Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a shoe and a method of manufacturing the shoe.

Document <CIT> discloses a conventional shoe. An upper of the shoe includes a sock portion, outer and inner eyelet portions, at least one outer reinforcing member, and at least one inner reinforcing member.

The outer and inner eyelet portions are disposed respectively on the outer and inner edges of an opening of the sock portion. The outer and inner eyelet portions are less stretchable than the member forming the sock portion. The outer and inner eyelet portions each have a plurality of holes through which a shoelace passes. Examples of the material forming each eyelet portion may include a tape material, artificial leather, or two or more of these materials. The plurality of holes through which the shoelace passes may be small circular holes provided in artificial leather or the like, or may be provided by loop materials sewn into artificial leather or the like.

The outer reinforcing member is less stretchable than the member forming the sock portion. The outer reinforcing member extends from the outer eyelet portion to reach a sole or a heel counter. The inner reinforcing member is less stretchable than the member forming the sock portion. The inner reinforcing member extends from the inner eyelet portion to reach the sole or the heel counter.

In the shoe disclosed in document <CIT>, for providing a plurality of holes through which the shoelace passes, it is necessary to provide a plurality of holes directly in the eyelet portion or to prepare another member separately from the eyelet portion. Further, in order to provide the plurality of holes, it is necessary to mold a member for reinforcement (a reinforcing member) into a desired shape. In this way, in the shoe in which the reinforcing member is disposed on the outer surface of an upper body, there is room for improvement in production efficiency by simplifying the processing of the reinforcing member and the configuration of the reinforcing member itself. Document <CIT> discloses a shoe comprising the technical features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide: a shoe including an upper body with a surface having a reinforcing member disposed thereon and improved in production efficiency; and a method of manufacturing the shoe.

A shoe according to the present disclosure includes a sole and an upper. The upper is located above the sole, has an opening through which a foot of a wearer is inserted when the wearer puts on the shoe, and includes a shoelace tightening region located forward of the opening. The upper includes an upper body and a tape member having a tape shape. The upper body is capable of, together with the sole, accommodating the foot of the wearer. The tape member is sewn onto an outer surface of the upper body. The tape member is higher in rigidity than the upper body. The tape member includes a first strip-shaped portion, a folded portion, and a second strip-shaped portion. The first strip-shaped portion is located in the shoelace tightening region and extends in a front-rear direction of the upper. The folded portion is contiguous to at least one of a front end portion and a rear end portion of the first strip-shaped portion. The folded portion is formed by folding the tape member downward when viewed from the first strip-shaped portion. The second strip-shaped portion extends downward from the folded portion. The first strip-shaped portion is sewn onto the upper body such that a plurality of gaps through which a shoelace passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion and the upper body.

A method of manufacturing a shoe according to the present disclosure includes: preparing a sole; manufacturing an upper having an opening through which a foot of a wearer is inserted when the wearer puts on the shoe, the upper including a shoelace tightening region located forward of the opening; and joining the upper to a top side of the sole. The manufacturing an upper includes: preparing an upper body capable of, together with the sole, accommodating the foot of the wearer; forming a folded portion by folding a tape member having a tape shape along a fold portion, the tape member being higher in rigidity than the upper body; sewing a first strip-shaped portion of the tape member onto an outer surface of the upper body so as to be located in the shoelace tightening region and to extend in a front-rear direction of the upper, the first strip-shaped portion being a portion on one side in the tape member when viewed from the folded portion; and attaching a second strip-shaped portion of the tape member to the outer surface of the upper body so as to extend downward from the folded portion, the second strip-shaped portion being a portion on the other side in the tape member when viewed from the folded portion. The first strip-shaped portion is sewn onto the upper body such that a plurality of gaps through which the shoelace passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion and the upper body.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The following describes a shoe according to each of embodiments of the present disclosure and a method of manufacturing the shoe with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of each of the embodiments, the same or corresponding portions in the accompanying drawings are denoted by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

As used herein, an "up-down direction" means a direction orthogonal to the ground when a shoe sole is placed on a flat ground such that a ground contact surface of the shoe sole is in contact with the ground. As used herein, "upward" means a direction opposite to the ground when viewed from a sole. As used herein, "downward" means a direction toward the ground when viewed from the sole. As used herein, "front" or "forward" means a direction in which a wearer of shoes faces. As used herein, "rear" or "rearward" means a direction opposite to "front" or "forward". As used herein, a "front-rear direction" means a direction extending "forward" and "rearward". As used herein, a "foot width direction" is a direction substantially orthogonal to both the "up-down direction" and the "front-rear direction".

