U.S. patent application number 17/089960 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for sole structure for a shoe and method for manufacturing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mizuno Corporation. Invention is credited to Yo KAJIWARA, Kenjiro KITA, Takao ODA, Natsuki SATO, Shingo SUDO.
Application Number | 20210137211 17/089960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005220018 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210137211/US20210137211A1-20210513\US20210137211A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210137211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KITA; Kenjiro ; et
al. |
May 13, 2021 |
Sole Structure for a Shoe and Method for Manufacturing the Same
Abstract
A sole structure includes a sole body. The sole body is a
resin-made box-shaped member with a predetermined thickness and an
interior space that is defined by an upper wall portion disposed on
an upper side, a lower wall portion disposed on a lower side and
spaced apart from the upper wall portion, and a pair of sidewall
portions disposed between and interconnecting the upper wall
portion and the lower wall portion in a heel region or a forefoot
region that respectively corresponds to a heel portion or a
forefoot portion of a foot of a shoe wearer. The sidewall portions
are elastically deformable in a vertical direction and have a
plurality of solid or hollow ribs that extend in a substantially
vertical direction between the upper wall portion and the lower
wall portion.
Inventors: |
KITA; Kenjiro; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; ODA; Takao; (Osaka-shi, JP) ; SATO;
Natsuki; (Osaka-shi, JP) ; KAJIWARA; Yo;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; SUDO; Shingo; (Osaka-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mizuno Corporation |
Osaka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005220018 |
Appl. No.: |
17/089960 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/04 20130101;
A43B 13/141 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2019 |
JP |
2019-205077 |
Claims
1. A sole structure for a shoe having a heel region or a forefoot
region that is adapted to respectively correspond to a heel portion
or a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer, at least in said heel
region or said forefoot region, said sole structure comprising: an
upper wall portion disposed on an upper side; a lower wall portion
disposed on a lower side and spaced apart from said upper wall
portion; and a pair of sidewall portions disposed between and
interconnecting said upper wall portion and said lower wall
portion, wherein said upper wall portion, said lower wall portion,
and said sidewall portions form a resin-made box-shaped member with
a predetermined thickness and having an interior space formed
therein, wherein said sidewall portions are elastically deformable
in a vertical direction and have a plurality of solid or hollow
protrusions that extend continuously in a substantially vertical
direction between said upper wall portion and said lower wall
portion.
2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said sidewall
portions have a round shape that protrudes sideways between said
upper wall portion and said lower wall portion.
3. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said
protrusions are provided on a medial side and a lateral side of
said sidewall portions in said heel region or in a ball-of-the-foot
part of said forefoot region.
4. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said
protrusions are disposed along an entire perimeter of said sidewall
portions in said heel region or said forefoot region.
5. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said
protrusions extend to a lower surface of said lower wall portion
and a bottom surface of said protrusions forms a ground contact
surface along with said lower surface of said lower wall
portions.
6. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said lower wall
portion includes a tapered part or a round part that extends
gradually upwardly toward said sidewall portions in said heel
region or medial and lateral sides of said forefoot region.
7. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said sidewall
portions have a heel counter portion that extend upwardly above an
upper surface of said upper wall portion in said heel region and
that are disposed along a circumference of said heel region.
8. The sole structure according to claim 7, wherein said heel
counter portion includes a plurality of solid or hollow protrusions
that extend continuously in a substantially vertical direction.
9. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein said sole
structure includes a vent hole in connection with said interior
space.
10. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein there are
provided two or more vent holes and each of said vent holes pierces
through either one or more wall portions of said upper wall
portion, said lower wall portion and said sidewall portion.
11. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein said vent hole
is in connection with said interior space through said hollow
protrusion.
12. The sole structure according to claim 11, wherein said hollow
protrusion is opened at an upper end.
13. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein a
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure formed of resin fibers is
disposed in said interior space.
14. The sole structure according to claim 13, wherein said
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure along with said upper and
lower wall portions and said sidewall portions is formed by
additive manufacturing.
15. The sole structure according to claim 14, wherein said additive
manufacturing is a fused deposition modeling.
16. A method for manufacturing a sole structure for a shoe
according to claim 1 comprising: a wearer data acquisition process
for acquiring foot data of at least said heel portion or said
forefoot portion of said foot of said shoe wearer and personal data
including weight of said shoe wearer; a sole designing process for
designing a thickness of said upper and lower wall portions and
said sidewall portions, a shape of said box-shaped member, a size,
structure and array pitch of said protrusions, and a
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure, based on the foot data
and personal data acquired in said wearer data acquisition process;
and a forming process for forming by additive manufacturing said
box-shape member and said three-dimensional elastic fiber structure
designed in said sole designing process.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a sole structure
fora shoe, and more particularly, to the sole structure that can
improve cushioning properties and stability with a simplified
structure and that can enhance durability.
[0002] Japanese patent application publication No. 2004-242692
discloses a sole structure for a shoe that comprises an upper
midsole formed of a soft elastic member, a lower midsole formed of
a soft elastic member and disposed below the upper midsole, and a
wavy plate formed of a hard elastic member and disposed between the
upper midsole and the lower midsole (see para [0025]). The upper
and lower midsoles are formed of foam body, etc. such as EVA (i.e.
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) and the wavy plate is formed of a
hard synthetic rubber, etc. (see paras. [0026]-[0027]).
[0003] In the prior-art sole structure, at the time of impacting
the ground, cushioning properties can be maintained by compressive
deformation of the upper and lower midsoles formed of soft elastic
member. On the other hand, when the upper and lower midsoles deform
compressively, the wavy plate formed of hard elastic member
restrains a compressive deformation of the entire upper and lower
midsoles, thus improving stability at the time of impacting the
ground.
