Patent Application
20210337924
The invention relates to a shoe sole having flexibility characteristics in specific areas of the sole.
It is known to use shoe soles that have a series of openings that develop over the entire width in order to increase the flexibility characteristics in specific areas of the sole.
For example, patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,615 describes a sports shoe that comprises a sole formed by two opposing surfaces joined at a series of protrusions between which voids are defined.
These voids make it possible to increase the cushioning effect while the sole is in contact with the ground.
However, in these shoes the forces generated during the support phase are dissipated only with the deformation of the sole, whereas it would be desirable to obtain a more uniform distribution of the loads, so as to make optimal use of the forces in play during walking.
The technical problem addressed by the present invention is that of providing a shoe sole that is structurally and functionally designed to overcome one or more of the limitations described above with reference to the cited prior art.
In the context of the above-mentioned problem, a main aim of the invention is to develop a sole capable of making optimal use of the various phases of walking, while allowing effective cushioning during the support phase.
Another aim is to provide a shoe sole in which the stresses deriving from contact with the ground are not concentrated exclusively in the heel area or in any other single area.
This problem is solved and these aims are achieved by the present invention by means of a shoe sole comprising a main structure that defines a tread surface intended to face the ground during use of the sole and opposing sides of the sole, said main structure comprising a top layer facing, in use, the sole of the foot, a bottom layer facing the ground, and a reinforcing member interposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, said reinforcing member being made of a material with greater rigidity than said bottom layer, wherein said reinforcing member comprises a front portion and a rear portion joined together by a bridging section, and wherein a forefoot through opening is defined on said front portion and a hindfoot through opening is defined on said rear portion, and wherein a midfoot through opening is defined between said bridging section and said bottom layer.
Preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
The sole according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain an optimal distribution of the loads that occur during the foot supporting phase.
In addition, the load generated during the supporting of the foot on the ground is distributed in a gradual manner, thus improving walking comfort.
In addition, the sole according to the present invention has high characteristics of reactivity and, at the same time, of deformability and adaptability to the movement of the foot.
According to preferred aspects, the invention also makes it possible to make optimal use of the energy accumulated during the foot supporting phase, transforming it into a pushing action.
According to further aspects, the present invention also makes it possible to favor the helical movement of the foot that arises during the various phases of walking.
According to other aspects, the invention also makes it possible to contain the peaks of pressure on the foot and, at the same time, to provide adequate support for the metatarsal area and the lateral arch.
According to still further aspects, the present invention makes it possible to advantageously combine characteristics of reactivity and deformability.
According to other aspects, the invention makes it possible to distribute the pressure of walking over a greater area of the plantar arch, reducing the risk of various pathologies.
According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a shoe sole comprising a main structure that defines a tread surface intended to face the ground during use of the sole and opposing sides of the sole, said main structure comprising:
a forefoot portion in which is defined a forefoot through opening that extends between the opposing sides;
a midfoot portion in which is defined a midfoot through opening that extends between the opposing sides;
a hindfoot portion in which is defined a hindfoot through opening that extends between the opposing sides;
said forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot portions being contiguous with each other along the toe-to-heel direction and being made of an elastic material, wherein said forefoot through opening and said hindfoot through opening partially overlap said midfoot through opening.
The sole according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain an optimal distribution of the loads that occur during the foot supporting phase.
In addition, the load generated during the supporting of the foot on the ground is distributed in a gradual manner, thus improving walking comfort.
According to preferred aspects, the invention also makes it possible to make optimal use of the energy accumulated during the foot supporting phase, transforming it into a pushing action.
According to further aspects, the present invention also makes it possible to favor the helical movement of the foot that arises during the various phases of walking.
According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a sole, comprising the steps of:
providing a main structure;
providing a reinforcing member;
placing the reinforcing member between the top layer and the bottom layer;
joining the reinforcing member to the top layer and the bottom layer.
According to this aspect, the sole according to the present invention can be produced in an automated manner without requiring any particular manual processing steps.
The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of two embodiments illustrated by way of non-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference initially to
The sole 100 extends longitudinally in a toe-to-heel direction indicated with the letter X in
The sole 100 comprises a main structure 10, which in turn includes a forefoot portion 2, a midfoot portion 3 and a hindfoot portion 4 contiguous with each other along the toe-to-heel direction X.
Preferably, the main structure 10 is made of a relatively elastic material, for example a polymer material, which will be illustrated in greater detail below.
