Foot Cover and Method for Manufacturing Foot Cover

Abstract

To provide a foot cover for restricting a deterioration of wearing comfort and a deterioration of elasticity due to an adhesive member of a heel part.SOLUTION: A foot cover (1) comprises a sole part (2) for covering a sole (10) of a foot (F), a toe (11) of the foot (F), a heel (12) and a side part (3) for covering both sides (13) of the foot (F) from the toe (11) to the heel (12), the side part (3) consists of a seamless annular elastic fabric having a wearing opening part (3b), and the sole part (2) and the side part (3) are joined by joint methods except for sewing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot cover, and more particularly to a foot cover joined by a method other than sewing.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become widespread and common to wear shoes such as pumps and sneakers as if directly on the bare feet. When wearing shoes directly on the bare feet, the inside of the shoes becomes stuffy due to sweat or the like, so it has become common to wear a foot cover. However, if the foot cover has a sewn (stitched) part, it will be compressed by pumps or the like, and the stitched part will dig into the skin or the stitched part will touch the skin, resulting in a deterioration in wearing comfort.

[0003] Therefore, a foot cover without a sewn part has been proposed. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below disclose a foot cover formed in a three-dimensional shape without a sewn part by joining a knitted fabric with an adhesive tape. In Patent Document 1, a first stretchable knitted fabric forming a side part, a heel part, and a toe part and a second stretchable knitted fabric forming a sole part are joined with an adhesive member such as an adhesive tape to form a foot cover in a three-dimensional shape without a stitched part. Further, in Patent Document 2, a single stretchable knitted fabric is joined with an adhesive tape to form a foot cover in a three-dimensional shape without a sewn part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technologies of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured such that an adhesive tape is attached to the heel part (rear part of the heel) where the foot cover is likely to come off. Since the foot cover is usually formed with a small area of the part covering the foot so as not to be conspicuous when worn, it has a structure that is likely to come off. When the foot cover comes off, first, the foot cover comes off from the heel part, and in many cases, the parts near the heel on the sole and side surfaces of the foot also come off together following the heel part. Thus, when an adhesive tape is attached to the heel part (rear part of the heel) where the foot cover is likely to come off, the stretchability of the fabric is impaired, and the wearing position shifts, resulting in a problem that it becomes even easier to come off. Furthermore, since the heel part is a part where the fabric strongly presses against the foot, when an adhesive tape is attached to the heel part (rear part of the heel), there also arises a problem that the wearing comfort deteriorates.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a foot cover that suppresses a decrease in wearing comfort and slipping and coming off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sole part that covers the sole of the foot, and side surface parts that cover the toes, heel, and both sides of the foot extending from the toes to the heel. The side surface parts are made of an annular stretchable fabric having an opening that serves as a wearing edge, and the sole part and the side surface parts are joined by a joining method other than sewing. The side surface parts are made of the annular stretchable fabric without a seam, or are made of the annular stretchable fabric having a seam at a position excluding the rear part of the heel corresponding to the rear end of the heel, and the stretchable fabrics are joined at the seam by a joining method other than sewing.

[0008] According to the above configuration, since the side surface parts are made of an annular stretchable fabric without a seam or an annular stretchable fabric that is joined without sewing at a position excluding the rear part of the heel, it is possible to provide a foot cover that suppresses a decrease in wearing comfort and slipping and coming off.

[0009] Also, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the annular stretchable fabric may have a substantially planar shape.

[0010] According to the above configuration, since the annular stretchable fabric forming the side surface portion has a substantially planar shape, the overall height of the foot cover when not in use can be suppressed.

[0011] Also, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the sole portion and the side surface portion may be joined so that the entire foot cover has a substantially planar shape in a side view.

[0012] According to the above configuration, since the entire foot cover has a substantially planar shape, when the foot cover is attached to a pattern paper and packaged, wrinkles and creases are not formed, and it can be displayed at a sales floor or the like without damaging the shape of the product. Also, since it does not take up much space, it does not require a storage space and can be efficiently transported.

