Shoe member and shoe

Abstract

Provided is a shoe member including: a first member and a second member, in which the first member is formed of a 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 to each other, and one of the first member and the second member is made of a material softer than a material of the remaining one.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to a provisional patent application having a Ser. No. of 63 / 739,064 filed on Dec. 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a shoe member and a shoe.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventionally, a cushioning body made of a soft material has been used as a shoe member, such as a midsole provided in a shoe. Examples of the cushioning body include a foam adjusted to have a low hardness.

[0004] A low hardness foam can be obtained, for example, by adjusting the density of the foam or the composition of the foam. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a shoe member that uses a cushioning material that is resistant to compression deformation by using a foam including a certain hydrocarbon based oil and a certain polymer as components of the shoe member.PRIOR ART DOCUMENTPatent Document[Patent Document 1] JP 2021-105153 ASUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0006] When a shoe wearer walks or runs, compressive stress is applied to the shoe member by the wearer's foot. A shoe member made of the low hardness foam undergoes greater deformation in the thickness direction when subjected to compressive stress than a shoe member made of a high hardness foam. The shoe member made of the low hardness foam has excellent cushioning properties because of its high ability to convert applied compressive stress into deformation of the foam. Further, since the amount of restoration from deformation due to compressive stress is large, rebounding properties are also excellent. However, the stress applied to the shoe member by the foot when wearing the shoe is not only applied in the thickness direction of the shoe member. When the stress is applied to the shoe member in an oblique direction, the vector of the stress includes a component perpendicular to the surface of the shoe member and a component horizontal to the surface of the shoe member. Further, the shoe member made of the low hardness foam has large deformation in the thickness direction, which makes it easy for the foot to collapse in the horizontal direction due to localized stress concentration during movement, making it difficult for the foot to achieve sufficient stability with the shoe member made of the low hardness foam. On the other hand, the shoe member with high hardness is unlikely to exhibit sufficient cushioning properties. Therefore, there is a demand for a shoe member that has cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe member and a shoe that can make the shoe wearer feel comfortable.Solution to Problem

[0008] A shoe member according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first member and a second member, in which the first member is made of a 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 to each other, and one of the first member and the second member is made of a material softer than the remaining one.

[0009] The shoe member according to one embodiment, in which one of the first and second members is made of a material softer than the remaining one, allows assignment of functions respectively to the first and second members, making it easier for the shoe member to exhibit the functions respectively for a portion that requires cushioning properties, a portion that requires rebounding properties, and a portion that requires stability. This allows the shoe member to exhibit cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability.

[0010] A shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the shoe member.

[0011] The shoe according to one aspect, which includes the shoe member, allows the cushioning properties and the stability to be exhibited, improving wearing comfort for the wearer.Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a shoe member and a shoe that can make the shoe wearer feel comfortable are provided.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe member according to a first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the shoe member according to the first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the shoe member according to the first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe member according to a second embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the shoe member according to a second embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the shoe member according to the second embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shoe member according to a third embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shoe member according to a fourth embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shoe member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the shoe member according to the fifth embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the second member according to the fifth embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the shoe member according to the fifth embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a right side view of the second member according to the fifth embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second member according to a sixth embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second member according to a seventh embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] In the present disclosure, the direction connecting the toe and the heel in a shoe member is sometimes referred to as the foot longitudinal direction. In the shoe member, the direction from the heel to the toe in the foot longitudinal direction is sometimes referred to as the front side. In the shoe member, the direction from the toe to the heel in the foot longitudinal direction is sometimes referred to as the back side. In the shoe member, the front portion in the foot longitudinal direction is sometimes referred to as the forefoot portion. In the shoe member, the back portion in the foot longitudinal direction is sometimes referred to as the hindfoot portion. In the shoe member, a portion between the forefoot portion and the hindfoot portion is sometimes referred to as the midfoot portion. In the shoe member, a direction orthogonal to the foot longitudinal direction and parallel to the horizontal direction is sometimes referred to as the foot width direction. In the shoe member, the side on the first toe in the foot width direction is sometimes referred to as the medial side. In the shoe member, the side on the fifth toe in the foot width direction is sometimes referred to as the lateral side. In the shoe member, the direction orthogonal to the foot longitudinal direction and the foot width direction is sometimes referred to as the thickness direction or the vertical direction. In the shoe member, the direction from the sole of the foot toward the dorsum of the foot in the thickness direction is sometimes referred to as the upper side. In the shoe member, the direction from the dorsum of the foot toward the sole of the foot in the thickness direction is sometimes referred to as the lower side.Shoe Member According to the First Embodiment

[0030] A first embodiment of a shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shoe according to this embodiment has the shoe member 1 that forms a shoe sole, such as a midsole 2 or an outsole 3.

[0032] The shoe member 1 according to this embodiment is a shoe sole member to be disposed on the shoe sole. The shoe member 1 according to this embodiment includes a first member 10 and a second member 20. The shoe sole member can be, for example, a midsole 2. The shoe sole member according to this embodiment is composed of the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0033] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view. The second member 20 according to this embodiment has a smaller dimension than the first member 10. In this embodiment, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are each a foam made of a polymer composition, and the second member 20 is softer than the first member 10.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the first member 10 according to this embodiment is branched to an upper side and a lower side toward the front in the foot longitudinal direction to have a first branch part 11 that extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion, a second branch part 12 that is disposed below the first branch part 11 and extends from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion, and a joint 13 that is formed in the hindfoot portion so as to connect a back end in the foot longitudinal direction of the first branch part 11 and a back end in the foot longitudinal direction of the second branch part 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 each have a plate shape. In this embodiment, the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 are disposed to face each other in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 are formed so as to branch to an upper side and a lower side from the front end of the joint 13 and extend toward the forefoot portion. In this embodiment, the first branch part 11 and the joint 13 are flush with each other on the upper surface side of the shoe member 1. In this embodiment, the second branch part 12 and the joint 13 are flush with each other on the lower surface side of the shoe member 1. The first branch part 11 can be formed so as to curve upward from the midfoot portion toward the forefoot portion in the lateral side view. The second branch part 12 can be formed so as to curve upward from the midfoot portion toward the forefoot portion in the lateral side view. The joint 13 according to this embodiment is formed by a foam forming the first branch part 11 and a foam forming the second branch part 12 that extend from the back end of the midfoot portion toward the hindfoot portion.

[0036] The first branch part 11 can have a maximum thickness in the lateral side view of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The second branch part 12 can have a maximum thickness in the lateral side view of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The joint 13 can have a maximum thickness in the lateral side view of 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 are spaced apart from each other from the forefoot portion to the midfoot portion. That is, a gap 14 is formed between the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12. The lower surface of the first branch part 11 and the upper surface of the second branch part 12 face each other with the gap 14 interposed therebetween. The distance (also referred to as the gap distance) between the lower surface of the first branch part 11 in the forefoot portion and the upper surface of the second branch part 12 in the forefoot portion can be 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0038] The second member 20 according to this embodiment is a cushioning material. Examples of the shape of the second member 20 include a spherical shape such as a perfect sphere, an oblong sphere, a hemisphere, or a polyhedral shape approximate to the sphere; and a polyhedron such as a tetrahedron, a rectangular parallelepiped, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, a triangular prism, or a square pyramid. The second member 20 according to this embodiment is spherical.