Again, with reference to
In the context of the present invention, the term “tread surface 1” identifies the surface of the sole 100 intended to face the ground during use of the sole 100, i.e. during use of a shoe comprising the sole 100 by a user. This surface may be represented by that directly in contact with the ground, or said contact may take place via the interposition of additional layers not illustrated in the figure.
In the sole 100 are also identified respective opposing sides 11, 12, which comprise an inner side 11 and an outer side 12, identified in relation to the toe-to-heel direction X of the sole 100.
According to a preferred embodiment, the main structure 10 comprises a bottom layer 15 on which the tread surface 1 is defined.
Preferably, the main structure further comprises a top layer 16 facing, in use, the foot of the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the top layer 16 and the bottom layer 15 are joined at a front end 17 of the sole 100, which defines the tip, and at a rear end 18, close to the heel.
In one embodiment, between the top layer 16 and the bottom layer 15 is provided a reinforcing member 5, preferably made of a material with greater rigidity than the main structure 10 or, more generally, at least than the bottom layer 15.
Preferably, the reinforcing member 5 is made of a material with a high degree of rigidity/elasticity, for example a block copolymer, such as ABS/nylon, or a polyether block amide, such as that known by the commercial name of Pebax®. A further alternative is represented by carbon or by a polyurethane, preferably of the compact thermoplastic type (TPU). However, it is clear that these materials are cited purely by way of example and that further alternatives can be also provided.
In order to ensure that the reinforcing member has greater rigidity than the bottom layer 15 and/or the top layer 16, this or these are instead made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
According to a preferred embodiment, as illustrated more clearly in
Preferably, the front portion 52 and the rear portion 54 are joined by a bridging section 53.
In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing member 5 has an essentially flat development and extends to occupy the top layer 16 more or less completely. This makes it possible to prevent the user from noticing the presence of the reinforcing member 5 when wearing the shoe and, at the same time, can provide adequate support for the entire sole of the foot.
With reference to
According to a preferred embodiment, the forefoot through opening 20 extends between the opposing sides 11, 12 of the sole 100.
It should also be noted that the term “through” indicates that the opening not only passes entirely through the reinforcing member 5 but is open laterally on the opposing sides 11, 12 of the sole 100. Preferably, the forefoot through opening 20 passes through the shoe in a direction transverse to that defined as the toe-to-heel direction X.
In one embodiment, a through opening 40 is defined in the reinforcing member 5 on its rear portion 54. Hereinafter, said through opening will be referred to as the “hindfoot through opening 40”, due to its location.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hindfoot through opening 40 extends between the opposing sides 11, 12 of the sole 100. In other words, the hindfoot through opening 40 passes through the shoe in a direction transverse to that defined as the toe-to-heel direction X.
Preferably, a midfoot through opening 30 is defined between the bridging section 53 and said bottom layer 15 when the reinforcing member 5 is placed between the bottom layer 15 and the top layer 16.
As can be seen from
Preferably, the bridging section 53 is arranged to support the top layer 16, so as to provide complete support for the users foot.
In this way, the reinforcing member 5 makes it possible to make optimal use of the forces in play during walking, absorbing energy, thanks to its flexion, in the support phase and subsequently releasing it during the extension of the foot.
Preferably, the reinforcing member 5 is formed as a single body.
According to a preferred embodiment, the front portion 52 and the rear portion 54 of the reinforcing member comprise a respective first transverse section 55 and a second transverse section 56, which connect to the bridging section 53.
Preferably, the first transverse section 55 is inclined towards the rear end of the sole 100, while the second transverse section 56 is inclined towards the front end of the sole 100.
Thanks to the above-mentioned arrangement, the transverse sections 55, 56 advantageously develop respectively along a direction parallel to that of the forces generated during the phase of support of the sole on the ground, and along a direction parallel to the forces released as a result of the elastic response in the phase of extension of the foot.
Preferably, the reinforcing member 5 is formed by two tubular elements, which define respectively the front portion 52 and the rear portion 54, connected by the bridging section 53. In one embodiment, the transverse sections 55 and 56 form a wall of the tubular elements.
With reference to
As illustrated in
With reference once again to
Preferably, in the sole according to the present invention, the forefoot through opening 20 and the hindfoot through opening 40 partially overlap the midfoot through opening 30.
In this way, the cushioning action obtained thanks to the presence of the openings can be advantageously combined with a high flexional capacity that is produced in the areas in which the openings overlap.
In one embodiment, the main structure 10 as a whole is affected by three through openings in total, defined by the forefoot through opening 20, the midfoot through opening 30 and the hindfoot through opening 40.
