GB2376408A

GB2376408A - Footwear sole with ventilation slits

Info

Publication number: GB2376408A
Application number: GB0114240A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kale Chang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-12
Filing date: 2001-06-12
Publication date: 2002-12-18
Also published as: DE20110452U1; NL1018318C2; US20020189131A1; FR2827126A1; GB0114240D0

Abstract

A shoe sole comprises a waterproof ventilation layer 30 disposed between an elastic outer layer 10 and a breathable inner layer 20, wherein the outer layer is penetrated by a plurality of slits or interstices 40 which deviate from a longitudinal axis of the outer layer. When the outer layer is subjected to an external force, in use, it is deformed such that the slits are stretched open in order that ventilation may be provided. The inner layer is preferably formed from a nonwoven fabric and the waterproof layer may be made of a breathable polyethylene film. Typically, the slits are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of veins 11 may be provided on an external surface of the outer layer to form a tread pattern.

Description

CONCEALED AIR BREATHING STRUCTURE OF SHOE SOLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a shoe sole, and more particularly to a concealed ventilation structure of the shoe sole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ventilation of shoe is aimed at the removal of moisture from the interior of the shoe, so as to soothe the shoe wearer. The US. Pat. 5,044, 096 disclosed a breathable shoe sole, which comprises an outer layer, a waterproof breathing layer, and an inner layer. The outer layer and the inner layer are provided with a plurality of through holes. The waterproof breathing layer is sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer to attain the ventilation effect. Such a structure as described above has the following drawbacks.

The ventilation holes of the outer layer are so exposed that mud or foreign object is apt to deposit in the ventilation holes at such time when the shoe comes in contact with a muddy surface. As a result, the

ventilation holes are clogged by the mud or foreign object, thereby resulting in failure of ventilation.

The water is apt to enter the ventilation holes at such time when the shoe comes in contact with a wet surface. In spite of the protection which is provided by the waterproof breathing layer, the water tends to accumulate between the outer layer and the waterproof breathing layer to cause the waterproof breathing layer to be in the state of water saturation, thereby resulting in an increase in moisture in the interior of the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a shoe sole with a concealed ventilation structure to bring about the waterproof ventilation effect.

The shoe sole of the present invention comprises an outer layer which has a sole profile and is made of an elastic material, an inner layer which is fixed on the outer layer and is made of a breathable material, and a waterproof breathing layer which is sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer. The present invention is characterized by the outer layer which is provided with a predetermined number of interstices, which penetrate the outer layer such that they deviate from the longitudinal direction of the outer layer at a predetermined angle. These interstices are contiguous to one another to remain in the closed state at the time when the outer layer is free from the exertion of an external force. As the shoe sole is curved by the external force, the interstices are

caused by the deformity of the outer layer to stretch to remain in the open state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

5 Figure 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a shoe sole according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a sectional view of the shoe sole shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bottom view of the shoe sole shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a schematic view of the shoe sole in use, and 10 Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 and shows a schematic view of the outer layer interstices of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

15 Referring to the drawings, the shoe sole shown herein comprises am outer layer 10 having a profile of the shoe sole and made of a rubber, or plastic material, or a rubber and plastic composite material having an elasticity. The outer layer is provided in the outer side with a plurality of depressed or raised veins 11 forming a tread pattern for enhancing the friction force

of the shoe sole.

An inner layer 20 is made of a breathable material, such as nylon or nonwoven fabric, and is fixed on the outer layer by adhesion.

A waterproof ventilation layer 30 is made of a waterproof and breathable material, such as PE film, especially the waterproof breathable film similar to "Gore-Tax". The waterproof ventilation layer 30 is sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer by adhesion for providing the shoe sole with an appropriate waterproof function and an appropriate breathing function.

The present invention is characterized by the outer layer 10 which is provided with a predetermined number of interstices (or slits) 40. The interstices 40 are disposed in such a manner that they deviate from the longitudinal direction of the outer layer 10 at a predetermined angle. The angle of deviation and the range of disposition area are not strictly confined as long as the interstices are capable of being stretched by the deformity of the outer layer at the time when the outer layer is exerted on by an external force. As shown in FIG. 3, the interstices 40 are slightly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer layer 10 and are disposed in an area corresponding in location to a portion for accommodating the foot sole. As shown in FIG. 5, the interstices 40 are arranged in accordance with the original shoe sole veins 11 of the outer portion of the outer layer. The interstices are integrally formed of the outer layer by the thin knife molding board. The interstices penetrate through the portion of the outer layer 10. In light of the interstices being formed by the knife in place of punching and drilling, the interstices are contiguous to one another to remain in the closed state at the time when

the outer layer is not exerted on by an external force. As a result, the appearance of the present invention remains intact. When the shoe sole is exerted on by an external force to bend, the interstices 40 are caused by the deformity of the outer layer to stretch to remain in the open state.

As shown in FIG. 4, the foot sole is bent naturally when the shoe wearer walks, thereby causing the outer layer 10 to deform. In the meantime, the interstices 40 of the outer layer are stretched one after another in the direction from the foot heel toward the toes, with such a stretching action resembling the breathing action of a shark gill. As a result, the inner side and the outer side of the outer layer are connected to remain in a breathing state to bring about the ventilation effect. When the shoe wearer remains stationary, the outer layer 10 is no longer exerted on by the external force, thereby recovering its original state as shown in FIG. 2. In the meantime, the interstices 40 also return to the original state in which they remain contiguous to one another. In the event that the shoe of the present invention comes in contact with water, the water can not enter directly and without obstacle into the portion located between the outer layer 10 and the waterproof ventilation layer 30. If the shoe sole of the present invention comes in contact with a muddy surface, the mud is prevented from depositing in or clogging the interstices 40 of the outer layer 10. As a result, the waterproof and breathing effect of the shoe sole of the present invention remains unimpaired.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A shoe sole comprising: an outer layer having a profile of the shoe sole and made of an elastic material; an inner layer fixed on said outer layer and capable of breathing; and a waterproof ventilation layer sandwiched between said outer layer and said inner layer; wherein said outer layer is provided with a plurality of interstices which penetrate said outer layer in such a manner that said interstices deviate from the longitudinal direction of said outer layer at an angle, and that said interstices remain contiguous to one another at such time when said outer layer is not exerted on by an external force, and further that said interstices are stretched to open up at such time when said outer layer is exerted on by an external force to deform.

2. The shoe sole as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner layer is made of a breathable material.

3. The shoe sole as defined in claim 2, wherein said inner layer is made of a nonwoven fabric.

4. The shoe sole as defined in claim 1, wherein said waterproof ventilation layer is made of a breathable PE film.

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5. The shoe sole as defined in claim 1, wherein said interstices are located in an area corresponding in location to a portion of the shoe sole for accommodating the foot sole.

6. The shoe sole as defined in claim 1, wherein said interstices are disposed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said outer layer.

7. The shoe sole as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer layer is provided in an outer side thereof with a plurality of veins; wherein said interstices are disposed along an orientation of said veins.

8. A shoe sole substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, or Figure 5, of the accompanying drawings.

9. A shoe having a sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.