[0004] However, according to the prior-art structure, the wavy
plate in addition to the upper and lower midsoles needs to be
provided, which makes the structure complicated. Also, a forming
process and a bonding process of the wavy plate are also required,
thus increasing a manufacturing cost.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these
circumstances and its object is to provide a sole structure for a
shoe that can improve not only cushioning properties and stability
with a simplified structure but also durability. Also, the present
invention is directed to improving cushioning properties, stability
and durability and to decreasing a manufacturing cost. Moreover,
the present invention is directed to controlling cushioning
properties and stability with a simplified structure.
[0006] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be obvious and appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A sole structure for a shoe according to the present
invention has a heel region or a forefoot region that is adapted to
respectively correspond to a heel portion or a forefoot portion of
a foot of a shoe wearer. At least in the heel region or the
forefoot region, the sole structure comprises an upper wall portion
disposed on an upper side, a lower wall portion disposed on a lower
side and spaced apart from the upper wall portion, and a pair of
sidewall portions disposed between and interconnecting the upper
wall portion and the lower wall portion. The upper wall portion,
the lower wall portion, and the sidewall portions form a resin-made
box-shaped member with a predetermined thickness and having an
interior space formed therein. The sidewall portions are
elastically deformable in a vertical direction and have a plurality
of solid or hollow protrusions that extend continuously in a
substantially vertical direction between the upper wall portion and
the lower wall portion.
[0008] According to the present invention, since the box-shaped
member that constitutes the sole structure from the upper and lower
wall portions and the sidewall portions has the interior space and
the sidewall portions are so structured as to be elastically
deformable in the vertical direction, at the time of impacting the
ground, the interior space compressively deforms and the sidewall
portions elastically deform in the vertical direction, thereby
exhibiting cushioning properties. Also, according to the present
invention, since the sole structure is formed of the box-shaped
member of a predetermined thickness, at the time of elastic
deformation of the sidewall portions, the upper and lower wall
portions restrain compressive deformation of the sidewall portions,
thereby improving stability at the time of impacting the ground.
Moreover, according to the present invention, the sole structure is
composed by forming the resin-made upper and lower wall portions
and sidewall portions in a box-shape, thereby simplifying the
structure to reduce a manufacturing cost.
[0009] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the
sidewall portions have a plurality of solid or hollow protrusions
that extend continuously in the substantially vertical direction
between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion, such
protrusions can improve rigidity of the sidewall portions and can
enhance durability of the sidewall portions and thus the entire
sole structure. Also, the protrusions can adjust the amount of
elastic deformation of the sidewall portions, thereby controlling
cushioning property and stability of the sidewall portions and thus
the entire sole structure.
[0010] The sidewall portions may have a round shape that protrudes
sideways between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.
In this case, when a load is imparted at the time of impacting the
ground, the sidewall portions are easy to deform sideways and
return to the original position thus improving cushioning property
of the sidewall portions.
[0011] The protrusions may be provided on medial and lateral sides
of the sidewall portions in the heel region or in
a-ball-of-the-foot part in the forefoot region. In this case, in
the heel region where the load is imparted at the time of a heel
impact or in the-ball-of-the-foot part where the load is imparted
at the time of a forefoot impact, since the protrusions are
provided at the sidewall portions on the medial and lateral sides,
rigidity of the sidewall portions and thus the sole structure
relative to the heel impact or forefoot impact can be effectively
increased and durability can be effectively improved.
[0012] The protrusions may be disposed along the entire perimeter
of the sidewall portions in the heel region or the forefoot region.
In this case, not only for a heel striker who impacts the ground at
the heal and a forefoot striker who impacts the ground at the
forefoot portion but also for a midfoot striker who impacts the
ground at the midfoot portion, rigidity of the sidewall portions
and thus the sole structure can be increased, durability can be
improved, and snappiness (i.e. quickness) during a push-off motion
of a tiptoe can be enhanced.
[0013] The protrusions may extend to a lower surface of the lower
wall portion and a bottom surface of the protrusions may form a
ground contact surface along with the lower surface of the lower
wall portion. In this case, since the lower surface of the lower
wall portions forms the ground contact surface, there is no need to
provide a ground contact surface discretely from the lower wall
portion thus simplifying the structure of the entire sole
structure. Also, since the bottom surface of the protrusions forms
the ground contact surface, a skid-proof capacity and a grip
performance of the ground contact surface can be improved and an
area of the entire ground contact surface can be enlarged thus
improving landing stability.
[0014] The lower wall portion may have a tapered part or a round
part that extends gradually upwardly toward the sidewall portions
on the medial and lateral sides in the heel region. In this case,
when a load is imparted at the time of a heel impact, a downward
subduction or sinking of the tapered part or the round part causes
the heel region to easily deform downwardly thus further improving
cushioning properties at the time of the heel impact.
[0015] The sidewall portions may have a heel counter part that
extends upwardly beyond the upper surface of the upper wall portion
in the heel region and that is disposed along the perimeter of the
heel region. In this case, the heel counter part can support the
heel portion of the foot thus further improving stability at the
time of the heel impact.
[0016] The heel counter part may have a plurality of solid or
hollow protrusions that extend continuously in the substantially
vertical direction. In this case, the protrusions can increase the
rigidity of the heel counter part thereby improving holdability of
the heel portion of the foot during exercise.
[0017] The sole structure may have a vent hole in connection with
the interior space. In this case, air inside the interior space is
discharged outside through the vent hole, and alternatively,
outside air is introduced into the interior space through the vent
hole, thereby ventilating the inside of the shoe.
[0018] There may be provided two or more vent holes and each of the
vent holes may pierce through either one or more wall portions of
the upper wall portion, the lower wall portion and the sidewall
portions. In this case, one vent hole acts as an inlet hole (or air
intake hole) for the outside air to be introduced into the interior
space and another vent hole acts as an outlet hole (or air
discharge hole) for air in the interior space to be discharged to
the outside, thus ventilating the inside of the shoe
effectively.
[0019] The vent hole may provide a connection with the interior
space through the hollow protrusion. In this case, the inside of
the hollow protrusion can be utilized as a passage for
ventilation.
[0020] The hollow protrusion may be opened at an upper end thereof.
