Shoe components and shoes

Abstract

The objective is to provide shoe components and shoes that can provide comfort to the wearer. [Solution] This disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a shoe component, comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is formed of a foam, at least a portion of the second component is embedded in the first component, the first component and the second component are directly joined together, and either the first component or the second component is made of a softer material than the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to shoe members and shoes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a shoe member such as a midsole provided in a shoe, a cushioning body made of a soft member has been used. Examples of such a cushioning body include a foam adjusted to a low hardness.

[0003] A low-hardness foam can be obtained, for example, by adjusting the density of the foam or the composition of the components of the foam. For example, in Patent Document 1, a shoe member using a cushioning body that is difficult to compress and deform is disclosed by using a foam containing a specific hydrocarbon-based oil and a specific polymer as components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a person wearing shoes walks or runs, compressive stress is applied to the shoe components from the wearer's feet. Shoe components made of low-hardness foam deform more in the thickness direction when subjected to compressive stress compared to shoe components made of high-hardness foam. Because of their high ability to convert applied compressive stress into deformation of the foam, shoe components made of low-hardness foam have excellent cushioning properties. In addition, because the amount of recovery from deformation due to compressive stress is large, they also have excellent rebound properties. However, the stress applied to shoe components by the feet when wearing shoes is not applied only in the thickness direction of the shoe component. When stress is applied to the shoe component in an oblique direction, the stress vector includes components perpendicular and horizontal to the surface of the shoe component. And because shoe components made of low-hardness foam deform more in the thickness direction, localized stress concentration during movement can easily cause the foot to collapse horizontally, making it difficult to obtain sufficient stability with shoe components made of low-hardness foam. On the other hand, high-hardness shoe components do not provide sufficient cushioning. Therefore, there is a need for shoe components that possess cushioning, rebound, and stability.

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this disclosure is to provide shoe components and shoes that can make the wearer feel comfortable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A shoe component relating to one aspect of this disclosure is Including a first member and a second member, The first member is formed of foam, At least a portion of the second member is embedded in the first member, The first member and the second member are directly joined together. Either the first member or the second member is made of a material that is softer than the other.

[0008] In one embodiment of a shoe component, one of the first component and the second component is made of a softer material than the other, allowing each component to be assigned a specific function. This makes it easier to achieve the required functions in parts of the shoe component where cushioning, rebound, or stability are required. As a result, the shoe component can exhibit cushioning, rebound, and stability.

[0009] Shoes relating to one aspect of this disclosure are The shoe component is provided.

[0010] In a shoe according to one embodiment, the shoe component provides cushioning and stability, improving the wearer's comfort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, shoe components and shoes are provided that can make the wearer of the shoes feel comfortable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a shoe component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a right side view of a shoe component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a shoe component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a shoe component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a right side view of a shoe component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a shoe component according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a shoe component according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a shoe component according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the second member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the shoe member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of the second member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a right side view of the shoe member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a right side view of the second member according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the second member according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the second member according to the seventh embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] In the present disclosure, in the shoe member, the direction connecting the toe and the heel may be referred to as the foot length direction. In the shoe member, the direction from the heel toward the toe in the foot length direction may be referred to as the front. In the shoe member, the direction from the toe toward the heel in the foot length direction may be referred to as the rear. In the shoe member, the front part in the foot length direction may be referred to as the front foot part. In the shoe member, the rear part in the foot length direction may be referred to as the rear foot part. In the shoe member, the part between the front foot part and the rear foot part may be referred to as the middle foot part. Among the directions orthogonal to the foot length direction in the shoe member, the direction parallel to the horizontal direction may be referred to as the foot width direction. The first finger side in the foot width direction of the shoe member may be referred to as the inner foot side. The fifth finger side in the foot width direction of the shoe member may be referred to as the outer foot side. The direction orthogonal to the foot length direction and the foot width direction in the shoe member may be referred to as the thickness direction or the vertical direction. The direction from the sole toward the instep in the thickness direction of the shoe member may be referred to as the upper. The direction from the instep toward the sole in the thickness direction of the shoe member may be referred to as the lower.

[0014] (Shoe member according to the first embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shoe according to this embodiment has shoe components 1 that constitute the sole of the shoe, such as a midsole 2 and an outsole 3.

[0016] The shoe component 1 according to this embodiment is a sole component disposed on the sole of a shoe. The shoe component 1 according to this embodiment includes a first component 10 and a second component 20. The sole component may be, for example, a midsole 2. The sole component according to this embodiment is composed of the first component 10 and the second component 20.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is smaller than the first member 10. In this embodiment, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are each foams made of a polymer composition, with the second member 20 being softer than the first member 10.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the first member 10 according to this embodiment has a first branch portion 11 formed from the forefoot to the midfoot by branching vertically toward the front in the length direction of the foot, a second branch portion 12 formed below the first branch portion 11 and extending from the forefoot to the midfoot, and a connecting portion 13 formed in the rearfoot so as to connect the rear end of the first branch portion 11 in the length direction of the foot and the rear end of the second branch portion 12 in the length direction of the foot.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 are each plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 are formed to extend upward and downward from the front end of the connecting portion 13 toward the forefoot. In this embodiment, the first branch portion 11 and the connecting portion 13 are flush on the upper surface side of the shoe member 1. In this embodiment, the second branch portion 12 and the connecting portion 13 are flush on the lower surface side of the shoe member 1. The first branch portion 11 may be formed to curve upward from the midfoot toward the forefoot in a side view. The second branch portion 12 may be formed to curve upward from the midfoot toward the forefoot in a side view. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 13 is formed by the foam constituting the first branching portion 11 and the foam constituting the second branching portion 12 extending from the rear end of the midfoot toward the rearfoot.

[0020] The maximum thickness of the first branch portion 11 in a side view may be between 1 mm and 50 mm. The maximum thickness of the second branch portion 12 in a side view may be between 1 mm and 50 mm. The maximum thickness of the connecting portion 13 in a side view may be between 1 mm and 100 mm.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 are spaced apart from each other from the forefoot to the midfoot. That is, a gap 14 is formed between the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12. The lower surface of the first branch portion 11 and the upper surface of the second branch portion 12 face each other through the gap 14. The distance between the lower surface of the first branch portion 11 and the upper surface of the second branch portion 12 in the forefoot (also called the gap distance) may be 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0022] The second member 20 in this embodiment is a cushioning material. Examples of the shape of the second member 20 include spheres such as a perfect sphere, an oblong sphere, a hemisphere, and a polyhedron-approximate sphere; polyhedra such as a tetrahedron, a rectangular parallelepiped, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, a triangular prism, and a square pyramid; and so on. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is spherical.