[0039] The second member 20 can be disposed in a portion of the sole member that is required to have excellent cushioning properties or rebounding properties. It is enough that only one second member 20 is provided, or a plurality of second members can be provided. When a plurality of second members 20 are provided, the plurality of second members 20 can be arranged randomly, arranged side by side in the foot width direction, arranged side by side in the foot longitudinal direction, or arranged side by side in both the foot width direction and the foot longitudinal direction. The three or more second members 20 can be provided so that the figure connecting the second members 20 to each other forms a polygon and a wide area on the upper surface side of the first branch part 11 exhibits cushioning properties or rebounding properties. As shown in FIG. 2, four second members 20 according to this embodiment are provided. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged so that the shape formed by connecting the second members 20 as the vertices forms a quadrangle. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged in two rows, one row in front and one row in back, in the forefoot portion of the first branch part 11, with two second members 20 aligned in the foot width direction as one row. The second members 20 can be disposed below at least one of the proximal phalanges, the metatarsal phalanges, the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges, the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges, the talus, and the calcaneus. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the front row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the back row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, a part of the second members 20 is visible through the gap 14. In other words, the second member 20 according to this embodiment is exposed on the surface of the shoe member 1.

[0041] At least one of the second members 20 can be different in shape or hardness from the other second members 20. The hardness refers to the Asker C hardness described below. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 have the same shape.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the second members 20 according to this embodiment are embedded in the first member 10. That is, the second members 20 each can include an embedded portion 22 embedded in the first member 10 and a bulge portion 21 bulges from the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second members 20 are embedded in the first member 10 while being exposed on the surface of the first member 10. The second members 20 according to this embodiment are directly joined to the first member 10 at the embedded portions. The first member 10 and the second members 20 can be heat-sealed or can be bonded to each other with an adhesive or the like. In one embodiment, the first member 10 and the second members 20 are directly joined to each other without using another material such as an adhesive.

[0043] The second members 20 can be embedded in at least one of the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12. The second members 20 can be embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12. That is, the second members 20 can have the embedded portions 22 embedded in the first branch part 11 and the bulge portions 21 bulging from the first branch part 11, or can have the embedded portions 22 embedded in the second branch part 12 and the bulge portions 21 bulging from the second branch part 12.

[0044] The height of the bulge portions 21 can be 1 mm or more, or can be 3 mm or more. The direction in which the bulge portions 21 bulge can be, for example, upward or downward.

[0045] The second members 20 each can have a portion on the upper end side embedded in the first branch part 11, and the remaining portion bulging downward from the lower surface of the first branch part 11. The second members 20 each can have a lower end located above the upper surface of the second branch part 12 and cannot be fixed to the second branch part 12. The lower ends of the second members 20 can be abutted on the upper surface of the second member 20. The lower ends of the second members 20 can be slidably abutted on the upper surface of the second branch part 12 or can be bonded to the upper surface of the second branch part 12. A portion on the lower end side of each of the second members 20 can be embedded and fixed in the second branch part 12.

[0046] When a portion on the upper end side of the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch part 11 and a portion on the lower end side of the second member 20 is embedded in the second branch part 12, and a plurality of the embedded portions 22, including the first embedded portion 22 embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second embedded portion 22 embedded in the second branch part 12, are present in one second member 20, the volume of the first embedded portion 22 can be larger than the volume of the second embedded portion 22.

[0047] The thicknesses of the second member 20 can be greater than the thickness of the first member 10 at the positions where the second members 20 are disposed. The second members 20 can be embedded in the first member 10 in a state where a compressive force is applied to the second members 20 so that the thicknesses of the second members 20 become smaller than the thickness when the second member 20 exists alone. The “thickness when the second member exists alone” refers to the thickness when no external force is applied (also called the “natural thickness”). The second members 20 in a compressed state can be embedded in the first member 10 so that the thicknesses of the second members 20 each increase when it is removed from the first member 10. Here, the “thicknesses of the second members” means the “natural thicknesses”. The state that the second members 20 are compressed and embedded in the first member 10 can be confirmed by the state that the thicknesses of the second members 20 recover when the compression force is released by removing the second members 20 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 in a compressed state, the foaming ratio of the embedded portion 22 can be lower than the foaming ratio of the bulge portion 21.

[0048] The second members 20 can be embedded in the first member 10 while being compressed at a ratio of 5% or more and 20% or less in the thickness direction.

[0049] One of the first member 10 and the second members 20 are made of a material that is softer than a material of the remaining one. In this embodiment, the second members 20 are made of a material that is softer than the first member 10. “Soft” means that the Asker C hardness of a certain member is lower than the Asker C hardness of another member. “Hard” means that the Asker C hardness of a certain member is higher than the Asker C hardness of another member. In this embodiment, the Asker C hardnesses of the second members 20 each are lower than the Asker C hardness of the first member 10.

[0050] “Asker C” is a measuring instrument for measuring hardness, and is one of the durometers (spring type hardness tester) specified in SRIS0101 (Standard of the Society of Rubber Industry, Japan). In the present disclosure, “Asker C hardness” refers to the hardness measured using the above-mentioned Asker C hardness tester. The Asker C hardness is determined by the average value of the values measured at five measurement points in the above-mentioned measuring. When the second member 20 is exposed on the surface of the first member 10, the surface of the first member 10 and the second member 20 are set as measurement points. When 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 of the first member 10, and the surface of the second member 20 exposed by cutting the first member 10 is used as the measurement point of the second member 20.

[0051] The minimum value of the first member 10 in the measurement of the Asker C hardness is preferably higher than the maximum value of the second members 20 in the measurement of the Asker C hardness. The “minimum value” refers to the smallest value among the values measured at five measurement points in the above-mentioned Asker C hardness measurement, and the “maximum value” refers to the largest value among the values measured at five measurement points in the same measurement.

[0052] The first member 10 is made of a foam. The foam forming the first member 10 is sometimes referred to as a first foam. The first foam according to this embodiment is made of a polymer composition. The polymer composition according to this embodiment includes a base polymer. The polymer composition can further include a foaming agent. The polymer composition can further include an inorganic filler. The polymer composition can further include a crosslinking agent. The polymer composition can further include a crosslinking aid.

[0053] The base polymer is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, and various rubbers.

[0054] The resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-α-olefin block copolymer (OBC), and ethylene-α-olefin random copolymer (POE). As the base polymer, these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0055] The thermoplastic elastomer is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS), urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO). As the base polymer, these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0056] The rubber is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include natural rubber (NR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), urethane rubber (PU), silicon rubber, and fluoro-rubber. As the base polymer, these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0057] Examples of the foaming agent include an organic thermal decomposition type foaming agent, an inorganic thermal decomposition type foaming agent, an organic foaming agent, and an inorganic foaming agent.