In this case, since the vent hole can be disposed outside the upper
of the shoe by not only utilizing the inside of the hollow
protrusion as a ventilation passage but also utilizing the opening
at the upper end of the protrusion as a ventilation hole, an
introduction of fresh outside air into the inside of the shoe can
be facilitated and the vent hole can be disposed at the upper end
of the sole structure, thus preventing dirt, sand, water and the
like from entering the vent hole from outside.
[0021] A three-dimensional elastic fiber structure formed of resin
fibers may be disposed in the interior space. Thereby, elasticity
of the entire sole structure can be adjusted.
[0022] The three-dimensional elastic fiber structure along with the
upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portions may be
formed by additive manufacturing. Thereby, the upper and lower wall
portions, the sidewall portions and the three-dimensional elastic
fiber structure can be integrally formed with each other thus
decreasing a manufacturing cost.
[0023] The additive manufacturing may be a fused deposition
modeling.
[0024] A manufacturing method of a sole structure for a shoe
according to the present invention comprises the following
steps:
[0025] i) A wearer data acquisition process for acquiring foot data
of at least the heel portion or the forefoot portion of the foot of
the shoe wearer and personal data including weight of the shoe
wearer;
[0026] ii) A sole designing process for designing a thickness of
the upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portions, a
shape of the box-shaped member, a size, structure and array pitch
of the protrusions, and a three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure, based on the foot data and personal data acquired in the
wearer data acquisition process; and
[0027] iii) A forming process for forming by additive manufacturing
the box-shape member and the three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure designed in the sole designing process.
[0028] According to the present invention, since the thickness of
the upper and lower wall portions and the sidewall portions, the
shape of the box-shaped member, the size, structure and array pitch
of the protrusions, and the structure of the three-dimensional
elastic fiber structure are designed based on the actual foot data
and personal data of the wearer, a personal-fit sole structure that
is customized according to individual feet, weight and the like of
the shoe wearers can be achieved. Also, since the sole body and the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure are formed by additive
manufacturing, a manufacturing cost can be decreased.
[0029] As above-mentioned, according to the present invention, at
the time of impacting the ground, the interior space compressively
deforms and the sidewall portions elastically deform in the
vertical direction, thereby exhibiting cushioning properties. Also,
at the time of elastic deformation of the sidewall portions, the
upper and lower wall portions restrain compressive deformation of
the sidewall portions, thereby improving stability at the time of
impacting the ground. Moreover, according to the present invention,
since the sole structure is structured by forming the resin-made
upper and lower wall portions and sidewall portions in a box-shape,
the structure can be simplified and a manufacturing cost can be
reduced. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the
sidewall portions have a plurality of solid or hollow protrusions
that continuously extend in the substantially vertical direction
between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion, such
that thereby these protrusions can increase rigidity of the
sidewall portions, thus improving durability of the sidewall
portions and thus the entire sole structure. Also, the protrusions
can adjust the amount of elastic deformation of the sidewall
portions, so that cushioning property and stability of the sidewall
portions and thus the whole sole structure can be controlled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] For a more complete understanding of the invention,
reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater
detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of
examples of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a general top perspective medial-side view of a
shoe (for a right foot) employing a sole structure according to an
embodiment of the present invention, viewed from diagonally
behind.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a heel rear end view of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a general top perspective lateral-side view of the
sole structure of FIG. 1 in the state that an upper is removed from
the shoe of FIG. 1, viewed from diagonally behind.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a medial side view of the sole structure of FIG.
6, corresponding to FIG. 2.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a heel rear end view of the sole structure of FIG.
6, corresponding to FIG. 3.
[0039] FIG. 8A illustrates a variant of FIG. 8.
[0040] FIG. 8B illustrates another variant of FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the sole structure of FIG. 6,
corresponding to FIG. 4.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the sole structure of FIG. 6,
corresponding to FIG. 5.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional schematic view of FIG. 9, 10
(or 17) taken along line XI-XI illustrating the state in which a
wearer's foot is placed on the sole structure.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates the state in which at the time of
impacting the ground an impact load is imparted on a heel region of
the sole structure of FIG. 11.
[0045] FIG. 13 shows a variant of FIG. 11, illustrating the state
in which a wearer's foot is placed on the sole structure.
[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates the state in which at the time of
impacting the ground an impact load is imparted on the heel region
of the sole structure of FIG. 13.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows another variant of FIG. 11, illustrating the
state in which the wearer's foot is placed on the sole
structure.
[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates the state in which at the time of
impacting the ground an impact load is imparted on the heel region
of the sole structure of FIG. 15.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional schematic view of FIG. 11 taken
along line XVII-XVII
[0050] FIG. 18 shows a variant of FIG. 17.
[0051] FIG. 19 shows the state in which a resin-fiber-made
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure is provided in an
interior space of the sole structure of FIG. 17.
[0052] FIG. 20 shows the state in which a resin-fiber-made
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure is provided in an
interior space of the sole structure of FIG. 18.
[0053] FIG. 21 is a partial top perspective view of the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure of FIGS. 19, 20, viewed
from diagonally above.
[0054] FIG. 22 shows a variant of the three-dimensional elastic
fiber structure of FIG. 21.
[0055] FIG. 23 shows another variant of the three-dimensional
elastic fiber structure of FIG. 21.
[0056] FIG. 24 is a top plan schematic view of a basic module
constituting the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure of FIG.
23.
[0057] FIG. 24A is a top plan schematic view of a first pattern of
the basic module that is arranged at a topmost layer (a first
layer) of the basic module of FIG. 24.
[0058] FIG. 24B is a top plan schematic view of a second pattern of
the basic module that is arranged at a lower layer (a second layer)
immediately adjacent to the first layer of the basic module of FIG.
24.
[0059] FIG. 24C is a top plan schematic view of a third pattern of
the basic module that is arranged at a lower layer (a third layer)
immediately adjacent to the second layer of the basic module of
FIG. 24.
