INSOLE AND SHOE EQUIPPED WITH SAME

Abstract

 [Object] To provide an insole capable of transmitting a force of tiptoes to a shoe sole and also capable of enhancing muscle strength of toes and a foot sole.
[Solution] An insole includes: an insole main body 14 adapted to be accommodated in a bottom of a shoe; a thong 14 attached to a toe-side front part of the insole main body 4; and an instep-side support 16 provided at an end of the thong 14 opposite to the insole main body 4 and extending in a front-rear direction from a toe side to a heel side with respect to the thong 14, wherein a relationship SL ≤ KL is satisfied, where SL is a length of the instep-side support from a center of its part contacting the thong to a toe-side end part, and KL is a length from the center of its part contacting the thong to a heel-side end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an insole capable of stably transmitting force of a tip of toes to a shoe sole and a shoe including the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There has been proposed an insole for stably transmitting force of a tip of toes to a shoe sole, which insole includes an insole main body and a toe crotch bridge freely detachably attached to the insole main body (see Patent Document 1, for example). The toe crotch bridge includes a foot-sole base, an upper cover, and a toe crotch bridge part that connects the foot-sole base to the upper cover. The insole main body is formed with a slit at its front end. The toe crotch bridge part of the toe crotch bridge is inserted through the slit in the insole main body.

[0003] In this insole, the toe crotch bridge part of the toe crotch bridge is located between a first toe and a second toe of a foot, and the toe crotch bridge part is sandwiched between the first and second toes. Thus, it is possible to transmit an instantaneous force of a tip of toes to a toe-side bottom part of a shoe without any loss, thereby enhancing athletic ability.

RELATED ART

PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 5806427

UMMARY OF THE INVENTION

OBJECT TO BE ACHIEVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] In the conventional insole, however, because the toe crotch bridge is detachably inserted into the slit in the insole main body, when a large force is put on the toe crotch bridge when walking on downhills or bumpy roads, the toe crotch bridge easily moves relative to the insole main body, making it difficult to reliably transmit force of the tip of toes to the toe-side bottom part of the shoe through the toe crotch bridge and the insole main body. Especially, when the insole is housed in a bottom of the shoe, the foot-sole base of the toe crotch bridge is maintained in contact with an inner bottom of the shoe, and the upper cover is maintained in contact with an inner surface of an upper of the shoe. Thus, there is a problem that it is difficult to hold the toe crotch bridge with a toe crotch reliably enough.

[0006] Also, in this toe crotch bridge, the toe crotch bridge part is located at the toe crotch between the first and second toes. Because the toe crotch bridge part is formed in a wall shape, however, it is difficult to hold the toe crotch bridge part with the first and second toes. Thus, there is a problem that it is difficult to put a strength on toes including the first toe.

[0007] Further, when wearing a shoe with the conventional insole therein, there are problems that it is uneasy to wear because a position of the toe crotch bridge is unstable and that it is difficult to reliably hold the toe crotch bridge in the toe crotch during walking.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to solve the above problems and to provide an insole capable of stably transmit force of a tip of toes to a shoe sole, improving muscle strength of the toes, and easy to wear when accommodated in a shoe, and to provide a shoe including the same.

MEANS TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTS

[0009] In order to achieve the above objects, the invention provides an insole including: an insole main body adapted to be accommodated in a bottom of a shoe; a thong attached to a toe-side front part of the insole main body; and an instep-side support provided at an end of the thong opposite to the insole main body and extending in a front-rear direction from a toe side to a heel side with respect to the thong: wherein a relationship SL ≤ KL is satisfied, where SL is a length of the instep-side support from a center of its part contacting the thong to a toe-side end part, and KL is a length from the center of its part contacting the thong to a heel-side end.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to stably transmit a force of a tip of toes to a shoe sole, to enhance a muscle strength of the toes, and to make it easy to wear while accommodated in a shoe.

[0011] That is, extending the instep-side support long in the front-rear direction from the toe side to the heel side with respect to the thong causes contact and friction between, especially, a part on the heel side to the thong and the inner surface of the upper of the shoe, thereby preventing it from moving. Also, extending in a direction toward the toe side of the instep-side support also enables the toe-side end part to easily contact an inner surface in a front direction of the shoe, thereby enhancing integrality between the insole and the shoe.

[0012] Also, the instep-side support is configured such that the relationship SL ≤ KL is satisfied, where SL is the length from the center of the part contacting the thong to the toe-side end part, and KL is the length from the center of the part contacting the thong to the heel-side end. This makes large an area from the part contacting the thong to the heel-side end and causes contact and friction against the inner surface of the upper of the shoe, reliably preventing movement. Further, because the thong is detachably attached to the insole main body, it is possible to adjust a position of the thong according to a foot length of a person, and the instep-side support can be easily replaced. Also, it is preferable that the thong and the instep-side support be detachably attached. This makes it possible to adjust a length toward the toe side or the heel side with respect to the thong.

[0013] When the shoe with the insole in its bottom is worn, then the thong locates at a toe crotch between the first and second toes, and the thong acts on the toe crotch when walking. This lets a body weight shift straight from the heel toward the first toe during walking. As a result, a force of tiptoes is stably transmitted to the shoe sole, stabilizing walking, running, or the like. Also, during walking or running, the thong acts on the toe crotch between the first and second toes, and the first and second toes grab the thong when a strength is put on the toes. Thus, a force is put on the toes, enabling to plant a foot firmly on the ground. This also stabilizes walking, running, or the like, and an increase in a muscle strength of toes can be expected, and an insole and a shoe excellent for toes can be provided. Further, walking or running with a force put on tiptoes stabilizes a posture and prevents back pain and knee pain.

