion and the width of the lower portion, and less than or equal to the width of the tip portion of the upper portion. The aforementioned upper tip portion is When the aforementioned intermediate portion is viewed from the side, the position is one that extends beyond a predetermined length from the point of greatest protrusion, which is the most bulging part. When viewed from the front, the peripheral edge of the aforementioned intermediate portion is, It forms an inwardly sloping heel-up area that encloses the concave part near the top of the heel, and furthermore, The lower peripheral edge of the aforementioned lower part is The material is characterized by having a substantially U-shaped bent portion that is bent inward or outward by a predetermined width, or by having a substantially U-shaped shape without such a bent portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] As described above, according to the counter of the present invention, even if the manufacturing method of the shoes (hands-free type) differs, when used on the heel of the shoe, it allows for smooth putting on and taking off of the shoe, fits the heel of the shoe to the heel of the foot, and makes the shoe lighter without damaging the middle section when putting on and taking off the shoe. Furthermore, when the counter of the present invention is used in shoes (hands-free type), it allows for smooth putting on and taking off of the foot, prevents the heel area inside the shoe from becoming bulky, and prevents damage to the middle section of the counter when putting on or taking off the foot. Furthermore, according to the counter molding method of the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain various types of counters having the aforementioned effects corresponding to the type of hands-free shoe using only one type of mold, without having to use a mold corresponding to the type of counter to be molded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of the heel counter (counter with outward-bending curved portion) of the shoe in this embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a detailed drawing of a heel counter (counter with outward-bent section). [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a heel counter (counter with outward-bent section). [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a heel counter sneaker 10 made using the stitch-down construction method, which features a heel counter (counter with outward-bending section). [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a heel counter (counter with an inwardly bent portion) of another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cutting of the counter mold 42 and the attachment of the male mold side plate 52 of the heel counter in this embodiment (a). [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the pressing of the heel counter and the molding of the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side in this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of a method for molding a counter having a bent portion on the inside (inner bent portion 19 on the counter side). [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of a method for molding a heel counter according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a detailed view of the heel counter of this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the heel counter (counter with outward-bending section) from the heel side and from above. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing the heel counter (counter with outward-bending section) as viewed from the heel side. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the dimensions of the heel counter (counter with outward-bent section). [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram that enlarges and explains the M portion of Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effects of using the heel counter of this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 5 is a detailed top view of the counter 21 with an inner bent section. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the non-folding counter as seen from the back (a) and from above. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram showing a non-folding counter viewed from the back. [Figure 19] This is a side view of a non-folding counter. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the slider on the counter generator. [Figure 21] This is an explanation using a conventional counter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The embodiments shown below illustrate devices and methods for realizing the technical concept (structure, arrangement) of the invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to those described below. The technical concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

[0041] In particular, it should be noted that drawings are schematic and may differ from reality. The heel counter of the shoe according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the diagrams. Furthermore, the heel counter (also simply called the counter) of this embodiment is obtained by the counter molding method (manufacturing) described later, but first, the shape of the heel counter obtained by this molding method will be explained.

[0042] The materials used for the heel counter should preferably include a single piece of natural leather made from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, several pieces of split leather bonded together to achieve an appropriate thickness, or synthetic materials such as leather board or pulp board.

[0043] Synthetic heel counters are pre-formed and are therefore called molded counters. The heel area of ​​hands-free shoes is subjected to repeated friction from putting on and taking off, making it prone to wear and tear. Heel counters serve to protect the heel of the foot and prevent the shoe from losing its shape.

[0044] There are roughly seven types of materials: [flooring, leather board, pulp fiber board, solvent-type core material (woven fabric, non-woven fabric base), thermo-type core material (woven fabric, non-woven fabric), thermoplastic core material, and injection-molded counter]. In this context, the injection counter is used to mold plastic resin (pellets) by injecting it into a mold.

[0045] Therefore, each time the counter shape differs, it must be formed using a different mold, which increases costs. This embodiment is produced using a molding method (manufacturing) described later, which does not require the creation of a mold according to the shape of the counter, even if the shape of the counter differs. The following are some examples of counters obtained by the molding method (manufacturing) described later.

