EP3462957B1 - Insole - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an insole for shoes, in particular as a disposable product with an at least two-layer base material comprising a foot-facing cover layer and an associated shoe-facing base layer and with a foot-facing foot surface and an opposite shoe-facing sole surface.

Insoles are widely known in the prior art. Among other things, they serve to improve the feeling of the foot or the cushioning in the shoe or to optimize the fit. In addition, special seasonal insoles are known, e.g. to absorb foot sweat in summer or to offer insulation against the cold of the ground in winter. It is generally a problem that the foot sweats in the shoe and, due to bacteria, there is an odor in shoes as well as in insoles. In order to prevent odor formation or the release of odor or at least improve the odor, a large number of variants are proposed in the prior art.

For example, in the EP 0 272 690 A1 describes a three-layer insole that can be equipped with active ingredients both on the foot surface and on the sole surface.

Further multilayer insoles, in which active ingredients are provided to improve odor, are for example in the EP 1 472 945 A2 as well as the EP 0 414 634 B1 described.

From the EP 754 414 A2 an insole is known which has a two-layer structure of base material and nonwoven cover having. The basic material consists of one
Staple fiber material with bicomponent fibers and absorbent fibers. An active ingredient can be provided in the layers, in which case, for example, activated carbon particles are mentioned.
Proceeding from the known prior art, it is now the object of the invention to provide an in particular disposable insole which provides good liquid transport into the insole in order to achieve a dry foot feeling while at the same time providing good odor control.
The object is achieved by an insole as described above, in which the cover layer and the base layer consist of a staple fiber fleece and bicomponent fibers and absorbent cellulose-based fibers and / or hydrophilic synthetic fibers are contained in the cover layer and in the base layer and the insole comprises a combination has at least two different groups of active ingredients, the active ingredient groups being selected from the group of antimicrobial active ingredients, odor absorbents and odor masking substances, and at least one active ingredient group being assigned to both the top layer and the base layer.
The invention relates to an insole as specified in independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The bicomponent fibers should preferably be provided with a weight proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the respective layer. More preferably, the bicomponent fibers have a weight proportion of the total weight of the respective layer of at most 60% by weight, preferably at most 55% by weight, more preferably at most 50% by weight, more preferably at most 45% by weight and more preferably at most 40 % By weight.

Bicomponent fiber as a synthetic fiber is made from two polymers with different physical or chemical properties. The two polymers or the two components of a bicomponent fiber can be arranged differently within the fiber, such as, for example, next to one another, or in particular in a sheath-core arrangement.

The bicomponent fibers used for this invention preferably have a low-melting component and a higher-melting component, preferably in a sheath-core arrangement, the sheath then containing the low-melting component in the case of a sheath-core arrangement.

It was recognized that the use of bicomponent fibers enables a more “point” -shaped or partial connection of the two layers, since a connection is only made via the lower melting component, in particular the sheath component. The bicomponent fibers lead to glue point-like connections of the fibers within the layers and between the layers; In comparison to this, with a real gluing of the layers brought about by means of adhesive agents or with purely synthetic fibers that melt as a whole, a film-like intermediate layer is achieved. The use of bicomponent fibers therefore also achieves a certain channel structure and thus improves the transfer of liquid from the top layer to the base layer, and thus also away from the foot into the insole.

It was also recognized that the use of absorbent cellulosic fibers and / or hydrophilic synthetic fibers, especially in the cover layer, for the adjustability of the Liquid attraction and binding properties contributes advantageously. Overall, this advantageously contributes to a dry microclimate on the user's foot or in the shoe.

It was also recognized that the assignment of groups of active substances is further advantageous to a hygienic insole.

The at least two groups of active ingredients are assigned to the top layer and the base layer. This is understood to mean both an arrangement in the layers and on the layers, and here in particular on the foot or sole surface. The active ingredient groups can be distributed uniformly over the area and / or thickness of the base layer or the top layer, or areas can be provided which have less or no active ingredient at all compared to areas which contain more active ingredient or at all.

An arrangement on one of the layers is also understood to mean an arrangement in a coating.

Overall, with the at least two layers of this base material and the resulting adjustability of the liquid attraction and binding properties through the choice of fibers in conjunction with at least two groups of active substances, an improved hygienic insole can be provided.