[0060] FIG. 24D is a top plan schematic view of a fourth pattern of
the basic module that is arranged at a lower layer (a fourth layer)
immediately adjacent to the third layer of the basic module of FIG.
24.
[0061] FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a
manufacturing process of the sole structure for the shoe according
to the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 26 is a general top perspective medial-side view of a
variant of the sole structure of FIG. 6, viewed from diagonally
ahead.
[0063] FIG. 26A is a cross sectional view of FIG. 26, showing the
position of the vent holes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0064] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0065] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 10 show a sole
structure and a shoe for the sole structure according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Here, a running shoe is taken
for an example as a shoe. In the following explanation, "upward
(upper side/upper)" and"downward (lower side/lower)" designate an
upward direction and a downward direction, respectively, or
vertical direction of the shoe, "forward (front side/front)" and
"rearward (rear side/rear)" designate a forward direction and a
rearward direction, respectively, or longitudinal direction of the
shoe, and "a width or lateral direction" designates a crosswise
direction of the shoe. For example, in the case where a bottom of
the shoe is placed on a horizontal plane as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7,
"upward" and "downward" generally designate "upward" and "downward"
in FIGS. 2 and 7, respectively, "forward" and "rearward" generally
designate "left to right direction" in FIGS. 2 and 7, respectively,
and "a width direction" generally designates "out of the page" and
"into the page" of FIGS. 2 and 7, respectively.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, Shoe 1 includes a sole structure 2
and an upper 3 provided on the sole structure 2 to cover a foot of
a shoe wearer. The sole structure 2 has a heel region H, a midfoot
region M and a forefoot region F that correspond to a heel portion,
a midfoot portion (or plantar arch portion) and a forefoot portion
of the foot, respectively. The sole structure 2 extends
longitudinally from a heel rear end to a tiptoe portion and extends
laterally from a medial side to a lateral side. In this
exemplification, the upper 3 is a sock-type upper in which the
entire upper including an access opening is formed of stretchable
knit fabric, thus improving fitting property relative to the
foot.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the sole structure 2 includes a
sole body 20 that has the heel region H, the midfoot region M and
the forefoot region F. The sole body 20 has a foot sole contact
surface 20a on a top surface thereof that comes into direct contact
with or indirect contact via an insole (not shown), etc. with the
foot sole of the wearer. The foot sole contact surface 20a
preferably forms a curved surface that gently curves along the
longitudinal direction so as to follow the contour of the shape of
the foot sole of the wearer.
[0068] There is provided a heel counterpart 21 mainly at the heel
region H of the sole body 20, which is disposed above the sole body
20 and extends along the perimeter of the heel region H. The heel
counter part 21 extends upwardly from the foot sole contact surface
20a of the sole body 20 so as to surround and support the
circumference of the heel portion of the foot of the wearer, thus
improving landing stability at the time of a heel impact. The shoe
1 is so structured as to fixedly attach the lower part of the upper
3 to the foot sole contact surface 20 and the heel counter part 21
via bonding and the like.
[0069] On the bottom surface 20b of the sole body 20, a number of
protrusions 20bp of a pillar-shape are provided (see FIG. 5), which
are integral with the bottom surface 20b. In this exemplification,
as a pillar-shaped protrusion 20bp, a solid cylindrical protrusion
of a circular cross sectional shape is used. However, a cross
sectional shape of the protrusion 20bp is not restricted to a
circle or round. An elliptical or oval cross sectional shape,
alternatively, a polygonal cross sectional shape such as hexagonal,
octagonal or the like may be used.
[0070] On an outer circumference of the sole body 20, a plurality
of ribs (or protrusions) 20p are provided that continuously extend
in a pillar-shape in the substantially vertical direction. In this
exemplification, the ribs 20p are disposed at an area extending
from the heel region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot
region F on both the medial side and the lateral side of the sole
body 20, disposed along the perimeter of the heel rear end of the
heel region H and the perimeter of the tiptoe part of the forefoot
region F. That is, the ribs 20p are provided around the entire
perimeter of each region of the heel region H, the midfoot region M
and the forefoot region F. Also, in this exemplification, as a rib
20p, a solid cylindrical or hemi-cylindrical protrusion of a
circular or semi-circular cross sectional shape is used. However, a
cross sectional shape of the rib 20p is not restricted to a circle
or semi-circle. An elliptical or oval cross sectional shape,
alternatively, a polygonal cross sectional shape such as hexagonal,
octagonal or the like may be used.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, in this exemplification, the rib 20p
extends generally in the vertical direction in an area extending
from an anterior part of the heel region H through the midfoot
region M to a posterior part of the forefoot region F, inclines
gradually forwardly toward the rear side in an area extending from
an anterior part of the heel region H to the heel rear end, and
inclines gradually rearwardly to the front side in an area
extending from an posterior part of the forefoot region F to the
tiptoe part. To sum up, the extending direction of the rib 20p is
substantially vertical direction in this specification. Also, as
shown in FIG. 8, the rib 20p extends generally vertically, viewed
from the heel rear end side. Similarly, on an outer circumference
of the heel counter part 21, a plurality of ribs (or protrusions)
20p' are provided that extend substantially vertically in a
pillar-shape.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, a cross sectional view of FIGS. 9 and
10 taken along line XI-XI, the sole body 20 has an upper wall
portion 20A disposed on an upper side, a lower wall portion 20B
disposed on a lower side and spaced away from the upper wall
portion 20A, and a pair of right and left sidewall portions 20C,
20D that extend substantially in the vertical direction between the
upper wall portion 20A and the lower wall portion 20B, that are
coupled to the upper wall portion 20A and the lower wall portion
20B, and that extend substantially in the longitudinal direction
along the outer peripheries of the upper wall portion 20A and the
lower wall portion 20B. FIG. 11 shows an example of a cross section
of the sole body 20 passing through the ribs 20p of the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D and the pillar-shaped protrusions 20bp of the
lower wall portion 20B. In FIG. 11, the heel counter part 21 is
omitted. Also, hatching for designating a section is omitted in
FIG. 11 for illustration purpose.
