Foot Covers

Abstract

To provide a foot cover which is gentle to the skin and can provide an effective slip prevention function.SOLUTION: A foot cover (1) includes: a first anti-slip part (5a) which is arranged on a toe-side of a peripheral edge of an opening (4) and has lower stretchability than that of a body part (2); and a second anti-slip part (5b) which is separated from the first anti-slip part (5a), is arranged on a heel-side of the peripheral edge and has larger friction with the skin than that of the first anti-slip part (5a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot cover, and more particularly to a foot cover having an anti-slip portion around the periphery of the opening. [Background technology]

[0002] As demand for foot covers has increased, foot covers with anti-slip structures to prevent slipping and coming off have been commercialized. Conventional anti-slip structures can be broadly categorized into (1) the application of resins such as silicone or rubber, (2) the application of fabric cut into tape, and (3) knitting of elastic parts or the insertion of rubber.

[0003] Regarding foot covers with anti-slip structures, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose foot covers in which an anti-slip part made of resin such as silicone is provided around the entire circumference of the shoe opening on the inside of the periphery of the opening. Patent Document 3 also discloses a foot cover in which the periphery of the shoe opening is knitted using polyurethane filament and elastic yarn is inserted around the entire circumference of the shoe opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-56479 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-133148 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-15703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while anti-slip structures using resins such as silicone have a high anti-slip effect, if they are applied around the entire circumference of the shoe opening, they can cause rashes due to the ingredients, inflammation due to close contact with the skin and dynamic pressure, and rough skin due to sweat, etc. On the other hand, anti-slip structures using tape-cut fabric or inserted elastic threads are less likely to cause rough skin, but their anti-slip effect is not as high as that of resins such as silicone. In either case, if an anti-slip structure is applied around the entire circumference of the shoe opening, it can tighten around the foot and reduce comfort.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide foot covers that are gentle on the skin and have an effective anti-slip function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the foot cover of the present invention is a foot cover that includes a main body portion that covers at least a portion of the sole, toes, and heel of the foot, and has an anti-slip portion arranged on the inside of the peripheral portion of the opening formed on the main body portion, and the anti-slip portion includes a first anti-slip portion that is arranged on the toe side of the peripheral portion and has lower elasticity than the main body portion, and a second anti-slip portion that is separate from the first anti-slip portion and is arranged on the heel side of the peripheral portion and has greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, by arranging appropriate anti-slip portions for each part of the foot, it is possible to provide a foot cover that is gentle on the skin and has an effective anti-slip function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a foot cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn on a foot. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the foot cover shown in FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the foot cover shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side view of the foot cover shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a front view of the foot cover shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a view showing the foot cover shown in FIG. 2 turned over to expose the anti-slip portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. In this embodiment, an example of foot covers that can be used on both the left and right feet so that there is no confusion will be described. However, this is not limited to this, and the foot covers for the left and right feet may have different shapes. Furthermore, the foot covers may be, for example, tabi-shaped or five-toed, or may be designed to expose the tips of the toes.

[0011] [Foot Cover Overview] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a foot cover 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn on a foot F. As shown in Fig. 1, the foot cover 1 includes a main body 2 that covers a sole 10, a toe 11, and a heel 12 of the foot F, and an anti-slip part 5 that is arranged along the periphery of an opening 4a formed on the main body 2.

[0012] The foot cover 1 has a first anti-slip portion 5a and a second anti-slip portion 5b with different properties as the anti-slip portion 5. The foot cover 1 is gentle on the skin and provides an effective anti-slip function by appropriately arranging the first anti-slip portion 5a and the second anti-slip portion 5b with different properties according to the nature (strength) and shape of the skin of each part of the foot F.

[0013] The main body 2 comprises a sole fabric 3 that covers the sole 10 of the foot F, and side fabrics 4 that cover the toes 11, heel 12, and both sides 13 of the foot F from the toes 11 to the heel 12. The sole fabric 3 and side fabrics 4 are each made of a substantially flat fabric.

[0014] The side fabric 4 is made of stretchable fabric, and an opening 4a for putting the foot in and out is cut out in a roughly oval shape in the approximate center. The opening 4a is opened wide to expose the instep and ankle of the foot F. This allows the entire foot cover 1 to be hidden inside the shoe when the shoe is put on, allowing it to be worn inconspicuously.