When simply referred to as a "medial foot side" in the present specification, it means the side of a portion of a shoe that accommodates the medial foot side (a medial side of the foot in anatomical position) of a foot of a wearer of the shoe with respect to the center of the shoe in the foot width direction. When simply referred to as a "lateral foot side" in the present specification, it means the side of a portion of the shoe that accommodates the lateral foot side (the side opposite to the medial side of the foot in anatomical position) of the foot of the wearer of the shoe with respect to the center of the shoe in the foot width direction.

Further, the following description about each of the configurations of the shoe in the present specification explains each configuration in the state in which the wearer is not wearing the shoe except for the description of the state in which the wearer is wearing the shoe.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from a lateral foot side. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from a medial foot side. <FIG> is a side view showing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the lateral foot side. <FIG> is a side view showing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the medial foot side. <FIG> is a plan view showing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, a shoe <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sole <NUM> and an upper <NUM>.

The sole <NUM> has a ground contact surface <NUM> and a peripheral side surface <NUM>. The peripheral side surface <NUM> extends upward from a peripheral edge of the ground contact surface <NUM>.

The material of the sole <NUM> is not particularly limited, but the entire sole <NUM> is preferably made of a single polymer composition, for example, from the viewpoint of improving the production efficiency. For example, from the viewpoint of improving the shock absorbing performance, the polymer composition more preferably contains a component composed of at least one of a mono-polymer containing Farnesene as a constituent unit or a copolymer containing Farnesene as a constituent unit.

The upper <NUM> is located above the sole <NUM>. The upper <NUM> has an opening 10A and includes a shoelace tightening region <NUM>. The opening 10A is provided to allow a foot of a wearer of the shoe to be inserted therethrough when the wearer puts on the shoe. The shoelace tightening region <NUM> is located forward of the opening 10A. The components disposed in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> will be described later.

The upper <NUM> includes an upper body <NUM>, at least one tape member <NUM>, and a plurality of stitch portions <NUM>.

First, the upper body <NUM> will be described. The upper body <NUM> is configured to be capable of, together with the sole <NUM>, accommodating the wearer's foot.

The upper body <NUM> is formed of a lateral foot portion <NUM> and a medial foot portion <NUM>. The lateral foot portion <NUM> is located mainly on the lateral foot side. The medial foot portion <NUM> is located mainly on the medial foot side. The medial foot portion <NUM> is connected to the lateral foot portion <NUM>. More specifically, the medial foot portion <NUM> is connected to the lateral foot portion <NUM> at a position forward of the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. Further, the medial foot portion <NUM> is connected to the lateral foot portion <NUM> at a position rearward of the opening 10A.

The upper body <NUM> has a slit <NUM>. The slit <NUM> extends forward from the opening 10A to be located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> such that the lateral foot portion <NUM> and the medial foot portion <NUM> are separated from each other (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the lateral foot portion <NUM> includes a first extending portion <NUM>. The first extending portion <NUM> is a portion on one side of the upper body <NUM> with respect to the slit <NUM>. In other words, the first extending portion <NUM> is located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. The first extending portion <NUM> extends toward the medial foot side. The first extending portion <NUM> is configured to be capable of overlapping with the medial foot portion <NUM> when viewed from above.

The medial foot portion <NUM> includes a second extending portion <NUM>. The second extending portion <NUM> is a portion on the other side of the upper body <NUM> with respect to the slit <NUM>. In other words, the second extending portion <NUM> is located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. The second extending portion <NUM> extends toward the lateral foot side. The second extending portion <NUM> is configured to be capable of overlapping with the lateral foot portion <NUM> when viewed from above.

The upper body <NUM> is formed of a knitted fabric. Thus, the shoe according to the present embodiment achieves an improved feel of contact for the wearer's foot. Further, in the process of manufacturing the upper body <NUM> formed of a knitted fabric, an outer-shape molding step such as die cutting can also be omitted. Thus, the production efficiency of the shoe <NUM> can be improved. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the knitted fabric is preferably made of fibers containing a polyester resin as a main component.