In this way, maximum flexibility of the sole can be obtained without sacrificing the cushioning effect during the phase of support and the release of forces during the extension of the foot.
In addition, a gradual distribution of the load is ensured.
Preferably, the forefoot through opening 20 and the hindfoot through opening 40 partially overlap the midfoot through opening 30 along a vertical direction defined when said tread surface is supported on the ground. In other words, one is arranged above the other in relation to the ground on which the sole 100 is supported.
According to a preferred embodiment, the forefoot through opening 20 overlaps the midfoot through opening 30 at an area of transition between the forefoot portion 2 and the midfoot portion 3. In parallel, the hindfoot through opening 40 overlaps the midfoot through opening 30 at an area of transition between the hindfoot portion 4 and the midfoot portion 3.
In this way, the areas of overlap advantageously correspond to those in which a greater degree of flexion is required during the movement of walking.
Preferably, with the aim of providing the structure with a high degree of strength, the forefoot through opening 20 and the hindfoot through opening 40 overlap the midfoot through opening 30 at respective tapered ends 22, 42.
According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in
In this embodiment, the top layer 16 and the bottom layer 15 are also connected by means of two transverse extensions 13, 14, within which are embedded the transverse sections 55, 56.
This advantageously makes it possible to conceal from view the presence of the reinforcing member 5, to the benefit of the aesthetic qualities of the sole 100.
In another embodiment, illustrated in
In a further variant embodiment, which defines a further aspect of the present invention, the reinforcing member 5 may not be present.
In this embodiment, the main structure 10 comprises a first transverse extension 13 that extends from the bottom layer 15, at an area facing the forefoot portion 2, to the top layer 16 at an area facing the midfoot portion 3. In other words, the first transverse extension 13 is inclined towards the rear end of the sole 100.
In a preferred embodiment, the main structure 10 also comprises a second transverse extension 14 that extends from the bottom layer 15, at an area facing the hindfoot portion 4, to the top layer 16 at an area facing the midfoot portion 3. In other words, the second transverse extension 14 is inclined towards the front end of the sole 100.
Preferably, the first and second transverse extensions 13, 14 are connected bridge wise to the top layer 16 at the midfoot portion 3.
Thanks to the above-mentioned arrangement, the transverse extensions 13, 14 advantageously develop respectively along a direction parallel to that of the forces generated during the phase of support of the sole on the ground, and along a direction parallel to the forces released as a result of the elastic response in the phase of extension of the foot.
In one embodiment, between the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the first transverse extension 13 is defined a void, which identifies in the forefoot portion 2 a forefoot through opening 20 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
Preferably, between the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the two transverse extensions 13, 14 is defined a void, which identifies in the midfoot portion 3 a midfoot through opening 30 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
Preferably, also between the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the second transverse extension 14 is defined a void, which identifies in the hindfoot portion 4 a hindfoot through opening 40 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
As illustrated for the other embodiments, the forefoot through opening 20 and the hindfoot through opening 40 preferably partially overlap the midfoot through opening 30.
With reference now to
The reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10 are produced separately, preferably by injection molding.
Preferably, the reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10 are subsequently washed with suitable cleaning products.
According to a preferred embodiment, an adhesive, preferably of the bi-component type, is applied to the reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10. Preferably, the surfaces of the reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10 intended to be joined together are coated with said bi-component adhesive.
The structure 10 is open on the sides, and consequently it is possible to insert the reinforcing member 5 laterally, from the inner side 11 or the outer side 12 of the sole.
Preferably, in order to favor the correct positioning of the reinforcing member 5, the latter may be provided with coupling elements 57a, 58a, suitable for creating a form fit with corresponding elements defined in the structure 10.
In one embodiment, said coupling elements are created by means of an extension insertable into a recess of complementary shape, created respectively on the reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10.
The unit formed by the structure 10 and the reinforcing member 5 is loaded into a cooling press, which is then closed, applying adequate pressure for the time necessary for the activation of the bi-component adhesive to take place.
In this phase, the presence of the lightening openings 57 allows adequate adhesion between the top and bottom layers and the reinforcing member.
In this case, the reinforcing member is embedded in the structure 10, as in the embodiments of
The method for producing said sole is described in
The structure 10 is prepared by providing through openings 20a, 30a and 40a on the sides 11 and 12.
In addition, the structure 10 is provided with a central opening 50a, suitable for housing the reinforcing member 5.