[0046] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the heel counter of the shoe according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows an example of a heel counter sneaker 10 with the heel counter 20 of this embodiment attached to the heel of the shoe, and Figure 1(b) shows a perspective view of the heel counter 20 of this embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows a heel counter sneaker 10 which illustrates a stitch-down construction.

[0047] The stitch-down construction method involves inserting a counter between the upper and the lining, and then sewing the insole, outsole, and the upper edge of the upper together with a thin strip of leather (welt).

[0048] By sewing the upper on the outside, this construction creates more space inside the shoe, resulting in a soft and comfortable fit with less constriction. It also offers excellent flexibility and is a common manufacturing method for casual leather shoes.

[0049] Figure 1(a) shows the outsole 12 and the heel-side projection 14, etc. This heel-side projection 14 is designed to allow the heel of the foot to easily put on and take off the shoe, and is shaped to be extended diagonally backward and curved upward.

[0050] Furthermore, the heel counter 20 of the present invention is provided inside the heel-side projection 14 and inside the heel portion of the shoe (see Figure 1(b)).

[0051] This heel counter 20 has a bent portion (hereinafter referred to as the counter-side outward bent portion 26) around the bottom where the circumference is bent outward.

[0052] Further explanation will be given using the perspective view in Figure 1(b). As shown in Figure 1(b), the heel counter 20 (also called a counter with an outward-bent portion) consists of a counter heel inner concave surface 24 that is curved in a concave shape on the inside to match the shape of the heel portion of the foot (not shown), a counter rear projection 22, and a counter side outward-bent portion 26, etc. Furthermore, the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is tongue-shaped, gradually sloping outward (rearward) from the upper end of the inner concave surface 24 of the counter heel, and having a gently curved region 28.

[0053] Furthermore, the heel counter 20 is formed by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin (latex) (70% leather scraps, 30% resin), forming a sheet, and then applying heat to a mold shaped like the heel of a foot and pressing it into place.

[0054] Next, we will explain using Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a side view of the heel counter 20. Figure 2(b) is a view of the heel counter 20 from the heel side. Figure 2(c) is a rear view of the heel counter 20.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2(a), the height a of the heel counter 20 is approximately 75 mm (72 mm to 78 mm), and the side length b of the bottom surface is approximately 56 mm (55 mm to 60 mm). In this embodiment, the heel counter 20 is described using an example of a foot size of approximately 27 cm.

[0056] Furthermore, the length d between the upper end of the inner concave surface 24 of the counter heel and the upper end of the rear projection 22 (shoehorn type) of the counter is approximately 27 mm (25 mm to 30 mm).

[0057] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(b), the width c of the upper end of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is approximately 35 mm (33 mm to 38 mm), and the width f of the inner concave surface 24 of the heel of the counter is approximately 100 mm ( 85 It is (mm~105mm). Note that 29 is the missing part.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(c), the width g of the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side is approximately 7 mm (5 mm to 11 mm). This width g is determined by the length of the part of the shoe's outsole that extends backward from the rear upper.

[0059] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent section) (section AA in Figure 2(b)). As shown in Figure 3, the thickness h of the heel counter 20 (counter with outward bend) is approximately 1.8 mm (1.3 mm to 2.5 mm). The thickness of the Ta region (hereinafter referred to as the thin region Ta) is approximately 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm. This thin region Ta is also called the peripheral region.

[0060] In other words, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) of this embodiment has a concave (bowl-shaped) inner heel concave surface 24 that conforms to the shape of the heel of the foot, and an inwardly curved rear counter projection 22 (around the Achilles tendon) is provided on the upper side of the concave (bowl-shaped) inner heel surface 24, forming an outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side with a predetermined width (g) around the bottom surface. The side view of this heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) is approximately S-shaped, except for the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side.

[0061] In other words, the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bending section) in this implementation is made by pressing a sheet-like leather board, which is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers and mixing them with synthetic resin (latex) (for example, 70% leather scraps, 30% resin), onto a mold of the heel of the foot using heat.

[0062] Therefore, a counter-side outward bent portion 26 (which is thinner) of a predetermined width (g) can be easily formed around the bottom surface (see the molding method for further explanation).

[0063] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a stitch-down heel counter sneaker equipped with the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) of this embodiment.