[0073] The upper and lower wall portions 20A, 20B and the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D form a resin-made box-shaped member, and thus the
sole body 20 has a box-structure (or an outer-shell structure).
Inside the sole body 20, there is formed an interior space S, or an
enclosed space, that is surrounded, enclosed and sealed by the wall
portions 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D. Such a hollow box-structure is
formed not only in the heel region H but also in the midfoot region
M and the forefoot region F of the sole body 20, such that thereby
the shape retaining characteristics are maintained all over the
sole body 20. As resin for forming the sole body 20, for example,
thermo plastic resin like nylon, polyester, TPU (thermo plastic
polyurethane), PU (polyurethane) and the like or rubber is
used.
[0074] The upper and lower wall portions 20A, 20B and the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D have a predetermined thickness t, respectively.
The thickness t is preferably set to not less than 1 mm and not
more than 3 mm. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 17, a cross sectional view of
FIG. 11 taken along line XVII-XVII, the inside of the ribs 20p and
the pillar-shaped protrusions 20bp is hollow for weight reduction.
Similarly, the inside of the ribs 20p' is hollow, too. The ribs 20p
extend downwardly below the lower surface 20b of the lower wall
portion 20B. The bottom surfaces of the ribs 20p along with the
bottom surfaces of the pillar-shaped protrusions 20bp form the
ground contact surface that comes into contact with the ground.
Also, as shown in FIG. 17, preferably, an inequality d>e is
satisfied, wherein a diameter of the rib 20p, or semicylindrical
protrusion, is set to d, and an interval between the adjacent ribs
20p is set to e.
[0075] A top surface of the upper wall portion 20A constitutes the
foot sole contact surface 20a. Here, the foot sole contact surface
20a is formed of a concavely curved surface. A lower surface 20b of
the lower wall portion 20B is formed with a number of pillar-shaped
protrusions 20bp. The sidewall portions 20C, 20D are provided
elastically deformable in the vertical direction and preferably
have a round shape respectively that protrudes outwardly sideways
or laterally outwardly. The round shape of the sidewall portions
20C, 20D extends to the heel rear end side in the heel region H and
a heel rear end surface of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D also has
a round shape (see FIG. 7). The above-mentioned ribs 20p are
provided along the entire perimeter of the sidewall portions 20C,
20D and have a round shape that protrudes outwardly along the round
shape of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D. The ribs 20p continuously
extend in the vertical direction without being disconnected between
the upper wall portion 20A and the lower wall portion 20B. In
addition, the above-mentioned heel counter part 21 (FIGS. 7, 8) is
so structured as to extend the sidewall portions 20C, 20D in the
heel region H upwardly beyond the upper surface (that is, the foot
sole contact surface 20a) of the upper wall portion 20A.
[0076] As mentioned above, since the sole structure 2 has a sole
body 20 that is formed in a box-shape by the upper and lower wall
portions 20A, 20B and the sidewall portions 20C, 20D (see FIG. 11),
when the load is imparted from the foot P at the time of impacting
the ground, as shown in FIG. 12, the interior space S of the sole
body 20 is compressive-deforms and the sidewall portions 20C, 20D
elastically deforms in the vertical direction, thereby exhibiting
cushioning property.
[0077] Especially, in this case, since the sidewall portions 20C,
20D have a round shape that protrudes laterally outwardly between
the upper and lower wall portions 20A and 20B, the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D are easy to deform laterally outwardly at the
time of impacting the ground and to return to its original
position, thus improving cushioning property of the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D. Also, since the sole body 20 is formed by the
box-shaped member with a predetermined thickness t, at the time of
elastic deformation of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D, the upper
and lower wall portions 20A, 20B restrain compressive deformation
of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D, thus improving landing
stability. Moreover, the sole body 20 is so structured as to form
the resin-made upper and lower wall portions 20A, 20B and sidewall
portions 20C, 20D in a box-shape, thus simplifying the structure
and decreasing the manufacturing cost.
[0078] Furthermore, since the sidewall portions 20C, 20D have a
plurality of ribs 20p that continuously extend substantially in the
vertical direction between the upper and lower wall portions 20A,
20B, such ribs 20p can increase rigidity of the sidewall portions
20C, 20D thus improving durability of the sidewall portions 20C,
20D and thus the entire sole structure. Also, the amount of the
elastic deformation of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D can be
adjusted by the ribs 20p, such that thereby cushioning property and
stability of the sidewall portions 20C, 20D and thus the entire
sole structure can be controlled.
[0079] Moreover, the ribs 20p extend to the lower surface 20b of
the lower wall portion 20B and the bottom surface of the rib 20p
constitutes the ground contact surface along with the lower surface
20b of the lower wall portion 20B. In this case, since the lower
surface 20b of the lower wall portion 20B constitutes the ground
contact surface, there is no need to provide a ground contact
surface separately from the lower wall portion 20B, thus causing
the entire sole structure to be simplified. Also, sine the bottom
surface of the rib 20p constitutes the ground contact surface,
skid-proof capacity and grip performance of the ground contact
surface can be improved, an area of the entire ground contact
surface can be enlarged, and landing stability can be enhanced.
First Alternative Embodiment
[0080] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which the sole body 20 extends from the heel region H through the
midfoot region M to the forefoot region F (see FIGS. 6 to 10), the
sole body 20 has only to be disposed at least at the heel region H
or at the forefoot region F. That is, the sole body 20 may be
disposed only at the heel region H, only at the forefoot region F,
only in an area extending from the heel region H to the midfoot
region M, or only in an area extending from the forefoot region F
to the midfoot region M.
Second Alternative Embodiment
[0081] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which the ribs 20p are provided along the entire perimeter of the
sidewall portions 20C, 20D in an area extending from the heel
region H through the midfoot region M to the forefoot region F,
i.e. over the whole length of the shoe (see FIGS. 6 to 10), the
application of the present invention is not restricted to such an
example. The ribs 20p may be provided at the entire perimeter or
its portion (e.g. only the medial and lateral side area, etc.) of
the sidewall portion 20C and/or 20D only in the heel region H.