[0014] The thong may include at least a column-shaped member.

[0015] This makes the thong firm. Also, the column-shaped member is preferably attached with the instep-side support by a screw or a press-fitted part. This makes it easy to attach and detach the thong.

[0016] The thong may be configured to include a resilient sleeve covering the column-shaped member.

[0017] While this configuration secures sufficient rigidity and strength at the center of the thong by the column-shaped member, the resilient sleeve contacts the first and second toes and the toe crotch between these toes. The insole can be easy on a foot and give a strong stimulus to the toe crotch even with this configuration.

[0018] It may be configured such that the toe-side front part of the insole main body is provided with a thong-position adjuster and that an attaching position of the thong is adjustable by the thong-position adjuster.

[0019] With this configuration, the thong can be attached such that its position is freely adjustable by the thong-position adjuster, and the attaching position of the thong to the instep-side support can be adjusted according to a length from a heel to a root of the first and second toes. That is, adjusting a length from a heel of a foot to a root of first and second toes according to a person's foot makes it possible to hold the foot even if a length from the root of the first and second toes to a front end of a shoe is a bit too long. Thus, it makes it possible to choose a shoe based on its shape even if it is a bit too long in the front-rear direction. Also, leeway between toes and a front end of the shoe enables the toes to move and prevents circulatory deficit. The thong-position adjuster may be configured with a through slit or a through opening (hole).

[0020] It may be configured such that the attaching position of the thong is adjustable by the thong-position adjuster such that a length ML from a rear end of the thong at the toe-side front part of the insole main body to the heel-side end becomes substantially the same as a length AL from a heel-rear end of a foot to a root of first and second toes.

[0021] With this configuration, an insole can be in a size suited for a foot of an individual person and easy on a foot because the toe crotch is held at the thong of the insole even when walking on a downhill with a shoe accommodating the insole and because tiptoes would not abut the inner surface of the front end of the shoe and will not be hurt.

[0022] It is possible to configure such that the instep-side support has a holding part at the heel-side end thereof, the holding part being adapted to be held with fingers when putting on the shoe with the insole therein.

[0023] With this configuration, when putting on a shoe with the insole therein, one can easily put it on by grabbing and pulling the holding part with fingers without bending even if no shoehorn is available. Also, it is possible to avoid a position of the thong from moving toward a front side of the shoe. Also, even if the position of the thong is moved during walking, grabbing and pulling the holding part with fingers returns the position of the thong to the toe crotch between the first and second toes.

[0024] It may be configured such that the holding part has an exposed part adapted to be exposed outside through a wearing opening of a shoe when accommodated in a bottom of the shoe.

[0025] With this configuration it is possible to easily hold and pull the exposed part with fingers when putting on a shoe with the insole therein, to easily put it on without bending even if no shoehorn is available, and to prevent the position of the thong from shifting toward a front side of the shoe.

[0026] It may be configured such that the exposed part has an outer surface or an inner surface decorated with colors, characters, or brand names.

[0027] Whit this configuration, the exposed part can be excellent in designability, and it can provide joy in wearing a shoe with the insole therein.

[0028] It may be configured such that at least an outer surface of the instep-side support has a hold-reinforcing part in a region from a part of the instep-side support contacting the thong to the heel-side end, the hold-reinforcing part reinforcing holding to the upper of the shoe and that the hold-reinforcing part has an outer surface adapted to contact the upper of the shoe when accommodated in the bottom of the shoe.

[0029] With this configuration, with the hold-reinforcing part in a heel-side region of the instep-side support contacting the inner surface of the upper of the shoe in a condition where the insole is accommodated in the bottom of the shoe, it is possible to reliably prevent movement of the upper-side support toward the front side of the shoe, thereby securely holding the thong at a predetermined position between the insole main body and the instep-side support. The hold-reinforcing part can be formed of a touch fastener or the like.

[0030] It may be configured such that the insole main body has a thin part that makes a thickness of the insole main body thin at an area frontward of a part of the toe-side front part that supports toes.

[0031] With this configuration, a part of the insole main body that toes contact when climbing up mountain paths or stairs becomes thin. This makes it easier to put strength on the toes, reduces burden on a heel to prevent back pain and knee pain, and enhances muscle strength of the toes.

[0032] It may be configured such that a part corresponding to the thin part has been cut away from the insole main body.

[0033] With this configuration, the simple configuration makes it easier to put strength on toes, reduces burden on a heel to prevent back pain and knee pain, and enhances muscle strength of the toes.

[0034] It may be configured such that an adjustment member different from the thong is attached between the insole main body and the instep-side support.

[0035] With this configuration, one can put strength on a first toe and a foot sole even when a body is pushed from right or left. Also, hallux valgus of each person can be corrected by adjusting its position.

[0036] It may be configured such that any of the insoles described above is accommodated in a bottom of a shoe main body.

[0037] With this configuration, it is possible to stably transmit a force of tiptoes to a shoe sole and also to enhance muscle strength of the toes.

[0038] It may be configured such that the thong is attached to the insole main body at a position adjusted by the thong-position adjuster such that tiptoes would not abut an inner surface of the toe-side end part of the shoe when the shoe with the insole in its inner bottom is worn.