[0058] Examples of the organic thermally decomposition type foaming agent 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-carbonitrile), or 2,2′-azobis[N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2-methyl-propionamidine]; nitroso compounds such as N,N′-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine (DPT); hydrazine derivatives such as 4,4′-oxybis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide) or diphenylsulfone-3,3′-disulfonylhydrazide; semicarbazide compounds such as p-toluenesulfonylsemicarbazide; and trihydrazinotriazine.

[0059] Examples of the inorganic thermally decomposition type foaming agent include bicarbonates such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or ammonium hydrogen carbonate, carbonates such as sodium carbonate or ammonium carbonates, nitrites such as ammonium nitrite, and hydrogen compounds.

[0060] When the foaming agent is a thermally decomposition type foaming agent as described above, the polymer composition can include a forming aid, such as a metal oxide-based foaming aid such as zinc oxide, a urea-based foaming aid, a salicylic acid-based foaming aid, or a benzoic acid-based foaming aid.

[0061] Examples of the organic foaming agent include various aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methanol, ethanol, propane, butane, pentane, or hexane.

[0062] Examples of the inorganic foaming agent include air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and water.

[0063] Examples of the inorganic filler include silica particles, alumina particles, talc particles, clay particles, calcium carbonate particles, magnesium carbonate particles, aluminum hydroxide particles, and magnesium hydroxide particles. As the inorganic filler, these may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0064] Examples of the crosslinking agent 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)hexyne-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.

[0065] Examples of the crosslinking aid include divinylbenzene, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol methacrylate, 1,9-nonanediol dimethacrylate, 1,10-decanediol dimethacrylate, trimellitic acid triallyl ester, triallyl cyanurate (TAC), triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid triallyl ester, tricyclodecane dimethacrylate, and polyethylene glycol diacrylate.

[0066] The contents of the foaming agent, the crosslinking aid, etc. in the polymer composition when forming the foam can be adjusted appropriately depending on the expansion ratio, the degree of crosslinking, etc. required for the foam.

[0067] The polymer composition can further include a fibrous reinforcement material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or the like.

[0068] The second members 20 according to this embodiment are made of a foam. The foam forming the second members 20 is sometimes referred to as a second foam. The first member 10 and the second member 20 can be made of the same material. The first member 10 and the second members 20 can be formed of a foam made of the same material. That is, the second foam can be made of the polymer composition.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second foam forming the second members 20 is softer than the first foam forming the first member 10. The Asker C hardness of the second foam forming the second members 20 can be lower than the Asker C hardness of the first foam forming the first member 10.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the First Embodiment

[0070] The shoe member 1, in which one of the first member 10 and the second members 20 is made of a material softer than the remaining one, allows assignment of functions respectively to the first member 10 and the second members 20, making it easier for the shoe member 1 to exhibit the functions respectively for a portion that requires cushioning properties, a portion that requires rebounding properties, and a portion that requires stability. This allows the shoe member 1 to exhibit cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability, making the wearer feel comfortable.

[0071] By making the second foam forming the second member 20 softer than the first foam forming the first member 10, the functions can be shared so that the first foam contributes to stability and the second foam contributes to cushioning properties and rebounding properties, and the shoe member 1 can exhibit cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability.

[0072] Since the Asker C hardness of the second members 20 is lower than the Asker C hardness of the first member 10, the functions can be shared so that the first foam contributes to stability and the second foam contributes to cushioning properties and rebounding properties, and the shoe member 1 can further exhibit cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability.

[0073] Since the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the first member 10 is higher than the maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the second members 20, the functions can be shared so that the first foam contributes to stability and the second foam contributes to cushioning properties and rebounding properties. The shoe member 1 can thus exhibit even greater cushioning properties, rebounding properties, and stability.

[0074] The thickness of each of the second members 20 is greater than the thickness of the first member 10 at the position where the second member 20 is disposed, thereby further improving the cushioning properties and the rebounding properties.

[0075] Since the expansion ratio of the embedded portion 22 is lower than that of the bulge portion 21 to have compression applied to the embedded portion 22, the compression characteristics of the shoe member 1 can be controlled.

[0076] The spherical shape of the second member 20 allows for good load transfer when the shoe is worn, improving comfort.

[0077] By providing a plurality of the second members 20, the load is distributed to the second members 20, so that the cushioning properties and rebounding properties are further improved.

[0078] Since the second members 20 are disposed below at least one of the proximal phalanges, the metatarsal phalanges, the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges, the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges, the talus, and the calcaneus, the wearer's load is particularly large at these positions, and the stress applied from the ground contact surface is absorbed by the second members 20, thereby reducing the load on the wearer caused by this stress.

[0079] When the configuration is such that at least one of the second members 20 has a different shape or hardness from the other second members 20, the cushioning properties and rebounding properties are further improved.

[0080] When at least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10, the second member 20 is less likely to separate from the first member 10.

[0081] According to the stress-strain curve obtained by compressing a foam made of the polymer composition used in the shoe member 1, the stress in the stress-strain curve increases sharply immediately after the start of compression, and then the increase in stress becomes more gradual after several percent of compression has progressed. In other words, until the foam is compressed by several percent, the repulsive force against stress changes suddenly, making it difficult to balance the stress and the repulsive force, and the foam's cushioning properties are unstable. On the other hand, once compressed by several percent or more, the foam exhibits good cushioning properties against further compression. Therefore, when the configuration is such that the second member 20 is compressed in the thickness direction by 5% or more and 20% or less and is embedded in the first member 10, it is possible to exhibit good cushioning properties.

[0082] When the first member 10 and the second member 20 are directly joined to each other, force is transmitted smoothly between the first member 10 and the second member 20. Furthermore, the directly joining of the first member 10 and the second member 20 allows the second member 20 to be even less likely to separate from the first member 10.

[0083] Since the second member 20 is exposed on the surface of the shoe member 1, the exposed portion of the second member 20 is not constrained by the first member 10, and therefore the mechanical properties of the second member 20 are easily reflected. Therefore, in the shoe member 1 in which the second member 20 is exposed, the function of the second member 20 is easily exhibited.

[0084] When the second member 20 is embedded in at least one of the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12, the exposed portion of the second member 20 is not constrained by the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12, and therefore the mechanical properties of the second member 20 are more likely to be reflected. Therefore, in the shoe member 1 in which the second member 20 is exposed, the function of the second member 20 is easily exhibited.

[0085] When the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12, the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 can be fixed to each other. This prevents the first branch part 11 in the forefoot portion and the second branch part 12 in the forefoot portion from opening and closing, and prevents the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 from being damaged due to fatigue caused by this opening and closing.Shoe Member According to the Second Embodiment

[0086] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0087] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first member 10 according to this embodiment has the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13.

[0089] In one aspect, the second member 20 is embedded in the second branch part 12 while being exposed on an upper surface of the second branch part 12. The second member 20 can include an embedded portion 22 embedded in the second branch part 12 and a bulge portion 21 bulging from the second branch part 12. An upper end of the second member 20 can be configured to be abutted on the lower surface of the first branch part.