[0015] The main body 2 is configured such that the outer periphery of the sole fabric 3 and the outer periphery of the side fabric 4 are sewn together, thereby joining the sole fabric 3 and the side fabric 4 at a joining portion 7. Sewing refers to a general method of joining fabrics together using a separate thread-like material, and there are no limitations on the joining method (sewing method) or type of thread.

[0016] Although the example shown in Figure 1 shows the sole fabric 3 and the side fabric 4 joined by sewing, the method of joining them is not limited thereto. The sole fabric 3 and the side fabric 4 may also be joined by a joining method other than sewing (seamless joining method). For example, they may be joined by ultrasonic welding, which generates frictional heat at the joining surfaces of the fabrics to instantly melt and join them, or by heat fusion, which applies heat to the overlapping parts of the fabrics to fuse them together, or by joining with an adhesive.

[0017] The anti-slip portion 5 is disposed on the inside of the main body 2 and prevents the main body 2 from slipping off or coming off from the foot F. The anti-slip portion 5 is disposed along the inside of the periphery of the opening 4a of the main body 2. In this embodiment, the anti-slip portion 5 of the foot cover 1 includes a first anti-slip portion 5a and a second anti-slip portion 5b.

[0018] The first anti-slip portion 5a is disposed on the toe side of the periphery of the opening 4a. In other words, the first anti-slip portion 5a is disposed on the toe side of the main body 2 that covers the toes of the foot F, on the periphery of the opening 4a.

[0019] The second anti-slip portion 5b is disposed on the heel side of the periphery of the opening 4a. In other words, the second anti-slip portion 5b is disposed on the heel side of the main body 2 that covers the heel of the foot F, on the periphery of the opening 4a.

[0020] The first anti-slip portion 5a and the second anti-slip portion 5b are separated from each other and arranged around the periphery of the opening 4a. The first anti-slip portion 5a has lower elasticity than the main body portion 2, and the second anti-slip portion 5b has greater friction with the skin of the foot F than the first anti-slip portion 1. This makes it possible to prevent the main body portion 2 from slipping off the foot F while reducing the burden on the skin, as will be described later.

[0021] [Configuration of main body] Next, a specific configuration of the main body 2 included in the foot cover 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the foot cover 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the foot cover 1 shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] (Side fabric) As shown in Figure 2, the side fabric 4 has a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the sole fabric 3, and in this embodiment is formed by cutting a single seamless piece of stretchable fabric. The side fabric 4 has an opening 4a, which is roughly oval in shape, cut out in the approximate center for putting the foot in and out. As a result, the side fabric 4 is formed in a ring shape with the opening 4a at the center.

[0023] The area covering the instep of the foot F can be adjusted by varying the shape of the opening 4a. Increasing the longitudinal length of the opening 4a allows for a so-called "low-profile" foot cover 1. On the other hand, shortening the longitudinal length of the opening 4a allows for a so-called "high-profile" foot cover 1.

[0024] The side fabric 4 may also be formed by joining together multiple pieces of fabric. However, by forming the side fabric 4 from a single seamless piece of stretchy fabric, there are no seams (joints) on the sole 10, toe 11, heel 12, or both sides 13 of the foot F from toe 11 to heel 12. This prevents the seams from digging into the skin due to pressure from pumps or the like, preventing a decrease in comfort. Also, the foot cover 1 can be prevented from coming off due to the seams moving out of position with the movement of the foot F.

[0025] Since the side fabric 4 is made of a stretchable fabric, the side fabric 4 can conform to the three-dimensional shape of the foot F when the foot cover 1 is worn. This makes it easier to prevent the foot cover 1 from coming off or shifting out of position when worn.

[0026] The side fabric 4 is not limited in shape or knitting method (e.g., knitting or weaving), as long as it is a stretchable fabric that fits the foot F. It is sufficient that the fabric is stretchable enough that it does not easily slip off the foot F when worn and does not feel uncomfortable and tight.

[0027] The material of the side fabric 4 may be any material that is suitable for the method of adhering the non-slip portion 5, and may be, for example, synthetic fibers such as polyester, or natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk.

[0028] In this embodiment, the material of the side fabric 4 is nylon, which is soft to the touch, and is a weft-knitted fabric that provides a comfortable fit. However, this is not limited to this, and the side fabric 4 may be, for example, a knitted fabric knitted on a circular knitting machine or a woven fabric.

