CA2369231C - Wrap closure and fit system of footwear - Google Patents
Wrap closure and fit system of footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2369231C CA2369231C CA002369231A CA2369231A CA2369231C CA 2369231 C CA2369231 C CA 2369231C CA 002369231 A CA002369231 A CA 002369231A CA 2369231 A CA2369231 A CA 2369231A CA 2369231 C CA2369231 C CA 2369231C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- medial
- fastening element
- foot
- lateral
- shoe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 91
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 210000000459 calcaneus Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 210000003789 metatarsus Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 210000000474 heel Anatomy 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- ORKBYCQJWQBPFG-WOMZHKBXSA-N (8r,9s,10r,13s,14s,17r)-13-ethyl-17-ethynyl-17-hydroxy-1,2,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one;(8r,9s,13s,14s,17r)-17-ethynyl-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-6h-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,17-diol Chemical compound OC1=CC=C2[C@H]3CC[C@](C)([C@](CC4)(O)C#C)[C@@H]4[C@@H]3CCC2=C1.O=C1CC[C@@H]2[C@H]3CC[C@](CC)([C@](CC4)(O)C#C)[C@@H]4[C@@H]3CCC2=C1 ORKBYCQJWQBPFG-WOMZHKBXSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101150008415 CALCA gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 244000256535 Celtis tournefortii Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000017923 Celtis tournefortii Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 208000007542 Paresis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000452 mid-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 208000012318 pareses Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004233 talus Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011269 tar Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1495—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with arch-supports of the bracelet type
Abstract
The present invention relates to a tightening system for footwear, especially an athletic shoe, and is directed to improve the fittability, supportability and stability of the shoe. The athletic shoe of the present invention includes a supporting portion (Fs) for supporting the lateral side of a foot of a shoe wearer, a first fastening element of a loop shape that surrounds the periphery of the calcaneus (f2) of the foot, and a second fastening element of a loop shape that is provided integrally with the supporting portion (Fs). The supporting portion (Fs) extends from the position in the vicinity of the head of the metatarsus on the lateral side of the foot over the rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot to the medial side. The first fastening element, which is integrated with the terminus (Fs') of the supporting portion (Fs), extends upwardly to the position corresponding to the navicular (f3) on the medial side, and passes over the instep above the navicular (f3), and returns to the lateral side of the foot and to the calcaneus lateral side of the supporting portion (Fs). The second fastening element extends from the medial side to the lateral side on the rear side of the base position of the proximal phalanx (f4) of the foot. The first and second fastening elements include medial fastening elements (F1), F2) that are provided on the medial side, lateral fastening elements (F1'), (F2') that are provided on the lateral side, and joining parts that join the medial fastening elements to the corresponding lateral fastening elements.
Description
FEB-25-02 10:50 FR01~-DONAHUE + T-074 P.04 F-912 The present invention relates to a tightening structure or a wrap closure arid f it system of an article of footwear, and mare particularly, a system for wrapping a foot of a shoe wearer in a loop shape and securing an artl.cle of footwear to the foot.
~,p Generally. .in use of an athletic shoe, the fit or fittability of the shoe i,s important to a shoe weaxer especially at the heel go~tion of the shoe. Various techn~-ques have been utilized to improve the fittabi.l~.ty of the shoe at its heel portion.
For example, Japanese patent application examined publication or Kokoku No. 63-30001 discloses a shoe that has a pair of fastening members attached to the inside of the rear portion of the shoe upper in order to fasten the upper front position of a talus of a foot of a shoe wearer toward a calcaneus of the foot. Japanese utility model registration No. 3Q387.56 shpws a shoe that has a highly strengthened first belt member extending from the heel portion to the upper portion of the eyelets and a highly strengthened second belt member extending from the plantar arch portion to the lnstap, whereby the shoe upper is ta.ghtened .
In the methods shown in the above-mentioned FEB-25-OZ 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 05 F-912 Japanese publications, a certain degree of effect is achieved to improve the f ittability of the shoe at the heel portion. HAwever, in these methods, deformation of the shoe during sports and slippage of the foot inside the shoe cannot be prevented. Also, in these methods, at the t~.me of the weight shift of the shoe wearer, sinking of the ~.nside arch or plantar arch portion of the foot cannot be prevented either.
Tn general, deformation of a shoe during sports aiZd slippage of a foot inside the shoe can be prevented by axtaching a reinforcing member of high rigidity or a heel counter to a heel portion of the shoe . However, in this case , to provide the heel counter results in the increased number of shoe components and decreased productiva.t~r. Accordingly, 16 there is provided a shoe with a reinforcing member that covers the whole heel portion and is formed a.ntegral~.y with the midsale so as to decrease the number of the shoe components ( see Japanese patent application l-eying open publication or Kokai No_ 5-1999QI). Hut, in this case, there arise ~~0 disadvantages of the increased weight of the whole shoe and decreased ventilation of the shoe. In addition, providing a projection at the insole can prevent the ~.r~slde arch from sinking at xhe time of the weight shift of the shoe wearer.
I~owever, in this case, the number of shoe components 2a increases and productivity decreases.
We, invet~tars of the present invention have been biodynamically analyzing the stress applied to a shoe FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.O6 F-912 3 _ and the foot of a shoe wee=er at the time of play~.ng sports .
By this analysis, we have found that it is important to provide a side wall or a supporting portion along a lateral region extending from the head of the fifth metatarsus to the calcaneus of the foot in order to prevent the foot from slipping In the lateral or transverse direction inside the shoe- We have also found that a supporting structure of the navicular is important to prevent the plantar arch portion of the foot from sinking during sports as a result of ari lfl anatomical analysis of a skeletal structure of the foot .
Consequently. ~.f these supporting elements can be made integral with an element for preventing the foot from sl~.pping forward inside the shoe during sports, we suppose that an athletic shoe satisfy~.rig both the fittabil.ity and supportab5.lity can ba achieved with a minimum of shoe components_ The present invent~.on has been made i.n view of this standpoint, and ~.ts object is to prov~.de a tightening structure or a wrap closure and fit system of an article of ?0 footwear and an athletic shoe that can improve the fittability, supportability and stability with a minimum of shoe components.
yg A first invention provides a tightening structure of footwear for wrapping a foot of a shoe wearer in a loop shape. The structure of the first invention includes FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DOPIAHUE + T-074 P.07 F-912 a supporting matnber to support the lateral side of the foot, which extends from the position near the head of the metatarsus on xhe lateral side of the foot aver the rear portion of the calcaneus to the medial side of the foot . The structure also includes a first fastening element of a loop shape, which is formed integrally wixh the terminus ox the proximal end of the supporting member, and extends upwardly toward the position of the navicular on the medial side, and passes over the instep of the foot above the navicular, and returns to the lateral side of the foot and to the lateral side of the calca>neus of the supporting member.
In this case, the supporting member can prevent a transverse slippage or slippage toward the lateral side of tha foot inside the footwear at the time of landing 1~ onto the ground. Moreover. by providing the first fastening element of a loop shape, an instep supporting portion of the first fastening element, which passes aver the instep of the foot, can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Furthermore, an inside wall portion of the first fastening element, which extencts upwarcxty toward the nav~.cular of the foot on the medial side, supports the navicular to raise it up wixh the navicular wrapped or enclosed in the inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift Pram the heel portion to the forefoot portion.
~,p Generally. .in use of an athletic shoe, the fit or fittability of the shoe i,s important to a shoe weaxer especially at the heel go~tion of the shoe. Various techn~-ques have been utilized to improve the fittabi.l~.ty of the shoe at its heel portion.