[0064] The heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) is inserted between the outer upper 16 and the inner upper 18, and the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side is sewn to the insole 17 and the outsole 12 with sewing material 11 (thread).

[0065] Therefore, since the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bending section) of this embodiment does not use plastic as a material, it results in an inexpensive and lightweight shoe. Furthermore, the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bending section) has a bowl-shaped concave surface 24 on the inside of the heel and a rear projection 22 (with a gentle curve that gradually slopes outward (rearward)). As a result, when inserting the foot into the heel counter sneaker 10, it goes in smoothly (it goes in at an angle without having to lift the foot as much as before), and when removing it, the foot can be removed smoothly.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, depending on the shoe manufacturing method (for example, the cement method), a bent portion (inner bent portion 19 on the counter side) may be provided on the inside. A counter having this inner bent portion 19 on the counter side is referred to as a counter with an inner bent portion 21. The counter with an inner bent portion 21 will be described in detail later.

[0067] (Outline of the molding method) Next, the molding method for the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent section) of this embodiment will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams of the molding method for the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent section) of this embodiment. However, although this molding is performed by a counter molding machine and the male mold, female mold, etc. are mounted vertically, in this embodiment they are shown horizontally. Also, although the male mold, female mold, etc. are mounted with the back side facing forward, in Figures 7 and 8 they are shown with the back side facing downwards.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6(a), a sheet-like leather board 40 is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers and mixing them with synthetic resin (latex) (for example, 70% leather scraps, 30% resin), and a counter mold 42 is cut out (including the notched portion) using a die (not shown). Furthermore, the counter mold 42 for the counter 21 with an inner bend, which will be described later, will be referred to as 42a, and the counter mold 42 for the counter 23 without a bend will be referred to as 42b. Furthermore, the area around the counter-type 42 is machined by approximately 5mm to 10.3mm using a cutting tool (not shown).

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6(b), the bottom surface of the leg-shaped male mold 50 (aluminum) is detachably attached to the bottom surface of the male mold side plate 52 with the bottom surface shape by screw portions 54a, 54b, ... The threaded portions 54a, 54b, ... are formed on the bottom side of the male mold 50 (also called the male mold) and are female threads, and the male screw is inserted from the back side of the male mold side plate 52 into the female threads formed on the male mold side plate 52, making them detachable.

[0070] Furthermore, the male mold side plate 52 is designed to protrude rearward by approximately 7mm (for example, approximately 7mm or 11-13mm) from the rear end of the bottom surface of the male mold 50, forming a counter-side outward bent portion 26.

[0071] Then, as shown in Figure 7(a), the counter mold 42 is inserted between the male mold 50 (with a roughly S-shaped rear end) and the female molds 60 (right female mold 601a, left female mold 60b: with a roughly S-shaped front end) of the counter molding machine (not shown) using an inserter (not shown). Then, the male die 50 and the female die 60 press the counter mold 42 (the pressing direction is indicated by an arrow).

[0072] Note that in Figure 7(a), the gaps between the male mold 50, the female mold 60, and the counter mold 42 are shown with a small gap for illustrative purposes.

[0073] Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the area around BB in Figure 7(a). In Figure 7(b) as well, the gaps between the male mold 50, the female mold 60, and the counter mold 42 are depicted with a small gap for illustrative purposes.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7(b), the counter mold 42 is pressed by the male mold 50 and the female mold 60, thereby forming the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side. Next, other molding methods will be explained using Figure 8.

[0075] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the molding method for a counter 21 with an inner bent portion, which has an inner bent portion (counter-side inner bent portion 19).

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, a counter mold 42 is placed between the male mold 50 and the female mold 60 (60a, 60b), and when pressing, the slider 80 with a plate is lowered from the female mold 60 side. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the size is approximately pmm (for example, approximately 7mm or 11-13mm).

[0077] This will form the inner bent portion 19 on the counter side.