The tape member <NUM> will then be described. The tape member <NUM> has a tape-like outer shape having a width dimension that is substantially constant in its extending direction. The width dimension of the tape member <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>, for example. The tape member <NUM> is sewn onto an outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM>. The tape member <NUM> is higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM> while having flexibility. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the tape member <NUM> is preferably made of a resin composition containing a polyester resin as a main component. From the viewpoint of environmental load reduction, the polyester resin is more preferably made of recycled raw materials, and further preferably made of only recycled raw materials.

The upper <NUM> should only include at least one tape member <NUM>, but in the present embodiment, the upper <NUM> includes a plurality of tape members <NUM>. Specifically, the tape member <NUM> includes: a lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> attached to the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> on the lateral foot side; and a medial foot-side tape member <NUM> attached to the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> on the medial foot side. Thus, in the shoe <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the tape member <NUM> is provided in the upper body <NUM> on both the lateral and medial foot sides, so that the fitted feel to the shoe <NUM> is further improved.

In the present embodiment, the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> are formed of separate tape members but may be formed of a single contiguous tape member (a modification thereof will be described later). The lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> may have different configurations, but there may also be a case where the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> have the same configuration in the present embodiment. Thus, in the following description of the present embodiment, when simply referred to as the "tape member <NUM>", the tape member <NUM> may be understood as the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> or the medial foot-side tape member <NUM>.

The tape member <NUM> includes a first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, at least one folded portion <NUM>, and at least one second strip-shaped portion <NUM>.

The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> and extends in the front-rear direction of the upper <NUM>. More specifically, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction and is located to be inclined downward toward the front side (see <FIG>). Further, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction and may be inclined to one of the lateral foot side and the medial foot side in the foot width direction toward the front side (see <FIG>).

The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> such that a plurality of gaps G through which a shoelace L passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>. Specifically, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> through the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> (the details of the stitch portions <NUM> will be described later).

The lateral foot portion <NUM> and the medial foot portion <NUM> are configured in such a manner that the lateral foot portion <NUM> and the medial foot portion <NUM> located on both sides of the slit <NUM> in the foot width direction overlap with each other by tightening the shoelace L passing through the plurality of gaps G between the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>. Thereby, even when the upper <NUM> does not have a shoe tongue, the wearer's foot can be wrapped with the upper <NUM> in the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. Thus, the above-described configuration allows simplified configurations of the members involved in the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. Further, by the configuration in which the lateral foot portion <NUM> and the medial foot portion <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> overlap with each other, formation of wrinkles in the upper body <NUM> by tightening the shoelace is suppressed. As a result, a feel of contact of the wearer's foot with the shoe and a fitted feel of the wearer's foot to the shoe are further improved. At this time, more specifically, the first extending portion <NUM> overlaps with the medial foot portion <NUM> while the second extending portion <NUM> overlaps with the lateral foot portion <NUM>.

The folded portion <NUM> is contiguous to at least one of a front end portion <NUM> and a rear end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the tape member <NUM> includes two folded portions <NUM>. More specifically, the folded portion <NUM> includes a front-side folded portion <NUM> and a rear-side folded portion <NUM>. The front-side folded portion <NUM> is contiguous to the front end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The rear-side folded portion <NUM> is contiguous to the rear end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. In the following description of the present embodiment, when simply referred to as the "folded portion <NUM>", the folded portion <NUM> may be understood as the front-side folded portion <NUM> or the rear-side folded portion <NUM>.

The folded portion <NUM> is formed by folding the tape member <NUM> downward when viewed from the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). More specifically, the folded portion <NUM> is formed by folding the tape member <NUM> in the direction away from the shoelace tightening region <NUM>. The folded portion <NUM> is a portion where the tape member <NUM> is folded back on itself.

The second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends downward from the folded portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the tape member <NUM> includes two second strip-shaped portions <NUM>. More specifically, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> includes a front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> and a rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends downward from the front-side folded portion <NUM>. The rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends downward from the rear-side folded portion <NUM>. Thus, both the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> for reinforcing the upper body <NUM> are provided by folding the tape member <NUM>. Consequently, the processing of the reinforcing member and the configuration of this reinforcing member itself are simplified. Assuming that the length of the shoe <NUM> in the front-rear direction is defined as Lx, the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is provided, for example, at a distance of <NUM> Lx to <NUM> Lx from the rear end of the shoe <NUM>. The rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is provided, for example, at a distance of <NUM> Lx to <NUM> Lx from the rear end of the shoe <NUM>.