[0090] In another aspect, the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12 while being exposed on the lower surface of the first branch part 11 and the upper surface of the second branch part 12. The second member 20 can include embedded portions 22 embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12, and bulge portions 21 bulging from the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12. When the second member 20 is embedded in the first branch part 11 and the second branch part 12, the volume of the embedded portion 22 in the second branch part 12 can be larger than the volume of the embedded portion 22 in the first branch part 11.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, four second members 20 according to this embodiment are provided. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are disposed so that the figure connecting them forms a rectangle. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are arranged in two rows with two second members 20 aligned in the foot width direction as one row, and one row in front and one row in back, in the forefoot portion of the second branch part 12. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the front row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the back row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Second Embodiment

[0092] Since the second member 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the second branch part 12 and embedded in the second branch part 12, the second member 20 is supported from below by the second branch part 12, making it even less likely to separate from the first member 10.Shoe Member According to the Third Embodiment

[0093] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 7, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0094] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view.

[0095] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 according to this embodiment does not have the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, four second members 20 according to this embodiment are provided. In this embodiment, the four second members 20 are disposed in two rows, with two second members 20 aligned in the foot width direction as one row, and one row in front and one row in back, near the forefoot portion of the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second members 20 in the front row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges. In this embodiment, the second members 20 of the back row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, the metatarsal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges.

[0097] In this embodiment, the volume of the second members 20 in the front row is smaller than the volume of the second members 20 in the back row.

[0098] At least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10. (As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10 and exposed on the surface of the outsole 3.

[0099] The second member 20 can have a bulge portion 21 that bulges from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a bulge portion 21 that bulges from below the first member 10. That is, the bulge portion 21 according to this embodiment forms a part of the ground contact surface of the shoe.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Third Embodiment

[0100] The second member 20, which has the bulging portion 21 that bulges from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10, improves the cushioning properties and the rebounding properties against loads in the thickness direction. Further, since the second member 20 bulges from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10, the bulge portion 21 is crushed in a state where the second member 20 is incorporated into the shoe. Thus, the second member 20 is compressed so as to enable itself to easily exhibit stable cushioning properties.

[0101] The second member 20, which has the bulge portion 21 that bulges from below the first member 10, can directly absorb the stress that the wearer receives from the landing surface, thereby improving the cushioning properties.

[0102] When the second members 20 are divided into two rows near the forefoot portion of the first member 10; the second members 20 in the front row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the middle phalanges, while the second members 20 in the back row are disposed below the proximal phalanges, the metatarsal phalanges, and the joints between the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges, the volume of each of the second members 20 disposed in the front row is smaller than the volume of each of the second members 20 disposed in the back row, making it easier for the wearer to maintain a sense of balance.Shoe Member According to the Fourth Embodiment

[0103] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8, focusing on differences from the third embodiment.

[0104] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view.

[0105] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 according to this embodiment does not have the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, two second members 20 according to this embodiment are provided. In this embodiment, the two second members 20 are disposed in a row aligned in the foot width direction near the forefoot portion of the first member 10. The second member 20 according to this embodiment is disposed below the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges. In this embodiment, the two second members 20 have the same shape.

[0107] At least a portion of each of the second members 20 is embedded in the first member 10. In this embodiment, the second members 20 are embedded in the first member 10.

[0108] The second member 20 each can have a bulge portion 21 that bulges from at least one of the upper and lower sides of the first member 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the second members 20 according to this embodiment have the bulge portions 21 that bulge from the upper side of the first member 10.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Fourth Embodiment

[0109] The second members 20, which have the bulge portions 21 that bulge from the upper side of the first member 10, can indirectly, via the first member 10, absorb the stress that the wearer receives from the landing surface, thereby improving the cushioning properties.

[0110] Since the second members 20 are disposed below the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges, and the wearer's load is particularly large at these positions, the stress applied from the ground contact surface is absorbed by the second members 20, thereby reducing the load on the wearer caused by this stress.Shoe Member According to the Fifth Embodiment

[0111] Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

[0112] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. As shown in FIG. 11, the first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view. The second member 20 according to 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 according to this embodiment also serves as a cushioning material.

[0113] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, the first member 10 according to this embodiment does not have the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13, unlike the first embodiment.

[0114] The second member 20 according to this embodiment is configured to hold the wearer with the wearer's weight in a stable state.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 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 can be a plate or rod shaped material. The widthwise member 30 according to this embodiment is the plate material. The plate material can be formed in a strip shape, or can be folded back to form a curved shape.

[0116] The length in the foot longitudinal direction of the widthwise member 30 can be longer than the length of the widthwise member 30 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the length in the foot longitudinal direction of the widthwise member 30 which is the plate material is longer than the length in the thickness direction of the widthwise member 30 which is the plate material. The thickness direction of the plate material corresponds to the thickness direction of the shoe member 1. The length in the foot longitudinal direction of the widthwise member 30 can be 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0117] The second member 20 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of the widthwise members 30. The widthwise members 30 according to this embodiment are disposed at intervals in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0118] Each of the plurality of the widthwise members 30 can include at least one of a medial side member 30a extending from the center in the foot width direction toward the medial side and a lateral side member 30b extending from the center in the foot width direction toward the lateral side. In this embodiment, the widthwise members 30 are composed of the medial side members 30a and the lateral side members 30b.

[0119] At least one of the widthwise members 30 can have a folded part 31 that is folded back at an end in the foot width direction toward the center in the foot width direction. In this embodiment, at least one of the widthwise members 30 has the folded portions 31 at the medial side end and the lateral side end.

[0120] The folded part 31 can be formed in a curve shape. The folded part 31 according to this embodiment is formed in a substantially U-shaped curve. The folded part 31 according to this embodiment is disposed so that an inner surface of the folded part 31 faces the center in the foot width direction and an outer surface of the folded part 31 faces the medial or lateral side. In this embodiment, the folded part 31 has both ends, in which a first end is located above a second end.

[0121] The widthwise member 30 having the folded part 31 can have a first extension part 32 extending from the first end of the folded part 31 toward the center in the foot width direction, and a second extension part 33 extending from the second end of the folded part toward the center in the foot width direction.

[0122] The folded part 31 is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the talus, the navicular, the cuneiform bones, the cuboid, and the calcaneus.

[0123] The widthwise member 30 having the folded portion 31 can be disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction. The medial side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction can have a medial side folded part 31a which is the folded part 31. The lateral side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction can have a lateral side folded part 31b which is the folded part 31.

[0124] The medial side folded part 31a is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the talus, the navicular, and the cuneiform bones. The lateral side folded part 31b is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the cuboid and the calcaneus. The medial side folded part 31a according to this embodiment is disposed at a position intersecting with each of the talus, the navicular, and the cuneiform bones. The lateral side folded part 31b according to this embodiment is disposed at a position intersecting with each of the cuboid and the calcaneus.

[0125] The number of the widthwise members 30 each having the folded part 31 can be 1 or more and 30 or less.

[0126] At least the widthwise member 30 disposed on the back side in the foot longitudinal direction can have an upwardly curved part 34 that is curved upwardly from the center in the foot width direction toward the end in the width direction. The widthwise member 30 can have a horizontally extending part 35 extending horizontally near the center in the foot width direction. When the widthwise member 30 has the upwardly curved part 34 and the horizontally extending part 35, the upwardly curved part 34 can be formed of a part upwardly curved from the end of the horizontally extending part 35 toward the end in the width direction.