[0029] The side fabric 4 may also be made of free-cut fabric (fabric that does not require finishing of the fabric edges). By making the side fabric 4 of free-cut fabric, there is no need to fold back the periphery of the opening 4a to prevent fraying, or to attach a stretchy narrow fabric or resin along the periphery of the opening 4a, improving comfort.

[0030] (sole fabric) As shown in Figure 3, the sole fabric 3 has a toe portion 3a and a heel portion 3b each formed in an arc shape to fit the shape of the sole 10 of the foot F. In addition, both sides 3c of the arch extending from the toe portion 3a to the heel portion 3b are formed in an arc shape that is gently concave toward each other. However, the sole fabric 3 is not limited to this shape and can be changed to another shape to fit the shape of the foot F.

[0031] As with the side fabric 4, the sole fabric 3 is not limited in material or knitting method, but from the viewpoints of ease of walking and prevention of slippage, it is preferable that it generates moderate friction with the sole 10 and is less irritating to the skin. A cushioned terry fabric may be used to reduce shock when walking. The sole fabric 3 is made of, for example, a knitted fabric made of spun yarn with a cotton blend, but is not limited to this.

[0032] [Foot cover shape] Next, the shape of the foot cover 1 when not being worn will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a side view of the foot cover 1 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a front view of the foot cover 1.

[0033] 4 and 5, the foot cover 1 has a substantially flat appearance when not worn in side and front views. The foot cover 1 is made up of two substantially flat pieces of fabric that make up the sole fabric 3 and the side fabric 4, each of whose outer peripheries is joined by sewing so that the foot cover 1 as a whole has a substantially flat shape.

[0034] Here, "substantially flat shape" means a non-three-dimensional shape that does not define a specific height other than the thickness of the fabric and non-slip portion 5 and any naturally occurring wrinkles or creases. As a result, when a display backing shaped like the sole of a foot is attached, for example, the fabric surfaces of both the front and back of the foot cover 1 (the side fabric 4 and sole fabric 3 of the foot cover 1) are in close contact with the backing surface. Therefore, when the foot cover 1 is attached to the backing and packaged, it does not get wrinkled or creased, and the product can be displayed in a sales area without losing its shape. Furthermore, because it is not bulky, it does not take up much storage space and can be transported and displayed efficiently.

[0035] [Configuration of anti-slip part] Next, an example of a specific configuration of the anti-slip portion 5 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the foot cover 1 turned inside out to expose the anti-slip portion 5. Figure 7 is an end view of the foot cover 1 cut along line AA shown in Figure 2. For ease of understanding, Figure 7 shows a gap between the sole fabric 3 and the side fabric 4.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the anti-slip portion 5 is arranged on the inside (skin side) of the side fabric 4 along the peripheral edge 4b ​​of the opening 4a formed in the side fabric 4. The first anti-slip portion 5a is arranged on the toe 11 side of the peripheral edge 4b. The second anti-slip portion 5a is arranged on the heel 12 side of the peripheral edge 4b.

[0037] The first anti-slip portion 5a and the second anti-slip portion 5b are arranged separately on the periphery 4b. For example, if anti-slip portions with high friction are arranged around the entire circumference of the shoe opening, excessive tightness will occur, putting a heavy burden on the skin, especially on the toe 11 side, where the skin is weak.

[0038] Therefore, in the foot cover 1, a low-elastic first anti-slip part 5a that puts less strain on the skin is placed on the toe 11 side where the skin is relatively weak (thin). Also, in the foot cover 1, a second anti-slip part 5b that has greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip part 5a is placed separately from the first anti-slip part 5a on the heel 12 side where the skin is relatively strong (thick). This reduces the strain on the toe 11 side where the skin is weak, while effectively preventing the foot cover from slipping or coming off.

[0039] Typically, when the foot cover 1 comes off, it often comes off first on the toe 11 side or the heel 12 side. Therefore, by arranging the first anti-slip part 5a on the toe 11 side and the second anti-slip part 5b on the heel 12 side, an effective slip prevention function can be obtained. Furthermore, by separating the first anti-slip part 5a and the second anti-slip part 5b, as described above, compared to when an anti-slip part is arranged around the entire circumference of the opening 4a, it is easier to put on and take off, and there is less tightness around the foot F, reducing the strain on the skin.

[0040] (First anti-slip part) The first non-slip portion 5a is arranged on the toe 11 side, where the skin is relatively weak, so as to cover part of the toes of the foot F. The first non-slip portion 5a is made of a strip-shaped fabric or the like that is less stretchy than the main body 2. Furthermore, the first non-slip portion 5a has less friction with the skin than the second non-slip portion 5b, which is made of resin. By arranging the first non-slip portion 5a made of such a low-stretch fabric on the toe 11 side, it acts as a stopper that prevents the side fabric 4 from shifting position due to the movement of the foot F, and can prevent the foot from slipping or coming off.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first anti-slip portion 5a is configured by attaching a strip of fabric, but is not limited to this. For example, the first anti-slip portion 5a may be configured by doubling up the end of the side fabric 4, or if the entire foot cover 1 is knitted by circular knitting, the first anti-slip portion 5a may be formed by tubular knitting.

[0042] The material of the first anti-slip portion 5a is desirably smooth and soft, as it comes into contact with the toes and instep, where the skin is relatively weak. It is preferably made of nylon knit fabric, but is not limited to this.

[0043] (Second anti-slip part) The second anti-slip portion 5b is placed on the heel 12 side where the skin is relatively strong. The second anti-slip portion 5b is made of a strip of resin such as silicone that has greater friction with the skin than the main body 2 and greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip portion 5a.

[0044] The skin of the heel 12 is stronger than that of the toe 11, so even if the second anti-slip part 5b, which puts a heavy burden on the skin, is arranged on the heel 12 side, it is unlikely to cause a rash or the like, and the second anti-slip part 5b can effectively prevent the shoe from slipping or coming off.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second anti-slip portion 5b has a strip-like shape, but is not limited to this. The second anti-slip portion 5b may have, for example, a strip-like shape, a dot-like shape, or other shapes. Furthermore, when the entire foot cover 1 is knitted by circular knitting, the second anti-slip portion 5b may be formed by knitting with a non-slip yarn.

[0046] The second anti-slip portion 5b may have a length at least equivalent to the longitudinal (lateral) length of the heel 12, for example, a length of at least about 2 cm. More preferably, the second anti-slip portion 5b may have a length (size) that allows it to surround the calcaneus of the heel 12.

[0047] Furthermore, if a seamless, substantially flat fabric is used for the side fabric 4, the side fabric 4 will rise up to follow the shape of the heel 12 when worn, causing stress to concentrate near position P where the peripheral edge 4b ​​of the opening 4a meets the arc on the heel 12 side. To prevent damage to the fabric due to stress near position P, it is desirable that the second anti-slip portion 5b has a length that includes position P at both longitudinal ends.

[0048] (Effects of Foot Cover 1) As described above, the foot cover 1 according to this embodiment includes the main body 2 that covers at least a portion of the sole 10, toe 11, and heel 12 of the foot F, and the anti-slip portion 5 is disposed inside the peripheral edge 4b ​​of the opening 4a formed on the main body 2. The anti-slip portion 5 includes a first anti-slip portion 5a that is disposed on the toe 11 side of the peripheral edge 4b ​​and has lower elasticity than the main body 2, and a second anti-slip portion 5b that is separated from the first anti-slip portion 5a and is disposed on the heel 12 side of the peripheral edge 4b ​​and has greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip portion 5a.

[0049] In the foot cover 1, the first anti-slip portion 5a, which places less strain on the skin, is positioned on the toe 11 side where the skin is relatively weak (thin), while the second anti-slip portion 5b, which places more friction with the skin, is positioned on the heel 12 side where the skin is relatively strong (thick). Additionally, the first anti-slip portion 5a and the second anti-slip portion 5b are separated and positioned on the periphery 4b. Therefore, compared to a conventional configuration in which anti-slip portions are positioned around the entire circumference of the opening 4a, the foot F is less tightly fitted, reducing the strain on the skin.

[0050] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a foot cover 1 that is gentle on the skin and has an effective slip prevention function by arranging the anti-slip portions 5 appropriately for each part of the foot F.

[0051] (summary) A foot cover according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body portion that covers at least a portion of the sole, toes, and heel of the foot, and an anti-slip portion is arranged on the inside of the peripheral portion of the opening formed on the main body portion, and the anti-slip portion includes a first anti-slip portion that is arranged on the toe side of the peripheral portion and has lower elasticity than the main body portion, and a second anti-slip portion that is separate from the first anti-slip portion and is arranged on the heel side of the peripheral portion and has greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip portion.