In the following description of the present embodiment, when simply referred to as the "second strip-shaped portion <NUM>", the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> may be understood as the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> or the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>.

More specifically, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends downward from the folded portion <NUM> and also extends to be inclined rearward. When viewed in the foot width direction, the rearward inclination angle of the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is larger than that of the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>. Note that the inclination angle in this case is an angle formed by the extending direction of the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the up-down direction when viewed in the foot width direction. Further, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends to reach the peripheral side surface <NUM> of the sole <NUM>.

The second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is fixed to the upper body <NUM>. Although the method of fixing the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is not particularly limited, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> and thereby fixed in the present embodiment. Thus, by sewing the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> together with the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the production efficiency is improved. Note that the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> may be fixed to the upper body <NUM> by a method other than sewing, for example, with an adhesive.

The configuration of the tape member <NUM> is not limited to the above-described configuration. <FIG> is a side view schematically showing a shoe according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in a shoe 1a according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a folded portion 220a may be contiguous to only the front end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. In other words, the folded portion 220a may be only the front-side folded portion <NUM>. A rear end portion 212a of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> may be an end portion of the entirety of a tape member 200a. A second strip-shaped portion 230a may be only the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view schematically showing a shoe according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in a shoe 1b according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a folded portion 220b may be contiguous to only the rear end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. In other words, the folded portion 220b may be only the rear-side folded portion <NUM>. A front end portion 211b of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> may be an end portion of the entirety of a tape member 200b. A second strip-shaped portion 230b may be only the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view schematically showing a shoe according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view schematically showing the shoe according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in a shoe 1c according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a tape member 200c may further include a reverse folded portion 240c and a connected strip-shaped portion 250c. In the present modification, two reverse folded portions 240c may be located so as to respectively correspond to the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM>.

The reverse folded portion 240c may be contiguous to the front end portion 211c of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The reverse folded portion 240c may be formed by folding the tape member <NUM> upward when viewed from the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). More specifically, the reverse folded portion 240c may be formed by folding the tape member 200c in the direction toward the center of the upper <NUM> in the foot width direction (see <FIG>).

The connected strip-shaped portion 250c may extend from the reverse folded portion 240c in the foot width direction. The connected strip-shaped portion 250c may be connected to both the reverse folded portion 240c in the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the reverse folded portion 240c in the medial foot-side tape member <NUM>. Thus, in the present modification, the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> may be formed of a single contiguous tape member.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the upper <NUM> further includes a sub-tape member <NUM>. The sub-tape member <NUM> extends from an end portion of the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> in the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> on the side opposite to the rear-side folded portion <NUM> to an end portion of the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> in the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> on the side opposite to the rear-side folded portion <NUM>. Thereby, the lateral foot-side tape member <NUM> and the medial foot-side tape member <NUM> appear to be formed of a single tape member, so that the design of the shoe <NUM> is aesthetically improved.

Further, the sub-tape member <NUM> is located so as to extend along the rear side of the upper body <NUM>. The sub-tape member <NUM> is located such that a part of the sub-tape member <NUM> is spaced apart from the upper body <NUM>. Thereby, the wearer of the shoe <NUM> can wear the shoe <NUM> more easily by hooking the wearer's finger on the sub-tape member <NUM> while the wearer puts on the shoe <NUM>.

The tape member <NUM> and the sub-tape member <NUM> may be formed of separate tape members. This eliminates the need to fold the tape member in the vicinity of the sole <NUM>, and makes it possible to suppress the tape member from obstructing the joining between the sole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. Further, the tape member <NUM> may be formed of a single contiguous tape member. Thereby, the number of components constituting the shoe <NUM> can be reduced.

Then, the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> are provided by sewing the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> onto the upper body <NUM> so as to provide the plurality of gaps G. The plurality of stitch portions <NUM> are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in an extending direction D1 of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), and thereby, the shoelace L passing through the gaps G between the upper body <NUM> and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> can be folded around each of the stitch portions <NUM> on the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> and can be engaged with each of the stitch portions <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, when the wearer tightens the shoelace L, force is less likely to be applied in the direction in which the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is peeled off from the upper body <NUM>. Further, the stitch portions <NUM> engaged with the shoelace L pull the upper body <NUM> and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> in the in-plane direction of the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM>. Thereby, the foot of the wearer of the shoe is tightened by the shoelace L along the outer surface SA, so that the foot of the wearer wearing the shoe can be more firmly supported.