For example, Japanese patent application examined publication or Kokoku No. 63-30001 discloses a shoe that has a pair of fastening members attached to the inside of the rear portion of the shoe upper in order to fasten the upper front position of a talus of a foot of a shoe wearer toward a calcaneus of the foot. Japanese utility model registration No. 3Q387.56 shpws a shoe that has a highly strengthened first belt member extending from the heel portion to the upper portion of the eyelets and a highly strengthened second belt member extending from the plantar arch portion to the lnstap, whereby the shoe upper is ta.ghtened .
In the methods shown in the above-mentioned FEB-25-OZ 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 05 F-912 Japanese publications, a certain degree of effect is achieved to improve the f ittability of the shoe at the heel portion. HAwever, in these methods, deformation of the shoe during sports and slippage of the foot inside the shoe cannot be prevented. Also, in these methods, at the t~.me of the weight shift of the shoe wearer, sinking of the ~.nside arch or plantar arch portion of the foot cannot be prevented either.
Tn general, deformation of a shoe during sports aiZd slippage of a foot inside the shoe can be prevented by axtaching a reinforcing member of high rigidity or a heel counter to a heel portion of the shoe . However, in this case , to provide the heel counter results in the increased number of shoe components and decreased productiva.t~r. Accordingly, 16 there is provided a shoe with a reinforcing member that covers the whole heel portion and is formed a.ntegral~.y with the midsale so as to decrease the number of the shoe components ( see Japanese patent application l-eying open publication or Kokai No_ 5-1999QI). Hut, in this case, there arise ~~0 disadvantages of the increased weight of the whole shoe and decreased ventilation of the shoe. In addition, providing a projection at the insole can prevent the ~.r~slde arch from sinking at xhe time of the weight shift of the shoe wearer.
I~owever, in this case, the number of shoe components 2a increases and productivity decreases.
We, invet~tars of the present invention have been biodynamically analyzing the stress applied to a shoe FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.O6 F-912 3 _ and the foot of a shoe wee=er at the time of play~.ng sports .
By this analysis, we have found that it is important to provide a side wall or a supporting portion along a lateral region extending from the head of the fifth metatarsus to the calcaneus of the foot in order to prevent the foot from slipping In the lateral or transverse direction inside the shoe- We have also found that a supporting structure of the navicular is important to prevent the plantar arch portion of the foot from sinking during sports as a result of ari lfl anatomical analysis of a skeletal structure of the foot .
Consequently. ~.f these supporting elements can be made integral with an element for preventing the foot from sl~.pping forward inside the shoe during sports, we suppose that an athletic shoe satisfy~.rig both the fittabil.ity and supportab5.lity can ba achieved with a minimum of shoe components_ The present invent~.on has been made i.n view of this standpoint, and ~.ts object is to prov~.de a tightening structure or a wrap closure and fit system of an article of ?0 footwear and an athletic shoe that can improve the fittability, supportability and stability with a minimum of shoe components.
yg A first invention provides a tightening structure of footwear for wrapping a foot of a shoe wearer in a loop shape. The structure of the first invention includes FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DOPIAHUE + T-074 P.07 F-912 a supporting matnber to support the lateral side of the foot, which extends from the position near the head of the metatarsus on xhe lateral side of the foot aver the rear portion of the calcaneus to the medial side of the foot . The structure also includes a first fastening element of a loop shape, which is formed integrally wixh the terminus ox the proximal end of the supporting member, and extends upwardly toward the position of the navicular on the medial side, and passes over the instep of the foot above the navicular, and returns to the lateral side of the foot and to the lateral side of the calca>neus of the supporting member.
In this case, the supporting member can prevent a transverse slippage or slippage toward the lateral side of tha foot inside the footwear at the time of landing 1~ onto the ground. Moreover. by providing the first fastening element of a loop shape, an instep supporting portion of the first fastening element, which passes aver the instep of the foot, can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Furthermore, an inside wall portion of the first fastening element, which extencts upwarcxty toward the nav~.cular of the foot on the medial side, supports the navicular to raise it up wixh the navicular wrapped or enclosed in the inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift Pram the heel portion to the forefoot portion.
2~ slaking of the inside arch can be prevented, thereby preventing an excessive ~.nclinata~on of the foot toward the medial side and improving the heal stability.
FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.08 F-912 Also, in this case, bs~cause the (first fastening element is integrated with the supporting member, both the fittabili.ty and supportability of the footwear can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
ra In addition, the term "loop" in the first invention means annular.
A second invention provides a similar tightening structure of footwear for wrapping the foot of a shoe wearer in a loop shape. The structure of the second invention includes a supporting member to support the lateral side of the foot, which extends from the position near the Read of the metatarsus on the lateral side of the foot over the tsar portion of the calcaneus to the medial s~.de of the foot. The structure also includes a second fastening element of a loop shape, which is formed integrally with the supporting member, and extends between the medial side and the lateral side on the rear side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the foot. In this case, the supporting member can prevent a transverse slippage or sl~.ppage toward the lateral side of the foot inside the footwear at the time of landing onto the ground. Moreover, by providing the second fastening element of a loop shape. an ~.nstap supporting portion of the second fasten-ng element, which passes over the instep of the foot , can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing.
Furthermore, ~.n this case, because the second fastening e~.ement is integrated with the supporting member.
FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.09/50 F-912 both the fittabi.lity a>nd supportability of the footwear can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
zn addition, the term "loop" In the second ~.nvention is used with the meaning of a slightly curved circular arc.
The upper ead of each of the supporting members in the first aid second inventions is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity of 'a swell line' around the outer circumference c~f the foot of the shoe wearer, that is.
a line forming the contour of a horizontally pro jected plan of the foot , or in other Words , a l~.ne connecting the mast projected or protruded portions around the outer circumference of the foot - More preferably, the upper end of the height of the supporting member is slightly beyo3ld this swe~.l ~.i.rie .
The first and second fastening elements each may be formed of medial fastening elements provided ort the medial side, lateral fastening elemer~ts provided on the lateral side, and joining or securing parts that join these medial and lateral fastening elements . The termini or distal ends of the medial fastening elements are preferably disposed an the lateral side IxZeyond a center line of the shoe .
This is for wrapping or enclosing the wider areas of the lateral navicular position to prevent a local excessive pressure, and for preventing each of the fastening elements of a left and right shoe from ~.ntert'eri.:Zg with 8aah other.
An athletic shoe is a favorable example of FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 10/50 F-912 .. 7 _ footwear to which the first and second inventions are applied.
and in the athletic shoe, at least portions of the medial and lateral fastening elements may be provided outside or inside the shoe upper'. ar in the &hoe upper. Also, each of the proxzmal ends of the medial and lateral fastening e~.ements of the shoe may be anchored to the shoe upper ar the heel portion of a midsole, and each of the distal ends of the medial and lateral fastening elemer'Gts may be connected to the joining part , and each of the intermediate portzons of the medial and lateral fastening elements may be disconnected from the shoe uppex. Additionally. ~.rt the athletic shoe to which the present invention i.s applied, a corrugated sheet having a corrugation may be provided at least at the heel portion of the midsole formed of a soft elastic material.
FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams each illustrating a tightening stx~uctur$ for footwear according to the present inventio»1.
FIG _ 1A is a medial side view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
~5 FIG . 1C is a lateral side view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a medial side schematic view of an FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 11/50 F-912 athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG- 28 is a top plan schematic v~.aw of the athletic shoe of FxG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is a lateral side schematic v~.ew of an athletic shoe employing the tights»ing structure of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a lateral side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing xk~e tightening stx'ucture of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3C is a schematic illustrating a variant of the tightening structure of the first embodiment of the present invention showr~ in FIG. 2C.