As polymer materials for the bicomponent fibers, polyesters (PES), polyolefins, in particular PP, PE, and / or polyamides or combinations thereof are conceivable.
It is particularly preferred to use polyester-based bicomponent fibers for the insole. In such a case, the polyester bicomponent fibers have a low-melting copolyester component and a higher one melting component made of polyester. In this case, the polyester bicomponent fibers have a core made of polyester (PES) and a sheath made of copolyester. The identical bicomponent fibers are particularly preferably used in the top layer and / or in the base layer.

The hydrophilic synthetic fibers provided in the nonwoven composition of the base layer and / or cover layer in addition to the bicomponent fibers preferably all have a higher melting temperature than the low-melting component of the bicomponent fibers. Because the melting point of the hydrophilic synthetic fibers and optionally further fibers provided in the cover layer and / or base layer is higher than the melting point of the at least one component of the bicomponent fibers, these hydrophilic synthetic fibers themselves are not melted. The absorbent cellulosic fibers have no melting point anyway. With this fiber finish, the layers, in particular the top layer facing the foot, can create a textile feel and a dry microclimate.

By exerting pressure on the layer arrangement of cover layer and base layer and heating the layer arrangement so that the bicomponent fibers are melted on their surface, fusion bonds can be formed between the fibers of the cover layer and the base layer, which connect the layers to one another, and also fusion bonds within of the individual layers are created, and thus also advantageously make a contribution to the partial consolidation of the layers, in particular the top layer, which is therefore beneficial for their abrasion resistance. A high level of consolidation due to the large number of bicomponent fibers used The point-like connection points obtained reduce or even prevent the detachment of individual fibers from the fiber composite and are shown in good abrasion resistance.

The fiber strength of the bicomponent fibers is advantageously 1.0 to 6.5 dtex, in particular 1.2 to 4.0 dtex, and preferably 1.5 to 3.0 dtex. The choice of fine fibers is particularly advantageous, since with the fineness of the fibers a higher proportion of point-like connections can be obtained, which is positive for the cohesion of the fibers and the layers and is therefore associated with better abrasion resistance.

The fiber length of the bicomponent fiber is advantageously chosen from 10 to 80 mm, in particular from 20 to 70 mm and preferably from 40 to 50 mm. This advantageously enables penetration of the respective layer and production of connections to the fiber surfaces.

In particular, fluff pulp, cotton, viscose or combinations thereof can be used as absorbent cellulosic fibers.

As hydrophilic synthetic fibers, fibers based on a polymer based on polyolefins, in particular PP or PE, based on a polymer based on polyester, based on a polymer based on polyamides, or combinations thereof can be used, it being possible for the synthetic fibers to be provided with a hydrophilic finish.

The use of polyester-based fibers, be it as a bicomponent fiber and / or as a hydrophilic synthetic fiber, also proves to be particularly advantageous, in particular because of their structurally elastic behavior. It there is a volumetric property that can be attributed to the resilience of these fibers.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the base layer and the cover layer differ at least with regard to one property. The property can be taken from the group of fiber composition, weight per unit area, thickness, density, water retention capacity. In this way, the properties of the layers can be matched to one another even better by using layers that complement one another. For example, the top layer can be designed in such a way that it draws sweat away from the foot as quickly as possible and transfers it to the base layer.
It is particularly preferred if the top layer contains 25-35% by weight of bicomponent fibers, in particular based on polyester, at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 30% by weight of hydrophilic synthetic fibers, in particular polyester fibers, and optionally / optionally additionally up to 50% by weight , in particular up to 40% by weight of cellulose-based fibers, in particular viscose.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the base layer has 35-60% by weight of bicomponent fibers, preferably on a polyester basis, at least 40% by weight of cellulose-based fibers, in particular cotton, and optionally / optionally additionally up to 10% by weight of synthetic fibers, in particular polyester fibers.

It is particularly preferred here if the top layer and / or the base layer are combined before the laminate is formed
Solidification process are subjected. Known consolidation processes such as thermal consolidation processes, calendering, mechanical needling, water jet needling, etc. can be used. Preferably combinations of the aforementioned consolidation processes are used. Particularly preferred is water jet needling or mechanical needling with subsequent thermal consolidation. In this way, the stability of the layer or layers and thus of the overall product can be improved, which also results in improved step properties. In addition, mechanical needling, in particular of the cover layer, can improve the porosity of the cover layer and thus the ability to pass liquid through.