[0013] Also, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the sole portion may include an inner fabric that contacts the foot and an outer fabric that covers the inner fabric.

[0014] According to the above configuration, since the sole portion has a double structure, the strength of the sole portion can be improved.

[0015] Also, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner fabric and the outer fabric may be made of different materials.

[0016] According to the above configuration, for example, by using a breathable natural fiber for the inner fabric that contacts the skin and a strong synthetic fiber for the outer fabric, both comfort and strength can be achieved.

[0017] Also, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the joint portion between the sole portion and the side surface portion may be located on the sole side of the foot.

[0018] According to the above configuration, since the joint portion is located on the sole side of the foot and not at the toe tip of the foot where the crimping of the joint portion is easily felt, the wearing comfort is improved.

[0019] Moreover, the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a joining member that seamlessly joins the outer peripheral portion of the sole portion and the outer peripheral portion of the side surface portion.

[0020] According to the above configuration, for example, by using a joining member such as an adhesive tape, the outer peripheral portion of the sole portion and the outer peripheral portion of the side surface portion can be joined, so that the strength of the joint portion can be improved.

[0021] Moreover, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the sole portion and the side surface portion may be joined by the joining member without overlapping each other.

[0022] According to the above configuration, since the sole portion and the side surface portion do not overlap each other at the joint portion, the thickness of the joint portion can be reduced, and the wearing comfort is improved.

[0023] Moreover, in the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the stretchable fabric may be made of free-cut fabric.

[0024] According to the above configuration, in order to prevent fraying or the like of the opening which is the edge of the foot, it is not necessary to fold back the peripheral edge of the opening or attach a stretchable narrow fabric along the peripheral edge of the opening, so the wearing comfort is improved.

[0025] In order to solve the above problems, a method for manufacturing a foot cover according to an aspect of the present invention includes a bottom portion forming step of forming a bottom portion that covers the sole of the foot, a side portion forming step of forming side portions that cover the toe, the heel, and both sides of the foot extending from the toe to the heel, and a joining step of joining the bottom portion and the side portions by a joining method other than sewing. In the side portion forming step, the stretchable fabric is cut to form the substantially flat and seamless annular side portions having an opening serving as an opening edge, or the stretchable fabrics are joined by a joining method other than sewing to form the annular side portions having an opening serving as an opening edge and having a seam at a position excluding the rear portion of the heel corresponding to the rear end of the heel and being substantially flat.

[0026] According to the above method, in the side portion forming step, the substantially flat and seamless annular side portions are formed, or the substantially flat annular side portions without a seam at the rear portion of the heel are formed. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a foot cover that suppresses a decrease in wearing comfort and a decrease in stretchability.

[0027] Further, in the method for manufacturing a foot cover according to an aspect of the present invention, in the joining step, the bottom portion and the side portions may be joined by a strip-shaped joining member so that the bottom portion and the side portions do not overlap each other.

[0028] According to the above method, since the bottom portion and the side portions are joined by the strip-shaped joining member so as not to overlap each other, the thickness of the joined portion can be reduced, and the wearing comfort is improved.

[0029] Further, in the method for manufacturing a foot cover according to an aspect of the present invention, in the joining step, the bottom portion and the side portions may be joined by heat fusion so that the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion and the outer peripheral portion of the side portions overlap each other.

[0030] According to the above method, the bottom portion and the side portions can be easily joined by heat fusion without using a separate member.

[0031] In addition, in the method for manufacturing a foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, in the joining step, the bottom portion of the foot and the side portion may be joined with an adhesive such that the outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion of the foot and the outer peripheral portion of the side portion overlap each other.

[0032] According to the above method, the bottom portion of the foot and the side portion can be easily joined with an adhesive.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a foot cover that suppresses a decrease in wearing comfort and slipping and coming off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this embodiment, an example of the foot cover 1 that can be used interchangeably for the left and right feet will be described so that the left and right feet are not misworn. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be provided with a left-foot type and a right-foot type. Further, for example, the foot cover 1 may be in the shape of a sock or in the shape of five fingers.