FIG. 4A is a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the fourth embod~.rnent of the pxesent invention.
FIG. 48 is a laxeral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. ~A.
F1G. 5A is a medial szde schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the f~.fth smbodime>nt of the present invention.
FIG. 58 is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a medial side schematic vista of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DOPIAHUE + T-074 P.12/50 F-912 g _ sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6H is a lateral slde.schema>Gic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the seventh emt~odiment of the present invention.
FIG. ~8 is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FiG. 7A.
FIG _ BA is a medial side schematic view of an IQ athletic shoe employing the tightan~.ng structure of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8~ is a l.at8ral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. BA.
FIG . 9A ~.s a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the t~-ghteu~.ng structure of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG_ 9>s is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view of an athletic shoe employing the t~.ghtening structure of the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
~T~.g~ttening Struature>
Referring now to the drawings, a tightening structure for footwear of the present invention is shown in FIGS . lA to ~.C . These figures shøw the condit~.on in which FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.13/50 F-912 the tightening stFUCture of a loop shape of the present ~.nveiZtion is directly wrapped around a foot of a shoe wearer.
Therefore, when this tightening structure is applied to an actual article of footwear, by providing a sole under the tightening structure, the footwear will function as a sandal.
and by further providing an upper on the sole , the footwear will function as an athletic shoe for sports such as running .
track, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf or the like.
This tightaizing structure of a loop shape includes a supporting portion ( Fs ) , which extends from the pos it ion near the head of the metatarsus ( f 1 ? on the lateral side of the foot of the shoe wearer over the rear portion of the calcaneus ( f 2 ) to the med~.al side of the foot , and ~6 a first fastening element (F1) of a loop shape, which is formed integrally with and extends from the terminus ( Fs ' ) or the proximal end of the supporting portion ( Fs ) to surround or enclose the outer circumference of the calcaneus (f2).
and extends upwardly toward the position of the navicular {f3) on the medial side, and passes aver the instep of the foot above the navicular (f3), and returns to the lateral side of the foot and to the lateral side of the calcaneus ( f 2 ) of the supporting portion ( Fs ) . Moreover, the fastening structure of a loop shape also includes a second fastening '?5 element (F2 ) of a loop shape, which extends between the medial and lateral sides on the rear side of the base of the proximal phalanx ( f ~ ) of the foot of the shoe wearer .
FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 14/50 F-912 In addition, a curved line L in FIG. 1H shows a base line of the proximal phalanx ( f4 ) xhat are disposed in front of the metaxarsus ( f1 ) . An arrow mark of each distal end of the first and second fastening elements (F1 ) and (F2) in FIGS. 1H, 1C dep~.cts the condition in which each fastening element is anchored and fastened to the supporting portion (Fs).
In th~-s case, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent a transverse slippage or slippage toward the lateral side of the foot inside the footwear at the time of landing onto ~Che ground. Moreover, by providing the first fastening element (FI ) of a loop shape, an insxep supporting Portion of the first fastening element (F1) , which passes over the instep of the foot, can prevent a forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Furthermore, by providing the second fastening element ( F2 ) of a loop shape , are instep supporting portion of the second fastening element ( F2 ) , which passes over the instep of the foot , can further prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Also, an inside wall portion of the first fastening element (F1), which extends upwardly toward the navicular ( f 3 ) of the foot on the medial s ide , supports the navicul.ar ( f 3 ) to raise it up with the navicular ( f 3 ) wrapped or enclosed in the .inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift from the heal portion to the forefoot portion, sinking of the inside arch can be prevented, thez~eby preventing an excessive inclination of the foot toward the FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.15/50 F-912 medial side and improving the heal stability.
Moreover, in this case, because the first and second fastsning elements ( F1 ) and ( F2 ) are integrated with the supporting port~.on (Fs), both the fittability and supportabilLty of the footweax can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components . The upper end of the supporting portion iFs) is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity of 'a swell line' around the outer circumfexence of the foot of the shoe wearer . The swell line is a line that forms a contour of a horizontally projected plan of the foot , or in other words, a line connecting the most projected or protruded portions around the outer circumference of the foot. More preferably, the upper end of the supporting portion iFS) is slightly beyond this swell line.
~n addition, the term "loop' is used with the mean~.ng including not only annular but curved with a slightly circular arc.
Now, a number of embodiments in each of which the tightening structure of the present invention is applied to an athletic shoe are described in detail hereinafter.
<Firat Embodimeat>
FIGS. 2A to 2C show a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, the same reference '?5 characters as those in FIGS. lA to 1C indicate the same or corresponding portions.
In this f~.rst embodiment. a first fastening FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-0T4 P.16/50 F-912 element of a ~-oop shape is formed of a medial fastening element (F1 ) disposed on the medial side in a hand shape and a lateral fastening element (F1') dzsposed on the lateral side. The medial fastening elemenx (Ft) extends obliquely and upwardly from the terminus (Fs' ) or the proximal end of the supporting portion (Fs) to the position corresponding to the navi.cular ( f3 ) ~ Similarly, a second fastening element of a loop shape is formed of a medial fastening element (F2) disposed an the medial side in a band shape and a lateral fastening element ( F2' ) disposed on the lateral side - In the drawings, a predetermined clearance is provided between each medial fastening Element and its corresponding lateral fastening element of the first and second fastening elements, and a joining part ( not shown ) may be provided at this clearance to coin the medial and lateral fastening elements .
The joining past may be a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener. buckle or the ~.iks- Either or both the medial and lateral fastening elements may be elongated and both the fastening elements may be overlapped.
p ~n addition, the termini or distal ends of the medial fastening elements of the first and second fastening elements are preferably placed an the lateral s~.de beyond a shoe center line ( C ) . This is for Wrapping the wider regions corresponding '~o the navicular ran the lateral side, so as not to cause a local pressure on the foot inside the shoe and also for preventing the mutual- a-nterference of the j oinl.ng part s of a lef t and right shoe - A midsole ( M ) i s bonded FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 17/50 F-912 under the shoe upper, and a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole (M).
In this case, the supporting porxion (Fs) can prevent the transverse slippage or slippage toward xhe lateral s~.de of the foot inside the shoe at the time of landing onto the ground. Moreover, by providing the media- fastening element (F1) of the first fastening element of a loop shape, an instep support~.ng portion of the medial fastening element (F1), which passes over the instep of the foot, can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe on landing .
Furthermore, by providing the medial fasxening element (F2) of the second fastening element of a loop shape, an instep supporting poxtion of the medial fasxening element (FZ), which passes over the instep ref the foot, can furthex prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe on landing.
Also, an inside or medial wall portion of the medial fastening element (F1), which extends upv~srd~-y toward the navicular ( f3 ) of the foot on the medial side, supports the navicular (f3) xo raise it up with xhe riavicular (f3) wrapped or enclosed in the inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift from the heel portia>' to the forefoot portion, sinking of the inside aFch can be prevented, thereby preventing an excessive inclination of the foot toward the medial side and improving thg heel stability.
Also, in this case, because the lateral fastenltlg elements (F1' ) and (FZ' ) of the first ar><d second FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 1$/50 F-912 fastening elements are integrated with the support~.ng portion (Fs). both the fittability and supportabiLity as an athletic shoe can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
The upper end of the support~.ng portion ( Fs ) is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity Qf ' a swell l3.ne' around the periphery of the foot of the wearer.
that is, a l~.ne forming the contour of a horizontally projected plan of the foot, yr in other words, a line to connecting the most pro jected or protruded portions around zhe periphery of the foot. More preferably, the upper end of the supporting potion ( Fs ) ~.s slightly beyond this swell line_ ALsa, toss of the shoe wearer are not bound by each fastening element, and thus, they move freely, which allows fax a strong ground-kicking and balance ad~~xstment during sports.