In order to divert foot perspiration from the foot as effectively as possible, it can preferably be provided that the insole has a soaking time of a maximum of 20 seconds, in particular a maximum of 15 seconds and in particular a maximum of 10 seconds. Together with the coordinated structure of the top layer and base layer, this enables the dry microclimate on the foot to be achieved particularly well.

The infiltration time is determined according to the following procedure:
The soak-in time is intended to describe the ability of the insole to keep moisture away from the product surface that is close to the body, i.e. from the foot surface of the insole.

• Eine Stoppuhr mit Sekundeneinteilung,
• eine Flüssigkeitszuführvorrichtung.
• Der Aufbau dieser Zuführvorrichtung ist zusammen mit den Figuren 6a und Figur 6b näher erläutert, wobei Figur 6a eine Seitenansicht und Figur 6b eine Draufsicht von oben darstellt. Die Zuführvorrichtung 300 ist aus Stahl mit einem Gewicht von 500-510g und weist eine Bodenplatte 302 mit einer Erstreckung L von 100 mm x 100 mm und einer Höhe h1 von insgesamt 8 mm auf. In dieser Bodenplatte 302 ist mittig eine Öffnung 304 eingebracht, aus der sich ein Zylinder 306 mit einem Außendurchmesser D1 von 25 mm, mit einem Innendurchmesser D2 von 20 mm und mit einer Gesamthöhe h3 von 41 mm erstreckt. Das untere, zur Bodenplatte gerichtete Ende des Zylinders weist eine siebartige Struktur 308 auf. Darin sind 25 Löcher 310 mit einem Durchmesser von 1 mm angeordnet. Diese Siebstruktur bzw. die Löcher haben dabei eine Höhe h2 von 2 mm.
• Kolbenhubpipette z.B. von Eppendorf, mit einer Genauigkeit von 0,5 -5 ml, einstellbar auf ein Pipettiermaß von 2 ml, mit entsprechender Pipettenspitze
• Prüflösung: demineralisiertes Wasser.

The following test devices are required:

• A stopwatch with seconds,
• a liquid supply device.
• The structure of this feeding device is together with the Figures 6a and 6b explained in more detail, whereby Figure 6a a side view and Figure 6b represents a plan view from above. The feed device 300 is made of steel with a weight of 500-510 g and has a base plate 302 with an extension L of 100 mm × 100 mm and a height h1 of a total of 8 mm. An opening 304 is made in the center of this base plate 302, from which a cylinder 306 extends with an outer diameter D1 of 25 mm, with an inner diameter D2 of 20 mm and with a total height h3 of 41 mm. The lower end of the cylinder directed towards the base plate has a sieve-like structure 308. 25 holes 310 with a diameter of 1 mm are arranged therein. This screen structure or the holes have a height h2 of 2 mm.
• Piston-stroke pipette, eg from Eppendorf, with an accuracy of 0.5-5 ml, adjustable to a pipetting size of 2 ml, with a corresponding pipette tip
• Test solution: demineralized water.

The test specimens must be laid out flat for the performance of the test procedure. If necessary, the edges of curved test products must be cut in such a way that the test sample can be laid flat.

The test specimens must be conditioned for at least 2 hours in a standard climate at 23 ° C ± 2 ° C and 50% ± 2% humidity. The samples must not be kinked or folded in the area provided for the placement of the opening cylinder of the feeding device; other changes and contamination must also be avoided.

The entire insole is used as the test body.

For the test, the insole is spread flat with the top facing the foot, i.e. with the foot surface facing upwards. The liquid supply device described above is placed on the spread out test specimen, so that the opening of the supply cylinder is positioned centrally on the insole. 2 ml of test solution are poured onto the test specimen through the opening cylinder. For this purpose, the inserted measuring pipette is pushed through with the end of the pipette tip level with the upper edge of the opening cylinder and in the center within the opening cylinder with a pull and the 2 ml test liquid is released. The infiltration time is over and is measured as soon as no more test liquid is visible in the opening cylinder.