[0039] With this configuration, adjusting the position of the thong such that the tiptoes would not abut the inner surface of the toe-side end part of the shoe when the shoe is worn avoids stress on the tiptoes and pressure against the same, thereby avoiding damage to the tiptoes and fatigue. Also, this enhances muscle strength of the tiptoes.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The insole of the invention and the shoe including the same stably transmit a force of a tip of toes to a shoe sole, enhance muscle strength of the toes, and provide an insole easy to wear when housed in a shoe and a shoe including the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] 

[Fig. 1] A perspective view explaining an insole according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 2] A front view of the insole of Fig. 1.

[Fig. 3] A plan view of the insole of Fig. 1.

[Fig. 4] A bottom view of the insole of Fig. 1.

[Fig. 5] A right-side view of the insole of Fig. 1.

[Fig. 6] A cross-sectional view taken along a VI-VI line in Fig. 5.

[Fig. 7] A cross-sectional view showing the insole of Fig. 1 accommodated in a shoe.

[Fig. 8] A cross-sectional view of a thong of a modification.

[Fig. 9] A view explaining a thin part of a second embodiment of the invention; wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view of an insole main body formed thin at a foot side to form the thin part, and (c) is a side view of an insole main body formed thin at a shoe side to form the thin part.

[Fig. 10] A view explaining an adjustment member according to a third embodiment of the invention; wherein (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a partially-omitted side view.

[Fig. 11] A view explaining measurement of a foot length according to the first embodiment of the invention; wherein (a) shows a right foot sole, and (b) shows a right foot sole.

[Fig. 12] A front view explaining an insole according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 13] A plan view explaining the insole according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[Fig. 14] A cross-sectional view of the insole according to the fourth embodiment accommodated in a shoe.

EMBODIMENTS

FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0042] An insole according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 and 11.

[0043] In Figs. 1 to 5, an insole 2 shown in the drawings includes an insole main body 4 corresponding to a shape of an inner surface (i.e., an inner bottom 106 (see Fig. 7)) of a sole 104 of a shoe 102. The insole main body 4 has a toe-side front part 6 formed flat and a heel-side rear part 8. The heel-side rear part 8 has a widthwise center part 10 formed flat and a widthwise both-sides part 12 extending upward in a curve. The both-sides part 12 has an inner side surface extending aslant outward and upward. Thus, the insole main body 4 is adapted to be accommodated in the shoe 102 and formed in a shape corresponding to a foot such that a sole of a foot 108 is placed on a flat section of the insole main body 4 (i.e., the toe-side front part 6 and the widthwise center part 10 of the heel-side rear part 8) and that the widthwise both-sides part 12 of the insole main body 4 surrounds a heel of the foot 108 from both sides.

[0044] It should be noted that although it is configured to include the heel-side rear part 8 in the first embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, the insole main body 4 can include only the toe-side front part 6 to have a shorter length from the toe-side end.

[0045] The insole main body 4 is formed of flexible synthetic resin, for example, and its surface may be covered with woven fabric or the like. Also, the entire insole main body 4 can be flat.

[0046] The insole 2 includes a thong 14 attached to the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4 and an instep-side support 16 attached to an upper end part of the thong 14. The thong 14 has an optional length but preferably has a height such that, when a shoe with the insole therein is worn, it would not press against toes and is capable of abutting the inner surface of an upper 112 of the shoe. With reference to Fig. 6 also, the thong 14 includes a cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 serving as a flexible hollow sleeve and a pair of cords 20, 22 disposed through the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18. The cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 is formed of synthetic resin, for example. The pair of cords 20, 22 may be strings made of fabric, for example. It should be noted that the pair of cords 20, 22 may be formed into a single cord. Also, the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 may be dispensed with.

[0047] Although the thong 14 is depicted upright with respect to the insole main body 4 in Figs. 1 and 2, the thong 14 is not necessarily upright but may be attached to the insole main body 4 such that the thong 4 slants toward the heel side or the toe side.

[0048] In the first embodiment, one end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 (lower end., i.e., an end part on the insole main body 4 side) is placed to contact the surface of the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4, and the other end thereof (upper end, i.e., an end part on the instep-side support 16 side) is placed to contact the inner surface of the instep-side support 16, and one end of the pair of cords 20, 22 is extended out from the one end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 and attached to the insole main body 4, and the other end thereof is extended out from the other end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 and attached to the instep-side support 16. In this manner, it is supported between the insole main body 4 and the instep-side support 16.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the pair of cords 20, 22 is attached to the insole main body 4 by, for example, extending one end of the pair of cords 20, 22 to a rear side of the insole main body 4 through a through slit 24 serving as a thong-position adjuster formed in the insole main body 4, and as indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 4 spreading and attaching the one end onto the outer surface of the insole main body 4 with adhesive or the like. Also, although not shown in the drawings, the other end of the pair of cords 20, 22 is attached to the instep-side support 16 by, for example, spreading and fixing the other end onto the inner surface of the instep-side support 16 with adhesive or the like. The through slit 24 extends in a direction connecting the toe side to the heel side of the insole main body 4. Thus, the position of the thong 14 is adjustable in this direction.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the pair of cords 20, 22 is attached through the through slit 24 serving as the thong-position adjuster formed in the insole main body 4. Thus, it is possible to move the cords 20, 22 in a front-rear direction (right-left direction in Fig. 7) of the insole main body 4 along the through slit 24 in a condition before the pair of cords 20, 22 is fixed in place. By moving in this manner, the attaching position of the thong 14 to the insole main body 4 can be adjusted.