[0078] Furthermore, by removing the male mold side plate 52 and inserting the counter mold 42 between the male mold 50 (with a roughly S-shaped rear end) and the female molds 60 (right female mold 601a, left female mold 60b: with a roughly S-shaped front end) of a counter molding machine (not shown), as shown in Figure 7(a), and pressing the counter mold 42, it is possible to obtain a counter 70 without the counter-side outward bent portion 26 or the counter-side inward bent portion 19, as shown in Figure 9. However, this example shows a counter 70 with a notched portion (71a) formed on the lower edge. Further details on these molding methods will be provided later.

[0079] In other words, the molding method for the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) of this embodiment involves providing a male mold side plate 52 on the lower surface of the male mold, and using this male mold side plate 52 to form the counter-side outward-bent portion 26. Furthermore, the molding method for the counter 21 with an inner bent portion involves forming the inner bent portion 19 on the counter side using a plate-equipped slider 80. Furthermore, the non-bent counter 23 (described later) is formed without a bent portion by not using the male mold side plate 52 and the plate-attached slider 80. Therefore, only one type of mold is needed to produce these counters, thus reducing costs.

[0080] Furthermore, the female threads on the bottom surface of the mold in the above embodiment may be arranged in a series of multiple female threads so that the position of the male threads can be adjusted. Next, the details of the heel counter described above will be explained below using diagrams. However, explanations of parts with the same reference numerals as those in the diagram above will be omitted.

[0081] <Details of the heel counter> As shown in Figure 10(a), the foot inserted into the heel counter sneaker 10 is shown with the "ankle" indicated for explanation. As shown in Figure 10(b), the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) will be described in parts: an upper portion 110 having the rear protrusion 22 of the counter, an intermediate portion 120 having the inner concave surface 24 of the heel of the counter, and a lower portion 130.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10(b), the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent section) has heel upper side covering regions (right heel upper side covering region 30a, left heel upper side covering region 30b) on both sides of the middle section 120 (including the lower part of the upper section 110) that are shaped to wrap around and cover both sides of the upper part of the heel. As shown in Figure 10(a), the edges (Ega) of these heel upper side covering regions are obliquely opposed to the ankle side of the foot. The dimensions of these heel upper side covering regions will be described later.

[0083] Figure 11(a) is a drawing of the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) as seen from the heel side, where the heel portion bulges outward (backward) when viewed from the heel side. This bulging portion is referred to as the outer convex surface 24b of the heel counter. Also visible are the right heel upper side covering area 30a and the left heel upper side covering area 30b of the intermediate section 120 (including the lower part of the upper section 110). As shown in Figure 11(a), the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is about half the width of the upper part of the intermediate section 120 and the lower section 130. The thick black lines in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) represent the edge Eg (also called the rim) of the counter in this embodiment.

[0084] The specific dimensions are as follows: the width LKC near the lower end of the upper part 110 is 43mm to 47mm (approximately 29mm to 33mm below the upper end of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter), the width Cp approximately 3mm from the upper end of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is approximately 26mm to 28mm, the width f at the bottom of the middle part 120 is 82mm to 85mm, and the width e at the very bottom of the lower part 130 is approximately 85mm to 92mm.

[0085] Furthermore, the area around the heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent section) is thinner [described as the thin region Ta (width 4mm to 12mm from the edge; note that the width varies depending on the location)]. Therefore, when manufactured using the above molding method, this part is easily bent. Figure 11(b) is a top view of the heel counter 20 shown in Figure 11(a), and Figure 12 is a rear view of the heel counter. As shown in these figures, the rear projection 22 of the counter extends further back than the outward bent portion 26 on the counter side. In Figure 11(b), Ega represents the edge portion of the left upper heel lateral covering area 30b, and Egb represents the edge portion of the right upper heel lateral covering area 30a. These edges are inclined (see Figure 13, described later). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(b), the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side is roughly U-shaped. In addition, the left upper heel side covering region 30b and the right upper heel side covering region 30a are inclined inward.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the right upper side covering area 30a and the left upper side covering area 30b are shaped to be shifted inward even when viewed from the underside. Next, the dimensions of each part will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a side view taken from direction B in Figure 11(a). However, the cross section AA in Figure 11(a) is shown with a shaded line, and this shaded area will be labeled M. In the side view taken from direction B in Figure 11(a), M is roughly in the shape of an inverted S.