For the test, 5 measurements are carried out on 5 copies of the insole.

The infiltration time is given as an average value in seconds without decimal places.

The foot feeling can further preferably be improved in that the cover layer and / or the base layer have a water holding capacity of at least 1 g / g and at most 15 g / g (grams of liquid per gram of nonwoven layer). The water holding capacity of the top layer and / or base layer is more preferably at least 2 g / g, more particularly at least 4 g / g and more preferably at least 5 g / g, with maximum values of 12 g / g relating to a particularly preferred embodiment.

The water holding capacity of the base layer is preferably higher than the water holding capacity of the top layer.

The water holding capacity of the insole is in particular between 1 g / g and 15 g / g.

The water holding capacity is determined using the following method.

• Ein kuvertartiges, zweiflächiges Drahtgitter zwischen das die späteren Proben eingebracht werden. Das Drahtgitter hat Außenmaße 120 mm x 120 mm, mit einer Maschenweite von 1,5 - 2 mm und einer Masse von ca. 23 +/- 2 g.
• Becherglas bzw. Gefäß, mit einer für die Aufnahme des Drahtgitters geeigneten Dimension
• eine Präzisionswaage mit einer Angabe von 2 Dezimalen nach dem Komma,
• eine Stoppuhr mit Sekundenteilung
• ein Stanzmesser von 100 x 100 mm
• Demineralisiertes Wasser

The following test devices are used for this:

• An envelope-like, two-surface wire mesh between which the later samples are inserted. The wire mesh has external dimensions of 120 mm x 120 mm, a mesh size of 1.5 - 2 mm and a mass of approx. 23 +/- 2 g.
• Beaker or vessel with a dimension suitable for holding the wire mesh
• a precision balance with an indication of 2 decimal places after the comma,
• a stopwatch with seconds division
• a punch knife of 100 x 100 mm
• Demineralised water

For sample preparation, 100 mm x 100 mm test strips are punched out of the layer to be tested or from the entire product. If the samples are narrower, narrower test strips are punched out and placed next to one another so that an area of 100 x 100 mm can be measured.

To determine the water-holding capacity of the individual layers, the layers must be separated from the overall product, the insole.

Before testing, the samples are conditioned for at least 24 hours at 23 ° C ± 2 ° C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The test objects with a total weight of at least 1 g are placed between the top surfaces of the wire mesh Weighed 0.01 g exactly (M1)) evenly clamped in the wire mesh. If a single sample weighs less than 1 g, several samples are stacked to form a sample stack that should weigh at least 1 g. The wire mesh together with the sample is immersed in demineralized water and remains in it for 60 seconds. The wire mesh is then removed from the liquid together with the sample, and the fluid is allowed to drip off over a corner for 120 seconds. The samples are removed from the wire mesh and then weighed again to the nearest 0.01 g (M2).

The water absorption capacity is calculated according to the equation (M2 - M1) / M1 and then given in g / g. The value results from the mean of 3 determinations rounded to one decimal place.

It is particularly advantageous if, in particular, the water holding capacity of the base layer is higher than the water holding capacity of the top layer, and thus the foot sweat is stored near the sole and thus away from the foot.

It is particularly advantageous if the top layer is designed in such a way that it absorbs liquid, in particular sweat, well and passes it on to the base layer in order to transport the liquid away from the foot quickly. Furthermore, it can be favorable if the cover layer is able to distribute the liquid in the lateral direction, that is to say in the surface of the cover layer, in order to use the capacity of the base layer for liquid absorption as uniformly and thus optimally as possible.

In order to ensure a good connection between the base layer and the cover layer, it is preferred if the two layers essentially cover their entire overlapping surfaces are connected. A partial or punctiform connection that is distributed over the entire overlapping area is particularly preferred. The connection can also preferably take place via embossed patterns. The base layer and the cover layer are particularly preferably connected to one another via an embossed pattern produced by calendering. By introducing embossed patterns into the layers and thereby connecting the layers, the capillarity can be increased so that the liquid transport is improved. The proportion of embossed points in the total area of the insole is preferably 5-15%.

According to the invention, the groups of active substances are preferably provided on the surface of the foot and on the surface of the sole.