[0051] When stepping down stairs or going down a mountain path, for example, toes are often pressed against the inner surface of the toe-side end part of the shoe and receive stress, leading to damage to the toes and/or exhausted feelings of an entire body. Thus, the position of the thong 14 can be set using the through slit 24 such that toes do not abut the inner surface of the toe-side end of the shoe when the shoe is worn.

[0052] A method for setting the position of the thong 14 will be described. A person has right and left feet with different lengths. Thus, lengths of the right and left feet of each person are measured, and then the position of the thong 14 is set. Fig. 11(a) shows a sole of a right foot, and Fig. 11(b) shows a sole of a left foot. A length AL from a rear end of a heel to a point of a root of first and second toes is measured. The length AL of the right foot will be referred to as RAL, and the length AL of the left foot will be referred to as LAL.

[0053] Then, the position of the thong 14 for the right foot is set using the through slit 24 such that ML = RAL, wherein ML is a length from the heel-side end of the insole main body 4 shown in Fig. 3 to the rear end of the thong 14 on the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4, and the position of the thong 14 for the left foot is set using the through slit 24 such that ML = LAL.

[0054] It should be noted that the position of the insole main body 4 can be set such that ML = AL for both of the right and left feet, wherein the length AL for both feet is a value of the length RAL of the right foot, a value of the length LAL of the left foot, an average value, or the like. In this case, the length ML from the rear end part of the thong 14 on the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4 to the heel side end is substantially the same as the length AL from a rear end of a heel of a foot to a point of a root of first and second toes.

[0055] It should be noted that in the first embodiment the position of the thong 14 is set using the through slit 24 as the thong-position adjuster, but it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, the through slit 24 in the insole main body 4 may be dispensed with, and a through hole serving as the thong-position adjuster may be formed at a position of the above-described length RAL, LAL, or AL to attach the thong 14.

[0056] That is, in the first embodiment, the one end (lower end) of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 of the thong 14 abuts the surface of the insole main body 4. Instead of this configuration, the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4 may formed with a through hole (in this case, the slit 24 is omitted), and the one end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 may be placed in the through hole and attached with adhesive or the like, and the one end of the pair of the cords 20, 22 may be extended out from the one end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 in the through hole to the rear surface side of the insole main body 4 and attached in the above-described manner.

[0057] Also, in the first embodiment, the other end (upper end) of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 of the thong 14 abuts the inner surface of the instep-side support 16. Instead of this configuration, in the same manner as the lower end side of the thong 14, the instep-side support 16 may be formed with a through hole, and the other end part of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 may be placed in the through hole and attached with adhesive or the like, and the other end of the pair of cords 20, 22 may be extended out from the other end of the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 in the through hole to the outer surface side of the instep-side support 16 and attached in the above-described manner.

[0058] Also, a plurality of through holes as the thong-position adjuster may be formed in the insole main body 4 to make the position of the thong 14 adjustable.

[0059] Further, a different component other than the thong 14 having the same configuration as a thong may be attached using the through slit 24 or a plurality of through openings. This enhances a force of the first and second toes for gripping the plurality of thongs 14 and improves straddling force. Also, the different member can be provided in plural number.

[0060] It should be noted that in the first embodiment the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 is formed cylindrical, but it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, it can be such a polygonal column as a triangular column. In this manner, the hollow tube can be firmly held at the toe crotch. Also, the hollow sleeve is not necessarily required. The hollow sleeve may be dispensed with.

[0061] Also, the instep-side support 16 is made of synthetic resin, for example, is provided with the thong 14 on a center line extending in a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction extending from the toe side to the heel side with respect to the thong 14, is symmetrical in the width direction with respect to the center line, has a width W at the toe-side end part (see Fig. 3) wider than widths of the first and second toes of the foot, has a narrower width toward the heel-side end, and has a width W' at the heel-side end narrower than W (i.e., W > W'). This is because such convenience as easiness in pulling a holding part H to be described later with fingers and adjustment when and after putting it on is taken into consideration.

[0062] The width of the instep-side support 16, however, may be modified regardless of this embodiment. For example, the width may be uniform from the toe side to the heel side such that W = W', or the width may be larger toward the heel-side end such that W < W'. Also, it may be unsymmetrical in the width direction with respect to a center line in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction from the toe side to the heel side and in a shape that broadens toward one side.

[0063] Also, the instep-side support 16 elongates in the front-rear direction from the toe side to the heel side with respect to the thong 14 and is configured such that a relationship SL ≤ KL is satisfied, where SL is a length in the front-rear direction from a center of the part contacting the thong 14 to the toe-side end, and KL is a length from the center of the part contacting the thong 14 to the heel-side end. By extending longer toward the heel side, an area from the part contacting the thong to the heel-side end becomes larger, making sure that it reliably contacts the inner surface of the upper of the shoe to prevent from moving due to friction. Also, it is possible to provide the holding part H and an exposed part R as will be described later and to provide convenience when a shoe with the insole 2 therein is put on. Also, it is preferable to extend long toward the toe side also. In this case, when accommodated at the inner bottom 106 in the shoe 102, as shown in Fig. 7, the front end of the instep-side support 16 easily abuts the inner surface of the front part 110 of the shoe 102, reliably preventing a movement of the instep-side support 16 toward the front side of the shoe 102.

[0064] Here, the instep-side support 16 extends long in the front-rear direction from the toe side to the heel side does not mean that the instep-side support 16 has a length for merely supporting the thong 14, but it means that it extends long from at least the thong 14 to the heel side by a length enough to abut the inner surface of the upper of the shoe 102 to prevent the thong 14 from falling. Also, it preferably extends long from the thong toward the toe side as well. In this case, the toe-side end of the instep-side support 16 abuts the inner surface of the shoe 102 to prevent the thong 14 from falling.