Each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> is formed by sewing a string-like member forming the stitch portion <NUM> onto the upper body <NUM> and the tape member <NUM> (the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>) in a zigzag pattern. The stitch portion <NUM> is what is called a zigzag stitch. Further, each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> is sewn in a zigzag pattern to cause the string-like members to overlap with each other, and thereby, the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> are firmly provided such that they can be engaged with the shoelace L.

Each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> extends in the direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction D1 (see <FIG>). However, the extending direction of each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> may not be orthogonal to the extending direction D1 of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The number of the stitch portions <NUM> provided in one first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is adjusted as appropriate.

The size of each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> in the extending direction D1 is smaller than the separation distance between the plurality of stitch portions <NUM>. In other words, in the present embodiment, the stitch width of each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> (the length of the entire stitch portions <NUM> in the short-side direction) is shorter than the separation distance between the plurality of stitch portions <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, after inserting the shoelace L to pass through the gaps G and folding back the shoelace L at each stitch portion <NUM>, a user can easily insert the shoelace L to pass between the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> spaced at a relatively large separation distance from each other. This makes it easier to tighten the foot of the wearer of the shoe by the shoelace L in the direction along the outer surface SA.

In the width direction of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> is located to entirely overlap with the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. Note that the width direction of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is orthogonal to the extending direction D1 and extends along the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> are configured such that, when the shoelace L is engaged with each stitch portion <NUM>, at least a part of a folded portion L1 of the shoelace L is not located between the upper body <NUM> and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. In other words, in a plan view of the shoe <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, at least a part of the folded portion L1 of the shoelace L protrudes from the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. This configuration allows the user to easily pinch and hold the folded portion L1 of the shoelace L in each stitch portion <NUM>, so that the user can easily adjust the tightening of the shoelace L. Specifically, the stitch length of each of the plurality of stitch portions <NUM> (the length of the entire stitch portions <NUM> in the long-side direction) is, for example, equal to or greater than about <NUM>% and less than <NUM>% of the dimension of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> in the width direction.

The following describes the configuration disposed on an inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM> in the present embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a configuration on an inner surface of the upper body when viewed from the lateral foot side. <FIG> is a perspective view of the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the configuration on the inner surface of the upper body when viewed from the medial foot side. <FIG> is a plan view of the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the configuration on the inner surface of the upper body.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper <NUM> further includes a first reinforcing portion <NUM>, a second reinforcing portion <NUM>, and a third reinforcing portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> and the second reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM> are schematically shown in a relatively densely dotted pattern. Further, the third reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM> is shown in a relatively less densely dotted pattern.

In the present embodiment, the upper <NUM> includes two first reinforcing portions <NUM> and two second reinforcing portions <NUM>.

The two first reinforcing portions <NUM> include a lateral foot-side first reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the lateral foot side and a medial foot-side first reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the medial foot side. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as the "first reinforcing portion <NUM>", the first reinforcing portion <NUM> may be understood as the lateral foot-side first reinforcing portion <NUM> or the medial foot-side first reinforcing portion <NUM>.

The two second reinforcing portions <NUM> include a lateral foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the lateral foot side and a medial foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> located on the medial foot side. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as the "second reinforcing portion <NUM>", the second reinforcing portion <NUM> may be understood as the lateral foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> or the medial foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>.

The first reinforcing portion <NUM> is higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM>. Further, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is located on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM> so as to sandwich the upper body <NUM> between the first reinforcing portion <NUM> and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. More specifically, together with the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM>. Thereby, even when the rigidity of the upper body <NUM> is relatively low, excessive stretching of the upper body <NUM> can be suppressed, and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> can be firmly attached to the upper body <NUM>.

From the viewpoint of recyclability, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is preferably made of a resin composition containing a polyester resin as a main component. The first reinforcing portion <NUM> is formed of a sheet-like member. The first reinforcing portion <NUM> is smaller in thickness than the tape member <NUM>. Thereby, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> can reinforce the upper <NUM> while suppressing obstruction to the wearer's fitted feel to the upper <NUM>.