[0052] In the above configuration, the first anti-slip portion, which places less strain on the skin, is located on the toe side where the skin is relatively weak (thin), while the second anti-slip portion, which places more friction with the skin, is located on the heel side where the skin is relatively strong (thick). The first and second anti-slip portions are also separated and located on the periphery. This reduces the pressure on the foot and the strain on the skin compared to conventional configurations in which anti-slip portions are located around the entire circumference of the opening. Therefore, the above configuration makes it possible to realize a foot cover that is gentle on the skin and provides effective slip prevention.

[0053] In the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the second anti-slip portion may have lower flexibility than the main body portion.

[0054] According to the above-mentioned configuration, by arranging the non-slip material, which has high friction with the skin and low elasticity, on the heel side, it is possible to more reliably prevent the shoes from slipping off.

[0055] In the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the first anti-slip portion may be made of a fabric made of knitted or woven fibers and attached along the peripheral edge portion.

[0056] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to reduce the burden on the toes where the skin is weak, and prevent the foot cover from slipping off or coming off.

[0057] In addition, in a foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the main body portion comprises a sole fabric covering the sole of the foot, and a side fabric covering the toes, the heel, and both sides of the foot from the toes to the heel, and the outer peripheral portion of the sole fabric and the outer peripheral portion of the side fabric may be joined together.

[0058] According to the above configuration, it is possible to eliminate seams between the sole fabric and the side fabric on both sides of the foot from the sole, toes, heel, and from the toes to the heel, so that the seams do not dig into the skin when pressed by pumps or the like, thereby preventing a decrease in comfort when wearing the shoes.

[0059] In the foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the side fabric may be made of a free-cut fabric.

[0060] According to the above configuration, there is no need to fold the edge of the opening or attach a stretchy narrow fabric along the edge of the opening to prevent fraying, etc., thereby improving comfort.

[0061] In addition, in a foot cover according to one aspect of the present invention, the side fabric may be made of a substantially flat, seamless fabric, and the sole fabric and the side fabric may be joined so that the foot cover has a substantially flat shape when viewed from the side.

[0062] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the entire foot cover has a substantially flat shape, so when the foot cover is attached to a template and packaged, no wrinkles or creases are formed, and the product shape can be displayed in a sales area without being damaged. In addition, since the foot cover is not bulky, it does not take up much storage space and can be transported efficiently.

[0063] In addition, in a foot cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body portion has a shallow-fitting shape with the opening formed to expose the instep of the foot, and the first anti-slip portion may cover part of the toes.

[0064] According to the above-mentioned configuration, even in the case of foot covers with a shallow fit that tend to slip off and come off, slippage can be effectively prevented, especially at the toe side.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Foot Cover 2 Main body 3 Sole fabric 4 Side fabric 4a opening 4b Periphery 5 Anti-slip part 5a First anti-slip part (anti-slip part) 5b Second anti-slip part (anti-slip part) 10 Soles of the feet 11 Toes 12 heel 13 Both sides F foot

Claims

1. A foot cover includes a main body that covers at least a part of the sole, the toe, and the heel of a foot, and an anti-slip part is arranged on the inside of a peripheral edge of an opening formed on the main body, The anti-slip portion is disposed only on the inside of the peripheral edge portion, a first anti-slip portion disposed along the periphery of the shoe opening on the toe side of the periphery, parallel to the periphery, and having lower elasticity than the main body portion; a second anti-slip portion separated from the first anti-slip portion and disposed on the heel side of the peripheral edge portion, the second anti-slip portion having greater friction with the skin than the first anti-slip portion; A foot cover comprising:

2. The foot cover according to claim 1, wherein the second anti-slip portion has a lower flexibility than the main body portion.

3. 3. The foot cover according to claim 1, wherein the first anti-slip portion is made of a woven or knitted fabric attached along the periphery.

4. The main body portion is A sole fabric covering the sole of the foot; Side fabrics covering the toe, the heel, and both sides of the foot from the toe to the heel; Equipped with 4. The foot cover according to claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the sole fabric and the outer periphery of the side fabric are joined together.

5. 5. The foot cover according to claim 4, wherein the side fabric is made of a free-cut fabric.

6. The foot cover according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the side fabric is made of a substantially planar, seamless fabric, and the sole fabric and the side fabric are joined so that the foot cover has a substantially planar shape in a side view.

7. The main body portion has a shallow-fitting shape in which the opening is formed so as to expose the instep of the foot, The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first anti-slip portion covers a part of the toes.

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