[0087] Furthermore, the upper end Qm of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter extends beyond the point of greatest bulge (maximum convex vertex Q) in the intermediate portion 120, and also beyond the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side. In Figure 13, the outward-bent portion 26 on the counter side is ideally bent at a right angle, but since it is before being attached to the shoe and immediately after being manufactured using the molding method described above, it is depicted as being slightly inclined (due to the manufacturing process).

[0088] In Figure 13, the center of the inner concave surface 24 of the heel counter 20 (counter with outward bend) is defined as the lowest point of M (hereinafter referred to as the inner lowest point origin Po), the vertical line passing through this inner lowest point origin Po is denoted as Ly, the horizontal line as Lx, and the vertical line passing through the greatest convex vertex Q is denoted as Lm for explanation.

[0089] Furthermore, the vertical dimension Lk1 of the upper part 110 is approximately 29mm to 33mm (calculated vertically), the vertical dimension LK2 of the rear protrusion 22 of the upper part 110 is approximately 25mm to 28mm (calculated vertically), and the vertical dimension LK6 of the middle part 120 is approximately 28mm to 32mm (calculated vertically). Furthermore, the dimension LK3 between the vertical line Lm1 passing through the upper end Qm of the rear protrusion 22 of the upper part 110 and the vertical line Lm passing through the maximum convex vertex Q is approximately 4 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the dimension K2 between the vertical lines Lm5 and Lm1 passing through the most protruding point Qf on the inner surface of the upper part 110 is approximately 9mm to 16mm. Furthermore, K1 (corresponding to a in Figure 2) is approximately 70mm to 78mm, K3 is approximately 55mm to 58mm, and LK4 is approximately 18mm to 22mm. In addition, in Figure 13, a vertical line Lm6 is drawn at approximately half the position of Lh in the counter of this embodiment. Furthermore, at edge Egb, we mark point K (near where it begins to curve downwards), mark the horizontal line Lgk, and mark the line tangent to edge Egb (passing through point K) as Leg. Let θk be the angle between Leg and Lgk. θk is approximately 38 to 43 degrees.

[0090] Furthermore, the distance Lh between the lower 130's lateral edge Xm and Po is approximately 453mm to 5247mm. On the other hand, the thickness J4 of the Ta region of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter and the thickness J1 of the outward bent portion 26 on the counter side are approximately 0.8 mm. Therefore, even when the counter of this embodiment is used in a shoe, the thickness of the outwardly bent portion 26 on the counter side is thin, so the bottom surface of the heel of the shoe does not become thick. The thickness of the main part of the counter of this embodiment, excluding the Ta region (periphery), is a constant thickness of about 1.3 mm to 2.5 mm (see J2). Therefore, the counter itself has strength. Furthermore, the left upper heel lateral covering area 30b (right upper heel lateral covering area 30a) is an area that slopes forward to envelop the area above the heel of the foot, with a width of approximately 8mm to 12mm and a length of approximately 33mm to 37mm.

[0091] Figure 14 is an enlarged explanatory diagram illustrating part M in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, the radius of curvature r of the rear projection 22 of the counter is approximately 30 mm to 33 mm. Also, the angle θr (also called the inclination angle) at point Qr, approximately 15 mm below the upper end Qm of the rear projection 22 of the counter, is approximately 33 to 37 degrees (the angle formed by Ly and Lg). The inclination angle θp formed by the horizontal line Lxg corresponding to Lx and Lg is approximately 53 to 57 degrees. Furthermore, the dimension LK5, the distance between Qm and the horizontal line Lxg, is approximately 13 mm to 18 mm.

[0092] In other words, the relationship between the inclination angle θk (approximately 38 to 43 degrees) near Egb (edge ​​portion of the upper side covering area 30a of the right heel; the same applies to the left side) shown in Figure 13, and the inclination angle θp (53 to 57 degrees) of the inner surface of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter of the upper part 110, is such that the inclination angle θp of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is approximately 1.7 times larger.

[0093] This angle is referred to as the optimal inclination angle of the rear protrusion of the counter for smoothly inserting the foot into the shoe. Therefore, in the process of putting the foot into the shoe, the upper end Qm of the rear protrusion 22 of the counter is located further back than the maximum convex vertex Q, and the rear protrusion of the counter is at the optimal inclination angle. As a result, the foot can be smoothly inserted into the shoe from the rear at an angle without having to go through the process of inserting the foot more into the front of the shoe and then lifting the heel side of the foot as it is inserted.