[0065] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the holding part H (hatched part in Figs. 1 and 3) is provided at the heel-side part of the instep-side support 16. The holding part H is parts of the outer surface (a surface opposite to a surface that abuts the foot), an inner surface (the surface that abuts the foot), and a side surface of the instep-side support 16. Further, there is provided the exposed part R which is a heel-side part of the holding part H. The exposed part R is parts of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the side surface among the outer surface, the inner surface, and the side surface of the holding part H that are exposed outside through a wearing opening of the shoe 102 when the shoe 102 is worn. When putting on the shoe 102 with the insole 2 therein, the holding part H, or preferably the exposed part R, is held and pulled with fingers so that the insole 2 is prevented from moving frontward. This makes it possible to putting it on without using a shoehorn or bending down. Thus, it is possible to improve convenience when putting it on and improve design of the shoe 102 by coloring an outer surface of the exposed part R with blue, led, or the like or by printing characters or brand names on the same. Also, an inner surface of the exposed part R may be decorated with color, characters, or brand names, and the shoe 102 may be worn with the exposed part R bent over the upper such that the inner surface of the exposed part R faces outside.

[0066] Also, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the instep-side support 16 is flexible and has substantially a flat plate-like shape. A thickness thereof is thick at the toe-side part and becomes thinner toward the heel-side end. That is, because the toe-side part of the instep-side support 16 is made relatively thick, it is stiff, and when this part contacts the inner surface of the front part of the shoe 102, the thong 14 is prevented from falling frontward. Also, because the instep-side support 16 is formed thinner toward the heel side, it is soft, and it is easy to grip the holding part H with fingers when putting it on. Also, in order to form the instep-side support 16 with the thickness becoming thinner from the toe side toward the heel side, the instep-side support 16 can be formed of two or more members connected to one another. That is, a thicker member on the toe side may be connected to a thinner member on the heel side.

[0067] It should be noted that in the first embodiment the thickness of the instep-side support 16 is thicker at the toe-side part and becomes thinner toward the heel-side end. It is, however, not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, the instep-side support 16 may have a uniform thickness, or have a thinner thickness at the toe-side part and become thicker toward the heel-side end.

[0068] Also, it is preferable that, in a condition where the thong 14 is upright, the front part of the instep-side support 16 be overlap the front part of the insole main body 4 with a space therebetween in the thong-upright direction. This reliably abuts the front part of the instep-side support 16 with the inner surface of the front part 110 of the shoe 102.

[0069] When the insole 2 is in the shoe 102, the outer surface of the instep-side support 16 contacts the upper 112 of the shoe 102, causing friction against the upper 112 and preventing deformation of the instep-side support 16. This also prevents the instep-side support 16 from moving toward the front side of the shoe 102. As a result, it is possible to reliably hold the thong 14 between the insole main body 4 and the instep-side support 16, i.e., at a predetermined position of the front part in the shoe 102.

[0070] Also, it is preferable that a hold-reinforcing part F (a part with slanted lines in Figs. 1 and 3) for reinforcing the hold to the upper of the shoe 102 be provided on at least the outer surface of the instep-side support 16 at a position that does not overlap the outer surface of the holding part H in the area from the part of the instep-side support 16 that contacts the thong 14 to the heel-side end thereof. This makes it possible to hold the insole 2 and the shoe 102 at predetermined positions further reliably.

[0071] In this embodiment, a male touch fastener or a female touch fastener is disposed as the hold-reinforcing part F on the outer surface of the instep-side support 16. It is further preferable that a corresponding male touch fastener or female touch fastener be disposed at a corresponding position of the shoe 102. This makes it possible to hold the insole 2 and the shoe 102 at predetermined positions further reliably.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the male touch fastener or the female touch fastener is disposed as the hold-reinforcing part F on the outer surface of the instep-side support 16 as described above. It, however, is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, the both may be bonded together using adhesive as the hold-reinforcing part F or sewn together. Reinforcing a holding state such that positional relationship between the insole 2 and the shoe 102 is maintained will suffice.

[0073] In the first embodiment, an anti-slip member 32 is disposed on the rear surface of the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4. The anti-slip member 32 has a surface formed with a suitable anti-slip pattern. The anti-slip member 32 is formed of rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like, for example, and fixed to the insole main body 4 with adhesive or the like, for example. With the anti-slip member 32, a force of a tip of toes is reliably transmitted to the inner bottom 106 of the shoe 102 via the insole main body 4 and the anti-slip member 32, stabilizing walking and running. Also, with this configuration, the one end of the pair of cords 20, 22 (the end exposed to the rear surface of the insole main body 4) is covered with the anti-slip member 32, and the one end of the cords 20, 22 is reliably fixed in place, and the bottom surface of the front part of the insole 2 can be flat. Although disposing the anti-slip member 32 on at least the rear surface of the toe-side front part 6 of the insole main body 4 achieves desirable effects, it can be provided on the entire rear surface of the insole main body.