In addition, the term "Loop" is used with the meaning including not only annular but curved with a slightly circular arc.
p Also, in th~-s embodiment, the corrugated sheet (W) provided in the heel portion of the midsole (M) can prevent the heel of the foot from sinking more than necessary into the m~.dsole (M) on landing, thereby prevent-ng a transverse inclination of the foot after landing. Therefore, in this case, the heel stability can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of thB corrugated sheet (W).
FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.19/50 F-912 _ 16 Each portion of the medial and lateral fastening elements (F1)' (Fl')' (F2) and (F2') can be changeable accprding to the characteristics and objects of sports (sae a double dotted line of FIG. 3C).
< Secoud 8><abodiment >
FIG_ 3A shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only the first fastening element is provided and the second fastening element is not provzded' which is a different feature than the first embodiment . In FIG. 3A, the same characters as those ~.ri the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
The first fastening element of a loop shape includes a medial fastening element (F1) disposed on the medial side in a band shape and a lateral fastening element (F1') disposed on the iateral side. The medial fastening element (Fl) extends diagonal7.y and upwardly from the end of the supporting portion (Fs ) to the position corxespond.ing to the navicular. At a gap formed between the med~.al and lateral faster~~.ng elements ( F1 ) and ( F1 ' ) is provided a joining part such as a shoelace, hock-and-loop fastener, snap fastener' buckle or the like to join these medial anal lateral fastening elements. The terminus or distal. and of the medial fastening element (FI) is preferably positioned on the lateral side beyond the shoe center line . Addita~onally.
a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into FEB-25-02 10:52 FRONhDONAHUE + T-074 P.20/50 F-912 the heel portion of the midsole (M).
I~ this embodiment, at the time of landing Qn the ground, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent the transverse sl~.ppage of the foot toward the lateral side in the shoe, and an insxep supporting portion of the medial fastening element (F1) can prevent the forward slippage of the foot in the shoe. Moreover, the inside wall portion of the medial fastening element (Fl) supports the areas corresponding to the navicular of the foot to raise and enclose the navicular, thereby preventing sinking of the inside arch at the time of the weight shift from the hee~-portion to the forefoot portion. As a result, excessive inclination of the foot to the medial side can be prevented and thus , the heel stability can be advanced. Furthermore , by providing the lateral fastening element (Fl' ) integrally with the supporting portion (Fs) , both the fittability and supportab~.lity as a shoe can be achieved with a minimum of shoe components . Also, in this case , the heal stabs-lity can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet (W) interposed in the heel port~.on of the midsole (M)-<Third 8mbodiment>
FIG. 38 shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, on2y the second fastening element is provided and the first fastening e~.ement i.s not FEB-25-02 10:52 FR014-DONAHUE + T-074 P.21/50 F-912 -provided, which is a different feature from the first embodiment . In FIG. 3a, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
The second fastening element of a loop shape includes a medial fastening element (F2) disposed on the medial side and a lateral fastening element ( F2 ' ) disposed on the lateral side . At a gap formed between the media. and lateral fastening elements (F2) and (F2') is provided a joining part such as a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener, buckle or the like to join these medial and lateral fastening elements. The terminus ar distal end of the medial fastening element ( F2 ) is preferably positioned an the lateral side beyond the shoe center line. Additionally.
a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole (~1) .
In this embodiment as well, at the time of landing on the ground, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent a transverse slippage of the foot toward the lateral side in the shoe, and an instep supporting portion of the medial fastening element (FZ) can prevent a forward slippage of the foot in the shoe . Moreover , by providing the lot eral fastening element (F2') integrally with the supporting portion (Fs) , both the fittability and supportability as a shoe can be achieved with a minimum of shoe components.
Furthermore. in this case, the heel stability can ba further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet (W~ interposed in the heal portion of the FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 22/50 F-912 _ ~g _ midsole (M1.
In addition, it depends on the characteristics and objects of sports whether both the first and second fastening elements are provided, as shown in the f~.rst embodiment, or only the first or second fasten~.ng element is provided, as shown in the second or third embodiment.
respectively.
«'ourth Faabodiment >
0 FIGS- 4A and 4B show athlet3.c shoes each employing the tightening structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, the same characters as those in the first ettlbodiment indicate the same or correspond~.ng parts .
This fourth embodiment is different Pram the first embodiment in that each distal end of the medial fastening elements (F1) and (F2) of the first and second fastening elements is positioned on the medial side, not beyond the shoe center line (C). The corresponding medial 0 and lateral fastening elements are connected to each other by a joining part such as a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener , buckle or the like . Also , in this embodiment , each of the fastening elements and supporting portion (Fs) has a differetlt shape than a band shape shown in each of the 25 aforementioned embodiments, which enhances an ornamental effect .
FEB-25-02 10:52 FR01~-DONAHUE + T-074 P.23/50 F-912 <Fifth Embodi~aent>
FIGS. 5A and 58 show athletic shoes each employ3.ng the tightening structure of tha fifth embodiment of the present invention. ~n the drawings, the same b characters as those in the f first embodiment indicate the same or carrespo>nd~.ng Parts _ In this embodiment. each of the second fastening elements (F2) and (F2') ~-s provided at the rear position relative to the position shown in each of the 1Q aforementioned embodiments.
<Sixtb Embadiiae>I~t>
FTGS. 6A and 68 show athletic shoes each employing the tightening structure of the sixth embodiment 15 of the present inventir~n. In tha drawings, the same characters as those i.n the first embodiment indicate the same or correspondii7g parts .
In this embodiment, the supporting port~.on Fs ) a-s cut at the term.»us ( Fs ' ) . Which is not formed 20 integral~.y with the first fastening element (F1). xh this case, the first fastening element (F1) is connected to the terminus (Fs') directly ar via the shoe >xpper. This sixth embodiment also has the same function and effect as the fiFSt embodiment.
<ssventb Embodiaa~nt>
FIGS. 7A and 7E show athletic shoes each FEB-25-02 10:52 FR01~-DONAHUE + T-074 P 24/50 F-912 employing the tightening structure of the seventh embodiment of the present ~.nventior~. In the dra~tings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same ox corresponding parts.
g In this embodiment, the first and second fastening elements are provided inside or in the shoe upper, while 1n each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second fastening element is provided outside or on the shoe upper. Here, 'inside the shoe upper' means inside the inner cuahi.oni>ng materLals of the shoe , and ' in the shoe upper ' means in the inner cushioning materials of the shoe .
Also, in this embodiment, each distal end of the lateral fastening elements (Fl') acrd (F2') passes through a slit farmed on the outer surface of the shoe upper arid is disposed I5 outside the upper. Additi.c~rially, either one of the first and second fastening elements may be placed inside or in the upper .
»ither case has the same functl.on and effect as the first embodiment.
<Eigbth Rutbodiiue>at~
FIGS. 8A and SB show athletic shoes each employing the tightening structure of the eighth emboda.ment of the present invention. Iri the drawings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or cor~Cesponding parts~
In this embodiment, the supporting portion (Fs ) is also pos3.tioned inside or in the shoe upper, which FEB-25-02 10:53 FROM-DONAHUE + T-OT4 P.25/50 F-912 is a different feature fX'am the seventh embodiment. This embodiment also has the same function and effect as the first embodiment.
<N~.>ath xmbodiaveat>
FIGS. 9A and 98 show athletic shoes each employing the t~.ghteW ng structure of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
In this embodiment , the fastening elements and the supporting portion ( Fs ) are formed by ' weldering' , which is a different feature than the aforementioned embodiments .