[0023] The second member 20 may be placed in a part of the sole of the shoe where excellent cushioning or rebound properties are required. The second member 20 may be single or multiple. When multiple second members 20 are provided, the multiple second members 20 may be arranged randomly, lined up in the width direction of the foot, lined up in the length direction of the foot, or lined up in both the width direction and the length direction of the foot. Three or more second members 20 may be provided such that the figure formed by connecting the second members 20 to each other is a polygon, and cushioning or rebound properties are exhibited over a wide area on the upper side of the first branching portion 11. As shown in Figure 2, four second members 20 are provided in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged such that the figure formed by connecting them as vertices is a quadrilateral. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged in two rows, front and back, in the forefoot portion of the first branching portion 11, with two second members 20 lined up in the width direction of the foot forming one row. The second member 20 may be positioned below at least one of the proximal phalanx, metatarsal bone, joint between the proximal and middle phalanx, joint between the proximal and metatarsal bone, talus, and calcaneus. In this embodiment, the second member 20 in the front row is positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal and middle phalanx. In this embodiment, the second member 20 in the rear row is positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal phalanx and metatarsal bone.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, a portion of the second member 20 is visible through the gap 14. In other words, the second member 20 in this embodiment is exposed on the surface of the shoe member 1.

[0025] At least one of the multiple second members 20 may have a different shape or hardness from the other second members 20. The hardness refers to the Asker C hardness, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 have the same shape as each other.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the second member 20 according to this embodiment is embedded in the first member 10. That is, the second member 20 may include an embedded portion 22 embedded in the first member 10 and a bulging portion 21 that bulges out from the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is exposed on the surface of the first member 10 and embedded in the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is directly joined to the first member 10 at the embedded portion. The first member 10 and the second member 20 may be heat-fused, or bonded with an adhesive or the like. In one embodiment, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are directly joined without the use of another material such as an adhesive.

[0027] The second member 20 may be embedded in at least one of the first branch section 11 and the second branch section 12. That is, the second member 20 may comprise an embedded portion 22 embedded in the first branch section 11 and a bulging portion 21 protruding from the first branch section 11, or it may comprise an embedded portion 22 embedded in the second branch section 12 and a bulging portion 21 protruding from the second branch section 12.

[0028] The height of the bulging portion 21 may be 1 mm or more, or 3 mm or more. The direction in which the bulging portion 21 bulges may be, for example, upward, or downward.

[0029] The second member 20 may have a portion of its upper end embedded in the first branch 11, with the remainder bulging downward from the lower surface of the first branch 11. The lower end of the second member 20 may be located above the upper surface of the second branch 12 and may not be fixed to the second branch 12. The lower end of the second member 20 may abut against the upper surface of the second member 20. The lower end of the second member 20 may be in slidable contact with the upper surface of the second branch 12, or it may be bonded to the upper surface of the second branch 12. The second member 20 may have a portion of its lower end embedded and fixed in the second branch 12.

[0030] If a portion of the upper end of the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch 11 and a portion of the lower end of the second member 20 is embedded in the second branch 12, and multiple embedded portions 22, including the first embedded portion 22 embedded in the first branch 11 and the second embedded portion 22 embedded in the second branch 12, exist in a single second member 20, the volume of the first embedded portion 22 may be larger than the volume of the second embedded portion 22.

[0031] The thickness of the second member 20 may be greater than the thickness of the first member 10 at the location where the second member 20 is placed. The second member 20 may be embedded in the first member 10 under compressive force such that it is thinner than the thickness of the second member 20 when it exists alone. "Thickness of the second member when it exists alone" refers to the thickness when no external force is applied (also called "natural thickness"). The second member 20 may be embedded in the first member 10 under compression such that its thickness increases when it is removed from the first member 10. Here, "thickness of the second member" means "natural thickness". The fact that the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10 under compression can be confirmed by the fact that the thickness of the second member 20 recovers when the compressive force is released by removing it from the first member 10. The thickness of the second member 20 refers to the thickness of the thickest part of the second member 20. From the viewpoint of embedding the second member 20 in the first member 10 while it is compressed, the foaming ratio of the embedded portion 22 may be lower than that of the bulging portion 21.

[0032] The second member 20 may be compressed in the thickness direction at a rate of 5% to 20% and embedded in the first member 10.

[0033] Either the first member 10 or the second member 20 is made of a softer material than the other. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is made of a softer material than the first member 10. "Softer" means that the Asker C hardness of one member is lower than the Asker C hardness of another member. "Hard" means that the Asker C hardness of one member is higher than the Asker C hardness of another member. In this embodiment, the Asker C hardness of the second member 20 is lower than the Asker C hardness of the first member 10.

[0034] "Asker C" is a measuring instrument for measuring hardness, and is one of the durometers (spring-type hardness testers) specified in SRIS0101 (Japan Rubber Association Standard). In this disclosure, "Asker C hardness" refers to the hardness measured using the Asker C hardness tester described above. In the measurement, the Asker C hardness is determined by adopting the average value of the values ​​measured at five measurement points. If the second member 20 is exposed on the surface of the first member 10, the surfaces of the first member 10 and the second member 20 are used as measurement points. If the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10, the surface of the first member 10 at the position where the second member 20 is embedded below is used as the measurement point for the first member 10, and the surface of the second member 20 exposed by cutting away the first member 10 is used as the measurement point for the second member 20.

[0035] The minimum value in the measurement of the Asker C hardness of the first member 10 is preferably higher than the maximum value in the measurement of the Asker C hardness of the second member 20. The "minimum value" refers to the smallest value among the values ​​measured at the five measurement points in the Asker C hardness measurement described above, and the "maximum value" refers to the largest value among the values ​​measured at the five measurement points in the measurement.

[0036] The first member 10 is formed of a foam. The foam forming the first member 10 may be referred to as the first foam. The first foam according to this embodiment is composed of a polymer composition. The polymer composition according to this embodiment includes a base polymer. The polymer composition may further include a foaming agent. The polymer composition may further include an inorganic filler. The polymer composition may further include a crosslinking agent. The polymer composition may further include a crosslinking aid.

[0037] The base polymer is not particularly limited, but examples include resins, thermoplastic elastomers, and various types of rubber.

[0038] The resin is not particularly limited, but examples include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer (OBC), and ethylene-α-olefin random copolymer (POE). These may be used individually as the base polymer, or two or more may be used simultaneously.

[0039] The thermoplastic elastomer is not particularly limited, but examples include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPS), urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPU), and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPO). These may be used individually as the base polymer, or two or more may be used simultaneously.

[0040] The rubber is not particularly limited, but examples include natural rubber (NR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), urethane rubber (PU), silicone rubber, and fluororubber. These may be used individually as the base polymer, or two or more may be used simultaneously.

[0041] Examples of the aforementioned blowing agents include organic pyrolysis type blowing agents, inorganic pyrolysis type blowing agents, organic blowing agents, inorganic blowing agents, and the like.

[0042] Examples of the aforementioned organic pyrolysis-type blowing agents include azo compounds such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), 1,1'-azobis(1-acetoxy-1-phenylethane), dimethyl-2,2'-azobisbutyrate, dimethyl-2,2'-azobisisobutyrate, 2,2'-azobis(2,4,4-trimethylpentane), 1,1'-azobis(cyclohexane-1-carbonitride), and 2,2'-azobis[N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2-methyl-propionamidine]; nitroso compounds such as N,N'-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine (DPT); hydrazine derivatives such as 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) and diphenylsulfone-3,3'-disulfonyl hydrazide; semicarbazide compounds such as p-toluenesulfonyl semicarbazide; and trihydrazinotriazines.