[0074] Further, in the first embodiment, a pair of cover members 34 is disposed on an inner surface of the instep-side support 16 (see Figs. 2, 5, and 6). The cover members 34 are made of woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, leather, rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, for example, and as will be understood from the above explanation, covers the other end of the pair of cords 20, 22 (the end exposed to the inner surface of the instep-side support 16), and the other end of the cords 20, 22 can be further securely fixed in place.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 7, the insole 2 is inserted into such shoe 102 as a walking shoe, an athletic shoe, a sport shoe, or the like, and placed on the surface of the inner bottom 106. When inserted in this manner, as shown in Fig. 7, the front part of the insole main body 4 abuts the inner surface of the lower part of the front part 110 of the shoe 102, and the toe-side end of the instep-side support 16 abuts the inner surface of the upper part of the front part 110 of the shoe 102, and the hold-reinforcing part F contacts the inner surface of the upper of the shoe 102. Thus, the insole main body 4 and the instep-side support 16, in other words the thong 14, is reliably prevented from moving toward the front side of the shoe 102, thereby making it possible to reliably hold the thong 14 at the front part in the shoe 102. Also, regarding the lower end of the thong 14, when the shoe 102 is worn, the foot 108 is placed on the insole main body 4, so weight is applied on the insole main body 4 via the foot 108. This also prevents the movement of the lower end of the thong 14.

[0076] It should be noted that in the first embodiment it is configured such that the toe-side part of the instep-side support 16 abuts the inner surface of the upper part of the front part 110 of the shoe 102, but it is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. For example, it may be configured such that the toe-side part of the instep-side support 16 contacts the inner surface of the upper of the shoe 102 to prevent the movement of the thong 14.

[0077] In order to further reliably prevent the movement of the upper side of the thong 14, it is preferable to provide the hold-reinforcing part F as described above. In this manner, it is possible to further reliably prevent the movement of the instep-side support 16 on the insole 2 side and also to maintain the thong 14 in an initial condition (upright condition or slanting condition). As a result, easiness in wearing the shoe 102 with the insole 2 therein is improved. It is preferable that a male touch fastener or a female touch fastener be provided as the hold-reinforcing part F and that a corresponding female touch fastener or male touch fastener be detachably provided on the inner surface of the upper of the main body of the shoe 102. This makes it possible to further reliably maintain the thong 14 at a predetermined position in the main body of the shoe 102. These male touch fasteners or female touch fasteners may be adhered with adhesive or sewn using threads (or strings).

[0078] In the shoe 102 with the insole 4 therein, the shoe 102 is worn such that the thong 14 locates in the toe crotch between the first and second toes of the foot 108. When walking (running) with the shoe 102 on, the thong 14 acts on the toe crotch between the first and the second toes, making weight shift during walk straight from the heel toward the first toe. As a result, a force of the tip of toes is transmitted to the shoe sole, enabling stable walking (running). Also, during walking (running), the thong 14 acts on the toe crotch between the first and second toes, enabling to plant the foot firmly and strain the toes of the foot when kicking the ground surface. This also stabilizes walking (running). Also, because it is possible to plant the foot firmly when kick, muscle of the toes and the foot sole can be enhanced, leading to an improvement of a walking posture and preventing a back pain, a knee pain, and the like. Also, an outer shape of the thong 14 is cylindrical (or such a polygonal column shape as a triangular column shape), it is easy to grip the same with the first and second toes, making it easier to plant the foot firmly when kick, enhancing muscle strength of toes and a foot sole.

[0079] While the insole and the shoe with the same of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the first embodiment thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] For example, the thong may be configured as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, a thong 14A according to a modification is configured to have a column-shaped member 52 and, for example, a cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 serving as a resilient sleeve that covers the column-shaped member 52. The column-shaped member 52 and the cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 are disposed between an insole main body 4A and an instep-side support 16A.

[0081] In this modification, the column-shaped member 52 is formed with a lower female screw hole 56 at its one end side. The lower part of the column-shaped member 52 is detachably attached to the insole main body 4A by screwing a male screw part 60 of a fitting screw 58 into the lower female screw hole 56. Also, the column-shaped member 52 is formed with an upper female screw hole 62 at its other end. The upper part of the column-shaped member 52 is detachably attached to the instep-side support 16A by screwing a male screw part 66 of a fitting screw 64 into the upper female screw hole 62.

[0082] In this thong 14A, the column-shaped member 52 is made of such metallic material as iron and stainless steel, hard rigid resin material, and the like. The column-shaped member 52 made of those materials possesses rigidity and strength. Also, the cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 is made of soft synthetic resin material, foamed resin material, and the like. As a result, it is possible to provide an insole that is easy on the foot and that gives a strong stimulus to the toe crotch between the first and second toes.

[0083] According to a different modification, one of the fitting screw 58 and the fitting screw 64 is extended to penetrate through to an end of the column-shaped member 52, and the male screw exposed from the end of the column-shaped member 52 is screwed into a nut. This simplifies the configuration and improves assemblability.

[0084] In another modification, the thong 14A and the instep-side support 16A are integrally formed of synthetic resin or the like. In this case, the lower end of the thong 14A is attached to the insole main body 4. Providing the instep-side support 16A to at least one end of the thong 14A will suffice.

[0085] In still another modification, the cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 is dispensed with, thereby reducing the number of components and the costs. Alternatively, the column-shaped member 52 is dispensed with, and the thong is configured of the cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 only.

[0086] In a different modification, the insole main body 4A or the instep-side support 16 is attached to the column-shaped member 52 by press-fitting a press-fitting member into one or both ends of the column-shaped member 52, the press-fitting member having a disk at an opposite end that is larger than the diameter of the cylinder.