' Weldering' is a working process such as partially embossing the shoe upper to form irregularities, or further ir~jectirig a silicon resin or the like into the embossed recesses to keep their shapes . This embodiment also has the same function and effect as the first embodiment . Also, in this embodiment , stiffness w~.ll be partially improved by pressing process in weldering and/or resin injection.
<Tenth EmbocL~.me>at>
FIG. 10 shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the tenth ambodime>nt of the present invention. In the drawing, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding pares.
FEB-25-02 10:53 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 26/50 F-912 An athletic shoe 1 is comprised of an upper 2 , a midsole 3 that is bonded under the upper 2 , a corrugated sheet 4 that is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole 3 , and an outsole 5 that is bonded on the bottom face of the b midsole 3. The midsole 3 has an upraised portion 3a that is raised upward from the surface of an insole 6 inside the shoe 1, and extends from the heel portion of the shoe l to the vicinity of a forefoot portion through the midfoot portion (or the arch of the foot). This upraised portion 3a 7.f~ corresponds tv the supporting portion in each of the aforementioned embodiments . A pair of belt members 7 . 8 are provided inside the upper 2. Each of the lower ends of the belt members 7, 8 is fixed to the side wall of the heel portion inside the upper 2 by stitching, bonding or the like. fhe 1~ belt members 7 , 8 extend obligusly and upwardly toward the position corresponding to the navioular of the foot, and each of the upper ends of the belt rnembexs 7, 8 passes through a slit farmed in the top portion of the upper 2, and is coririected to a shoelace 9. The intermediate portions of the ZO belt members 7 , 8 are not connected to the inside of the upper 2. The lower ends of the belt members 7, 8 may be inserted between the insole 6 and midsole 3 , and bonded therebetween .
Zn this embodiment, at the time of landing, the upraised pot'tion 3a can prevent a transverse sligpage 26 of the foot tawax~d the lateral side inside the shoe, and the shoelace 9 connected to the belt members 7, 8 can prevent a forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe. Moreover, in this case, each of the belt members 7, 8 is provided integrally with the upraised portion 3a via the upper 2 , which can satisfy both the fittability and supportability as a shoe with a minimum of shoe componepts. Furthermore, the heel stability can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet A provided in the ' heel portion of the midsole 3.
As explained above in greater ~ detail.
according to the tightening structure or the wrap and fit lU system for an article of footwear of the present invention, f ittability, supportability and stability can be advanced with a minimum of components. The tightening structure of the present invention is useful for footwear including sandals and athletic shoes.
lb It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved tightening structure having a number of advantages and characteristics, including those pointed out herein and others which are inherent in the invention. A number of preferred embodiments having been 2o described by way of illustration, it is anticipated that modifications to the described forms of product will occur to those skilled in the art and that such modification and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.08 F-912 Also, in this case, bs~cause the (first fastening element is integrated with the supporting member, both the fittabili.ty and supportability of the footwear can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
ra In addition, the term "loop" in the first invention means annular.
A second invention provides a similar tightening structure of footwear for wrapping the foot of a shoe wearer in a loop shape. The structure of the second invention includes a supporting member to support the lateral side of the foot, which extends from the position near the Read of the metatarsus on the lateral side of the foot over the tsar portion of the calcaneus to the medial s~.de of the foot. The structure also includes a second fastening element of a loop shape, which is formed integrally with the supporting member, and extends between the medial side and the lateral side on the rear side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the foot. In this case, the supporting member can prevent a transverse slippage or sl~.ppage toward the lateral side of the foot inside the footwear at the time of landing onto the ground. Moreover, by providing the second fastening element of a loop shape. an ~.nstap supporting portion of the second fasten-ng element, which passes over the instep of the foot , can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing.
Furthermore, ~.n this case, because the second fastening e~.ement is integrated with the supporting member.
FEB-25-02 10:50 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.09/50 F-912 both the fittabi.lity a>nd supportability of the footwear can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
zn addition, the term "loop" In the second ~.nvention is used with the meaning of a slightly curved circular arc.
The upper ead of each of the supporting members in the first aid second inventions is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity of 'a swell line' around the outer circumference c~f the foot of the shoe wearer, that is.
a line forming the contour of a horizontally pro jected plan of the foot , or in other Words , a l~.ne connecting the mast projected or protruded portions around the outer circumference of the foot - More preferably, the upper end of the height of the supporting member is slightly beyo3ld this swe~.l ~.i.rie .
The first and second fastening elements each may be formed of medial fastening elements provided ort the medial side, lateral fastening elemer~ts provided on the lateral side, and joining or securing parts that join these medial and lateral fastening elements . The termini or distal ends of the medial fastening elements are preferably disposed an the lateral side IxZeyond a center line of the shoe .
This is for wrapping or enclosing the wider areas of the lateral navicular position to prevent a local excessive pressure, and for preventing each of the fastening elements of a left and right shoe from ~.ntert'eri.:Zg with 8aah other.
An athletic shoe is a favorable example of FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 10/50 F-912 .. 7 _ footwear to which the first and second inventions are applied.
and in the athletic shoe, at least portions of the medial and lateral fastening elements may be provided outside or inside the shoe upper'. ar in the &hoe upper. Also, each of the proxzmal ends of the medial and lateral fastening e~.ements of the shoe may be anchored to the shoe upper ar the heel portion of a midsole, and each of the distal ends of the medial and lateral fastening elemer'Gts may be connected to the joining part , and each of the intermediate portzons of the medial and lateral fastening elements may be disconnected from the shoe uppex. Additionally. ~.rt the athletic shoe to which the present invention i.s applied, a corrugated sheet having a corrugation may be provided at least at the heel portion of the midsole formed of a soft elastic material.
FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams each illustrating a tightening stx~uctur$ for footwear according to the present inventio»1.
FIG _ 1A is a medial side view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
~5 FIG . 1C is a lateral side view of the tightening structure of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a medial side schematic view of an FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 11/50 F-912 athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG- 28 is a top plan schematic v~.aw of the athletic shoe of FxG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is a lateral side schematic v~.ew of an athletic shoe employing the tights»ing structure of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a lateral side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing xk~e tightening stx'ucture of the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3C is a schematic illustrating a variant of the tightening structure of the first embodiment of the present invention showr~ in FIG. 2C.
FIG. 4A is a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the fourth embod~.rnent of the pxesent invention.
FIG. 48 is a laxeral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. ~A.
F1G. 5A is a medial szde schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the f~.fth smbodime>nt of the present invention.
FIG. 58 is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 6A is a medial side schematic vista of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DOPIAHUE + T-074 P.12/50 F-912 g _ sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6H is a lateral slde.schema>Gic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7A is a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the seventh emt~odiment of the present invention.
FIG. ~8 is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FiG. 7A.
FIG _ BA is a medial side schematic view of an IQ athletic shoe employing the tightan~.ng structure of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8~ is a l.at8ral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. BA.
FIG . 9A ~.s a medial side schematic view of an athletic shoe employing the t~-ghteu~.ng structure of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG_ 9>s is a lateral side schematic view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view of an athletic shoe employing the t~.ghtening structure of the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
~T~.g~ttening Struature>
Referring now to the drawings, a tightening structure for footwear of the present invention is shown in FIGS . lA to ~.C . These figures shøw the condit~.on in which FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.13/50 F-912 the tightening stFUCture of a loop shape of the present ~.nveiZtion is directly wrapped around a foot of a shoe wearer.
Therefore, when this tightening structure is applied to an actual article of footwear, by providing a sole under the tightening structure, the footwear will function as a sandal.
and by further providing an upper on the sole , the footwear will function as an athletic shoe for sports such as running .
track, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf or the like.