[0043] Examples of the inorganic thermal decomposition type blowing agent include bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate and ammonium bicarbonate, carbonates such as sodium carbonate and ammonium carbonate, nitrites such as ammonium nitrite, and hydrogen compounds.

[0044] If the foaming agent is a thermal decomposition type foaming agent as described above, the polymer composition may contain foaming agents such as metal oxide-based foaming agents such as zinc oxide, urea-based foaming agents, salicylic acid-based foaming agents, or benzoic acid-based foaming agents.

[0045] Examples of the aforementioned organic blowing agents include methanol, ethanol, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, and various other aliphatic hydrocarbons.

[0046] Examples of the inorganic blowing agent include air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water.

[0047] Examples of the inorganic fillers include silica particles, alumina particles, talc particles, clay particles, calcium carbonate particles, magnesium carbonate particles, aluminum hydroxide particles, and magnesium hydroxide particles. These inorganic fillers may be used individually or two or more may be used simultaneously.

[0048] Examples of the crosslinking agents include organic peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(t-butylperoxy)hexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(t-butylperoxy)hexyn-3, 1,3-bis(t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, n-butyl-4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy)valerate, benzoyl peroxide, p-chlorobenzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, t-butylperoxybenzoate, t-butylperoxyisopropyl carbonate, diacetyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, and t-butylcumyl peroxide.

[0049] Examples of the aforementioned crosslinking aids include divinylbenzene, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, 1,9-nonanediol dimethacrylate, 1,10-decanediol dimethacrylate, trimellitic acid trialyl ester, trialyl cyanurate (TAC), trialyl isocyanurate (TAIC), neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid trialyl ester, tricyclodecane dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and the like.

[0050] The amount of foaming agent, crosslinking agent, etc., in the polymer composition used to form the foam may be appropriately adjusted according to the required foaming ratio, degree of crosslinking, etc.

[0051] The polymer composition may further contain fiber-reinforced materials such as carbon fibers and glass fibers.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second member 20 is formed of a foam. The foam forming the second member 20 may be referred to as the second foam. The first member 10 and the second member 20 may contain the same material. The first member 10 and the second member 20 may be formed of a foam composed of the same material. That is, the second foam may be composed of the polymer composition.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second foam constituting the second member 20 is softer than the first foam constituting the first member 10. The Asker C hardness of the second foam constituting the second member 20 may be lower than that of the first foam constituting the first member 10.

[0054] (Effects of the shoe component according to the first embodiment) Since either the first member 10 or the second member 20 is made of a softer material than the other, the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be assigned different functions, making it easier for the shoe component 1 to exhibit the required functions in areas where cushioning, rebound, or stability are required. As a result, the shoe component 1 can exhibit cushioning, rebound, and stability, providing comfort to the wearer.

[0055] By making the second foam constituting the second member 20 softer than the first foam constituting the first member 10, the first foam can contribute to stability, and the second foam can contribute to cushioning and rebound, thereby enabling the shoe member 1 to exhibit cushioning, rebound, and stability.

[0056] Since the Asker C hardness of the second member 20 is lower than that of the first member 10, the first foam contributes to stability and the second foam contributes to cushioning and resilience, allowing the shoe member 1 to exhibit even greater cushioning, resilience, and stability.

[0057] The minimum value of the Asker C hardness measurement of the first member 10 is higher than the maximum value of the Asker C hardness measurement of the second member 20, allowing the first foam to contribute to stability and the second foam to contribute to cushioning and resilience, thereby enabling the shoe member 1 to exhibit even greater cushioning, resilience, and stability.

[0058] The thickness of the second member 20 is greater than the thickness of the first member 10 at the position where the second member 20 is located, which further improves the cushioning and rebound properties.

[0059] Since the foaming ratio of the embedded portion 22 is lower than that of the bulging portion 21, compression is applied to the embedded portion 22, and the compression characteristics of the shoe component 1 can be controlled.

[0060] The spherical shape of the second member 20 allows for better load transfer during wear, improving comfort.

[0061] By providing multiple second members 20, the load is distributed to each second member 20, further improving cushioning and rebound properties.

[0062] Since the second member 20 is positioned below at least one of the proximal phalanx, metatarsal bone, joint between the proximal and middle phalanx, joint between the proximal and metatarsal bones, talus, and calcaneus, the load on the wearer is particularly large at these positions. Therefore, the stress from the contact surface is absorbed by the second member 20, and the burden on the wearer caused by this stress is reduced.

[0063] The cushioning and rebound properties are further improved if at least one of the multiple second members 20 has a different shape or hardness from the other second members 20.

[0064] Since at least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10, the second member 20 is less likely to peel off from the first member 10.

[0065] When a stress-strain curve is obtained by compressing a foam made of the polymer composition used in shoe component 1, the stress rises sharply immediately after the start of compression, and then the increase in stress becomes gradual after a few percent of compression has elapsed. In other words, until the foam is compressed by a few percent, the change in the repulsive force to the stress is abrupt, the stress and repulsive force are difficult to balance, and the expression of cushioning is unstable. On the other hand, it exhibits good cushioning against further compression after being compressed by more than a few percent. Therefore, by compressing the second component 20 in the thickness direction to a ratio of 5% to 20% and embedding it in the first component 10, good cushioning can be achieved.

[0066] The direct joining of the first member 10 and the second member 20 allows for smoother force transmission between them. Furthermore, the direct joining of the first member 10 and the second member 20 makes it more difficult for the second member 20 to separate from the first member 10.

[0067] Because the second member 20 is exposed on the surface of the shoe component 1, the portion of the second member 20 that is exposed is not constrained by the first member 10, and therefore the mechanical properties of the second member 20 are more easily reflected. Consequently, in the shoe component 1 where the second member 20 is exposed, the function of the second member 20 is more easily exhibited.

[0068] Because the second member 20 is embedded in at least one of the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12, the portion of the second member 20 that is exposed is not constrained by the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12, and therefore the mechanical properties of the second member 20 are easily reflected. Accordingly, in the shoe member 1 in which the second member 20 is exposed, the function of the second member 20 is easily exhibited.

[0069] Since the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12, the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 can be fixed to each other. This prevents the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 in the forefoot from opening and closing, and prevents damage to the first branch portion 11 and the second branch portion 12 due to wear caused by such opening and closing.

[0070] (Shoe component according to the second embodiment) The following describes the differences between the second embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure and the first embodiment, using Figures 4 to 6.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view.

[0072] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first member 10 according to this embodiment has the first branch portion 11, the second branch portion 12, and the connecting portion 13.

[0073] In one embodiment, the second member 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the second branch portion 12 and embedded in the second branch portion 12. The second member 20 may include an embedded portion 22 embedded in the second branch portion 12 and a bulging portion 21 protruding from the second branch portion 12. The upper end of the second member 20 may abut against the lower surface of the first branch portion.