[0127] At least one of the widthwise members 30 can have a strip part 36 formed in a strip shape extending from the center in the foot width direction to the end in the foot width direction. The strip part 36 can be formed in a completely flat or slightly curved shape. In this embodiment, the widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36 does not have the folded part 31.

[0128] The widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36 can be disposed on the front side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction. The medial side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the front side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction can have a medial side strip part 36a which is the strip part 36. The lateral side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the front side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction can have a lateral side strip part 36b which is the strip part 36.

[0129] The medial side strip part 36a is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the proximal phalanges and the metatarsal phalanges.

[0130] The medial side strip part 36a is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the first proximal phalange, the second proximal phalange, the first metatarsal phalange, and the second metatarsal phalange. The lateral side strip part 36b is preferably disposed at a position intersecting with at least one of the third proximal phalange, the fourth proximal phalange, the fifth proximal phalange, the third metatarsal phalange, the fourth metatarsal phalange, and the fifth metatarsal phalange. The medial side strip part 36a according to this embodiment is disposed at a position intersecting with the first proximal phalange, the second proximal phalange, the first metatarsal phalange, and the second metatarsal phalange. The lateral side strip part 36b according to this embodiment is disposed at a position intersecting with the third proximal phalange, the fourth proximal phalange, the fifth proximal phalange, the third metatarsal phalange, the fourth metatarsal phalange, and the fifth metatarsal phalange.

[0131] When the widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36 is disposed on the front side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction, the strip part 36 can be inclined from the center in the foot width direction to the end in the foot width direction. In this embodiment, the strip parts 36 are inclined downward in the thickness direction from the center in the foot width direction to the end on the medial side, and to the end on the lateral side.

[0132] The number of the widthwise members 30 each having the strip part 36 can be 1 or more and 30 or less.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 14, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has an interconnection part 40 that interconnects the widthwise members 30 adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction with each other. The interconnection part 40 can be a plate material or a rod material. The interconnection part 40 according to this embodiment is a plate material.

[0134] The length of the interconnection part 40 in the foot width direction can be longer than the length in the thickness direction of the interconnection part 40. In this embodiment, the length in the foot width direction of the interconnection part 40 which is a plate material is longer than the length in the thickness direction of the interconnection part 40 which is the plate material. The thickness direction of the plate material corresponds to the thickness direction of the shoe member 1. The length of the interconnection part 40 in the foot width direction can be 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0135] A plurality of the interconnection parts 40 can be provided. The plurality of the interconnection parts 40 can be disposed in a substantially straight line from the back side in the foot longitudinal direction to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction. The plurality of the interconnection parts 40 can be aligned approximately in a straight line along the foot longitudinal direction, passing between the second and third toes, or can be aligned approximately in a straight line along the foot longitudinal direction, passing below the third toe.

[0136] The interconnection parts 40 according to this embodiment are inclined at the center in the foot longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of the interconnection parts 40 are disposed along an imaginary axis that is formed in a substantially straight line in the foot longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the virtual axis is inclined downward in the thickness direction at the center in the foot longitudinal direction toward the front side in the foot longitudinal direction. The interconnection part 40 in the hindfoot portion can be located higher in the thickness direction than the interconnection part 40 in the forefoot portion.

[0137] Only one second member 20 can be provided, or a plurality of the second members can be provided. In this embodiment, one second member 20 is provided.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 13, at least a portion of the second member 20 is embedded in the first member 10. The second member 20 can be exposed on the surface of the first member 10. The outer surface of the folded part 31 can be exposed from the surface of the first member 10. The inner surface of the folded part 31 can be spaced apart from the surface of the first member 10. The inner surface of the folded part 31 is spaced apart from the surface of the first member 10, so that an opening is formed that is defined by the inner surface of the folded part 31 and the surface of the first member 10. In this embodiment, the folded part 31 is spaced apart from the surface of the first member 10 at a distance exceeding the length of the plate material in the thickness direction.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is softer than the second member 20. The Asker C hardness of the first member 10 can be lower than the Asker C hardness of the second member 20.

[0140] The maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 is preferably lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the second member 20.

[0141] The second member 20 can be made of a non-foam, a foam, or other hard material. The second member 20 according to this embodiment is made of a non-foam.

[0142] The non-foam forming the second member 20 can be made of the above-mentioned polymer composition. That is, the second member 20 can be formed by molding the polymer composition without foaming it. The second member 20 can also be formed using a 3D printer.

[0143] It is preferable that the foam forming the first member 10 be softer than the non-foam forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the Asker C hardness of the non-foam forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the non-foam forming the second member 20.

[0144] The method for making the foam forming the first member 10 softer than the non-foam forming the second member 20 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a method of appropriately adjusting the composition of the polymer composition to allow the Asker C hardness to be higher than that of the first foam. For example, the Asker C hardness can be increased by increasing the content of the fibrous reinforcement material in the polymer composition.

[0145] The second foam forming the second member 20 can be made of the above-mentioned polymer composition.

[0146] It is preferable that the first foam forming the first member 10 be softer than the second foam forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the Asker C hardness of the first foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the Asker C hardness of the second foam forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the second foam forming the second member 20.

[0147] Examples of the other hard materials include a metal material such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, or chromium; and a ceramic material such as alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide, or boron nitride.

[0148] It is preferable that the foam forming the first member 10 be softer than the other hard material forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the Asker C hardness of the other hard material forming the second member 20. It is preferable that the maximum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the foam forming the first member 10 be lower than the minimum value of the measured Asker C hardness of the other hard material forming the second member 20.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Fifth Embodiment

[0149] Since the first member 10 is softer than the second member 20, the non-foam and the foam share the functions, specifically the non-foam contributes to the stability, and the foam contributes to the cushioning properties and the rebounding properties.

[0150] The second member 20 is made of a non-foam, a foam, or another hard material, which further improves the stability of the second member 20.

[0151] By including the widthwise member 30 that extends in the foot width direction in the second member 20, the weight of the wearer is distributed in the foot width direction, and the stability exerted by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0152] Since the second member 20 includes a plurality of widthwise members 30, and the plurality of widthwise members 30 are spaced apart from each other at a distance in the foot longitudinal direction, the wearer's weight is further distributed in the foot width direction, and the stability exerted by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0153] At least one of the plurality of widthwise members 30 has the folded part 31, thereby improving the elasticity characteristics in the thickness direction. That is, the second member 20 can contribute to the stability and the rebounding properties.

[0154] Since the inner surface of the folded part 31 is separated from the surface of the first member 10, the deformation of the folded part 31 exposed from the surface of the first member 10 is not hindered by the first member 10, thereby further improving the elastic properties in the thickness direction and further enhancing the rebounding properties of the shoe member 1.

[0155] Since the second member 20 has the interconnection part 40 that connects the adjacent width-direction members 30 in the foot longitudinal direction, the wearer's weight is distributed in the foot longitudinal direction, further improving the stability provided by the second member 20.