[0094] Furthermore, since the counter of this embodiment has the upper side covering areas of the heel (right upper side covering area 30a, left upper side covering area 30b) described above, even if the area narrows from below the ankle to the top of the heel, as shown in Figure 15, the upper side covering areas of the heel (right upper side covering area 30a, left upper side covering area 30b) can adequately hold this area, so no gaps are created on either side of the shoe. As a result, the foot does not easily slip out.

[0095] Such counters, which have a bent portion on the rear side, are formed using the methods shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the above description, with a counter molding machine (not shown).

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, it may have a bent portion on the inside. Figure 16 is a detailed top view of the counter 21 with an inner bend shown in Figure 5. The counter 21 with an inner bend shown in Figure 16 is the case in which an inner bend (counter-side inner bend 19) is provided on the inside. This was produced by the manufacturing methods shown in Figures 6(a), 7(a), and 8 above. However, the counter type used is the inner folding counter type 42a. Next, we will provide further explanation regarding the molding method of the counter described above.

[0097] (Method for molding a counter having a bent portion on the outside) The heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) is manufactured using a counter molding machine (not shown) with a male mold 50 in which the rear end of the mold is roughly S-shaped in a side view to match the shape of the heel and Achilles tendon area of ​​the foot, and the upper end Qm of this roughly S-shape is extended to a position that exceeds a predetermined length (LK3) from the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate portion. The process involves detachably attaching a rectangular male mold side plate 52 so that it extends a predetermined length (k) backward from the rear end of the male mold 50 (see Figure 6(b)), The process involves positioning the female mold 60, whose tip is formed in the aforementioned approximately S-shape when viewed from the side, opposite the male mold 50 (see Figure 7(b)), The process involves obtaining a counter mold 42 by cutting out a leather board 40, which is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin, and solidifying it into a sheet, using a predetermined die (see Figure 6(a)), This involves a process of thinning a predetermined area (Ta) of the peripheral edge of the counter-type 42, The counter mold 42, with its thinned peripheral edge, is inserted between the male mold 50 and the female mold 60, and heat is applied to the male mold 50, the female mold 60, and the male mold side plate 52 to press down on the area including the area above the heel of the foot (see Figure 7(b)).

[0098] As a result, the width near the middle and top sections is narrower, and the width near the center of the top section is even shorter than this width, so that the shape from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped. This results in a heel counter 20 (counter with outward-bent portion) having an outward-bent counter-side outward-bent portion 26 and an upper rear end Qm that exceeds the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate portion by a predetermined length (LK3), and an upper heel covering region 30 (30a, 30b) that slopes inward to wrap around the area above the heel of the foot.

[0099] (Method for molding a counter having an inwardly folded portion) The inner bent counter 21 is formed by the manufacturing methods shown in Figures 6(a), 7(a), and 8 above.

[0100] In a counter-molding machine, a male mold 50 is prepared in which the rear end of the mold is roughly S-shaped when viewed from the side to match the shape of the heel and Achilles tendon area of ​​the foot, and the upper end Qm of this roughly S-shape is extended to a position that exceeds a predetermined length (LK3) from the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate part. The process involves positioning the female mold 60, whose tip is formed in the aforementioned approximately S-shape when viewed from the side, opposite the male mold 50 (see Figure 8), The process involves obtaining a counter mold (inner bending counter mold 42a) by cutting out a leather board 40, which is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin, and hardening it into a sheet, using a predetermined die (see Figure 6(a)), This involves a process of thinning a predetermined area (Ta) of the peripheral edge of the counter-type 42, The process involves inserting this counter mold (inner bending counter mold 42a), which has a thinned peripheral edge, between the male mold 50 and the female mold 60, and applying heat to the male mold 50 and the female mold 60 to press the area including the area above the heel of the foot (see Figure 8), A slider with a plate 80 is placed on the female mold 60, and the slider with the plate 80 is lowered downwards (see Figure 8). The slider with the plate 80 will be described later.