This tightaizing structure of a loop shape includes a supporting portion ( Fs ) , which extends from the pos it ion near the head of the metatarsus ( f 1 ? on the lateral side of the foot of the shoe wearer over the rear portion of the calcaneus ( f 2 ) to the med~.al side of the foot , and ~6 a first fastening element (F1) of a loop shape, which is formed integrally with and extends from the terminus ( Fs ' ) or the proximal end of the supporting portion ( Fs ) to surround or enclose the outer circumference of the calcaneus (f2).
and extends upwardly toward the position of the navicular {f3) on the medial side, and passes aver the instep of the foot above the navicular (f3), and returns to the lateral side of the foot and to the lateral side of the calcaneus ( f 2 ) of the supporting portion ( Fs ) . Moreover, the fastening structure of a loop shape also includes a second fastening '?5 element (F2 ) of a loop shape, which extends between the medial and lateral sides on the rear side of the base of the proximal phalanx ( f ~ ) of the foot of the shoe wearer .
FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 14/50 F-912 In addition, a curved line L in FIG. 1H shows a base line of the proximal phalanx ( f4 ) xhat are disposed in front of the metaxarsus ( f1 ) . An arrow mark of each distal end of the first and second fastening elements (F1 ) and (F2) in FIGS. 1H, 1C dep~.cts the condition in which each fastening element is anchored and fastened to the supporting portion (Fs).
In th~-s case, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent a transverse slippage or slippage toward the lateral side of the foot inside the footwear at the time of landing onto ~Che ground. Moreover, by providing the first fastening element (FI ) of a loop shape, an insxep supporting Portion of the first fastening element (F1) , which passes over the instep of the foot, can prevent a forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Furthermore, by providing the second fastening element ( F2 ) of a loop shape , are instep supporting portion of the second fastening element ( F2 ) , which passes over the instep of the foot , can further prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the footwear on landing. Also, an inside wall portion of the first fastening element (F1), which extends upwardly toward the navicular ( f 3 ) of the foot on the medial s ide , supports the navicul.ar ( f 3 ) to raise it up with the navicular ( f 3 ) wrapped or enclosed in the .inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift from the heal portion to the forefoot portion, sinking of the inside arch can be prevented, thez~eby preventing an excessive inclination of the foot toward the FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.15/50 F-912 medial side and improving the heal stability.
Moreover, in this case, because the first and second fastsning elements ( F1 ) and ( F2 ) are integrated with the supporting port~.on (Fs), both the fittability and supportabilLty of the footweax can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components . The upper end of the supporting portion iFs) is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity of 'a swell line' around the outer circumfexence of the foot of the shoe wearer . The swell line is a line that forms a contour of a horizontally projected plan of the foot , or in other words, a line connecting the most projected or protruded portions around the outer circumference of the foot. More preferably, the upper end of the supporting portion iFS) is slightly beyond this swell line.
~n addition, the term "loop' is used with the mean~.ng including not only annular but curved with a slightly circular arc.
Now, a number of embodiments in each of which the tightening structure of the present invention is applied to an athletic shoe are described in detail hereinafter.
<Firat Embodimeat>
FIGS. 2A to 2C show a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, the same reference '?5 characters as those in FIGS. lA to 1C indicate the same or corresponding portions.
In this f~.rst embodiment. a first fastening FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-0T4 P.16/50 F-912 element of a ~-oop shape is formed of a medial fastening element (F1 ) disposed on the medial side in a hand shape and a lateral fastening element (F1') dzsposed on the lateral side. The medial fastening elemenx (Ft) extends obliquely and upwardly from the terminus (Fs' ) or the proximal end of the supporting portion (Fs) to the position corresponding to the navi.cular ( f3 ) ~ Similarly, a second fastening element of a loop shape is formed of a medial fastening element (F2) disposed an the medial side in a band shape and a lateral fastening element ( F2' ) disposed on the lateral side - In the drawings, a predetermined clearance is provided between each medial fastening Element and its corresponding lateral fastening element of the first and second fastening elements, and a joining part ( not shown ) may be provided at this clearance to coin the medial and lateral fastening elements .
The joining past may be a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener. buckle or the ~.iks- Either or both the medial and lateral fastening elements may be elongated and both the fastening elements may be overlapped.
p ~n addition, the termini or distal ends of the medial fastening elements of the first and second fastening elements are preferably placed an the lateral s~.de beyond a shoe center line ( C ) . This is for Wrapping the wider regions corresponding '~o the navicular ran the lateral side, so as not to cause a local pressure on the foot inside the shoe and also for preventing the mutual- a-nterference of the j oinl.ng part s of a lef t and right shoe - A midsole ( M ) i s bonded FEB-25-02 10:51 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 17/50 F-912 under the shoe upper, and a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole (M).
In this case, the supporting porxion (Fs) can prevent the transverse slippage or slippage toward xhe lateral s~.de of the foot inside the shoe at the time of landing onto the ground. Moreover, by providing the media- fastening element (F1) of the first fastening element of a loop shape, an instep support~.ng portion of the medial fastening element (F1), which passes over the instep of the foot, can prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe on landing .
Furthermore, by providing the medial fasxening element (F2) of the second fastening element of a loop shape, an instep supporting poxtion of the medial fasxening element (FZ), which passes over the instep ref the foot, can furthex prevent the forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe on landing.
Also, an inside or medial wall portion of the medial fastening element (F1), which extends upv~srd~-y toward the navicular ( f3 ) of the foot on the medial side, supports the navicular (f3) xo raise it up with xhe riavicular (f3) wrapped or enclosed in the inside wall portion. Thus, at the time of the weight shift from the heel portia>' to the forefoot portion, sinking of the inside aFch can be prevented, thereby preventing an excessive inclination of the foot toward the medial side and improving thg heel stability.
Also, in this case, because the lateral fastenltlg elements (F1' ) and (FZ' ) of the first ar><d second FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 1$/50 F-912 fastening elements are integrated with the support~.ng portion (Fs). both the fittability and supportabiLity as an athletic shoe can be satisfied with a minimum of shoe components.
The upper end of the support~.ng portion ( Fs ) is preferably placed at the position in the vicinity Qf ' a swell l3.ne' around the periphery of the foot of the wearer.
that is, a l~.ne forming the contour of a horizontally projected plan of the foot, yr in other words, a line to connecting the most pro jected or protruded portions around zhe periphery of the foot. More preferably, the upper end of the supporting potion ( Fs ) ~.s slightly beyond this swell line_ ALsa, toss of the shoe wearer are not bound by each fastening element, and thus, they move freely, which allows fax a strong ground-kicking and balance ad~~xstment during sports.
In addition, the term "Loop" is used with the meaning including not only annular but curved with a slightly circular arc.
p Also, in th~-s embodiment, the corrugated sheet (W) provided in the heel portion of the midsole (M) can prevent the heel of the foot from sinking more than necessary into the m~.dsole (M) on landing, thereby prevent-ng a transverse inclination of the foot after landing. Therefore, in this case, the heel stability can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of thB corrugated sheet (W).
FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P.19/50 F-912 _ 16 Each portion of the medial and lateral fastening elements (F1)' (Fl')' (F2) and (F2') can be changeable accprding to the characteristics and objects of sports (sae a double dotted line of FIG. 3C).