[0156] By providing the plurality of the interconnection parts 40 and disposing them substantially in a straight line from the back side in the foot longitudinal direction to the front side of the foot longitudinal direction, the wearer's weight is further distributed in the foot longitudinal direction, and the stability provided by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0157] Since the interconnection part 40 is inclined at the center in the foot longitudinal direction, the range of motion of the folded part 31 is increased, thereby further improving the elastic properties in the thickness direction of the folded part and further demonstrating the rebounding properties of the shoe member 1.

[0158] By disposing the widthwise member 30 having the folded part 31 on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction, the elastic properties in the thickness direction of the heel portion are further improved, and the rebounding properties of the shoe member 1 are further exerted.

[0159] The first end of the both ends of the folded part 31 is located above the second end, the medial side member 30a of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction has the medial side folded part 31a, and the lateral side member 30b of the widthwise member 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction has the lateral side folded part 31b. This configuration further improves the elastic properties in the thickness direction of the heel portion, and further enhances the rebounding properties of the shoe member 1.

[0160] The widthwise member 30, which is disposed at least on the back side in the foot longitudinal direction, has the upwardly curved part 34 that is curved upward from the center in the foot width direction toward the end in the foot width direction, so that the second member 20 has a shape that follows the shape of the sole of the wearer's foot, making the wearer feel comfortable.

[0161] Since at least one of the widthwise members 30 has the strip part 36, the load of the wearer is further distributed in the foot width direction, and the stability provided by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0162] When the widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36 is disposed on the front side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction, the strip part 36 is inclined from the center in the foot width direction toward at least one of the ends on the medial and the lateral side, so that elastic deformation occurs at the center in the foot width direction of the widthwise member 30 due to the wearer's load. This further improves the elastic characteristics in the thickness direction, and the rebounding properties of the shoe member 1 is further enhanced.

[0163] Since the second member 20 is formed using a 3D printer, the second member 20 is formed as a laminated structure, which improves the mechanical strength against loads in the laminated direction which is also the thickness direction of the shoe member 1.Shoe Member According to the Sixth Embodiment

[0164] Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 15, focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment.

[0165] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view.

[0166] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 according to this embodiment does not have the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 15, the widthwise member 30 according to this embodiment is disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the medial side members 30a of the widthwise members 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction each have the medial side folded part 31a, and the lateral side members 30b of the widthwise members 30 disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction each have the lateral side folded part 31b.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 15, the interconnection parts 40 according to this embodiment are disposed in a substantially straight line from the back side in the foot longitudinal direction to the center in the foot longitudinal direction. The interconnection parts 40 according to this embodiment are not disposed in a substantially straight line from the center in the foot longitudinal direction to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction. That is, in this embodiment, the leading end of the interconnection parts 40 in the foot longitudinal direction is disposed in the center in the foot longitudinal direction. The leading end of the interconnection parts 40 in the foot longitudinal direction is preferably located at a position below the lateral cuneiform bones, the joints between the lateral cuneiform bones and the third metatarsal phalange, or below the back end of the third metatarsal phalange.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 15, the second member 20 according to this embodiment has a plate part 50 that extends in a flat plate shape from the leading end of the interconnection parts 40 in the foot longitudinal direction toward the front side in the foot longitudinal direction. That is, the second member 20 can have the plate part 50 in place of the widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36. The second member 20 according to this embodiment does not have the widthwise member 30 having the strip part 36.

[0170] The plate part 50 can be formed so as to follow the contour line of the first member 10 in the plan view. The plate part 50 can be formed so as to follow an imaginary line that is slightly smaller than the contour line of the first member 10 in the plan view. The plate part 50 is preferably disposed below the first to fifth toes.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 15, the plate part 50 according to this embodiment has a slit 60 extending from the front side in the foot longitudinal direction toward the center in the foot longitudinal direction. The slit 60 can have inner surfaces spaced apart from each other with a constant distance therebetween from the center in the foot longitudinal direction to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction. The slit 60 can be formed in a tapered shape so as to widen from the center in the foot longitudinal direction toward the front side in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0172] The slit 60 can be formed to pass between the second and third toes along the foot longitudinal direction, or can be formed at a position below the third toe along the foot longitudinal direction. The back end of the slit 60 can be positioned between the second and third toes or below the third toe, or between the second and third metatarsal phalanges or below the third metatarsal phalange.

[0173] The plate part 50 can be inclined downward in the thickness direction from the center in the foot longitudinal direction to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Sixth Embodiment

[0174] The second member 20 has the plate part 50 that extends in a flat plate shape from the leading end of the interconnection parts 40 in the foot longitudinal direction toward the front side in the foot longitudinal direction, thereby improving the stability at the toes provided by the second member 20.

[0175] Since the plate part 50 is formed to follow the contour line of the first member 10 or an imaginary line that is slightly smaller than the contour line, the stability at the toes provided by the second member 20 is further improved.

[0176] Since the plate part 50 has the slit 60 that extends from the front side in the foot longitudinal direction toward the center in the foot longitudinal direction, the wearer's load acting on the plate part 50 can be separated to the medial and lateral sides of the plate part 50, thereby allowing the wearer's load to be held in a more stable state.Shoe Member According to the Seventh Embodiment

[0177] Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 16, focusing on differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0178] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is a base that defines the outer shape of the shoe sole member. The first member 10 according to this embodiment corresponds to the contour shape of the shoe sole in the plan view. The first member 10 according to this embodiment has a thickness that corresponds to the entire thickness of the shoe sole member in the lateral side view.

[0179] The first member 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. Unlike the first embodiment, the first member 10 according to this embodiment does not have the first branch part 11, the second branch part 12, and the joint 13.

[0180] In this embodiment, two second members 20 are provided. As shown in FIG. 16, the second members 20 according to this embodiment are composed of a medial side second member 20a disposed on the medial side and a lateral side second member 20b disposed on the lateral side.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the medial side second member 20a includes the medial side second member 30a disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction, and the lateral side second member 20b includes the lateral side second member 30b disposed on the back side of the center in the foot longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the medial side member 30a has the medial side folded part 31a, and the lateral side member 30b has the lateral side folded part 31b.

[0182] The interconnection part 40 can include a medial side interconnection part 40a disposed on the medial side and a lateral side interconnection part 40b disposed on the lateral side. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the medial side second member 20a has the medial side interconnection part 40a, and the lateral side second member 20b has the lateral side interconnection part 40b. In this embodiment, the medial side interconnection parts 40a and the lateral side interconnection parts 40b are disposed in a substantially straight line from the back side in the foot longitudinal direction to the center in the foot longitudinal direction, similar to the interconnection parts 40 in the sixth embodiment.