The odor absorbent is particularly advantageously provided on the sole surface. This can prevent an odor emerging from the bottom surface of the sole, which may also become lodged in the shoe. In particular, odors already present in the shoe can also be bound. Furthermore, it can also be provided that an odor absorbent is provided in the base layer and not just on the sole surface in order to reduce or prevent odor formation in the sweat-storing layer.

In this context, odor absorption should in particular also be understood to mean an adsorption mechanism.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the odor-masking substance is provided on the foot surface and / or in the cover layer in order to counteract the odor arising directly on the foot.

In order to further combat the formation of odors, it can be provided that an antimicrobial active ingredient is provided on the foot surface and / or in the cover layer and / or on the sole surface and / or in the base layer. As a result, and possibly also by providing the antimicrobial active ingredient in the layers, i.e. in the top layer and / or in the base layer, the formation of odors by bacteria can be combated, since the growth of the sweat-decomposing bacteria is inhibited or their growth is completely prevented. When used on the sole surface, the antimicrobial active ingredient serves to combat microorganisms on the sole side, and thus also to combat odor development in the shoe. The use of the antimicrobial active ingredient on the foot surface and / or in the top layer is intended to contribute advantageously to preventing the development of new odors.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of the odor control, it can be provided that at least one of the active ingredient groups is not mixed into the base layer and / or into the top layer, but rather essentially remains on the surface of the sole and / or foot. At least two groups of active substances are particularly preferably provided exclusively on the sole surface and / or the foot surface. It is particularly preferred that at least one active ingredient group is provided in particle-bound and / or polymer-bound form on the sole and / or foot surface of the base material. At least two of the active ingredient groups are preferably provided in particle-bound and / or polymer-bound form on the surface of the sole and / or foot. In this way it can be ensured that the active ingredients remain in the desired location and develop their effectiveness there.

Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one active ingredient group, in particular the antimicrobial active ingredient, is not provided in particle-bound and / or polymer-bound form on the sole and / or foot surface of the base material and thus can and / or is diffused into the interior of the respective layer, in particular also the adjacent layer. This can already be provided by the manufacturer or, when in use, can take place through the sweat liquid, which enters the active substance into the top layer and / or base layer, which together form the base material. In particular in the case of the base layer as the layer that mainly binds sweat, it is advantageous to have the antimicrobial active ingredient present in the interior of the layer to combat and / or prevent bacterial growth.

It is conceivable to use a group of active substances e.g. to provide an antimicrobial agent in the top layer and / or on the top layer, i.e. the foot surface, to counteract the formation of odors due to fresh sweat and to arrange an odor-absorbing agent in or on the base layer to combat old odors. For example, activated carbon can be used, e.g. can be introduced into a coating applied to the sole surface.

Alternatively, odor-masking substances on or in the top layer can also be combined with an odor-absorbing active ingredient on the sole surface or in the base layer in order to cover up the newly emerging odors.

In addition, combinations of odor-masking substances in or on the top layer with antimicrobial active ingredients in or on the base layer are also conceivable in order to counteract the formation of odors by inhibiting bacterial growth and to cover up new formation of odors. It is particularly preferred and effective for odor control if a combination of three different groups of active substances is provided. The combination thus has at least one antimicrobial active ingredient, an odor absorbent and an odor-masking substance.

It is a particularly preferred design if at least two active agents are arranged on one of the surfaces, sole surface or foot surface and at least one active substance group is arranged on the other surface, foot surface or sole surface.

The insole can have a coating on the sole surface which gives the sole surface an increased frictional force compared to the uncoated sole surface. The coating can consist of point, line and / or sheet-like coating elements or combinations thereof. A coating formed from coating lines is particularly preferably provided.

At least one of the active ingredient groups is preferably incorporated into the coating and / or connected to it. The odor absorbent and / or the antimicrobial active ingredient is particularly preferably incorporated into the coating and / or connected to it.

The coating on the sole surface can be formed from a multiplicity of individual patterns formed by coating lines. The individual patterns are preferably more than just a point-like pattern. When designing a pattern as a line, the line preferably does not extend exclusively as a straight line in only one vector direction, but this pattern of lines has at least one curvature and / or at least one kink.

This ensures that the coating lines do not only run in one preferred direction.