Since the heel region H is a region where the load is applied at
the time of the heel impact, provision of the ribs 20p at the
sidewall portions 20C, 20D on the medial and lateral sides of the
heel region H can effectively increase the rigidity of the sole
structure 2 relative to the heel impact thus effectively improving
durability.
[0082] Also, the ribs 20p may be provided at the entire perimeter
or its portion (e.g. only the medial and lateral side area or only
the ball of the foot area, etc.) of the sidewall portion 20C and/or
20D only in the forefoot region F. The ball of the foot area is
shown in the hatched area Bf of FIG. 9 in the above-mentioned
embodiment and it is a region that includes mainly a thenar
eminence and a hypothenar eminence of the foot and their peripheral
areas. The ribs 20p may be provided only at the medial side area
Bf.sub.1 and/or the lateral side area Bf.sub.2 of the ball of the
foot area Bf. Since the ball of the foot area Bf is a region where
a large load is applied at the time of impacting on the forefoot
region F, provision of the ribs 20p at the sidewall portions 20C,
20D on the medial and lateral sides of the ball of the foot area Bf
can effectively increase the rigidity of the sole structure 2
relative to the forefoot impact thus improving durability
effectively.
Third Alternative Embodiment
[0083] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the arrangement direction
of the ribs 20p was explained using FIGS. 7 and 8, but the
arrangement direction is not limited to the direction described in
those drawings. The ribs 20p may be arranged in a direction
different from the direction of FIGS. 7 and 8, and alternatively,
the ribs 20p may be inclined in the same direction. Also, in the
above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in which the ribs
20p are arranged at a generally constant pitch in the longitudinal
direction, but the application of the present invention is not
restricted to such an example. By varying the length of the
arrangement pitch, for example, the arrangement pitch may be
shortened to dispose the ribs 20p densely in the heel region H, the
ball of the foot area Bf, and the midfoot region M, alternatively,
the arrangement pitch may be lengthened to dispose the ribs 20p
sparsely in the other regions. Moreover, in the above-mentioned
embodiment, an example was shown in which the diameter d of each of
the ribs 20p is generally the same, but the diameter d of the rib
20p may not be the same.
Fourth Alternative Embodiment
[0084] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which provision of a plurality of ribs 20p' on the outer
circumference of the heel counter part 21 disposed above the sole
body 20 increases the rigidity of the heel counter part 21 and
improves holdability of the heel portion of the foot during
exercise (see FIGS. 6 to 9), but as shown in FIG. 8A, these ribs
20p' can be omitted. Also, as shown in FIG. 8B, the heel counter
part 21 per se may not be provided.
Fifth Alternative Embodiment
[0085] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which the lower surface 20b of the lower wall portion 20B (or the
bottom surface of the rib 20p and the pillar-shaped protrusion
20bp) extends generally linearly in the sole width direction (see
FIGS. 11 and 12, cross sectional view of the sole body 20), but the
application of the present invention is not restricted to such an
example. The sole body 20 according to the present invention may
have a cross sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. In these
drawings, the ribs 20p and the pillar-shaped protrusions 20bp are
not illustrated for illustration purposes and the upper and lower
wall portions 20A, 20B and the sidewall portions 20C, 20D are shown
in bold.
[0086] An example shown in FIG. 13 differs from the above-mentioned
embodiment in that there are formed tapered parts 20B.sub.1 on the
medial and lateral sides of the lower wall portion 20B that extend
gradually upwardly toward the sidewall portions 20C, 20D. In this
case, when the load is imparted from the foot P at the time of
impacting the ground, as shown in FIG. 14, since the tapered parts
20B.sub.1 sink downwardly, the sidewall portions 20C, 20D are easy
to elastically deform downwardly thus exhibiting higher cushioning
property.
[0087] An example shown in FIG. 15 differs from the above-mentioned
embodiment in that there are formed round parts 20B.sub.2 on the
medial and lateral sides of the lower wall portion 20B that extend
gradually upwardly toward the sidewall portions 20C, 20D. In this
case, when the load is imparted from the foot P at the time of
impacting the ground, as shown in FIG. 16, since the round parts
20B.sub.2 deform to sink downwardly (or to be more flattened), the
sidewall portions 20C, 20D are easy to elastically deform
downwardly thus exhibiting higher cushioning property.
Sixth Alternative Embodiment
[0088] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which the ribs 20p are hollow (see FIG. 17), but the application of
the present invention is not limited to such an example. As shown
in FIG. 18, the ribs 20p may be solid. Similarly, in the
above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in which the
pillar-shaped ribs 20bp are hollow (see FIG. 11, 12), but the
pillar-shaped ribs 20bp may be solid. The ribs 20p' may be also
solid.
Seventh Alternative Embodiment
[0089] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in
which the interior space S of the sole body 20 is hollow, but the
application of the present invention is not restricted to such an
example. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, there may be provided in the
interior space S a three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 that
is formed of resin fiber (or resin filaments). As shown in FIGS. 19
and 20, the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 is a
filament structure in which a number of unidirectionally extending
resin filaments 5a are arranged and spaced apart in parallel on a
horizontal plane and a number of resin filaments 5b intersecting
with (e.g. extending generally perpendicular to) the resin
filaments 5a are arranged and spaced apart in parallel on the
horizontal plane to form one resin layer on the horizontal plane,
and such resin layer is then overlayed in the vertical direction to
form a multiple of resin layers.
[0090] The three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 is
preferably molded (formed/3D-printed) by additive manufacturing,
preferably through a 3D printer. As a 3D printer, FDM (Fused
Deposition Modeling)-method type is preferably used. This method
utilizes thermoplastic resin such as nylon, polyester, TPU (thermo
plastic polyurethane), PU (polyurethane), thermoplastic elastomer
and the like, or rubber and the like, as with the sole body 20. A
soft material is preferable and a soft material having the Asker A
hardness of 90 A or below is more preferable. In this case, the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 becomes a soft filament
structure.