[0183] The plate part 50 can include a medial side plate part 50a disposed on the medial side and a lateral side plate part 50b disposed on the lateral side. As shown in FIG. 16, the medial side second member 20a according to this embodiment has the medial side plate part 50a and the lateral side plate part 50b. In this embodiment, the medial side plate part 50a is formed in a flat plate shape extending to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction from the leading end in the foot longitudinal direction of the medial side interconnection part 40a in the foot longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the lateral side plate part 50b is formed in a flat plate shape extending to the front side in the foot longitudinal direction from the leading end in the foot longitudinal direction of the lateral side interconnection part 40b. The medial side plate part 50a can be disposed below the first toe or between the first and second toes. The lateral side plate part 50b can be disposed below the fifth toe or between the fourth and fifth toes.

[0184] The contour line of the medial side of the medial side plate part 50a can be formed so as to follow the contour line of the first member 10 in the plan view. The contour line on the medial side of the medial side plate part 50a can be formed to follow an imaginary line that is slightly smaller than the contour line of the first member in the plan view. The contour line on the lateral side of the medial side plate part 50a can be formed so as to curve toward the medial side.

[0185] The contour line of the lateral side of the lateral side plate part 50b can be formed so as to follow the contour line of the first member 10 in the plan view. The contour line on the lateral side of the lateral side plate part 50b can be formed to follow an imaginary line that is slightly smaller than the contour line of the first member 10 in the plan view. The contour line of the medial side of the lateral side plate part 50b can be formed so as to curve toward the lateral side.

[0186] The second members 20 can be disposed such that the medial side second member 20a and the lateral side second member 20b are abutted on each other, or can be disposed such that they are spaced apart from each other. In the second member 20 according to this embodiment, the medial side second member 20a and the lateral side second member 20b are disposed at a distance from each other in the foot width direction. The second member 20 does not have to be disposed at a position corresponding to a virtual axis that passes through at least one of the third toe, between the second toe and the third toe, and between the third toe and the fourth toe along the foot longitudinal direction. The second member 20 according to this embodiment is not disposed at a position corresponding to an imaginary axis that passes through the third toe along the foot longitudinal direction. The plate part 50 according to this embodiment does not have the slit 60, unlike the plate part 50 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0187] In this embodiment, the description has been made for the case where there are two second members 20, but even if the plate part 50 includes the medial side plate part 50a and the lateral side plate part 50b, only one second member 20 can be provided. For example, the medial side interconnection part 40a and the lateral side interconnection part 40b can be joined at the back or front side in the foot longitudinal direction, thereby forming the medial side second member 20a and the lateral side second member 20b as a single member. Further, the end of the second extension part 33 in the medial side folded part 31a and the end of the second extension part 33 in the lateral side folded part 31b can be joined together, thereby forming the medial side second member 20a and the lateral side second member 20b as a single member.Effects of the Shoe Member According to the Seventh Embodiment

[0188] According to the configuration that the second member 20 is disposed to have the medial side second member 20a and the lateral side second member 20b spaced apart in the foot width direction, the second member 20 is not disposed near the center in the shoe member 1 in the plan view. Thus, the wearer's sole is more likely to sink in the shoe member in the thickness direction due to load, improving the cushioning properties.Shoes According to One Embodiment

[0189] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a shoe according to the present disclosure will be described. The same components as those in the embodiments of the shoe member 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0190] The shoe according to this embodiment includes the shoe member 1 described above.

[0191] The shoe according to this embodiment includes an outsole 3 at the lowest position in the thickness direction. The outsole 3 forms the ground contact surface of the shoe. The shoe according to this embodiment includes a midsole 2 between an upper that covers the wearer's foot from above in the thickness direction and the outsole 3. In this embodiment, the lateral side surface of the midsole 2 is not covered by the upper, the outsole 3, or the like and is exposed to the outside.Effects of the Shoe According to One Embodiment

[0192] The shoe including the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment exhibits the cushioning properties, the rebounding properties and the stability, and thus improves the comfort of the wearer.Method for Manufacturing the Shoe Member According to the First Embodiment

[0193] A first embodiment of a method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below. In the method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to the first embodiment, a method for manufacturing the shoe members 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

[0194] The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment includes a step of foaming and molding the polymer composition to obtain the second member 20. The foaming and molding can be physical foaming and molding or chemical foaming and molding. The foaming and molding can be foam injection molding, or can be bead foam molding using foamed beads made of the polymer composition.

[0195] The manufacturing method of the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment includes a step of foaming and molding the polymer composition to obtain the first member 10 while fixing the second member 20 in a mold, and directly joining the first member 10 and the second member 20 to each other. The foaming and molding can be physical foaming and molding or chemical foaming and molding. The foaming and molding can be foam injection molding, or can be bead foam molding using foamed beads made of the polymer composition.

[0196] The above-mentioned foaming and molding can be carried out based on a conventionally known method by appropriately adjusting the process conditions such as process temperature or process pressure.

[0197] In the step of obtaining the first member 10 described above, when the second member 20 is fixed in the mold, the second member 20 is preferably abutted on and fixed to a molding surface of the mold, and is more preferably fixed to the molding surface while being compressed against the molding surface while being abutted on the molding surface of the mold. In the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10, in order to fix the second member 20 in the mold, for example, a recess is provided on a bottom surface of the mold so that the second member 20 can be placed in the recess, or a plurality of protrusions are provided on the bottom surface of the mold so that the second member 20 can be placed between the protrusions, or the second member 20 is placed on a preheated surface of the mold so that the placement surface of the second member 20 can be melted and solidified.

[0198] The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment can include a step of adding the foaming agent in each of the above-mentioned steps of obtaining the first member 10 and obtaining the second member 20.

[0199] In order to make the second foam softer than the first foam, the amount of the foaming agent added can be adjusted in the step of adding the foaming agent. More specifically, in the step of adding the foaming agent, the amount of the foaming agent added for foaming and molding the second member 20 can be greater than the amount of the foaming agent added for foaming and molding the first member 10.

[0200] The manufacturing method of the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment does not have to include the step of adding the foaming agent, if chemical foam molding is employed, in the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10 and the above-mentioned step of obtaining the second member 20. In such a case, it is preferable that the polymer composition include the foaming agent. It is preferable that the content of the foaming agent in the polymer composition forming the second member 20 be greater than the content of the foaming agent in the polymer composition forming the first member 10.

[0201] The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment can include a step of cooling the obtained first member 10 and the second member 20 after performing the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10 described above. The cooling can be carried out, for example, using cooling water.Effects of the Manufacturing Method of the Shoe Member According to the First Embodiment

[0202] According to the step of obtaining the first member 10, a recess is provided in the bottom surface of the mold and the second member 20 is fixed in the mold, so that the shoe member 1 can be manufactured with the second member 20 exposed on the surface of the first member 10.

[0203] According to the step of obtaining the first member 10, the second member 20 is fixed in position while being abutted on and compressed against the molding surface, so that the second member 20 can be embedded in the first member 10 in a compressed state, and hence the manufactured shoe member 1 can exhibit good cushioning properties.Method for Manufacturing the Shoe Member According to the Second Embodiment

[0204] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to the present disclosure will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to the second embodiment, methods for manufacturing the shoe member 1 according to the fifth to seventh embodiments will be described.