[0074] In other embodiments, the second member 20 is exposed on the lower surface of the first branch section 11 and the upper surface of the second branch section 12 and is embedded in the first branch section 11 and the second branch section 12. The second member 20 may include an embedded portion 22 embedded in the first branch section 11 and the second branch section 12 and a bulging portion 21 that bulges out from the first branch section 11 and the second branch section 12. When the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch section 11 and the second branch section 12, the volume of the embedded portion 22 in the second branch section 12 may be larger than the volume of the embedded portion 22 in the first branch section 11.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second member 20 in this embodiment is provided in four parts. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged such that the figure formed by connecting them is a rectangle. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged in two rows, front and back, in the forefoot portion of the second branch 12, with two second members 20 side by side in the width direction of the foot forming one row. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the front row are positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the rear row are positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal bone.

[0076] (Effects of the shoe component according to the second embodiment) Since the second member 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the second branch portion 12 and embedded in the second branch portion 12, the second member 20 is supported from below by the second branch portion 12, making it even more difficult for it to peel off from the first member 10.

[0077] (Shoe component according to the third embodiment) Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure and the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view.

[0079] The first member 10 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 in this embodiment does not have a first branch portion 11, a second branch portion 12, and a connecting portion 13.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the second member 20 in this embodiment is provided in four units. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged in two rows, front and back, near the forefoot portion of the first member 10, with two second members 20 arranged side by side in the width direction of the foot forming one row. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the front row are positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the rear row are positioned below the proximal phalanx, the metatarsal bones, and the joint between the proximal phalanx and the metatarsal bones.

[0081] In this embodiment, the volume of the second member 20 in the front row is smaller than the volume of the second member 20 in the rear row.

[0082] At least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10 and exposed on the surface of the outsole 3.

[0083] The second member 20 may have a bulge 21 that protrudes from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10. As shown in Figure 7, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a bulge 21 that protrudes from below the first member 10. That is, the bulge 21 according to this embodiment constitutes a part of the contact surface of the shoe.

[0084] (Effects of the shoe component according to the third embodiment) The second member 20 has a bulge 21 that protrudes from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10, thereby improving cushioning and rebound properties against loads in the thickness direction. Furthermore, because the second member 20 protrudes from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10, when incorporated into a shoe, the bulge 21 is compressed, and the second member 20 is compressed to a state in which it can easily exhibit stable cushioning properties.

[0085] Because the second member 20 has a bulge 21 that protrudes from below the first member 10, the second member 20 can directly absorb the stress that the wearer receives from the ground, thus improving cushioning performance.

[0086] When the second member 20 is divided into two rows near the forefoot of the first member 10, with the front row of second member 20 positioned below the proximal phalanx and the joint between the proximal and middle phalanx, and the rear row of second member 20 positioned below the proximal phalanx, metatarsal bone, and the joint between the proximal and metatarsal bone, the volume of each second member 20 in the front row is smaller than the volume of each second member 20 in the rear row, making it easier for the wearer to maintain their sense of balance.

[0087] (Shoe component according to the fourth embodiment) Hereinafter, the differences between the fourth embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure and the third embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member for a shoe. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view.

[0089] The first member 10 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 in this embodiment does not have a first branch portion 11, a second branch portion 12, and a connecting portion 13.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, the second member 20 in this embodiment is provided in two parts. In this embodiment, the two second members 20 are arranged in a single row in the width direction of the foot near the forefoot portion of the first member 10. The second members 20 in this embodiment are positioned below the proximal phalanx and metatarsal bones. In this embodiment, the two second members 20 are identical in shape to each other.

[0091] At least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10.

[0092] The second member 20 may have a bulge 21 that protrudes from at least one of the above and below the first member 10. As shown in Figure 8, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a bulge 21 that protrudes from above the first member 10.

[0093] (Effects of the shoe component according to the fourth embodiment) Because the second member 20 has a bulge 21 that protrudes from above the first member 10, the second member 20 can indirectly absorb the stress that the wearer receives from the ground through the first member 10, thereby improving cushioning performance.

[0094] Because the second member 20 is positioned below the proximal phalanx and metatarsal bones, the wearer's load is particularly large at these locations. As a result, the stress from the contact surface is absorbed by the second member 20, thus reducing the burden on the wearer caused by this stress.

[0095] (Shoe component according to the fifth embodiment) The following describes the fifth embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure, highlighting the differences from the first embodiment using Figures 9 to 14.

[0096] The first member 10 in this embodiment is a base material that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. As shown in Figure 11, the first member 10 in this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in a plan view. The first member 10 in this embodiment has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in a side view. The second member 20 in this embodiment is smaller than the first member. In this embodiment, the first member 10 is softer than the second member 20. The first member 10 in this embodiment also serves as a cushioning material.

[0097] The first member 10 in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. As shown in Figures 9 and 13, the first member 10 in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have a first branch portion 11, a second branch portion 12, and a connecting portion 13.

[0098] The second member 20 according to this embodiment is a member for stably holding the wearer's load.

[0099] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the second member 20 according to this embodiment includes a widthwise member 30 extending in the foot width direction. The widthwise member 30 may be a plate or a rod. In this embodiment, the widthwise member 30 is a plate. The plate may be formed in a strip shape or folded to form a curved shape.

[0100] The length of the widthwise member 30 in the leg direction may be longer than the length of the widthwise member 30 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the length of the widthwise member 30, which is a plate material, in the leg direction is longer than the length of the widthwise member 30, which is a plate material, in the thickness direction. The thickness direction of the plate material corresponds to the thickness direction of the shoe member 1. The length of the widthwise member 30 in the leg direction may be 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0101] In this embodiment, the second member 20 includes a plurality of the width-direction members 30. The plurality of width-direction members 30 in this embodiment are arranged at a distance from each other in the leg-length direction.

[0102] Each of the multiple widthwise members 30 may include at least one of an inner foot side member 30a extending from the center of the foot width direction toward the inner foot, and an outer foot side member 30b extending from the center of the foot width direction toward the outer foot. In this embodiment, each of the multiple widthwise members 30 includes the inner foot side member 30a and the outer foot side member 30b.

[0103] At least some of the multiple widthwise members 30 may have a folded portion 31 that folds back toward the center in the foot width direction at the end in the foot width direction. In this embodiment, at least some of the multiple widthwise members 30 have the folded portion 31 at the end on the inner foot side and the end on the outer foot side.

[0104] The folded portion 31 may be formed as a curve. In this embodiment, the folded portion 31 is formed as a substantially U-shaped curve. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the folded portion 31 faces the center in the width direction of the foot, and the outer surface of the folded portion 31 faces the inner foot side or the outer foot side. In this embodiment, the first end of the two ends of the folded portion 31 is located above the second end.

[0105] The widthwise member 30 having the folded portion 31 may also have a first extended portion 32 extending from the first end of the folded portion 31 toward the center in the width direction of the foot, and a second extended portion 33 extending from the second end toward the center in the width direction of the foot.

[0106] Preferably, the folded portion 31 is positioned to intersect with at least one of the talus, navicular bone, cuneiform bone, cuboid bone, and calcaneus.

[0107] The widthwise member 30 having the folded portion 31 may be positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction. The inner leg side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction may have the inner leg side folded portion 31a, which is the folded portion 31. The outer leg side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction may have the outer leg side folded portion 31b, which is the folded portion 31.