Further, the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is entirely joined with an adhesive onto the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM>. The first reinforcing portion <NUM> extends in the extending direction of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The first reinforcing portion <NUM> is located so as to substantially overlap with the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> when viewed in the thickness direction of the upper body <NUM>. Note that the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is configured to be increased in width dimension toward the rear side.

The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM>. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is fixed to a region of the upper body <NUM> between a portion to which the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is fixed and a portion to which the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is fixed. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> extends in the up-down direction along the upper body <NUM>. Thereby, the region of the upper body <NUM> that is surrounded by the front-side first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>, and the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM> in a view of the upper <NUM> from the outer surface SA side can be suppressed from excessively stretching in the direction along the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> by tightening of the shoelace L. Note that the second reinforcing portion <NUM> extends to reach the peripheral side surface <NUM> of the sole <NUM>.

The second reinforcing portion <NUM> includes a front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>, a rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>, and at least one central second reinforcing portion <NUM>. The front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> is located at the foremost position in the second reinforcing portion <NUM>.

The rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> is located at the rearmost position in the second reinforcing portion <NUM>. The rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>. Thereby, in the region surrounded by the front-side first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>, and the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>, stretching of the upper body <NUM> is not excessively suppressed, which makes it possible to suppress lowering of the wearer's fitted feel to the region.

The central second reinforcing portion <NUM> is located between the front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> and the rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>. The central second reinforcing portion <NUM> is spaced apart from both the front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> and the rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>. Thereby, in the region surrounded by the front-side first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>, and the rear-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>, stretching of the upper body <NUM> and lowering of the fitted feel to this region can be more appropriately suppressed.

From the viewpoint of recyclability, the second reinforcing portion <NUM> is preferably made of a resin composition containing a polyester resin as a main component. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is formed of a sheet-like member. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is smaller in thickness than the tape member <NUM>. Thereby, the second reinforcing portion <NUM> can reinforce the upper <NUM> while suppressing obstruction to the wearer's fitted feel to the upper <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the second reinforcing portion <NUM> is located on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM>. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is connected to the first reinforcing portion <NUM>. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> is formed of a single member together with the first reinforcing portion <NUM>. Since the first reinforcing portion <NUM> is formed of a single member together with the second reinforcing portion <NUM>, the processing of the member of the reinforcing portion and the configuration of this member are simplified. Consequently, the production efficiency of the shoe <NUM> can be improved.

More specifically, the front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> extends downward from the front end of the first reinforcing portion <NUM> along the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> extends downward from the rear end of the first reinforcing portion <NUM> so as to be substantially parallel to the first reinforcing portion <NUM>. The central second reinforcing portion <NUM> extends downward from substantially the center of the first reinforcing portion <NUM> so as to be parallel to each of the front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> and the rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>.

The configuration of the second reinforcing portion <NUM> is not limited to the above-described configuration. The front-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>, the rear-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>, and the central second reinforcing portion <NUM> may not be separated from each other but may be contiguous to each other. The second reinforcing portion <NUM> may include a plurality of central second reinforcing portions <NUM> spaced apart from each other.

The third reinforcing portion <NUM> is located on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM>. Further, the third reinforcing portion <NUM> is higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM> and is located forward of at least the tape member <NUM> (specifically, the front-side second strip-shaped portion <NUM>). Thereby, when the wearer wears the shoe <NUM>, the upper body <NUM> having relatively low rigidity can be suppressed from excessively stretching also in a region located forward of the tape member <NUM>.

More specifically, the third reinforcing portion <NUM> is disposed in a portion of the upper body <NUM> that is in contact with the sole <NUM>. The third reinforcing portion <NUM> extends along the peripheral side surface <NUM> of the sole <NUM>. The third reinforcing portion <NUM> extends from the lateral foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM> to the medial foot-side second reinforcing portion <NUM>.