[0036] (Overview of Foot Cover) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the foot cover 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn on the foot F. As shown in FIG. 1, the foot cover 1 includes a bottom portion 2 that covers the sole 10 of the foot F, and side portions 3 that cover the toe 11, the heel 12, and both sides 13 extending from the toe 11 to the heel 12 of the foot F. This foot cover 1 is formed by joining the outer peripheral portions of two substantially flat fabrics constituting the bottom portion 2 and the side portions 3 by a joining method (seamless joining method) other than sewing. Here, the sewing referred to herein refers to the entire method of joining fabrics using a thread-like separate material, and the method of joining (sewing method) and the type of thread are not limited.

[0037] The side portion 3 is made of stretchable fabric, and an opening serving as a wearing opening (wearing opening) 3b for inserting and removing the foot F is formed by cutting out a substantially elliptical shape at a substantially central portion thereof. The wearing opening 3b is provided with a large opening so that the instep and ankle of the foot F are exposed. Thereby, when wearing shoes, the entire foot cover 1 can be hidden inside the shoes and worn so as not to be conspicuous.

[0038] For example, synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are used for the bottom portion 2 and the side portions 3 so that they can be joined by ultrasonic welding or the like described later. Further, since it has high stretchability, knitted fabric is preferable, but woven fabric may also be used.

[0039] (Configuration of Foot Cover) Next, based on FIGS. 2 to 6, the specific configuration of the foot cover 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the foot cover 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the foot cover 1, FIG. 4 is a front view of the foot cover 1, FIG. 5 is a rear view of the foot cover 1, and FIG. 6 is a view of the foot cover 1 turned over to expose the joining member 4.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the side portion 3 has a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the sole portion 2, and is formed by cutting a single piece of stretchable fabric without a seam so as to be slightly larger than the sole portion 2. Further, the side portion 3 has a cutout at a substantially central portion, and an opening portion 3b is provided. Thereby, the side portion 3 is formed in an annular shape centered on the opening portion 3b, which is substantially flat and has no seam.

[0041] Note that the side portion 3 is not limited to a configuration without a seam. A seam may be provided at a position excluding the rear heel portion (see reference numeral "32a" in FIG. 8) corresponding to the rear end of the heel 12. That is, the side portion 3 only needs to have no seam at the rear heel portion. By having no seam at the rear heel portion, a decrease in the wearing feeling of the heel portion of the foot cover 1 can be suppressed. In this specification, the rear end of the heel 12 refers to the back region of the heel 12 (calcaneus) located at the rear end of the foot F. Further, the rear heel portion of the side portion 3 is the rear end region of the heel portion of the side portion 3 corresponding to the rear end of the heel 12, and in particular, refers to a vertical linear region that divides (substantially bisects) the heel portion of the side portion 3 (or the back of the heel 12 (calcaneus)) into left and right in a rear view during wearing. Note that a configuration example of a foot cover with a seam in the side portion will be described in a later embodiment.

[0042] Since the side portion 3 is made of stretchable fabric, when the foot cover 1 is worn, it can conform to the three-dimensional shape of the foot F, and can prevent the foot cover 1 from slipping off or shifting in the wearing position.

[0043] Also, the area covering the instep of the foot F can be adjusted by the shape of the opening 3b being cut out. If the longitudinal length of the opening 3b is increased, a so-called "low-cut" foot cover 1 can be obtained. On the other hand, if the longitudinal length of the opening 3b is decreased, a "high-cut" foot cover 1 can be obtained.

[0044] In addition, by making the diameter of the arc 3c on the heel 12 side of the opening 3b larger than the arc 3d on the heel 12 side of the outer periphery of the foot cover 1, when worn, the covering area of the heel 12 of the foot F becomes larger, and the foot cover 1 can be prevented from coming off.

[0045] Further, by configuring the side portion 3 with a free-cut fabric (a fabric that does not require finishing of the fabric edge), in order to prevent fraying, it is not necessary to fold back the outer edge portion of the opening 3b or attach elastic narrow fabric or resin along the periphery of the opening 3b, and the wearing comfort is improved.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the sole portion 2 is formed such that the toe portion 2d and the heel portion 2e are each arc-shaped in accordance with the shape of the sole 10 of the foot F. The diameter of the arc of the toe portion 2d is formed slightly larger than the diameter of the heel portion 2e. Also, both side portions 2f of the arch extending from the toe portion 2d to the heel portion 2e are each arc-shaped and are gently recessed in a direction approaching each other. Note that the sole portion 2 is not limited to this shape and can be changed to other shapes according to the shape of the foot F.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the foot cover 1 has an outer appearance shape that is substantially planar in side view. That is, the foot cover 1 is formed by seamlessly joining the outer peripheral portions 2a·3a of the two substantially planar fabrics constituting the sole portion 2 and the side portion 3 so that the foot cover 1 as a whole has a substantially planar shape.

[0048] Specifically, in a state where the foot cover 1 is not worn, the side surface portion 3 has not been subjected to processing, knitting, sewing, etc. for rising in a direction other than a plane, such as a substantially vertical direction, at the heel portion of the foot cover 1, and has a substantially flat and seamless shape. The outer peripheral portion 2a of the sole portion 2 having a substantially flat shape is joined to the outer peripheral portion 3a of the side surface portion 3 in the same manner as the side surface portion 3 so as to have a substantially flat shape, thereby forming the foot cover 1. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the foot cover 1 has a substantially flat shape as a whole in a side view, a front view, etc. That is, it is a non-three-dimensional shape that does not constitute a specific height except for the thickness of the fabric and the joining member and the wrinkles and creases that occur naturally. When a mounting board for display imitating the sole is attached and the fabric is slightly stretched along the board surface, both the front and back of the foot cover 1 (the side surface portion 3 and the sole portion 2 of the foot cover 1) are shaped such that the fabric surface is in close contact with the board surface.

[0049] Thereby, when the foot cover 1 is attached to the board and packaged, wrinkles and folds are not formed, and it can be displayed at a sales floor or the like without damaging the shape of the product. Further, since it does not take up much space, it does not require a storage place and can be efficiently transported. Furthermore, the procedure of joining seams can be omitted.

[0050] Also, since the whole has a substantially flat shape, when worn, the fabric corresponding to the heel 12 in the side surface portion 3 rises along the heel shape, so that a force easily acts in a direction in which the fabric fits the heel 12. Further, since the outer peripheral portions 2a and 3a of the sole portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 are formed by seamless joining, there are no convex portions due to sewing, so it easily fits the heel shape. As described above, the fitting feeling of the entire heel 12 can be enhanced, and slipping and coming off can be suppressed.

[0051] (Ultrasonic welding) The bottom part 2 and the side part 3 are joined, for example, by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding is a method in which ultrasonic vibration and pressure are applied to two pieces of fabric to be joined, generating frictional heat on the joint surface of the fabric and instantaneously melting and joining them. The joint surfaces of the fabrics to be joined by ultrasonic welding can be joined so as to abut against each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to overlap two pieces of fabric for joining, and a substantially flat joint portion 5 that does not protrude convexly can be formed, improving the wearing comfort.

[0052] (Joining member) As shown in FIG. 6, the joint portion 5 is preferably located near the outer edge portion of the sole 10 of the foot F, but it may be closer to the center. In the present embodiment, inside the foot cover 1, a joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape is further attached on the joint portion 5. An adhesive tape is made of an adhesive material such as a resin of acrylic type, silicone type, etc., or synthetic rubber, and is used in a method of heating and fusing the adhesive tape to join the fabrics together.

[0053] By attaching a strip-shaped joining member 4 to the inner part of the side part 3 so that the line of the joint portion 5 overlaps with the center in the width direction of the joining member 4, the strength of the joint portion 5 can be increased.

[0054] In addition, when the foot cover 1 is worn on the foot F, since the side part 3 is made of stretchable fabric, the side part 3 stretches according to the shape of the foot F. Therefore, the foot cover 1 can be fitted to the foot F. Here, when compared with the configuration in which the bottom part 2 and the side part 3 are sewn and joined, in the case of sewing and joining, the joint portion 5 becomes a thin line protruding convexly. Therefore, when the wearer walks, the joint portion 5 may move along with the movement. The wearing comfort is reduced by the joint portion 5 pressing against the toe tip 11 or stepping on the joint portion 5 protruding convexly. In addition, since the joint portion 5 protrudes convexly, it is difficult to form the entire foot cover into a substantially flat shape, and particularly when the fabric of the side part 3 is thin, a convex portion appears on the surface, easily impairing the aesthetic appearance during display.

[0055] In contrast, the foot cover 1 according to the present embodiment seamlessly joins the substantially planar foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3. Therefore, the entire foot cover 1 can be suitably formed into a substantially planar shape, and it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the wearing comfort and an easy slipping off.

[0056] [[ID=**4**]](Method for manufacturing a foot cover) Next, a method for manufacturing the foot cover 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the foot cover 1 includes a foot bottom portion forming step of forming the foot bottom portion 2, a side surface portion forming step of forming the side surface portion 3, and a joining step of seamlessly joining the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3.

[0057] In the method for manufacturing the foot cover 1, in the side surface portion forming step, the stretchable fabric is cut along a required pattern to form a substantially planar and seamless annular side surface portion 3 having an opening that becomes the wearing edge 3b. Therefore, in the joining step, by seamlessly joining the outer peripheral portions of the two substantially planar fabrics constituting the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3, it is possible to manufacture the foot cover 1 that can suppress a deterioration in the wearing comfort and a decrease in stretchability.

[0058] [[ID=**14**]]In addition, in the joining step, the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 may be ultrasonically welded so that they do not overlap each other, and further, the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 may be joined by a strip-shaped joining member 4. Thereby, the thickness of the joining portion 5 can be reduced, and the wearing comfort is improved.

[0059] [[ID=**18**]]Also, in the joining step, the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 may be joined by heat fusion or an adhesive so that the outer peripheral portion of the foot bottom portion 2 and the outer peripheral portion of the side surface portion 3 overlap each other. Thereby, the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 can be easily joined. In addition, a joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape may be attached to the joining portion 5 where the foot bottom portion 2 and the side surface portion 3 are joined by heat fusion or an adhesive. Thereby, the strength of the joining portion 5 can be increased.

[0060] [[ID=**22**]][Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will not be repeated.

[0061] (Double bottom) FIG. 7 is an end view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2. Although the foot cover 1 is configured in a substantially planar shape, it is shown three-dimensionally in FIG. 7 for convenience of explanation. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom portion 2 may be configured to include an inner fabric 2b that contacts the foot F and an outer fabric 2c that covers the inner fabric 2b from the outside. Thereby, for example, a natural fiber fabric that is gentle on the skin and has good breathability can be used for the inner fabric 2b, and a synthetic fiber fabric that is strong and can be ultrasonically welded can be used for the outer fabric 2c, so that the materials can be changed between the inner fabric 2b and the outer fabric 2c.

[0062] In this case, the outer fabric 2c of the bottom portion 2 and the side portion 3 are joined by, for example, ultrasonic welding. A joining member 4a such as an adhesive tape is attached from above the joining portion 5 joined by ultrasonic welding for reinforcement. Further, the inner fabric 2b is placed thereon, and a joining member 4b such as an adhesive tape is attached to join the joining member 4a and the inner fabric 2b.

[0063] In this way, by further joining with a joining member 4 such as an adhesive tape after joining by ultrasonic welding, the joining portion 5 can be made flat to prevent a deterioration in wearing comfort and maintain sufficient joining strength.

[0064] [Embodiment 3] Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will not be repeated.

[0065] (Configuration of foot cover) FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a foot cover 1a according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the foot cover 1a is turned inside out.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the foot cover 1a includes a sole portion 2 and a side portion 30. The side portion 30 includes a first side portion 31 (side portion) and a second side portion (side portion / heel portion) 32. The first side portion 31 is made of a stretchable fabric that covers the toes 11 and both sides 13 of the foot F. The second side portion 32 is made of a stretchable fabric that covers the heel 13 of the foot F. The first side portion 31 and the second side portion 32 are joined to each other by a joining method other than sewing at both sides of the heel portion of the side portion 30 corresponding to both left and right sides of the heel 13 of the foot F. Thereby, the side portion 30 made of an annular stretchable fabric is formed.

[0067] At both sides of the heel portion of the side portion 30, a seam 6, which is a joining portion of the first side portion 31 and the second side portion 32, is provided. By joining the first side portion 31 and the second side portion 32 at the seam 6, a substantially rectangular opening portion 3b is formed at a substantially central portion of the side portion 30. In the foot cover 1a, the area of the side portion 30 that covers the top of the foot F is larger than that of the foot cover 1 described above. That is, the foot cover 1a is a "deep shoe" type foot cover in which the length in the longitudinal direction of the opening portion 3b is formed smaller than that of the foot cover 1.

[0068] Here, in the foot cover 1a, the seam 6 is provided at a position excluding the rear heel portion 32a so that there is no seam 6 in the rear heel portion 32a of the second side portion 32 corresponding to the rear end of the heel 12. That is, the seam 6 is provided at a position excluding the rear heel portion 32a, which is a longitudinally linear region that longitudinally bisects the central portion of the second side portion 32 so as to divide (substantially bisect) the second side portion 32 into left and right in a rear view during wearing. By providing the seam 6 at a position excluding the rear heel portion 32a, there is no seam 6 at the rear end of the heel 12 where pressure is likely to be felt, so a decrease in wearing comfort is suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the wearing feeling of the heel portion (second side portion 32) of the foot cover 1 can be suppressed.

[0069] Note that the seam 6 only needs not to be in the rear heel portion 32a. Therefore, as long as it is a position excluding the rear heel portion 32a, the seam 6 may be provided at both sides of the heel portion of the side portion 30 as in the present embodiment, or the seam 6 may be provided at a position other than both sides of the heel portion.

[0070] (Method for manufacturing a foot cover) The manufacturing method of the foot cover 1a includes a bottom part forming step of forming the bottom part 2, a side part forming step of forming the side part 30, and a joining step of seamlessly joining the bottom part 2 and the side part 30. Among these steps, since the bottom part forming step and the joining step are substantially the same as the manufacturing method of the foot cover 1 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

[0071] In the side part forming step, the stretchable fabric is cut along the pattern of the first side part 31 and the pattern of the second side part 32. Then, the cut stretchable fabric of the first side part 31 and the stretchable fabric of the second side part 32 are seamlessly joined. At this time, the first side part 31 and the second side part 32 are joined so that the seam 6 is located at a position excluding the rear part of the heel 32a. Thereby, an annular side part 30 having an opening serving as the wearing edge 3b and having a seam 6 at a position excluding the rear part of the heel 32a is formed. Then, in the joining step, the foot cover 1a can be manufactured by seamlessly joining the outer peripheral parts of the two substantially flat fabrics constituting the bottom part 2 and the side part 30.

[0072] (Effect of the foot cover) The foot cover 1a according to the present embodiment includes a bottom part 2 that covers the sole 10 of the foot F, and a side part 30 that covers the toe 11, the heel 12, and both sides 13 of the foot extending from the toe 11 to the heel 12 of the foot F. The side part 30 has a seam 6 at a position excluding the rear part of the heel 32a corresponding to the rear end of the heel 12, and is made of an annular stretchable fabric in which the stretchable fabric of the first side part 31 and the stretchable fabric of the second side part 32 are joined by a joining method excluding sewing at the seam 6.

[0073] According to the foot cover 1a, since the side part 30 is made of an annular stretchable fabric joined at a position excluding the rear part of the heel 32a (seam 6), it is possible to suppress a deterioration in the wearing comfort and slipping / coming off.