[0205] The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 can include a step of molding the polymer composition with a 3D printer to obtain the second member 20. The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 can include a step of compressing and molding the polymer composition to obtain the second member 20. The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 can include a step of injection molding the polymer composition to obtain the second member 20. The method for manufacturing the shoe member 1 can include a step of foaming and molding the polymer composition to obtain the second member 20.

[0206] The manufacturing method of the shoe member 1 according to this embodiment includes a step of foaming and molding the polymer composition to obtain the first member 10 while fixing the second member 20 in a mold, and directly joining the first member 10 and the second member 20 to each other.

[0207] According to this embodiment, in the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10, the second member 20 is fixed in the mold while abutting an edge portion in the foot width direction of the second member 20 on the molding surface in the mold. In the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10, it is preferable to fix the second member 20 in the mold while abutting the medial side folded part 31a and the lateral side folded part 31b on the molding surface in the mold.

[0208] The above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10 can include a step of adding the foaming agent. When the second member 20 is formed of a foam, the above-mentioned step of obtaining the second member 20 by foam molding can include a step of adding the foaming agent.

[0209] When the second member 20 is formed of a foam, the amount of the foaming agent added can be adjusted in the step of adding the foaming agent in order to make the first foam softer than the second foam. More specifically, in the step of adding the foaming agent, the amount of the foaming agent added for foaming and molding the first member 10 can be greater than the amount of the foaming agent added for foaming and molding the second member 20.Effects of the Manufacturing Method of the Shoe Member According to the Second Embodiment

[0210] In the step of obtaining the first member 10, the edge portion in the foot width direction of the second member 20 is abutted on the molding surface in the mold while the second member 20 is fixed in the mold, so that the shoe member 1 can be manufactured with the second member 20 exposed from the surface of the first member 10.

[0211] According to the above-mentioned step of obtaining the first member 10, the second member 20 is fixed in the mold while the medial side folded part 31a and the lateral side folded part 31b are abutted on the molding surface in the mold, so that the shoe member 1 can be manufactured with the folded part 31 exposed from the surface of the first member 10.

[0212] The shoe member and the shoe according to the present disclosure include the following aspects.

[0213] [1] A shoe member including: a first member and a second member, in which

[0214] the first member is formed of a foam,

[0215] at least a portion of the second member is embedded in the first member,

[0216] the first member and the second member are directly joined to each other, and

[0217] one of the first member and the second member is made of a material softer than a material of the remaining one.

[0218] [2] The shoe member according to [1], in which

[0219] the second member is formed of a foam, and

[0220] a second foam forming the second member is softer than a first foam forming the first member.

[0221] [3] The shoe member according to [2], in which

[0222] the second member has a bulge portion bulging from at least one of upper and lower sides of the first member.

[0223] [4] The shoe member according to [2] or [3], in which

[0224] the thickness of the second member is greater than a thickness of the first member at a position where the second member is disposed.

[0225] [5] The shoe member according to any one of [2] to [4], in which

[0226] the second member is spherical.

[0227] [6] The shoe member according to any one of [2] to [5], including a plurality of the second members.

[0228] [7] The shoe member according to [6], in which

[0229] at least one of the second members is different in shape or hardness from the other second members.

[0230] [8] The shoe member according to [1], in which

[0231] the first member is softer than the second member.

[0232] [9] The shoe member according to [8], in which

[0233] a portion of the second member is exposed on a surface of the first member.

[0234]

[10] The shoe member according to [8] or [9], in which

[0235] The second member includes a widthwise member extending in a foot width direction.

[0236]

[11] The shoe member according to

[10] , in which

[0237] the second member includes a plurality of the widthwise members.

[0238]

[12] The shoe member according to

[12] , in which

[0239] at least one of the widthwise members has a folded part that is folded back at an end in the foot width direction toward a center in the foot width direction.

[0240]

[13] The shoe member according to

[12] , in which

[0241] an inner surface of the folded part is spaced apart from the surface of the first member.

[0242]

[14] The shoe member according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , in which

[0243] a plurality of the widthwise members are disposed at intervals in a foot longitudinal direction,

[0244] each of the plurality of the widthwise members includes at least one of a medial side member extending from the center in the foot width direction toward a medial side and a lateral side member extending from the center in the foot width direction toward a lateral side, and

[0245] the second member has an interconnection part that interconnects the widthwise members adjacent to each other in the foot longitudinal direction with each other.

[0246]

[15] The shoe member according to

[14] , including a plurality of the interconnection parts that are disposed in a substantially straight line from a back side in the foot longitudinal direction to a front side in the foot longitudinal direction, in which

[0247] the plurality of the interconnection parts are inclined at a center in the foot longitudinal direction.

[0248]

[16] The shoe member according to any one of

[11] to

[15] , in which

[0249] the widthwise member, which is disposed at least on the back side in the foot longitudinal direction, has an upwardly curved part that is curved upward from the center in the foot width direction toward the end in the foot width direction.

[0250]

[17] The shoe member according to any one of [1] to

[16] , in which

[0251] the second member is formed using a 3D printer.

[0252]

[18] The shoe member according to any one of [1] to

[17] , in which

[0253] the first member and the second member are made of the same material.

[0254]

[19] A shoe including the shoe member according to any one of [1] to

[18] .REFERENCE SIGNS LIST1: Shoe member

[0256] 2: Midsole

[0257] 3: Outsole

[0258] 10: First member

[0259] 11: First branch part

[0260] 12: Second branch part

[0261] 13: Joint

[0262] 14: Gap

[0263] 20: Second member

[0264] 20a: Medial side second member

[0265] 20b: Lateral side second member

[0266] 21: Bulge portion

[0267] 22: Embedded portion

[0268] 30: Widthwise member

[0269] 30a: Medial side member

[0270] 30b: Lateral side member

[0271] 31: Folded part

[0272] 31a: Medial side folded part

[0273] 31b: Lateral side folded part

[0274] 32: First extension part

[0275] 33: Second extension part

[0276] 34: Upwardly curved part

[0277] 35: Horizontal extension part

[0278] 36: Strip part

[0279] 36a: Medial side strip part

[0280] 36b: Lateral side strip part

[0281] 40: Interconnection part

[0282] 40a: Medial side interconnection part

[0283] 40b: Lateral side interconnection part,

[0284] 50: Plate part

[0285] 50a: Medial side plate part

[0286] 50b: Lateral side plate part

[0287] 60: Slit

Claims

1. A shoe member comprising: a first member and a second member, whereinthe first member is formed of a 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 to each other, andone of the first member and the second member is made of a material softer than a material of the remaining one.

2. The shoe member according to claim 1, whereinthe second member is formed of a foam, anda second foam forming the second member is softer than a first foam forming the first member.

3. The shoe member according to claim 2, whereinthe second member has a bulge portion bulging from at least one of upper and lower sides of the first member.

4. The shoe member according to claim 2, whereinthe thickness of the second member is greater than a thickness of the first member at a position where the second member is disposed.

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

6. The shoe member according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of the second members.

7. The shoe member according to claim 6, whereinat least one of the second members is different in shape or hardness from the other second members.

8. The shoe member according to claim 1, whereinthe first member and the second member are made of the same material.

9. A shoe comprising the shoe member according to claim 1.

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