As described above, the shoe <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the sole <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> is located above the sole <NUM>, has the opening 10A through which a wearer's foot is inserted when the wearer puts on the shoe <NUM>, and includes the shoelace tightening region <NUM> located forward of the opening 10A. The upper <NUM> includes the upper body <NUM> and the tape member <NUM> having a tape shape. The upper body <NUM> is capable of, together with the sole <NUM>, accommodating the wearer's foot. The tape member <NUM> is sewn onto the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM>. The tape member <NUM> is higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM>. The tape member <NUM> includes the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>, the folded portion <NUM>, and the second strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> and extends in the front-rear direction of the upper <NUM>. The folded portion <NUM> is contiguous to at least one of the front end portion <NUM> and the rear end portion <NUM> of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The folded portion <NUM> is formed by folding the tape member <NUM> downward when viewed from the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The second strip-shaped portion <NUM> extends downward from the folded portion <NUM>. The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> such that the plurality of gaps G through which the shoelace L passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> for reinforcing the upper body <NUM> are provided by folding the tape member <NUM>. Thus, the processing of the reinforcing member and the configuration of the member itself are simplified. Further, the plurality of gaps G through which the shoelace L passes are provided by sewing the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> onto the upper body <NUM>. Thus, the processing of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the configuration through which the shoelace L passes are simplified. Therefore, the above-described configuration makes it possible to improve the production efficiency of the shoe including the upper body <NUM> having a surface on which a reinforcing member is disposed.

The following describes a method of manufacturing the shoe <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the method of manufacturing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a step S <NUM> of preparing a sole; a step S2 of manufacturing an upper; and a step S3 of joining the upper to a top side of the sole.

The step S2 of manufacturing an upper includes: a step S21 of preparing an upper body; a step S22 of forming a folded portion; a step S23 of sewing a first strip-shaped portion; a step S24 of attaching a second strip-shaped portion; and a step S25 of forming an upper.

In the step S21 of preparing an upper body, specifically, a plurality of flat members each made of a knitted fabric for forming the upper body <NUM> are prepared. Thus, in the process of preparing the upper body <NUM>, an outer-shape molding step such as die cutting can also be omitted. Consequently, the production efficiency of the shoe <NUM> can be improved. Further, when prescribed reinforcing members (for example, the first reinforcing portion <NUM>, the second reinforcing portion <NUM>, the third reinforcing portion <NUM>, and the like) are provided on the inner surface SB of the upper body <NUM>, these reinforcing members are bonded to the above-mentioned members with an adhesive or the like.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a tape member before it is folded in the method of manufacturing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view showing the tape member immediately after it is folded in the method of manufacturing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, in the step S22 of forming a folded portion, the tape member <NUM> having a tape shape and higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM> is folded along a fold portion P, and thereby, the folded portion <NUM> is formed. In the present embodiment, the tape member is folded along a first fold portion P1 and a second fold portion P2 as a plurality of fold portions P. Thereby, the front-side folded portion <NUM> and the rear-side folded portion <NUM> are formed.

In the step S22 of forming a folded portion, the tape member <NUM> folded along the fold portion P as described above may be further heated and compressed with a hot press machine. Thereby, the outer shape of the folded portion <NUM> is maintained with stability. Consequently, in a subsequent step, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> can be easily sewn onto the upper body <NUM>. The above-mentioned compression may be performed several times.

Further, in the step S22 of forming a folded portion, the portions of the tape member <NUM> that overlap with each other in the folded portion <NUM> may be sewn together as temporary sewing. Thereby, the outer shape of the folded portion <NUM> is maintained with stability. Consequently, in a subsequent step, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> can be easily sewn onto the upper body <NUM>.

In the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> as a portion on one side of the tape member <NUM> when viewed from the folded portion <NUM> is sewn onto the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> (specifically, a plurality of flat members each made of a knitted fabric) so as to be located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> and to extend in the front-rear direction of the upper <NUM>. The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> such that a plurality of gaps G through which the shoelace L passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>. A plurality of stitch portions <NUM> are formed by the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion.

In the step S24 of attaching the second strip-shaped portion, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> as a portion on the other side of the tape member <NUM> when viewed from the folded portion <NUM> is attached to the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> (specifically, a plurality of flat members each made of a knitted fabric) so as to extend downward from the folded portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> and thereby attached to the upper body <NUM>.

The order of the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion and the step S24 of attaching the second strip-shaped portion is not particularly limited. In other words, the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion may be performed after the step S24 of attaching the second strip-shaped portion, or the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion and the step S24 of attaching the second strip-shaped portion may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

In the step S25 of forming the upper, in the state in which the tape member <NUM> is sewn and attached onto the plurality of flat members each made of a knitted fabric and prepared as members for forming the upper body, the plurality of flat members are covered over a last, and the edges of these members are sewn together along prescribed portions. Thereby, the upper <NUM> according to the present embodiment is manufactured.