< Secoud 8><abodiment >
FIG_ 3A shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only the first fastening element is provided and the second fastening element is not provzded' which is a different feature than the first embodiment . In FIG. 3A, the same characters as those ~.ri the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
The first fastening element of a loop shape includes a medial fastening element (F1) disposed on the medial side in a band shape and a lateral fastening element (F1') disposed on the iateral side. The medial fastening element (Fl) extends diagonal7.y and upwardly from the end of the supporting portion (Fs ) to the position corxespond.ing to the navicular. At a gap formed between the med~.al and lateral faster~~.ng elements ( F1 ) and ( F1 ' ) is provided a joining part such as a shoelace, hock-and-loop fastener, snap fastener' buckle or the like to join these medial anal lateral fastening elements. The terminus or distal. and of the medial fastening element (FI) is preferably positioned on the lateral side beyond the shoe center line . Addita~onally.
a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into FEB-25-02 10:52 FRONhDONAHUE + T-074 P.20/50 F-912 the heel portion of the midsole (M).
I~ this embodiment, at the time of landing Qn the ground, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent the transverse sl~.ppage of the foot toward the lateral side in the shoe, and an insxep supporting portion of the medial fastening element (F1) can prevent the forward slippage of the foot in the shoe. Moreover, the inside wall portion of the medial fastening element (Fl) supports the areas corresponding to the navicular of the foot to raise and enclose the navicular, thereby preventing sinking of the inside arch at the time of the weight shift from the hee~-portion to the forefoot portion. As a result, excessive inclination of the foot to the medial side can be prevented and thus , the heel stability can be advanced. Furthermore , by providing the lateral fastening element (Fl' ) integrally with the supporting portion (Fs) , both the fittability and supportab~.lity as a shoe can be achieved with a minimum of shoe components . Also, in this case , the heal stabs-lity can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet (W) interposed in the heel port~.on of the midsole (M)-<Third 8mbodiment>
FIG. 38 shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, on2y the second fastening element is provided and the first fastening e~.ement i.s not FEB-25-02 10:52 FR014-DONAHUE + T-074 P.21/50 F-912 -provided, which is a different feature from the first embodiment . In FIG. 3a, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
The second fastening element of a loop shape includes a medial fastening element (F2) disposed on the medial side and a lateral fastening element ( F2 ' ) disposed on the lateral side . At a gap formed between the media. and lateral fastening elements (F2) and (F2') is provided a joining part such as a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener, buckle or the like to join these medial and lateral fastening elements. The terminus ar distal end of the medial fastening element ( F2 ) is preferably positioned an the lateral side beyond the shoe center line. Additionally.
a corrugated sheet (W) having a corrugation is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole (~1) .
In this embodiment as well, at the time of landing on the ground, the supporting portion (Fs) can prevent a transverse slippage of the foot toward the lateral side in the shoe, and an instep supporting portion of the medial fastening element (FZ) can prevent a forward slippage of the foot in the shoe . Moreover , by providing the lot eral fastening element (F2') integrally with the supporting portion (Fs) , both the fittability and supportability as a shoe can be achieved with a minimum of shoe components.
Furthermore. in this case, the heel stability can ba further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet (W~ interposed in the heal portion of the FEB-25-02 10:52 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 22/50 F-912 _ ~g _ midsole (M1.
In addition, it depends on the characteristics and objects of sports whether both the first and second fastening elements are provided, as shown in the f~.rst embodiment, or only the first or second fasten~.ng element is provided, as shown in the second or third embodiment.
respectively.
«'ourth Faabodiment >
0 FIGS- 4A and 4B show athlet3.c shoes each employing the tightening structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, the same characters as those in the first ettlbodiment indicate the same or correspond~.ng parts .
This fourth embodiment is different Pram the first embodiment in that each distal end of the medial fastening elements (F1) and (F2) of the first and second fastening elements is positioned on the medial side, not beyond the shoe center line (C). The corresponding medial 0 and lateral fastening elements are connected to each other by a joining part such as a shoelace, hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener , buckle or the like . Also , in this embodiment , each of the fastening elements and supporting portion (Fs) has a differetlt shape than a band shape shown in each of the 25 aforementioned embodiments, which enhances an ornamental effect .
FEB-25-02 10:52 FR01~-DONAHUE + T-074 P.23/50 F-912 <Fifth Embodi~aent>
FIGS. 5A and 58 show athletic shoes each employ3.ng the tightening structure of tha fifth embodiment of the present invention. ~n the drawings, the same b characters as those in the f first embodiment indicate the same or carrespo>nd~.ng Parts _ In this embodiment. each of the second fastening elements (F2) and (F2') ~-s provided at the rear position relative to the position shown in each of the 1Q aforementioned embodiments.
<Sixtb Embadiiae>I~t>
FTGS. 6A and 68 show athletic shoes each employing the tightening structure of the sixth embodiment 15 of the present inventir~n. In tha drawings, the same characters as those i.n the first embodiment indicate the same or correspondii7g parts .
In this embodiment, the supporting port~.on Fs ) a-s cut at the term.»us ( Fs ' ) . Which is not formed 20 integral~.y with the first fastening element (F1). xh this case, the first fastening element (F1) is connected to the terminus (Fs') directly ar via the shoe >xpper. This sixth embodiment also has the same function and effect as the fiFSt embodiment.
<ssventb Embodiaa~nt>
FIGS. 7A and 7E show athletic shoes each FEB-25-02 10:52 FR01~-DONAHUE + T-074 P 24/50 F-912 employing the tightening structure of the seventh embodiment of the present ~.nventior~. In the dra~tings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same ox corresponding parts.
g In this embodiment, the first and second fastening elements are provided inside or in the shoe upper, while 1n each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first and/or second fastening element is provided outside or on the shoe upper. Here, 'inside the shoe upper' means inside the inner cuahi.oni>ng materLals of the shoe , and ' in the shoe upper ' means in the inner cushioning materials of the shoe .
Also, in this embodiment, each distal end of the lateral fastening elements (Fl') acrd (F2') passes through a slit farmed on the outer surface of the shoe upper arid is disposed I5 outside the upper. Additi.c~rially, either one of the first and second fastening elements may be placed inside or in the upper .
»ither case has the same functl.on and effect as the first embodiment.
<Eigbth Rutbodiiue>at~
FIGS. 8A and SB show athletic shoes each employing the tightening structure of the eighth emboda.ment of the present invention. Iri the drawings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or cor~Cesponding parts~
In this embodiment, the supporting portion (Fs ) is also pos3.tioned inside or in the shoe upper, which FEB-25-02 10:53 FROM-DONAHUE + T-OT4 P.25/50 F-912 is a different feature fX'am the seventh embodiment. This embodiment also has the same function and effect as the first embodiment.
<N~.>ath xmbodiaveat>
FIGS. 9A and 98 show athletic shoes each employing the t~.ghteW ng structure of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts.
In this embodiment , the fastening elements and the supporting portion ( Fs ) are formed by ' weldering' , which is a different feature than the aforementioned embodiments .
' Weldering' is a working process such as partially embossing the shoe upper to form irregularities, or further ir~jectirig a silicon resin or the like into the embossed recesses to keep their shapes . This embodiment also has the same function and effect as the first embodiment . Also, in this embodiment , stiffness w~.ll be partially improved by pressing process in weldering and/or resin injection.
<Tenth EmbocL~.me>at>
FIG. 10 shows an athletic shoe employing the tightening structure of the tenth ambodime>nt of the present invention. In the drawing, the same characters as those in the first embodiment indicate the same or corresponding pares.