[0087] In a further different modification, the instep-side support 16 is formed with no exposed part R. In this case, the instep-side support 16 is not exposed outside through the opening of the shoe 102. This enhances a designability of the shoe 102 having no tongue-like member called tongue at the upper. Alternatively, the holding part H is disposed with. In this case, although one cannot hold the instep-side support 16 with fingers when putting on the shoe 102, one can put on the same because the insole 2 is firmly held to the shoe 102 by the hold-reinforcing part F.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

[0088] Also, for example, although in the above-described embodiment the shoe 102 has been described as a walking shoe, an athletic shoe, a sport shoe, or the like, the invention is not limited to these shoes and is applicable to various shoes such as a boot, a snow shoe, a rubber boot, a working shoe, a climbing shoe, a fishing shoe, and the like.

[0089] A second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that an insole main body has a thin part having a thin thickness is formed in a region including a part of a toe-side front part of the insole main body that supports toes. The second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a view for explaining the thin part of the second embodiment, wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view with the insole main body having the foot side made thinner to form the thin part, (c) is a sideview with the insole main body having the shoe side made thinner to form the thin part.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 9(a), in the second embodiment, a thin part 261 for making thin the thickness of an insole main body 204 is formed in a shape of a letter of inverted V in a region frontward of a part of a toe-side front part 206 of the insole main body 204 that supports toes. The thin part 261 is formed either by forming a thin part 261A as shown in Fig. 9(b) by shaving a surface of the insole main body 204 that contacts a foot by a shaving thickness D or by forming a thin part 261B as shown in Fig. 9(c) by shaving a surface of the insole main body 204 that contacts a shoe and is opposite to the surface that contacts a foot by the saving thickness D. Alternatively, both a side that contacts a foot and a side that contacts a shoe are shaved to form thin parts on the both sides. The shaving thickness D is optional but preferably secures as much freedom of toes as possible and enables one to put strength on the toes.

[0091] It should be noted that although in the second embodiment the thin part 261 is formed in the shape of a letter of inverted V, it is not limited thereto, and various modification is possible. For example, the thin part may be formed at only a part each toe contacts. Alternatively, the thin part may be formed at an area that includes a part each toe contacts and a hallux ball. Forming the thin part in a region including a part of the insole main body 204 that contacts at least each of toes including a first toe will suffice.

[0092] It should be noted that although in the second embodiment the thin part 261 is formed by shaving the surface of the insole main body 204 that the foot contacts, the surface of the insole main body 204 that the shoe contacts and that is opposite to the surface the foot contacts, or both of them by the shaving thickness D, it is not limited thereto, and various changes are possible. For example, a region of the insole main body 204 frontward of a part of the toe-side front part 206 that supports toes may be completely cut off, such that no insole main body 204 exists in the region from the part that supports toes.

[0093] Also, the thin part 261 may be formed of two sheets including a different insole main body. The different insole main body is joined on the front or rear surface of the insole main body 204, and its region frontward of a part to support toes has been cut off.

[0094] In the second embodiment, as described above, the thin part that makes thin the thickness of the insole main body is formed in the region including the part of the toe-side front part of the insole main body that supports toes. This makes thin a part of the insole main body that contacts toes when climbing up mountain trails or stairs, thereby making it easier to put one's strength on toes, reducing burden on a heel side, and preventing back pain and knee pain. Also, because the freedom of toes is increased, muscles strength of the toes is expected to increase.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

[0095] A third embodiment of the invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that an adjusting part different from the thong is attached to an insole main body. The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a view for explaining the adjusting part of the third embodiment, wherein (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a partially omitted side view.

[0096] As shown in Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), in the third embodiment, an adjustment member 319 is attached to the insole main body 4 on a center line of an instep-side support 316 at a position closer to the toe side than where the thong 14 of an insole main body 304 is disposed. This makes it possible to adjust a spread angle of toes of a person with hallux valgus and also makes a body of a person who does not have hallux valgus less easy to fall.

[0097] The adjustment member 319 is made of the same material and has the same shape and configuration as the thong 14, and has the lower end attached to the insole main body 304 and the upper end attached to the instep-side support 316. In regard to the positional relationship with the thong 14, the adjustment member 319 is disposed on the toe side to the thong 14 and away therefrom by a distance A. Although the distance A is arbitrary depending on a size of a first toe of each person, the distance A between the thong 14 and the adjustment member 316, which is set to be A = 25 mm in the third embodiment, can be adjustable depending on a size and a shape of a first toe of each person. The distance A can be adjusted by either inserting the adjustment member 319 through the above-mentioned through slit 24 or forming a different through hole.

[0098] Disposing the adjustment member 319 makes adjustable an outward spread angle of a first toe toward the outside (in a direction opposite from a second toe). For example, setting a suitable angle for each person by adjusting a position in the front-rear direction using the slit 24 makes it possible to put one's force on a first toe or a foot sole even when a body is pushed from right or left, enabling to stand firm. Also, adjusting the position in the right-left direction as well makes it possible to correct hallux valgus of each person.

[0099] It should be noted that although in the third embodiment the adjustment member 319 is disposed on the center line of the instep-side support 316 at a position on the toe side to where the thong 14 is disposed, the position may be adjusted such that the adjustment member 319 is disposed at a position deviated from the center line of the instep-side support 316 in a direction toward the first toe so as to widen the spread angle between the first and second toes. In this case, the position can be adjustable by forming a new through slit or through hole from the thong 314 diagonally toward a first toe and inserting the adjustment member 319 through the new through slit or through hole. Hallux valgus can be further corrected by widening the spread angle between a first toe and a second toe.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the adjustment member 319 may be formed of the same material and have the same shape and configuration as the thong 14. For example, it can be configured to have the resilient cylindrical hollow sleeve 18 of the above-described thong 14 and the pair of cords 20, 22 disposed through the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18. Alternatively, it can be configured to have only the pair of codes 20, 22 without the cylindrical hollow sleeve 18. Also, it can be the adjustment member 319 including the above-described column-shaped member 52 and the cylindrical resilient sleeve 54 covering the column-shaped member 52. In this case, the adjustment member 319 may have the different configuration than the thong 14. Further, the instep-side support 316, the thong 14, and the adjustment member 319 may be formed integral. Also, the adjustment member 319 can be provided in plural number.