In this case, the use of TPU/PU is additionally advantageous in that it makes it possible to produce the structure 10, already provided with the related openings, by injection molding.
Preferably, the central opening 50a also defines a mating edge 19 on which the reinforcing member 5 can be placed in support.
In one embodiment, a further opening 7a with a vertical development is also provided in the hindfoot area 4, inside which is inserted a heel member 7.
The sole 100 is then assembled by placing the reinforcing member 5, and any heel member 7, in the corresponding openings 50a, 7a. Prior to their positioning, in a manner similar to the preceding embodiment, an adhesive, preferably of the bi-component type, is applied to the reinforcing member 5 and the structure 10.
According to a preferred embodiment, the top layer 16 is then placed on top of the reinforcing member 5. Preferably, the tread surface 1 is also applied beneath the bottom layer 15.
The assembly of the sole 100 is then completed by loading the unit thus obtained into a cooling press, which is then closed, applying adequate pressure for the time necessary for the activation of the bi-component adhesive to take place.
A further embodiment is illustrated in
According to this embodiment, the bottom layer 15 and the top layer 16 are separate and connected only by means of the reinforcing member 5 interposed between them.
In this case, the method for producing the sole 100 provides for the interposition of the reinforcing member 5 between the bottom layer 15 and the top layer 16 and the related gluing, using technologies similar to those illustrated previously.
In a still further variant embodiment, illustrated in
In this embodiment, the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the first transverse extension 13 define a void, which identifies in the forefoot portion 2 the forefoot through opening 20 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
Preferably, between the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the two transverse extensions 13, 14 is defined a void, which identifies in the midfoot portion 3 the midfoot through opening 30 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
Preferably, also between the top layer 16, the bottom layer 15 and the second transverse extension 14 is defined a void, which identifies in the hindfoot portion 4 the hindfoot through opening 40 that extends between the opposing sides 11, 12.
According to a further embodiment, illustrated in
More generally, preferably the reinforcing member extends partially into the top layer 16 and into the transverse extensions 13, 14.
In this way, sufficient robustness and flexibility of the reinforcing member 5 can be ensured while occupying a very small portion of the main structure 10.
Preferably, the reinforcing member 5 is completely embedded in the top layer 16 and in the transverse extensions 13, 14.
This advantageously makes it possible to conceal from view the presence of the reinforcing member 5, to the benefit of the aesthetic qualities of the sole 100.
According to a further embodiment, illustrated in
Preferably, the midfoot portion 3 comprises a further portion with relatively greater flexibility 31 at the inner side 11.
In this way, it is possible to favor the helical movement of the foot during the phases of walking, without compromising the overall characteristics of robustness and aesthetic quality of the sole.
In one embodiment, the portions with relatively greater flexibility 21, 31, 41 are made of a material with a lower density than the rest of the main structure 10.
Preferably, as can be seen from
As illustrated in
It is evident that this embodiment can be advantageously combined with the presence of the reinforcing member 5.
Thanks to the characteristics of the invention, the shoe sole 100 makes it possible to make optimal use of the forces in play during the phases of walking.
In particular, the forefoot opening makes it possible to advantageously define a pushing control surface, while the midfoot opening makes it possible to define a dynamic stability area and the hindfoot opening makes it possible to define a control surface for the phases of compression, support and loading.
In addition, the presence of the reinforcing member is particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to transport the force accumulated during the heel supporting phase into the front area, converting it into a pushing action.
The invention also makes it possible to contain the peaks of pressure on the foot and, at the same time, to provide adequate support for the metatarsal area and the lateral arch, thanks to the presence of the reinforcing member, which makes it possible to increase the support, combined with the presence of the openings 20, 30, 40 that offset said effect of the reinforcing member.
In addition, the reactivity supplied by the reinforcing member is advantageously combined with the deformability of the structure.
This combination of characteristics also makes it possible to distribute the pressure over a larger area of the plantar arch, favoring a reduction in the risk of metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis and other pathologies.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102016000027822 | Mar 2016 | IT | national |
| 102016000080668 | Aug 2016 | IT | national |
The Present application is a Continuation of 16/085,045, filed Sep. 14, 2018, which is a § 371 U.S. National Phase of PCT/IB2016/054610, filed Aug. 1, 2016, which claims priority of Italian patent application number 102016000080668, filed Aug. 1, 2016 and Italian patent application number 102016000027822, filed Mar. 16, 2016, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16085045 | Sep 2018 | US |
| Child | 17376274 | US |