FEB-25-02 10:53 FROM-DONAHUE + T-074 P 26/50 F-912 An athletic shoe 1 is comprised of an upper 2 , a midsole 3 that is bonded under the upper 2 , a corrugated sheet 4 that is inserted into the heel portion of the midsole 3 , and an outsole 5 that is bonded on the bottom face of the b midsole 3. The midsole 3 has an upraised portion 3a that is raised upward from the surface of an insole 6 inside the shoe 1, and extends from the heel portion of the shoe l to the vicinity of a forefoot portion through the midfoot portion (or the arch of the foot). This upraised portion 3a 7.f~ corresponds tv the supporting portion in each of the aforementioned embodiments . A pair of belt members 7 . 8 are provided inside the upper 2. Each of the lower ends of the belt members 7, 8 is fixed to the side wall of the heel portion inside the upper 2 by stitching, bonding or the like. fhe 1~ belt members 7 , 8 extend obligusly and upwardly toward the position corresponding to the navioular of the foot, and each of the upper ends of the belt rnembexs 7, 8 passes through a slit farmed in the top portion of the upper 2, and is coririected to a shoelace 9. The intermediate portions of the ZO belt members 7 , 8 are not connected to the inside of the upper 2. The lower ends of the belt members 7, 8 may be inserted between the insole 6 and midsole 3 , and bonded therebetween .
Zn this embodiment, at the time of landing, the upraised pot'tion 3a can prevent a transverse sligpage 26 of the foot tawax~d the lateral side inside the shoe, and the shoelace 9 connected to the belt members 7, 8 can prevent a forward slippage of the foot inside the shoe. Moreover, in this case, each of the belt members 7, 8 is provided integrally with the upraised portion 3a via the upper 2 , which can satisfy both the fittability and supportability as a shoe with a minimum of shoe componepts. Furthermore, the heel stability can be further improved by the actions combined with the action of the corrugated sheet A provided in the ' heel portion of the midsole 3.
As explained above in greater ~ detail.
according to the tightening structure or the wrap and fit lU system for an article of footwear of the present invention, f ittability, supportability and stability can be advanced with a minimum of components. The tightening structure of the present invention is useful for footwear including sandals and athletic shoes.
lb It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved tightening structure having a number of advantages and characteristics, including those pointed out herein and others which are inherent in the invention. A number of preferred embodiments having been 2o described by way of illustration, it is anticipated that modifications to the described forms of product will occur to those skilled in the art and that such modification and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A tightening system for footwear to wrap and fasten a foot of a wearer in a loop shape, said system comprising:
a supporting element having an upraised portion for supporting a lateral side of the foot of the wearer, said upraised portion having a lateral side portion extending on the lateral side of the foot from a head of a metatarsus around a rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot and terminating in a medial side portion at a medial side of the calcaneus; and a first fastening element of a loop shape to surround the calcaneus, said first fastening element integrated with and extending from an end of the medial side portion of the upraised portion over a nayicular to the lateral side portion of the upraised portion, said first fastening element being connected to said supporting element at said medial and said lateral side portions of the upraised portion.
a supporting element having an upraised portion for supporting a lateral side of the foot of the wearer, said upraised portion having a lateral side portion extending on the lateral side of the foot from a head of a metatarsus around a rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot and terminating in a medial side portion at a medial side of the calcaneus; and a first fastening element of a loop shape to surround the calcaneus, said first fastening element integrated with and extending from an end of the medial side portion of the upraised portion over a nayicular to the lateral side portion of the upraised portion, said first fastening element being connected to said supporting element at said medial and said lateral side portions of the upraised portion.
2. The tightening system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second fastening element of a loop shape provided integrally with the supporting element of a base of a proximal phalanx, said second fastening element extending over the instep from the medial side to the lateral side of the foot.
3. The tightening system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first fastening element includes a medial fastening element provided on the medial side, a lateral fastening element provided on the lateral side, and a joining element that joins said medial fastening element to said lateral fastening element.
4. The tightening system as claimed in claim 3, wherein a terminus of said medial fastening element is disposed on the lateral side beyond a shoe center line.
5. The tightening system for footwear to wrap and fasten a foot of a wearer in a loop shape, said system comprising:
a supporting element having an upraised portion for supporting a lateral side of the foot of the wearer, said upraised portion having a lateral side portion extending on the lateral side of the foot from a head of a metatarsus around a rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot and terminating in a medial side portion at a medial side of the calcaneus; and a fastening element of a loop shape provided integrally with the supporting element rearward of a base of a proximal phalanx, said fastening element extending over the instep from the medial side to the lateral side of the foot.
a supporting element having an upraised portion for supporting a lateral side of the foot of the wearer, said upraised portion having a lateral side portion extending on the lateral side of the foot from a head of a metatarsus around a rear portion of the calcaneus of the foot and terminating in a medial side portion at a medial side of the calcaneus; and a fastening element of a loop shape provided integrally with the supporting element rearward of a base of a proximal phalanx, said fastening element extending over the instep from the medial side to the lateral side of the foot.
6. The tightening system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said second fastening element includes a medial fastening element provided on the medial side, a lateral fastening element provided on the lateral side, and a joining element that joins said medial fastening element to said lateral fastening element.
7. The tightening system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fastening element includes a medial fastening element provided on the medial side, a lateral fastening element provided on the lateral side, and a joining element that joins said medial fastening element to said lateral fastening element.
8. The tightening system as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein a terminus of said medial fastening element is disposed on the lateral side beyond a shoe center line.
9. The tightening system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein an upper end of said supporting element is positioned in the vicinity of a swell line of an outer circumference of the foot of the wearer.
10. The tightening system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said footwear is an athletic shoe.
11. The tightening system as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said medial fastening elements and said lateral fastening elements is provided outside an upper of said shoe.
12. The tightening system as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said medial fastening elements and said lateral fastening elements is provided inside an upper of said shoe.
13. The tightening system as claimed in claims 11 or 12, wherein intermediate portions of said medial and lateral fastening elements are disconnected from said upper.
14. The tightening system as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said medial fastening elements and said lateral fastening elements is provided between layers of an upper of said shoe.
15. The tightening system as claimed in any of claims 10 to 14 further comprising a midsole formed of a soft elastic material, wherein a corrugated sheet having a wavy corrugation interposed at least at a heel portion of said midsole.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2000/002836 WO2001082735A1 (en) | 2000-04-28 | 2000-04-28 | Tight-binding structure for footwear |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2369231A1 CA2369231A1 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
| CA2369231C true CA2369231C (en) | 2007-04-17 |
Family
ID=11735988
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002369231A Expired - Fee Related CA2369231C (en) | 2000-04-28 | 2000-04-28 | Wrap closure and fit system of footwear |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
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| US (1) | US6606804B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1190635B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4219591B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR0011335B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2369231C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE60013288T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2226817T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001082735A1 (en) |
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-
2000
- 2000-04-28 JP JP2001579625A patent/JP4219591B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-04-28 ES ES00921098T patent/ES2226817T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-28 WO PCT/JP2000/002836 patent/WO2001082735A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-04-28 BR BRPI0011335-2A patent/BR0011335B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-04-28 DE DE60013288T patent/DE60013288T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-04-28 CA CA002369231A patent/CA2369231C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-04-28 EP EP00921098A patent/EP1190635B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-01-19 US US09/766,367 patent/US6606804B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6606804B2 (en) | 2003-08-19 |
| DE60013288D1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
| ES2226817T3 (en) | 2005-04-01 |
| EP1190635A4 (en) | 2003-05-14 |
| JP4219591B2 (en) | 2009-02-04 |
| EP1190635B1 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
| CA2369231A1 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
| EP1190635A1 (en) | 2002-03-27 |
| WO2001082735A1 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
| US20010034958A1 (en) | 2001-11-01 |
| BR0011335B1 (en) | 2009-01-13 |
| BR0011335A (en) | 2002-03-05 |
| DE60013288T2 (en) | 2005-09-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20130429 |