Finally, in the step S3, the upper <NUM> is joined to the top side of the sole <NUM>. The joining method is not particularly limited. As a method of joining the upper <NUM> to the top side of the sole <NUM>, a conventionally known method may be adopted. In this way, the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is manufactured.

As described above, the method of manufacturing the shoe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the step S1 of preparing the sole <NUM>; the step S2 of manufacturing the upper <NUM> having the opening 10A through which the wearer's foot is inserted when the wearer puts on the shoe, and including the shoelace tightening region <NUM> located forward of the opening 10A; and the step S3 of joining the upper <NUM> to the top side of the sole <NUM>. The step S2 of manufacturing the upper <NUM> includes: the step S21 of preparing the upper body <NUM> capable of, together with the sole <NUM>, accommodating the wearer's foot; the step S22 of forming the folded portion <NUM> by folding the tape-shaped tape member <NUM> higher in rigidity than the upper body <NUM> along the fold portion P; the step S23 of sewing the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> of the tape member <NUM> onto the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> so as to be located in the shoelace tightening region <NUM> and to extend in the front-rear direction of the upper <NUM>, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> being a portion on one side in the tape member <NUM> when viewed from the folded portion <NUM>; and a step S24 of attaching the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> to the outer surface SA of the upper body <NUM> so as to extend downward from the folded portion <NUM>, the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> being a portion on the other side in the tape member <NUM> when viewed from the folded portion <NUM>. The first strip-shaped portion <NUM> is sewn onto the upper body <NUM> such that a plurality of gaps G through which the shoelace L passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the upper body <NUM>.

According to the above-described configuration, the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the second strip-shaped portion <NUM> for reinforcing the upper body <NUM> are provided by folding the tape member <NUM>. Thus, the processing of the reinforcing member and the configuration of this member itself are simplified. Further, the plurality of gaps G through which the shoelace L passes are provided by sewing the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> onto the upper body <NUM>. Thus, the processing of the first strip-shaped portion <NUM> and the configuration through which the shoelace L passes are simplified. Therefore, the above-described configuration makes it possible to provide a method of manufacturing the shoe that includes the upper body <NUM> with a surface having the reinforcing member disposed thereon and that is improved in production efficiency.

The following describes a shoe according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is different in configuration of the stitch portion from the shoe <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the description of the same configurations as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure will not be repeated.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a shoe according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The folded portion L1 of the shoelace L cannot be actually seen from above, but <FIG> shows the folded portion L1 by a broken line for convenience of description. As shown in <FIG>, in a shoe <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of stitch portions 300x are configured such that, when the shoelace L is engaged with each of the stitch portions 300x, the folded portion L1 of the shoelace L is entirely located between the upper body <NUM> and the first strip-shaped portion <NUM>. The plurality of stitch portions 300x configured in this manner serve to reduce the opportunity in which the folded portion L1 of the shoelace L in each stitch portion 300x wears away by contact with other external components or the like.

Claim 1:
A shoe comprising:
a sole (<NUM>); and
an upper (<NUM>) located above the sole (<NUM>), having an opening (10A) through which a foot of a wearer is inserted when the wearer puts on the shoe, and including a shoelace tightening region (<NUM>) located forward of the opening (10A), wherein
the upper (<NUM>) includes
an upper body (<NUM>) capable of, together with the sole (<NUM>), accommodating the foot of the wearer, and
a tape member (<NUM>) having a tape shape and being higher in rigidity than the upper body (<NUM>), the tape member (<NUM>) being sewn onto an outer surface (SA) of the upper body (<NUM>),
the tape member (<NUM>) includes
a first strip-shaped portion (<NUM>) located in the shoelace tightening region (<NUM>) and extending in a front-rear direction of the upper (<NUM>), characterized in that, the tape member (<NUM>) further includes
a folded portion (<NUM>) contiguous to at least one of a front end portion (<NUM>) and a rear end portion (<NUM>) of the first strip-shaped portion (<NUM>) and formed by folding the tape member (<NUM>) downward when viewed from the first strip-shaped portion (<NUM>), and
a second strip-shaped portion (<NUM>) extending downward from the folded portion (<NUM>), and in that
the first strip-shaped portion (<NUM>) is sewn onto the upper body (<NUM>) such that a plurality of gaps (G) through which a shoelace (L) passes are provided between the first strip-shaped portion (<NUM>) and the upper body (<NUM>).