[0091] When forming the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure
5, the sole body 20 is also formed at the same time. That is, at
the time of forming the sole body 20 composed of the upper and
lower wall portions 2A, 2B and the sidewall portions 2C, 2D, the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 to be disposed inside
the sole body 20 is integrally formed with the sole body 20 (i.e.
simultaneously printed with the sole body 20), thereby eliminating
a working process for disposing the three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure 5 in the interior space S of the sole body 20 to fixedly
attach the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 to the sole
body 20 thus reducing a manufacturing cost. Preferably, at the time
of forming the sole body 20, the heel counter part 21 is also
integrally formed with the sole body 20 (i.e. simultaneously
printed with the sole body 20), such that thereby forming the sole
structure 2 at a time by the additive manufacturing through the 3D
printer, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and further
reducing the manufacturing cost. Moreover, at the time of forming
the sole body 20, if forming is conducted based on foot information
such as three-dimensional foot data (e.g. foot length, foot width,
arch height, foot sole shape, etc.), foot pressure distribution and
the like acquired from individual shoe wearers, personal-fit soles
that are customized to fit the feet of the individual shoe wearers
can be achieved.
[0092] In this case as well, at the time of impacting the ground,
when the load is imparted to the sole body 20 from the foot P of a
shoe wearer (see FIG. 12), the internal space S is
compressive-deformed and the sidewall portions 2C, 2D are
elastically compressive-deformed in the downward direction. Thus,
cushioning properties can be improved, and a soft landing can be
achieved. Also, at the time of elastic deformation of the sidewall
portions 20C, 20D, the upper and lower wall portions 20A, 20B
restrain a compressive deformation of the entire sole structure,
such that thereby not only landing stability can be improved but
also a compressive deformation of the entire sole structure can be
adjusted by an elastic deformation of the three-dimensional elastic
fiber structure 5 disposed in the interior space S. In such a way,
cushioning property and stability of the sole structure 2 can be
made compatible
Eighth Alternative Embodiment
[0093] The construction of the three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure 5 is not restricted to the construction shown in the
seventh alternative embodiment, but various constructions can be
adopted.
[0094] In an example shown in FIG. 21, there is formed a gap
between the vertically adjacent resin filaments. In an example
shown in FIG. 22, there is no gap formed between the vertically
adjacent resin filaments, vertically extending wall members are
provided, and a number of wall members are intersected with each
other. In an example shown in FIG. 23, a resin layer composed of
resin filaments arranged in a polygonal-shape on the horizontal
plane is vertically overlayed to be multiple layers.
[0095] FIG. 24 is a top plan schematic view to explain a basic
module 50 constituting the three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure 5 shown in FIG. 23. Different basic modules other than
this module are conceivable, but the basic module 50 is taken as an
example for convenience sake apart from a manufacturing process.
The basic module 50 is composed of a first pattern 51 disposed at a
topmost layer (a first layer) and shown by a solid line (see FIG.
24A), a second pattern 52 disposed at a second lower layer
immediately adjacent the first layer and shown by a
dash-and-dot-line (see FIG. 24B), a third pattern 53 disposed at a
third lower layer immediately adjacent the second layer and shown
by a double dotted line (see FIG. 24C), and a fourth pattern 54
disposed at a fourth lower layer immediately adjacent the third
layer and shown by a dotted line (see FIG. 24D). The first to
fourth patterns 51 to 54 are formed of resin filaments (resin
fibers). A resin filament with a diameter of for example 0.3 to 0.5
mm may be used.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 24A, the first pattern 51 has a pair of
octagonal frame bodies 51a spaced away from each other and a square
frame body 52a disposed between the frame bodies 51a. Opposite
sides of the frame body 52a are shared with the sides of the frame
bodies 51a. As shown in FIG. 24B, the second pattern 52 has a pair
of square frame bodies 51b spaced away from each other and
chamfered at every apex and a square frame body 52b disposed
between the frame bodies 51b. Opposite sides of the frame body 52b
are shared with the sides of the frame bodies 51b. As shown in FIG.
24C, the third pattern 53 has a pair of square frame bodies 51c
spaced away from each other and a square frame body 52c disposed
between the frame bodies 51c and chamfered at every apex. Opposite
sides of the frame body 52c are shared with the sides of the frame
bodies 51c. As shown in FIG. 24D, the fourth pattern 54 has a pair
of square frame bodies 51d spaced away from each other and an
octagonal frame body 52d disposed between the frame bodies 51d.
Opposite sides of the frame body 52d are shared with the sides of
the frame bodies 51d.
[0097] The first to fourth layers of the three-dimensional elastic
fiber structure 5 are so structured as to dispose the first to
fourth patterns 51 to 54 to cover and spread in each layer. The
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure 5 is so structured as to
overlay the first to fourth layers in the vertical direction and to
contact and attach the vertically adjacent layers with each other
via the resin filaments. Also, with regard to regions below the
fourth layer, from the third pattern 53 to the second pattern 52 in
order, and thereafter the first to fourth patterns 51 to 54 are
repeated in ascending order and descending order.
[0098] In such a manner, in the three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure 5, the thin resin filaments extend laterally and
longitudinally at predetermined spaces to form each layer in a
horizontal plane. Then, each layer is overlaid to be connected to
each other through the filaments in the vertical (i.e. thickness)
direction to constitute a three-dimensional fiber structure 5.
Therefore, in every direction as well as longitudinal, lateral and
vertical directions, favorable elasticity can be achieved and
dramatic weight-reduction is made possible compared to prior-art
material such as EVA, rubber and the like.
[0099] Next, an example of a manufacturing process of the sole
structure 2 containing the above-mentioned three-dimensional fiber
structure 5 will be explained using a flowchart shown in FIG.
25.
[0100] The flowchart is processed in accordance with a program that
was pre-installed into a memory (not shown) of for example, a
personal computer.