[0108] The medial foot fold portion 31a is preferably positioned to intersect with at least one of the talus, navicular bone, and cuneiform bone. The lateral foot fold portion 31b is preferably positioned to intersect with at least one of the cuboid bone and calcaneus bone. In this embodiment, the medial foot fold portion 31a is positioned to intersect with the talus, navicular bone, and cuneiform bone. In this embodiment, the lateral foot fold portion 31b is positioned to intersect with the cuboid bone and calcaneus bone.

[0109] The number of widthwise members 30 having the folded portion 31 may be 1 or more and 30 or less.

[0110] The widthwise member 30, which is positioned at least towards the rear in the leg length direction, may have an upward-curving portion 34 that curves upward from the center in the leg width direction toward the end in the width direction. The widthwise member 30 may have a horizontally extending portion 35 that extends horizontally near the center in the leg width direction. If the widthwise member 30 has the upward-curving portion 34 and the horizontally extending portion 35, the upward-curving portion 34 may be formed by the horizontally extending portion 35 curving upward from its end toward the end in the width direction.

[0111] At least some of the multiple widthwise members 30 may have strip portions 36 formed in a strip shape from the center in the foot width direction to the ends in the foot width direction. The strip portions 36 may be formed to be completely flat or to be slightly curved. In this embodiment, the widthwise members 30 having the strip portions 36 do not have the folded portions 31.

[0112] The widthwise member 30 having the strip portion 36 may be positioned forward of the center portion in the leg length direction. The inner leg side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 positioned forward of the center portion in the leg length direction may have the inner leg side strip portion 36a, which is the strip portion 36. The outer leg side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 positioned forward of the center portion in the leg length direction may have the outer leg side strip portion 36b, which is the strip portion 36.

[0113] The medial foot strip portion 36a is preferably positioned to intersect with at least one of the proximal phalanx and metatarsal bones.

[0114] The medial foot strip 36a is preferably positioned to intersect with at least one of the first proximal phalanx, second proximal phalanx, first metatarsal bone, and second metatarsal bone. The lateral foot strip 36b is preferably positioned to intersect with at least one of the third proximal phalanx, fourth proximal phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, third metatarsal bone, fourth metatarsal bone, and fifth metatarsal bone. In this embodiment, the medial foot strip 36a is positioned to intersect with the first proximal phalanx, second proximal phalanx, first metatarsal bone, and second metatarsal bone. In this embodiment, the lateral foot strip 36b is positioned to intersect with the third proximal phalanx, fourth proximal phalanx, fifth proximal phalanx, third metatarsal bone, fourth metatarsal bone, and fifth metatarsal bone.

[0115] When the widthwise member 30 having the strip portion 36 is positioned forward of the center in the foot length direction, the strip portion 36 may be inclined from the center in the foot width direction to the end in the foot width direction. In this embodiment, the strip portion 36 is inclined downward in the thickness direction from the center in the foot width direction to the end on the inner foot side and the end on the outer foot side, respectively.

[0116] The number of widthwise members 30 having the strip portion 36 may be 1 to 30.

[0117] As shown in Figures 10, 12, and 14, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a connecting portion 40 that connects adjacent widthwise members 30 in the leg length direction. The connecting portion 40 may be a plate or a rod. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 40 is a plate.

[0118] The length of the connecting portion 40 in the width direction of the foot may be longer than the length of the connecting portion 40 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 40, which is a plate material, in the width direction of the foot is longer than the length of the connecting portion 40, which is a plate material, in the thickness direction. The thickness direction of the plate material corresponds to the thickness direction of the shoe member 1. The length of the connecting portion 40 in the width direction of the foot may be 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0119] Multiple connecting portions 40 may be provided. Multiple connecting portions 40 may be arranged in a substantially straight line from the rear in the foot length direction to the front in the foot length direction. Multiple connecting portions 40 may be arranged in a substantially straight line along the foot length direction, passing between the second toe and the third toe, or they may be arranged in a substantially straight line along the foot length direction, passing below the third toe.

[0120] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 40 is inclined at the center in the foot length direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of the connecting portions 40 are arranged along a virtual axis that is formed substantially in a straight line in the foot length direction. In this embodiment, the virtual axis is inclined downward in the thickness direction at the center in the foot length direction toward the front in the foot length direction. The connecting portion 40 in the rear foot may be located above the connecting portion 40 in the thickness direction than the connecting portion 40 in the forefoot.

[0121] The second member 20 may be singular or multiple. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is singular.

[0122] As shown in Figures 9, 11, and 13, at least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10. The second member 20 may be exposed on the surface of the first member 10. The outer surface of the folded portion 31 may be exposed from the surface of the first member 10. The inner surface of the folded portion 31 may be separated from the surface of the first member 10. The separation of the inner surface of the folded portion 31 from the surface of the first member 10 may form an opening defined by the inner surface of the folded portion 31 and the surface of the first member 10. In this embodiment, the folded portion 31 is separated from the surface of the first member 10 by a length exceeding the thickness of the plate material.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is softer than the second member 20. The Asker C hardness of the first member 10 may be lower than that of the second member 20.

[0124] The maximum value of the Asker C hardness measurement of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the minimum value of the Asker C hardness measurement of the second member 20.

[0125] The second member 20 may be formed from a non-foamed material, a foamed material, or other rigid material. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is formed from a non-foamed material.

[0126] The non-foamed material constituting the second member 20 may be composed of the polymer composition described above. That is, the second member 20 may be molded from the polymer composition without foaming. Furthermore, the second member 20 may be fabricated using a 3D printer.

[0127] It is preferable that the foam constituting the first member 10 is softer than the non-foam constituting the second member 20. The Asker C hardness of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the Asker C hardness of the non-foam constituting the second member 20. The maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the non-foam constituting the second member 20.

[0128] The method for making the foam constituting the first member 10 softer than the non-foam constituting the second member 20 is not particularly limited, but one method is to appropriately adjust the composition of the polymer composition so that the Asker C hardness is higher than that of the first foam. For example, the Asker C hardness can be increased by increasing the content of the fiber reinforcing material in the polymer composition.

[0129] The second foam constituting the second member 20 may be composed of the polymer composition described above.

[0130] It is preferable that the first foam constituting the first member 10 is softer than the second foam constituting the second member 20. The Asker C hardness of the first foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the Asker C hardness of the second foam constituting the second member 20. The maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the second foam constituting the second member 20.

[0131] Other hard materials include metallic materials such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, and chromium; and ceramic materials such as alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, and boron nitride.

[0132] It is preferable that the foam constituting the first member 10 is softer than the other hard materials constituting the second member 20. The Asker C hardness of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the Asker C hardness of the other hard materials constituting the second member 20. The maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam constituting the first member 10 is preferably lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the other hard materials constituting the second member 20.

[0133] (Effects of the shoe component according to the fifth embodiment) Because the first member 10 is softer than the second member 20, the non-foamed material contributes to stability, while the foamed material contributes to cushioning and rebound, thus allowing for a functional division of labor.

[0134] The stability of the second member 20 is further improved by forming the second member 20 from a non-foamed material, foamed material, or other rigid material.

[0135] By including a widthwise member 30 that extends in the width direction of the foot in the second member 20, the wearer's load is distributed in the width direction of the foot, further improving the stability provided by the second member 20.

[0136] Since the second member 20 includes a plurality of the widthwise members 30, and the plurality of widthwise members 30 are arranged at distances from each other in the length direction of the foot, the wearer's load is further distributed in the width direction of the foot, and the stability provided by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0137] Having at least a portion of the multiple widthwise members 30 have folded-over portions 31 improves the elastic properties in the thickness direction. In other words, the second member 20 can contribute to both stability and resilience.

[0138] Because the inner surface of the folded portion 31 is separated from the surface of the first member 10, the deformation of the folded portion 31 exposed from the surface of the first member 10 is not hindered by the first member 10. As a result, the elastic properties in the thickness direction are further improved, and the resilience of the shoe member 1 is further enhanced.

[0139] The second member 20 has connecting portions 40 that connect adjacent widthwise members 30 in the leg length direction, thereby distributing the wearer's load in the leg length direction and further improving the stability provided by the second member 20.

[0140] The presence of multiple connecting portions 40, arranged in a nearly straight line from the rear in the leg length direction to the front in the leg length direction, further distributes the wearer's load in the leg length direction, thereby further improving the stability provided by the second member 20.

[0141] Because the connecting portion 40 is inclined in the center in the length direction of the foot, the range of motion of the folded portion 31 is increased, which further improves the elastic properties in the thickness direction and further enhances the resilience of the shoe member 1.

[0142] Because the widthwise member 30 having the folded portion 31 is positioned behind the center in the lengthwise direction of the foot, the elastic properties in the thickness direction at the heel are further improved, and the resilience of the shoe component 1 is further enhanced.

[0143] With the first end of the folded portion 31 positioned above the second end, and the inner foot side member 30a of the width direction member 30 positioned behind the center in the foot length direction having an inner foot side folded portion 31a, and the outer foot side member 30b of the width direction member 30 positioned behind the center in the foot length direction having an outer foot side folded portion 31b, the elastic properties in the thickness direction at the heel portion are further improved, and the resilience of the shoe member 1 is further enhanced.

[0144] The widthwise member 30, which is positioned at least towards the rear in the lengthwise direction of the foot, has a curved portion 34 that curves upward from the center in the widthwise direction of the foot towards the widthwise end, so that the second member 20 conforms to the shape of the wearer's sole, allowing the wearer to feel comfortable.

[0145] Since at least a portion of the multiple widthwise members 30 have the strip portion 36, the wearer's load is further distributed in the width direction of the foot, and the stability provided by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0146] When the widthwise member 30 having the strip portion 36 is positioned forward of the center in the foot length direction, the strip portion 36 is inclined from the center in the foot width direction to at least one of the inner foot end and the outer foot end, causing elastic deformation to occur in the center in the foot width direction of the widthwise member 30 due to the wearer's load. This further improves the elastic properties in the thickness direction and further enhances the resilience of the shoe member 1.

[0147] Since the second member 20 is fabricated using a 3D printer, the second member 20 is fabricated as a layered structure, which improves its mechanical strength against loads in the layering direction, which is also the thickness direction of the shoe member 1.

[0148] (Shoe component according to the sixth embodiment) The sixth embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure will be described below, with reference to Figure 15, showing the differences from the fifth embodiment.

[0149] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member for a shoe. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view.

[0150] The first member 10 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 in this embodiment does not have a first branch portion 11, a second branch portion 12, and a connecting portion 13.

[0151] As shown in Figure 15, the widthwise member 30 in this embodiment is positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction. In this embodiment, the inner leg side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction has the inner leg side folded portion 31a, and the outer leg side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 positioned rearward from the center in the leg length direction has the outer leg side folded portion 31b.

[0152] As shown in Figure 15, the connecting portion 40 in this embodiment is arranged in a substantially straight line from the posterior part in the longitudinal direction of the foot to the central part in the longitudinal direction of the foot. The connecting portion 40 in this embodiment is not arranged in a substantially straight line from the central part in the longitudinal direction of the foot to the anterior part in the longitudinal direction of the foot. That is, in this embodiment, the tip of the connecting portion 40 in the longitudinal direction of the foot is located in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the foot. Preferably, the tip of the connecting portion 40 in the longitudinal direction of the foot is located at the lateral cuneiform bone, the joint between the lateral cuneiform bone and the third metatarsal bone, or below the posterior end of the third metatarsal bone.

[0153] As shown in Figure 15, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a plate portion 50 that extends in a flat, plate-like shape from the leading edge of the connecting portion 40 in the longitudinal direction toward the front in the longitudinal direction. That is, the second member 20 may have the plate portion 50 instead of the widthwise member 30 having the strip portion 36. The second member 20 according to this embodiment does not have the widthwise member 30 having the strip portion 36.

[0154] The plate portion 50 may be formed to follow the contour line of the first member 10 in a plan view. The plate portion 50 may also be formed to follow a virtual line that is slightly smaller than the contour line of the first member 10 in a plan view. Preferably, the plate portion 50 is positioned below the first to fifth fingers.

[0155] As shown in Figure 15, the plate portion 50 according to this embodiment has a slit portion 60 extending from the front in the leg length direction toward the center in the leg length direction. The distance between the inner surfaces of opposing slit portions 60 may be equal from the center in the leg length direction toward the front in the leg length direction. The slit portion 60 may be formed in a tapered shape so as to widen from the center in the leg length direction toward the front in the leg length direction.

[0156] The slit portion 60 may be formed to pass between the second toe and the third toe along the length of the foot, or it may be formed below the third toe along the length of the foot. The posterior end of the slit portion 60 may be positioned between the second toe and the third toe, or below the third toe, or between the second metatarsal bone and the third metatarsal bone, or below the third metatarsal bone.

[0157] The plate portion 50 may be inclined downward in the thickness direction from the center in the leg length direction to the front in the leg length direction.

[0158] (Effects of the shoe component according to the sixth embodiment) The second member 20 has a plate portion 50 that extends in a flat, plate-like shape from the tip of the connecting portion 40 in the longitudinal direction toward the front in the longitudinal direction, thereby improving the toe stability provided by the second member 20.

[0159] The plate portion 50 is formed to follow the contour line of the first portion in a plan view, or a virtual line slightly smaller than the contour line, which further improves the toe stability provided by the second member 20.

[0160] Because the plate portion 50 has a slit portion 60 extending from the front in the leg length direction toward the center in the leg length direction, the wearer's load on the plate portion 50 can be separated into the inner leg side and the outer leg side of the plate portion 50, thereby allowing the wearer's load to be held in a more stable state.

[0161] (Shoe component according to the seventh embodiment) Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 16, highlighting the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0162] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a base material that defines the outer shape of the sole member for a shoe. In this embodiment, the first member 10 corresponds to the contour shape of the sole in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a thickness that extends to the entire thickness of the sole member in a side view.

[0163] The first member 10 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 in this embodiment does not have a first branch portion 11, a second branch portion 12, and a connecting portion 13.

[0164] In this embodiment, there are two of the second member 20. As shown in Figure 16, the second member 20 in this embodiment is composed of an inner foot side second member 20a located on the inner foot side and an outer foot side second member 20b located on the outer foot side.

[0165] As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the inner foot side second member 20a includes the inner foot side member 30a which is positioned rearward from the center in the foot length direction, and the outer foot side second member 20b includes the outer foot side member 30b which is positioned rearward from the center in the foot length direction. In this embodiment, the inner foot side member 30a has the inner foot side folded portion 31a, and the outer foot side member 30b has the outer foot side folded portion 31b.

[0166] The connecting portion 40 may include an inner foot connecting portion 40a located on the inner foot side and an outer foot connecting portion 40b located on the outer foot side. As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the inner foot second member 20a has the inner foot connecting portion 40a, and the outer foot second member 20b has the outer foot connecting portion 40b. In this embodiment, the inner foot connecting portion 40a and the outer foot connecting portion 40b are arranged in a substantially straight line from the rear in the foot length direction to the center in the foot length direction, similar to the connecting portion 40 in the sixth embodiment.

[0167] The plate portion 50 may include an inner foot side plate portion 50a disposed on the inner foot side and an outer foot side plate portion 50b disposed on the outer foot side. As shown in Figure 16, the inner foot side second member 20a according to this embodiment has an inner foot side plate portion 50a and an outer foot side plate portion 50b. In this embodiment, the inner foot side plate portion 50a is formed to extend in a flat plate shape toward the front in the length direction of the foot from the tip of the inner foot side connecting portion 40a in the length direction of the foot. In this embodiment, the outer foot side plate portion 50b is formed to extend in a flat plate shape toward the front in the length direction of the foot from the tip of the outer foot side connecting portion 40b in the length direction of the foot. The inner foot side plate portion 50a may be positioned below the first toe or between the first toe and the second toe. The outer foot side plate portion 50b may be positioned below the fifth toe or between the fourth toe and the fifth toe.

[0168] The inner foot side contour of the inner foot side plate portion 50a may be formed to follow the contour of the first member 10 in a plan view. The inner foot side contour of the inner foot side plate portion 50a may be formed to follow a virtual line that is slightly smaller than the contour of the first part in a plan view. The outer foot side contour of the inner foot side plate portion 50a may be formed to curve towards the inner foot.

[0169] The outer foot side contour of the outer foot side plate portion 50b may be formed to follow the contour of the first member 10 in a plan view. The outer foot side contour of the outer foot side plate portion 50b may be formed to follow a virtual line that is slightly smaller than the contour of the first part in a plan view. The inner foot side contour of the outer foot side plate portion 50b may be formed to curve towards the outer foot.

[0170] The second member 20 may be arranged such that the inner foot side second member 20a and the outer foot side second member 20b are in contact with each other, or they may be arranged so that they are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is arranged such that the inner foot side second member 20a and the outer foot side second member 20b are spaced apart in the width direction of the foot. The second member 20 does not have to be positioned at a location corresponding to a virtual axis along the length of the foot passing through at least one of the third toe, the space between the second toe and the third toe, and the space between the third toe and the fourth toe. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is not positioned at a location corresponding to a virtual axis along the length of the foot passing through the third toe. Unlike the plate portion 50 of the sixth embodiment, the plate portion 50 in this embodiment does not have a slit portion 60.

[0171] In this embodiment, the case where there are two second members 20 has been described, but even if the plate portion 50 includes the inner leg side plate portion 50a and the outer leg side plate portion 50b, the second member 20 may be a single member. For example, the inner leg side connecting portion 40a and the outer leg side connecting portion 40b may be joined at the rear or front in the leg length direction, thereby making the inner leg side second member 20a and the outer leg side second member 20b a single member. Alternatively, the end of the second extending portion 33 in the inner leg side folded portion 31a and the end of the second extending portion 33 in the outer leg side folded portion 31b may be joined, thereby making the inner leg side second member 20a and the outer leg side second member 20b a single member.

[0172] (Effects of the shoe component according to the seventh embodiment) Because the second member 20 is arranged such that the inner foot side second member 20a and the outer foot side second member 20b are separated by a distance in the width direction of the foot, the second member 20 is not positioned near the center of the shoe member 1 in a plan view. As a result, the wearer's sole sinks more easily in the thickness direction under load, improving cushioning.

[0173] (Shoes according to one embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the shoe according to this disclosure will be described. Components that overlap with the embodiment of shoe component 1 will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0174] The shoe according to this embodiment includes the shoe component 1 described above.

[0175] The shoe according to this embodiment has an outsole 3 at the lowest point in the thickness direction. The outsole 3 constitutes the contact surface of the shoe. The shoe according to this embodiment has a midsole 2 between the upper, which covers the wearer's foot from above in the thickness direction, and the outsole 3. In this embodiment, the sides of the midsole 2 are exposed and not covered by the upper, the outsole 3, etc.

[0176] (Effects of the shoe according to one embodiment) The shoe according to this embodiment, by being equipped with the shoe component 1, exhibits cushioning, resilience, and stability, thereby improving the wearer's comfort.

[0177] (Manufacturing method for shoe components according to the first embodiment) The following describes a first embodiment of the method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure. The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in accordance with the first to fourth embodiments.

[0178] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment includes the step of foaming the polymer composition to obtain the second component 20. The foaming may be physical foaming or chemical foaming. The foaming may be injection foaming or bead foaming using foamed beads made of the polymer composition.

[0179] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment includes the steps of obtaining the first component 10 by foam molding the polymer composition while fixing the second component 20 in a mold, and directly joining the first component 10 and the second component 20. The foam molding may be physical foam molding or chemical foam molding. The foam molding may be injection foam molding or bead foam molding using foam beads made of the polymer composition.

[0180] The foam molding described above can be carried out by appropriately adjusting conditions such as process temperature and process pressure based on conventionally known methods.

[0181] In the process of obtaining the first member 10 described above, when fixing the second member 20 in the mold, the second member 20 is preferably fixed in contact with the molding surface of the mold, and more preferably fixed while being compressed against the molding surface of the mold. In the process of obtaining the first member 10 described above, in order to fix the second member 20 in the mold, for example, a recess may be provided on the bottom surface of the mold and the second member 20 may be placed in the recess, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on the bottom surface of the mold and the second member 20 may be placed between the protrusions, or the second member 20 may be placed on the preheated surface of the mold and the surface on which the second member 20 is placed may be melted and solidified.

[0182] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment may include a step of adding the foaming agent in each of the steps described above for obtaining the first component 10 and the second component 20.

[0183] From the viewpoint of making the second foam softer than the first foam, the amount of foaming agent added in the step of adding the foaming agent may be adjusted. More specifically, in the step of adding the foaming agent, the amount of foaming agent added for foaming the second member 20 may be greater than the amount of foaming agent added for foaming the first member 10.

[0184] In the manufacturing method of the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment, if chemical foam molding is employed in the steps of obtaining the first component 10 and the second component 20 described above, the step of adding the foaming agent may be omitted. In such cases, it is preferable that the polymer composition contains the foaming agent. Preferably, the content of the foaming agent in the polymer composition constituting the second component 20 is greater than the content of the foaming agent in the polymer composition constituting the first component 10.

[0185] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment may include a step of cooling the obtained first component 10 and second component 20 after performing the step of obtaining the first component 10 as described above. This cooling may be carried out, for example, using cooling water.

[0186] (Effects of the manufacturing method for shoe components according to the first embodiment) In the process of obtaining the first member 10, by providing a recess on the bottom surface of the mold and fixing the second member 20 inside the mold, the shoe member 1 can be manufactured with the second member 20 exposed on the surface of the first member 10.

[0187] In the process of obtaining the first member 10, the second member 20 is fixed to the molding surface of the mold while being compressed against it, so that the second member 20 can be embedded in the first member 10 in a compressed state, and the shoe member 1 manufactured can exhibit good cushioning properties.

[0188] (Manufacturing method for shoe components according to the second embodiment) The following describes the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this disclosure. In the method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to the second embodiment, the methods for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to the fifth to seventh embodiments will be described.

[0189] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 may include the step of obtaining the second component 20 by fabricating the polymer composition with a 3D printer. The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 may include the step of obtaining the second component 20 by compression molding the polymer composition. The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 may include the step of obtaining the second component 20 by injection molding the polymer composition. The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 may include the step of obtaining the second component 20 by foam molding the polymer composition.

[0190] The method for manufacturing the shoe component 1 according to this embodiment includes the steps of obtaining the first component 10 by foam molding the polymer composition while fixing the second component 20 in a mold, and directly joining the first component 10 and the second component 20.

[0191] In this embodiment, in the process of obtaining the first member 10 described above, the second member 20 is fixed in the mold while the end edge of the second member 20 in the width direction of the foot is in contact with the molding surface inside the mold. In the process of obtaining the first member 10 described above, it is preferable to fix the second member 20 in the mold while the inner foot-side folded portion 31a and the outer foot-side folded portion 31b are in contact with the molding surface inside the mold.

[0192] The process of obtaining the first member 10 described above may include the step of adding the foaming agent. If the second member 20 is formed of foam, the process of obtaining the second member 20 by foam molding described above may include the step of adding the foaming agent.

[0193] If the second member 20 is formed of a foam, the amount of foaming agent added in the step of adding the foaming agent may be adjusted from the viewpoint of making the first foam softer than the second foam. More specifically, in the step of adding the foaming agent, the amount of foaming agent added for foam molding the first member 10 may be greater than the amount of foaming agent added for foam molding the second member 20.

[0194] (Effects of the manufacturing method for shoe components according to the second embodiment) In the process of obtaining the first member 10, the shoe member 1 can be manufactured with the second member 20 exposed from the surface of the first member 10 by fixing the second member 20 in the mold while bringing the foot width-direction edge of the second member 20 into contact with the molding surface inside the mold.

[0195] In the process of obtaining the first member 10 described above, the shoe member 1 can be manufactured in a state in which the folded portion 31 is exposed from the surface of the first member 10 by fixing the second member 20 in the mold while bringing the inner foot side folded portion 31a and the outer foot side folded portion 31b into contact with the molding surface inside the mold.

[0196] The shoe components and shoes relating to this disclosure include the following embodiments.

[0197] [1] Including a first member and a second member, The first member is formed of foam, At least a portion of the second member is embedded in the first member, The first member and the second member are directly joined together. A shoe component wherein either the first member or the second member is made of a softer material than the other. [2] The second member is made of foam, The second foam constituting the second member is softer than the first foam constituting the first member. [1] Shoe components as described above. [3] The second member has a bulge that extends from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member. [2] Shoe components as described above. [4] The thickness of the second member is greater than the thickness of the first member at the position where the second member is located. Shoe components as described in [2] or [3]. [5] The second member is spherical. Shoe components as described in any one of [2] to [4]. [6] Multiple of the aforementioned second members are provided. Shoe components as described in any one of [2] to [5]. [7] At least one of the multiple second members differs from the other second members in shape or hardness. [6] The shoe component described above. [8] The first member is softer than the second member. [1] Shoe components as described above. [9] A portion of the second member is exposed on the surface of the first member. [8] The shoe component described above.

[10] The second member includes a widthwise member extending in the foot width direction, Shoe components as described in [8] or [9].

[11] The second member includes a plurality of the widthwise members,

[10] Shoe components as described above.

[12] At least a portion of the multiple widthwise members has a folded portion that folds back toward the center in the widthwise direction at the end in the widthwise direction of the foot,

[11] The shoe component described above.

[13] The inner surface of the folded portion is separated from the surface of the first member.

[12] Shoe components as described above.

[14] Multiple widthwise members are arranged at distances from each other in the leg length direction, Each of the multiple widthwise members is An inner foot side member extending from the center in the width direction of the foot toward the inner foot, It includes at least one of the outer foot member extending from the center in the width direction of the foot toward the outer foot, The second member has a connecting portion that connects adjacent members in the width direction in the leg length direction. Shoe components as described in any one of

[11] to

[13] .

[15] Multiple such connecting parts are provided and arranged in a nearly straight line from the rear in the leg length direction to the front in the leg length direction. The aforementioned connecting portion is inclined at the center in the direction of the leg length.

[14] Shoe components as described above.

[16] The widthwise member, which is positioned at least towards the rear in the leg length direction, has a curved portion that curves upward from the center in the leg width direction towards the end in the width direction. Shoe components as described in any one of

[11] to

[15] .

[17] The second component is fabricated using a 3D printer. Shoe components as described in any one of [1] to

[16] .

[18] The first member and the second member contain the same material, [1] to

[17]

[19] A shoe comprising a shoe component described in any one of [1] to

[18] . [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1: Shoe components, 2: Midsole, 3: Outsole, 10: First member, 11: First branching point, 12: Second branching point, 13: Connection part, 14: Gap, 20: Second component, 20a: Second member on the inner leg side, 20b: Second member on the outer foot side, 21:bulge, 22: Buried section, 30: Width direction member, 30a: medial foot side member, 30b: Outer foot side member, 31: Folded section, 31a: Inner leg side folded portion, 31b: Outer foot side folded portion, 32: 1st extension part, 33: Second extension part, 34: Curved section, 35: Horizontal extension part, 36: Strip section, 36a: Medial foot strip, 36b: Outer foot strip, 40: Connection part, 40a: Inner leg side connecting part, 40b: Outer foot side connection part, 50: Itabe, 50a: medial foot side plate, 50b: Lateral foot plate, 60: Slit section

Claims

1. Including a first member and a second member, The first member is formed of foam, At least a portion of the second member is embedded in the first member, The first member and the second member are directly joined together. Either the first member or the second member is made of a softer material than the other. Shoe components.

2. The second member is formed of foam, The second foam constituting the second member is softer than the first foam constituting the first member. The shoe component according to claim 1.

3. The second member has a bulge that extends from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member. The shoe component according to claim 2.

4. The thickness of the second member is greater than the thickness of the first member at the position where the second member is located. The shoe component according to claim 2.

5. The second member is spherical. The shoe component according to claim 2.

6. Multiple of the aforementioned second members are provided. The shoe component according to claim 2.

7. At least one of the multiple second members differs from the other second members in shape or hardness. The shoe component according to claim 6.

8. The first member and the second member contain the same material, The shoe component according to claim 2.

9. A shoe comprising a shoe component according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images