[0074] 〔Modification example〕 The examples described in the above embodiments can be changed as appropriate. For example, in Embodiments 1 and 2, a joining method combining ultrasonic welding and an adhesive tape was described. However, if it is a method other than sewing, for example, it may be joined by the following joining methods.

[0075] (Heat fusion) The bottom part 2 and the side part 3 may be joined by, for example, heat fusion. The outer peripheral part 2a of the bottom part 2 and the outer peripheral part 3a of the side part 3 are overlapped, and heat is applied to the overlapped part to fuse them. According to this method, it is possible to adhere without impairing the stretchability of the fabric at the joined part.

[0076] (Adhesive) The bottom part 2 and the side part 3 may be joined by, for example, an adhesive. The outer peripheral part 2a of the bottom part 2 and the outer peripheral part 3a of the side part 3 are overlapped, an adhesive such as an adhesive polymer is applied to the overlapped part, and they are joined by heat fusion. Alternatively, an adhesive that can be joined without heating may be applied and joined.

[0077] (Anti-slip) In addition, an example in which an adhesive tape is attached to the joined part 5 from the inside of the foot cover 1 for reinforcement has been described. However, an adhesive tape having a higher coefficient of friction than the bottom part 2 may be attached to the joined part 5 from the outside of the foot cover 1 to also serve as an anti-slip function.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Description of reference numerals

[0079] 1 Foot cover 1a Foot cover 2 Bottom part 2a Outer peripheral part 2b Inner fabric 2c Outer fabric 3 Side part 3a Outer peripheral part 3b Opening part (opening) 4 Joining member 5 Joining part 6 Seam 10 Sole 11 Toe tip 12 Heel 13 Both sides 30 Side face part 31 First side face part (side face part) 32 Second side face part (side face part · heel part) 32a Rear part of heel F Foot

Claims

1. A sole part covering the sole of the foot, a side part covering the toe, heel, and both sides of the foot extending from the toe to the heel, comprising: the side part is made of an annular stretchable fabric having an opening serving as an opening edge, the sole part and the side part are joined by a joining method other than sewing, A foot cover, characterized in that the side part is made of only one piece of the annular stretchable fabric without seams.

2. The foot cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular stretchable fabric has a flat shape.

3. The foot cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the sole part and the side part are joined so that the entire foot cover has a flat shape in side view.

4. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sole part includes an inner fabric in contact with the foot and an outer fabric covering the inner fabric.

5. The foot cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner fabric and the outer fabric are made of different materials.

6. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the joining part between the sole part and the side part is located on the sole side of the foot.

7. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a joining member for seamlessly joining the outer peripheral part of the sole part and the outer peripheral part of the side part.

8. The foot cover according to claim 7, characterized in that the sole part and the side part are joined by the joining member without overlapping each other.

9. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stretchable fabric is made of free-cut fabric.

10. A sole part forming step of forming a sole part covering the sole of the foot, a side part forming step of forming a side part covering the toe, heel, and both sides of the foot extending from the toe to the heel, a joining step of joining the sole part and the side part by a joining method other than sewing, including: A method for manufacturing a foot cover, characterized in that in the side part forming step, a stretchable fabric is cut to form the annular side part made of only one piece of the stretchable fabric that is flat and has no seams and has an opening serving as an opening edge.

11. The manufacturing method of the foot cover according to claim 10, wherein, in the joining step, the bottom part of the foot and the side part are joined by a strip-shaped joining member so that the bottom part of the foot and the side part do not overlap each other.

12. The manufacturing method of the foot cover according to claim 10, wherein, in the joining step, the bottom part of the foot and the side part are joined by heat fusion so that the outer peripheral part of the bottom part of the foot and the outer peripheral part of the side part overlap each other.

13. The manufacturing method of the foot cover according to claim 10, wherein, in the joining step, the bottom part of the foot and the side part are joined by an adhesive so that the outer peripheral part of the bottom part of the foot and the outer peripheral part of the side part overlap each other.

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