[0101] As described above, in the third embodiment, the configuration where the adjustment member for adjusting the spread angle of a first toe is disposed on the toe side to where the thong is provided makes it possible to put one's strength on a first toe or a foot sole even when a body is pushed from left or right and to stand firmly. Also, adjusting its position can correct hallux valgus.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

[0102] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, this instep-side support 416 is flexible and substantially in a flat plate shape, and has a length SL form a part contacting the thong 14 to a toe-side end part that is longer than a length KL from the part contacting the thong 14 to a heel-side end part. Therefore, the toe-side end part of the instep-side support 416 extends toward the toe-side end part of the insole main body 4 but does not extend excessively toward the heel side. Thus, when accommodated on the inner bottom 106 in the shoe 102, as shown in Fig. 14, the front part of the instep-side support 416 easily contacts the inner surface of the front part 110 of the shoe 102 to reliably prevent the instep-side support 416 from moving toward the front side of the shoe 102. Also, because the instep-side support 416 does not extend excessively toward the heel side, it is configured not to interfere with the insertion of a foot. Also, it is preferable that in a condition where the thong is upright the front part of the instep-side support 416 overlap the front part of the insole main body 4 with a distance therebetween in the thong-upright direction. This reliably abuts the front part of the instep-side support 416 against the inner surface of the front part 110 of the shoe 102.

[0103] In this accommodation state, the outer surface of the instep-side support 416 contacts the upper 112 of the shoe 102, causing friction against the upper 112 and preventing deformation of the instep-side support 416. This also prevents the instep-side support 416 from moving toward the front side of the shoe 102. As a result, it is possible to reliably hold the thong 14 between the insole main body 4 and the instep-side support 416, i.e., at a predetermined position of the front part in the shoe 102.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0104] An insole of the invention and a shoe having the same is widely applicable in a field of foot wear.

[0105] 

2

insole

4, 4A

insole main body

6

toe-side front part

8

heel-side rear part

14, 14A

thong

16, 16A

instep-side support

18

cylindrical hollow sleeve

20, 22

cord

32

anti-slip member

52

column-shaped member

54

cylindrical resilient sleeve

102

shoe

106

inner bottom

108

foot

112

upper

202

insole

204

insole main body

261

thin part

302

insole

304

insole main body

316

instep-side support

319

adjustment member

F

hold-reinforcing part

H

holding part

R

exposed part

Claims

1. An insole comprising:

an insole main body adapted to be accommodated in a bottom of a shoe;

a thong attached to a toe-side front part of the insole main body; and

an instep-side support provided at an end part of the thong opposite to the insole main body and extending in a front-rear direction from a toe side to a heel side with respect to the thong, wherein:

a relationship SL ≤ KL is satisfied,

where SL is a length of the instep-side support from a center of its part contacting the thong to a toe-side end part, and KL is a length from the center of its part contacting the thong to a heel-side end.

2. The insole according to claim 1, wherein the thong includes at least a column-shaped member.

3. The insole according to claim 2, wherein the thong includes a resilient sleeve covering the column-shaped member.

4. The insole according to any claims 1 to 3, wherein the toe-side front part of the insole main body is provided with a thong-position adjuster, and an attaching position of the thong is adjustable by the thong-position adjuster.

5. The insole according to claim 4, wherein the attaching position of the thong is adjustable by the thong-position adjuster such that a length ML from a rear end part of the thong at the toe-side front part of the insole main body to the heel-side end becomes substantially the same as a length AL from a heel-rear end of a foot to a root of first and second toes.

6. The insole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the instep-side support has a holding part at the heel-side end thereof, the holding part being adapted to be held with fingers when putting on the shoe with the insole therein.

7. The insole according to claim 6, wherein the holding part has, at a heel-side end part, an exposed part adapted to be exposed outside through a wearing opening of the shoe when accommodated in the bottom of the shoe.

8. The insole according to claim 7, wherein the exposed part has an outer surface or an inner surface decorated with colors, characters, or brand names.

9. The insole according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a hold-reinforcing part on at least an outer surface of the instep-side support in a region from a part of the instep-side support contacting the thong to its heel-side end, the hold-reinforcing part reinforcing holding to the upper of the shoe; and
the hold-reinforcing part has an outer surface adapted to contact the upper of the shoe when accommodated in the bottom of the shoe.

10. The insole according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insole main body has a thin part making a thickness of the insole main body thin at an area frontward of a part of the toe-side front part that supports toes.

11. The insole according to claim 10, wherein a part corresponding to the thin part has been cut away from the insole main body.

12. The insole according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein an adjustment member different from the thong is attached between the insole main body and the instep-side support.

13. A shoe with the insole according to any of claims 1 to 12 disposed in a bottom of a shoe main body.

14. The shoe according to claim 13, wherein the thong is attached to the insole main body at a position adjusted by the thong-position adjuster such that tiptoes would not abut an inner surface of the toe-side end part of the shoe when the shoe with the insole in its bottom is worn.

Drawing