[0101] In other words, as shown in Figures 5 and 16, the width is narrow near the middle and upper sections, and the width near the center of the upper section is shorter than this width, so that the shape from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped. The inwardly bent counter portion 19 and the rear end Qm of the upper part extend beyond a predetermined length (LK3) from the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate portion, and the counter with an inwardly bent portion has an upper heel covering region 30 (30a, 30b) that is inclined inward to wrap around the area above the heel of the foot.

[0102] Therefore, even though the counter-side inner bent portion 19 is present, its thickness is thin, so the bottom surface of the heel of the shoe does not become thick. Furthermore, because it has the upper side covering areas of the heel as described above (right upper side covering area 30a, left upper side covering area 30b), no gaps are created on either side of the heel of the shoe.

[0103] On the other hand, a bent section is not required (see Figures 17 to 19). In these figures, the same reference numerals as above are omitted from explanation. This counter is also called a plat counter. In this embodiment, it is referred to as a non-bent counter 23. As shown in Figure 17(a), similar to those with a bend on the rear side, the shape when viewed from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped, and there is no bend at the bottom (hem) of the lower part 130. The lower end edge of the lower part is labeled 51. Figure 17(b) shows a top view of the non-bent counter 23 as seen from above in Figure 17(a). Figure 18 shows the view from the back. As shown in the figure, the lower edge 51 is roughly U-shaped.

[0104] The bottom edge 51 is the end thickness, and in the case of a leather board with a material thickness of 1.8 mm, it is approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in the area with a gap width of 5 to 8 mm at the bottom edge (width from the bottom edge: Wd in Figure 19). Furthermore, it is preferable not to make cuts in the lower part (hem) of the counter, except for the center cutout.

[0105] The counter is molded in the same manner as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a). In other words, in a counter-molding machine, A male mold 50 is prepared in which the rear end, when viewed from the side, is roughly S-shaped to match the shape of the heel and Achilles tendon area of ​​the foot, and the upper end Qm of this roughly S-shaped shape is extended to a position that exceeds a predetermined length (LK3) from the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate part. A step of placing the female mold 60, whose tip is formed in the aforementioned approximately S-shape when viewed from the side, opposite the male mold 50, A process to obtain a counter mold by cutting out a leather board 40, which is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin, and hardening it into a sheet, using a predetermined die, This involves a process of thinning a predetermined area of ​​the periphery of this counter-type (however, the bottom edge is the width of Wd), The process involves inserting this counter mold with a thinned peripheral edge between the male mold 50 and the female mold 60, and then applying heat to the male mold 50 and the female mold 60 to press the area including the area above the heel of the foot. However, this counter mold is a counter mold (counter mold 42b without a bent portion) with a gap width of 5 to 8 mm at the bottom hem (width from the bottom end: Wd in Figure 19) of about 1.3 to 1.5 mm.

[0106] This results in a counter that does not have a bent portion at the bottom, whose upper rear end Qm exceeds the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate portion by a predetermined length (LK3), and which has an upper heel covering region that slopes inward to wrap around the area above the heel of the foot.

[0107] In other words, the width is narrower near the middle and upper sections, and the width near the center of the upper section is shorter than this width, so that the shape from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped. The aforementioned upper rear end Qm is, The intermediate portion is formed by extending the maximum convex vertex Q at the center of the intermediate portion, when viewed from the heel side, to a position exceeding a predetermined length (LK3). When viewed from the front, the edge of the peripheral part of the intermediate section is angled in a predetermined direction toward the ankle of the foot. The peripheral edge from near the upper end of this intermediate section to near the upper end of the lower section is The heel area is designed to wrap around the area above the heel of the foot, sloping inward, and furthermore, The lower peripheral edge of the aforementioned lower part is The lower end edge (edge) is made into a roughly U-shape without the predetermined width, resulting in a bendless counter 23 without the bent portion.

[0108] However, in the process of obtaining a counter mold by cutting out a leather board, which is made by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin, and hardening it into a sheet, using a predetermined die, the cutout is made so that the vertical width does not include the length of the bent portion. Furthermore, in the process of thinning a predetermined area of ​​the periphery of this counter-type material, if the leather board material thickness is 1.8 mm, the gap width from the bottom edge is set to 5 to 8 mm, and the thickness at the end is shaved to 1.3 to 1.5 mm (counter-type 42b without bending section).