[0101] When the program starts, at step S1 of FIG. 25, a wearer's
data is acquired that includes foot data of at least the heel
portion or the forefoot portion of the foot of the shoe wearer and
a personal data of wearer's weight, etc. Such foot data may include
three-dimensional foot data (e.g. foot length, foot width, arch
height, foot sole shape, etc.), foot pressure distribution and the
like. Such personal data may include a wearer's running style (e.g.
a heel-striker-type, midfoot-striker-type, or a
forefoot-striker-type) in addition to his/her weight.
[0102] Then, at step S2, a sole structure is designed based on the
wearer's data acquired at step S1. In this process, in addition to
a size and shape of the sole; a thickness (e.g. 1 mm) of an upper
wall portion, a lower wall portion and a sidewall portion
constituting the sole; a shape of the box-shaped member; a size
(e.g. 3 mm in diameter), structure (e.g. solid/hollow) and an array
pitch of the protrusions; and a three-dimensional elastic fiber
structure inside the sole are designed. When designing the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure, not only static
information on a standing posture of the shoe wearer but also
dynamic information (e.g. tendency for pronation/supination, etc.)
on for example, running may be considered. Then, at step S3, the
sole and the three-dimensional elastic fiber structure that have
been designed at step S2 are formed/3D-printed by additive
manufacturing, preferably through a 3D printer. In addition, during
forming by a 3D printer, a horizontal posture in which the bottom
surface of the sole structure is disposed on the horizontal plane
may be employed, and alternatively, a standing posture in which the
heel rear end surface of the sole structure is disposed on the
horizontal plane such as a vertical or oblique posture may be
employed.
[0103] According to the present invention, since the sole and the
three-dimensional elastic fiber structure disposed therein are
designed based on the shoe wearer's data including the actual foot
data and personal data of the wearer, a personal-fit sole structure
that is customized according to individual feet of the shoe wearers
can be achieved. Also, since the sole and the three-dimensional
elastic fiber structure are formed integrally with (simultaneously
printed with) each other by the additive manufacturing, preferably
through a 3D printer, a manufacturing cost can be decreased.
Ninth Alternative Embodiment
[0104] FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, which corresponds to FIG. 6 in the above-mentioned
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, on the foot sole contact surface
20a of the sole body 20, there is formed one or a plurality of vent
holes 20h.sub.1 in connection with the interior space S. Likewise,
on the outer circumferential surface, there is formed one or a
plurality of vent holes 20h.sub.2 in connection with the interior
space S. As shown in FIG. 26A, the vent holes 20h.sub.1 pass
through the upper wall portion 20A, and the vent holes 20h.sub.2
pass through the sidewall portion 20D. The lower wall surface 20B
has one or a plurality of vent holes 20h3 formed therethrough in
connection with the interior space S. FIG. 26A shows a cross
section of FIG. 26, but the whole vent holes are shown in one cross
sectional view for illustration purposes. Also, an upper end of the
hollow ribs 20p is opened so that an opening at the upper end can
function as a vent hole 20h4. At this time, the vent hole 20h4
provides a connection with the interior space S through an inner
passage of the hollow ribs 20p.
[0105] There is no need to provide all these vent holes 20h.sub.1,
20h.sub.2, 20h.sub.3 and 20h.sub.4. At least either one of the vent
holes 20h.sub.1, 20h.sub.2, 20h.sub.3 and 20h.sub.4 may be
provided. Therefore, at least one vent hole may be provided at
least at either one of the upper wall portion 20A, the lower wall
portion 20B, the sidewall portion 20C/20D or the rib 20p.
[0106] According to this embodiment, at the time of
compressive-deformation of the sole body 20, air in the interior
space S is discharged to the outside through the vent hole (in this
case, the vent hole acts as a discharge hole), whereas at the time
of returning deformation of the sole body 20, the outside air is
introduced into the interior space S through the vent hole (in this
case, the vent hole acts as an intake hole). Therefore, in the
event that for example, the foot sole contact surface 20a has the
vent hole 20h.sub.1 formed therethrough in the forefoot region F
and the heel region H has the vent hole 20h.sub.1 formed
therethrough, at the time of impacting the ground at the heel
region H, when the interior space S of the heel region H
compressive-deforms, air in the interior space S of the forefoot
region F is discharged through the vent hole 20h.sub.1 at the
forefoot region F to the outside, thus ventilating the inside of
the forefoot region F. Then, as the load is transferred to the
forefoot region F, when the interior space S at the forefoot region
F compressive-deforms, air in the interior space S of the heel
region H is discharged through the vent hole 20h.sub.1 at the heel
region H to the outside, thus ventilating the inside of the heel
region H.
[0107] As for the vent hole 20h.sub.4, since the vent hole
20h.sub.4 is disposed outside the upper of the shoe, entry of a
fresh outside air into the inside of the upper can be facilitated.
Also, since the vent hole 20h.sub.4 is disposed at an upper end of
the sole structure 2, entry of soil, sand, water or the like into
the upper can be prevented. In addition, the upper end of the vent
hole 20h.sub.4 does not need to be opened at the time of molding
the rib 20p. When molding the rib 20p, the upper end of the vent
hole 20h.sub.4 is kept closed, and thereafter the upper end may be
opened by cutting or heat-melting the upper end through a
postprocessing.
Other Application
[0108] In the above-mentioned embodiments and alternative
embodiments, an example was shown in which the sole structure of
the present invention was applied to the running shoe, but the
application of the present invention is not limited to such an
example. The present invention also has application to walking
shoes, other sports shoes or shoes including sandals.
[0109] As mentioned above, the present invention is useful for a
sole structure for a shoe that can not only improve cushioning
property and stability with a simplified structure but also enhance
durability.
[0110] Those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains may
make modifications and other embodiments employing the principles
of this invention without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics particularly upon considering the foregoing
teachings. The described embodiments and examples are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.
Consequently, while the invention has been described with reference
to particular embodiments and examples, modifications of structure,
sequence, materials and the like would be apparent to those skilled
in the art, yet fall within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *