Walking posture check device and shoes

Abstract

To provide a walking posture confirmation tool having a simple structure and excellent durability and maintainability.SOLUTION: A walking posture confirmation tool includes: an elastic plate-like member that has a plate piece shape, is disposed so that its longer direction intersects a length direction of a foot, has an upwardly projecting gutter-like cross section along a shorter direction, and is elastically deformed so that the center part in the longer direction is bent downward by a treading load from above and is returned into a linear shape when the treading load is lost; and a holding member for holding the elastic plate-like member so that the elastic plate-like member is not deviated from a heel position at a sole and without fixing the elastic plate-like member to the sole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking posture checking tool that enables a person to check his / her walking posture to prevent stumbling, and to shoes equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] There are several ways to objectively check your walking posture, such as getting advice from others, looking at yourself in a mirror, or checking with a video etc. However, these methods have the problem that it is difficult to always check your posture while walking, and therefore difficult to maintain an appropriate walking posture.

[0003] Here, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a technology described in Patent Document 1 as a walking posture checking tool that allows a person to check their own walking posture while walking. This technology allows a person to check that their own walking posture is appropriate while walking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-165943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional walking posture check devices involve a sphere inserted into a pipe that moves, and it is difficult to control and maintain the smooth movement of the sphere, which moves against inertia, and there are issues with durability and maintainability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a walking posture checking tool that has a simpler structure and is excellent in durability and maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The walking posture checking tool according to the present invention comprises: an elastic plate-like member that is in the shape of a plate piece, that is arranged so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the longitudinal direction of the foot, that has a cross section along its lateral direction that is shaped like a gutter that is upwardly convex, that bends downward at its central portion in the longitudinal direction when a stepping load is applied from above, and that elastically deforms to return to a linear shape in the longitudinal direction when the stepping load is removed; The shoe has a retaining member that retains the elastic plate member so that the elastic plate member does not deviate from the heel position of the sole and that does not fix the elastic plate member to the sole.

[0008] In the walking posture checking tool according to the present invention, the elastic plate-like member arranged at the heel position of the sole is deformed by the load of stepping on the heel position during walking, and the vibration and sound of the deformation of the elastic plate-like member are transmitted to the walker, so that the walker can check whether or not he or she is walking in an appropriate walking posture with the heel stepping on the ground. In addition, since the walking posture checking tool according to the present invention utilizes the deformation of the elastic plate-like member, it has a simple structure and is excellent in durability and maintainability compared to the conventional technology that utilizes the movement of a sphere in a pipe. In addition, since the elastic plate-like member is arranged under the heel of the walker, the vibration of the elastic plate-like member is transmitted well to the heel of the walker, which should be aware of when walking. Therefore, such a walking posture checking tool is superior to conventional walking posture checking tools in terms of checking function. In addition, since the holding member does not fix the elastic plate-like member to the sole, the problem of the holding member inhibiting the deformation of the elastic plate-like member can be prevented, and the problem of damage or deterioration of the elastic plate-like member from the fixed part of the holding member can be prevented.

[0009] For example, the elastic plate member may be made of metal.

[0010] The elastic plate member may be made of any material having an appropriate hardness for generating vibration when deformed, but is preferably made of metal from the standpoint of durability and the like.

[0011] Also, for example, the walking posture checking device of the present invention may further have a pair of support members arranged at a distance from each other on one side and the other side of the central portion of the longitudinal direction of the elastic plate-like member, and provided between the elastic plate-like member and the sole.

[0012] Such a support member can facilitate smooth deformation of the elastic plate member due to the stepping load by forming a gap between the center of the elastic plate member and the sole.

[0013] Also, for example, the holding member may include a first holding member that is disposed on one side of the central portion of the elastic plate member in the longitudinal direction, and that is bridged along the upper surface of the elastic plate member in the lateral direction of the elastic plate member to restrict the one side of the elastic plate member; The elastic plate may also have a second retaining member that is arranged on the other side of the central portion of the longitudinal direction of the elastic plate, and is bridged along the upper surface of the elastic plate in the short direction of the elastic plate to regulate the other side of the elastic plate.

[0014] Such a retaining member can more reliably prevent the problem of the retaining member impeding the deformation of the elastic plate-like member, and can also reliably prevent the problem of the elastic plate-like member being damaged or deteriorated from the fixed portion of the retaining member.

[0015] Further, a shoe according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described gait checking tools at the heel position of the sole.

[0016] The shoes of the present invention are equipped with the above-mentioned walking confirmation device at the heel position of the sole, so that by walking while wearing the shoes of the present invention, the pedestrian can easily check whether his or her walking posture is appropriate or not. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention and a walking posture checking tool provided at the heel position of a sole. [Diagram 2] 2(a) is a plan view of the walking posture check device shown in FIG. 1 and its surrounding area, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view along the short side direction of an elastic plate-shaped member included in the walking posture check device shown in FIG. 2(a). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and is a conceptual diagram of the walking posture check tool as seen from behind. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the walking posture check tool is bent by a stepping load. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the walking posture check tool has returned from the state shown in FIG. 4 to a straight state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a pedestrian wearing shoes equipped with a walking posture check tool. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the feet of a pedestrian in each of the walking states shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a shoe 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a walking posture check tool 10 provided at a heel position 62a of a sole 62. As shown in FIG. 1, the walking posture check tool 10 is placed at the heel position 62a of the sole 62 for use.

[0019] The heel position 62a where the walking posture check tool 10 is provided is a portion of the sole 62 that is under the heel of the foot 90 (see Figs. 4 and 5) of a person wearing the shoe 60, and is a portion farther from the toe 60a of the shoe 60 than the arch position 62c. The walking posture check tool 10 may be provided on the sole 62 (between the sole 62 and the foot 90), but it can also be provided inside the sole 62, such as under the insole.

[0020] 1, the walking posture check tool 10 has an elastic plate-like member 20 in the shape of a plate piece, and a holding member 30 that holds the elastic plate-like member 20. The walking posture check tool 10 also has a pair of support members 40 provided between the elastic plate-like member 20 and a sole 62. In the description of the shoe 60 and the walking posture check tool 10, the vertical direction from the sole 62 to the upper 64 of the shoe 60 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction from the toe 60a of the shoe 60 to the heel is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction.

[0021] FIG. 2(a) is a plan view of the walking posture check tool 10 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above (positive direction of Z-axis), and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view along the short side of the elastic plate member 20 in the walking posture check tool 10. The elastic plate member 20 is a plate shape that is generally rectangular in plan view, and has a pair of long sides 28 that are generally parallel to each other, and a pair of short sides 26 that connect the two long sides 28. As shown in FIG. 2(a), a sloping portion 26a that slopes backward toward the center of the X-axis may be formed on a part or the whole of one or both of the short sides 26 of the elastic plate member 20. By forming such a sloping portion 26a, the elastic plate member 20 can be disposed close to the rear end (positive direction of Y-axis) of the sole 62. By disposing the elastic plate member 20 close to the rear end of the sole 62, vibration and sound associated with deformation can be generated in the elastic plate member 20 only when the heel lands in the correct walking posture.

[0022] 1 and 2(a), the elastic plate member 20 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction (the direction in which the long sides 28 extend) intersects with the length direction of the leg (the Y-axis direction). Also, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the elastic plate member 20 has a cross section in the short side direction (the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the long sides 28 extend, the X-axis direction) that is trough-shaped and convex upward, and has a curved shape that curves with respect to the short side direction.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the holding member 30 holds the elastic plate member 20 so that the elastic plate member 20 does not deviate from the heel position 62a of the sole 62. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III shown in Fig. 2, and is a conceptual diagram of the walking posture check tool 10 as seen from behind.

[0024] The holding member 30 has a first holding member 32 arranged on one side (X-axis negative direction side) of the central portion 20c in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the elastic plate-like member 20 and restricting one side 20a of the elastic plate-like member 20, and a second holding member 34 arranged on the other side (X-axis positive direction side) of the central portion 20c in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the elastic plate-like member 20 and restricting the other side 20b of the elastic plate-like member 20. The first holding member 32 and the second holding member 34 are string-like or thread-like members, but the holding member 30 is not limited to these.

[0025] 2(a), the first retaining member 32 spans the upper surface 22 of the elastic plate-like member 20 in the short direction (Y-axis direction) of the elastic plate-like member 20, and retains one side 20a of the elastic plate-like member 20. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3, both ends of the first retaining member 32 pass through the support member 40 and are fixed to the sole 62. However, both ends of the first retaining member 32 may be fixed to the support member 40.

[0026] Similar to the first retaining member 32, the second retaining member 34 is bridged along the upper surface 22 of the elastic plate-like member 20 in the short-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the elastic plate-like member 20 and retains the other side 20b of the elastic plate-like member 20. As shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 3, both ends of the second retaining member 34 penetrate the support member 40 and are fixed to the sole 62. However, both ends of the second retaining member 34 may be fixed to the support member 40.

[0027] The holding member 30 having the first holding member 32 and the second holding member 34 holds the elastic plate member 20 without fixing it to the sole 62. That is, the first holding member 32 and the second holding member 34 are only in contact with the upper surface 22 of the elastic plate member 20 and are not fixed to the elastic plate member 20, so that they hardly hinder the deformation of the elastic plate member 20. However, the elastic plate member 20 is restricted by the holding member 30 so as not to move out of the heel position 62a of the sole 62 or to rotate significantly so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The holding member 30 itself may have elasticity like rubber or elastomer, but may not have elasticity like steel wire or string. In addition, if the holding member 30 itself has elasticity, the holding member 30 may be connected and fixed to the elastic plate member 20.

[0028] 2(a) and 3, the pair of support members 40 are disposed at a distance from each other on one side (the negative X-axis direction side) and the other side (the positive X-axis direction side) of the longitudinal center portion 20c of the elastic plate-like member 20. By disposing the support members 40 at a distance between the elastic plate-like member 20 and the sole 62, a gap 46 is formed between the center portion 20c of the elastic plate-like member 20 and the upper surface of the heel position 62a of the sole 62. Such a support member 40 can promote smooth deformation of the elastic plate-like member 20 due to a stepping load, which will be described later.

[0029] However, the thickness of the support member 40 is not particularly limited and can be about 0.2 to 3.0 mm. Furthermore, if the sole 62 is made of a flexible material, appropriate deformation of the elastic plate-like member 20 due to the stepping load may occur even without forming the gap 46, and in such a case, the support member 40 can be omitted.

[0030] Figures 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams for explaining deformation of the walking posture check tool 10 during use, with Figure 4 showing the walking posture check tool 10 bent by a stepping load, and Figure 5 showing the tool returning from the state shown in Figure 4 to the straight state shown in Figure 3 etc. Figure 6 shows the state of a person walking wearing the shoe 60 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the left foot in each walking state shown in Figure 6. The structure and operation of the walking posture check tool 10 will be further explained below with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0031] As can be seen by focusing on the left foot of a walker shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), when a walker wearing shoe 60 walks in an appropriate walking posture that is less likely to trip, the walker lands on the ground with the heel side of shoe 60. Next, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 7(b) and Figures 6(c) and 7(c), the walker swings his / her right foot forward while shifting weight from the heel of the left foot to the toe, and then lands with the heel of the right foot.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) and Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when walking with a correct walking posture, weight is placed on the heel. Figure 4 shows the walking posture checking tool 10 inside the shoe 60 with weight placed on the heel. As shown in Figure 4, the elastic plate-like member 20 is deformed so that the central portion 20c (see Figure 3) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) bends downward due to the stepping load from above by the foot 90.

[0033] As a result, the long side 28 of the elastic plate-like member 20, which was straight when no stepping load is applied as shown in Fig. 3, is curved by the stepping load. Although not shown in Fig. 4, as the central portion 20c bends downward, both ends in the X-axis direction that are not constrained move upward, and the elastic plate-like member 20 may take on a curved shape that is more deeply curved than the state shown in Fig. 4.

[0034] Also, as shown in Fig. 6(c) and Fig. 7(c), when walking with a correct walking posture, the state in which weight is not placed on the heel (or the heel is lifted) alternates with the state in which weight is placed on the heel. Fig. 5 shows the walking posture check tool 10 inside the shoe 60 in the state in which weight is not placed on the heel (or the heel is lifted).

[0035] 5, when the stepping load from the foot 90 is removed, the elastic plate member 20 is released from the bending state shown in FIG. 4 and elastically deforms to return to a straight shape in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). In this way, the elastic plate member 20 repeats deformation in accordance with the walker's walking posture, generating vibrations and sounds due to the deformation.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the elastic plate member 20 is disposed near the heel of the foot 90, and therefore the vibration of the elastic plate member 20 is effectively transmitted to the heel of the foot, thereby enabling the walker to recognize that he or she is walking in a correct posture. In addition, since the elastic plate member 20 is gutter-shaped with a convex upward projection and the upper surface 22 is smooth, there is little discomfort felt when not walking. Note that when the walker walks in a walking posture that is likely to cause a stumble, such as landing on the toes with a forward-leaning posture, the elastic plate member 20 does not undergo the above-mentioned deformation.

[0037] The walking posture checking tool 10 has a simple structure and is excellent in durability and maintainability because it utilizes the deformation of the elastic plate member 20. Since the elastic plate member 20 is placed under the heels of the pedestrian, the vibration of the elastic plate member is transmitted well to the heels of the pedestrian, which should be conscious of when walking, and it is expected to have the effect of encouraging the pedestrian to maintain an appropriate walking posture.

[0038] The elastic plate member 20 may be made of a material such as metal or resin that can undergo elastic deformation as described above, but it is preferable that the elastic plate member 20 is made of metal from the viewpoint of durability, etc. Also, it is preferable that the elastic plate member 20 is made of steel or stainless steel because these materials are highly tough.

[0039] The thickness of the elastic plate member 20 (thickness of the plate material) can be, for example, about 0.05 to 2 mm, but is not particularly limited. The curved height of the elastic plate member 20 shown in Fig. 2(b) is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, about 0.5 to 4 mm. The length of the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the elastic plate member 20 shown in Fig. 2(a) can be, depending on the shoe size, about 25 to 75 mm. The length of the short side direction (Y-axis direction) of the elastic plate member 20 can be, for example, about 4 to 30 mm.

[0040] 1, an embodiment in which the walking posture check tool 10 is provided on the sole 62 of the left shoe 60 has been described as an example, but it is preferable that the walking posture check tool 10 be provided on each shoe of both feet. However, the walking posture check tool 10 may be provided on only one shoe.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may have other embodiments and modifications. For example, the holding member may be made of a stretchable adhesive tape or the like, and may be fixed to the upper surface of the sole 62. The support member 40 may be fixed to the sole 62 by adhesive tape or adhesion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10. Walking posture check tool 20...Elastic plate member 20a...One side 20b...other side 20c…Central part 22…Top surface 26…Short side 28…Long side 30...Retaining member 32...First holding member 34...Second holding member 40…Support member 46…Gap 60…Shoes 60a...toe 62…Sole 62a…Heel position 62c…Arch position 64...Upper 90…feet

Claims

1. an elastic plate-like member that is in the shape of a plate, arranged so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the longitudinal direction of the foot, has a cross section in the lateral direction that is shaped like a gutter that is upwardly convex, and has a central portion in the longitudinal direction that bends downward when stepped on from above, and elastically deforms to return to a straight shape in the longitudinal direction when the stepped on load is removed, thereby transmitting vibrations and sounds to the pedestrian; a holding member that holds the elastic plate member so that the elastic plate member does not deviate from the heel position on the sole and without fixing the elastic plate member to the sole.

2. 2. The walking posture checking tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic plate member is made of metal.

3. A walking posture checking device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a pair of support members arranged at a distance from each other on one side and the other side of the central portion of the longitudinal direction of the elastic plate-like member and provided between the elastic plate-like member and the sole.

4. the holding member is a first holding member disposed on one side of the central portion of the elastic plate member in the longitudinal direction, the first holding member being bridged along an upper surface of the elastic plate member in the lateral direction of the elastic plate member to restrict the one side of the elastic plate member; A walking posture check device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a second retaining member arranged on the other side of the central portion of the elastic plate member in the longitudinal direction, spanning the upper surface of the elastic plate member in the short direction of the elastic plate member, and restricting the other side of the elastic plate member.

5. A shoe comprising the walking posture checking tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4 at the heel position of the sole.

Images