[0109] Therefore, according to the counter, even if the manufacturing method of the shoes (hands-free type) differs, when used in the heel of the shoe, it makes it easier to put on and take off the shoe, fits the heel of the shoe to the heel of the foot, and makes the shoe lighter without damaging the middle section when putting on and taking off the shoe. Furthermore, when the counter of the present invention is used in shoes (hands-free type), it allows for smooth putting on and taking off of the foot, prevents the heel area inside the shoe from becoming bulky, and prevents damage to the middle section of the counter when putting on or taking off the foot.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the counter molding method of the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a counter with the aforementioned effects corresponding to the type of hands-free shoe using only one type of mold, without having to use a mold corresponding to the type of counter to be molded.

[0111] Furthermore, the plate-attached slider 80 will be explained using Figure 20. The plate-attached slider 80 is attached to the counter molding machine. However, in Figure 20, it is shown vertically to match the actual device. As shown in Figure 20, the plate-equipped slider 80 consists of a plate 80a and support parts (80aa, 80bb) that allow the plate 80a to slide from both sides.

[0112] In this configuration, a slider 80 with a plate is placed on a female mold (60a, 60b), and by pressing the counter mold (inner bending counter mold 42a) with the female mold (60a, 60b) and the male mold 50 while lowering the slider 80 with a plate (which may be repeated several times), an inner bending portion counter 21 is obtained in which the inwardly bent portion and the rear end of the upper part exceed a predetermined length from the maximum convex vertex at the center of the intermediate portion, and the heel upper covering region is inclined inward to wrap around the area above the heel of the foot. In the above explanation, the material of the leather board was described as being made by crushing leather scraps into fibers, mixing them with synthetic resin, and solidifying them into a sheet. However, other materials such as pulp and latex may also be incorporated. For example, a leather board made of genuine leather fibers (approximately 60%), latex (approximately 20%), fat (approximately 10%), and miscellaneous raw materials (color pigments, tanning agents, etc.: approximately 10%) is preferred. In other words, genuine leather fibers (with resin, additives, pigments and dyes, etc., as appropriate) may also be used. Furthermore, although the above explanation described the thickness of the Ta region (periphery) of the counter as being thin, it is also acceptable to make it approximately the same thickness as the main part (around 1.3 mm to 2.5 mm). [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10 Heel Counter Sneakers 12 soles 14 Heel side protrusion 20 Heel Counter 22 Counter-side protrusion 24 Counter heel inner concave surface 26 Counter-side outward-bent piece

Claims

1. In the heel counter used in shoes, It consists of an upper, middle, and lower section, and the shape of the view from the heel side is roughly snowman-shaped. The width of the area where the intermediate portion and the upper portion connect is less than or equal to the width of the intermediate portion and the width of the lower portion, and less than or equal to the width of the tip portion of the upper portion. The aforementioned upper tip portion is When the aforementioned intermediate portion is viewed from the side, the position is one that extends beyond a predetermined length from the point of greatest protrusion, which is the most bulging part. When viewed from the front, the peripheral edge of the aforementioned intermediate portion is, It forms an inwardly sloping heel-up area that encloses the concave part near the top of the heel, and furthermore, The lower peripheral edge of the aforementioned lower part is A counter characterized by having a substantially U-shaped bend formed which is bent inward or outward by a predetermined width, or having a substantially U-shaped form without such a bend.

2. The inner surfaces of the intermediate and lower sections are formed into a bowl-shaped concave structure configured to receive the heel of the foot. The inner surface of the upper part is formed into a bowl-shaped concave form with a predetermined inclination. The counter according to claim 1, characterized in that the main regions of the upper, middle, and lower parts, excluding the upper, middle, and lower peripheral edges, are formed to a substantially constant thickness that is thicker than the peripheral edges, or the peripheral edges of the upper, middle, and lower parts and the main regions are formed to be substantially the same thickness.

3. The counter in question is, The counter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is made by blending genuine leather fibers obtained by crushing leather scraps into fibers with resin, fat, pigments and dyes, tanning agents, additives, etc.

4. A shoe having a counter according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3.

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