Individual patterns can have arrangements as pattern groups in which at least two pattern elements are arranged side by side and in contact, or in particular also pattern groups in which one pattern element at least partially surrounds or runs around another pattern element, such as concentric arrangements, or any geometric figures lying one inside the other Kind of touching at one point.

In contrast to a full-surface coating application, with a non-full-surface coating on the sole surface, in particular a line-shaped coating, further desired properties of the base material of the insole, such as air permeability and / or breathability and / or flexural rigidity of the insole, can be kept high at the same time good ergonomic adaptation to the foot of a wearer or to the surface contours of the shoe.

The sole surface can particularly preferably have a degree of coverage by the coating of at least 6%, in particular at least 8%, in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 20% and in particular of at most 50%, further in particular at most 40% and further in particular at most 30%.

It is provided in particular that the coating elements essentially fit into the sole surface record their entire extent, not just special areas such as heel and / or ball of the foot. It is therefore preferably provided that the coating extends over the entire sole surface, whereby, depending on the intended pattern, individual areas of the sole surface, such as the toe / ball area and / or heel area, can have an increased density of coating elements and other areas, such as the arch area may have a lower density. In particular, in the embodiment in which at least one active ingredient group is introduced into the coating or bound to it, the sweat and thus odor-prone areas of the shoe, such as in particular in the toe / ball area, can also be taken into account.

In the case of linear coating elements, the line width can be at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.4 mm, in particular at least 0.5 mm and further in particular at least 0.6 mm. The line width should preferably be at most 2 mm, further in particular at most 1.6 mm, further in particular at most 1.2 mm, further in particular at most 1.0 mm. The line length in relation to the line width should be at least 5 times, preferably at least 6 times, more preferably at least 8 times and more preferably at least 10 times the line width.

The height of the coating elements should be at least 0.1 mm, in particular at least 0.2 mm. The height of the coating elements should be at most 0.8 mm, further in particular at most 0.6 mm and further in particular at most 0.4 mm. The measurement of the height can be determined with a microscope with a corresponding magnification, namely as the difference between one averaged top edge of the base material and the top edge of the coating elements.

With these preferred heights of the coating elements, haptic effects on the foot that are unpleasant to the touch are advantageously avoided.

The weight per unit area of the coating on the sole surface can be at least 5 g / m ² , in particular at least 10 g / m ² , further in particular at least 15 g / m ² and further in particular at least 20 g / m ² . At the top, the weight per unit area should preferably be limited to 50 g / m ² and more particularly to a maximum of 30 g / m ² .

The coating is in particular polymer-based and in particular based on a polymer taken from the group comprising polyolefins (in particular PE, PP), acetates, in particular ethylene vinyl acetates (EVA), polyamides (PA), styrene polymers or combinations thereof.

Materials with a Shore A hardness of at least 30, in particular at least 40, in particular at least 50, further in particular at least 60 and in particular at most 90, further in particular at most 80, further in particular at most 70, come into consideration as materials for the coating . The Shore A hardness is measured in accordance with the standards DIN 53505: 2000-08 and ISO 868: 2003 (E). A Shore A hardness tester is used.

The sole side with the coating can have a dynamic coefficient of friction, measured according to ASTM D 1894-01, of at least 0.6, in particular at least 0.8 and more particularly at least 1.0, with maximum values of a maximum of 2.0, further in particular a maximum of 1.5 and further in particular a maximum of 1.2 should be achieved.

According to the invention, the insole has at least two different groups of active substances.

The odor absorbent can be selected from the group of carbons, in particular activated charcoal, zeolites, starch, kieselguhr or combinations thereof.

It can be provided that the antimicrobial active ingredient can be selected from the group of antimicrobial metals, in particular silver, or the polysaccharides, in particular chitosan, or combinations thereof. Antimicrobial metals have the advantage that the active ingredient is only released in the form of ions when the liquid enters, and thus a need-based dosage can be achieved over a longer period and the amount of odor-producing bacteria can at least be limited. When using silver, it can preferably be used in the form of silver particles. The silver particles can preferably consist of a matrix, in particular a glass ceramic matrix, on whose surface and / or in whose interior silver is bound.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the odor-masking substance is a substance that conveys a fragrance on a synthetic and / or natural basis. Essential oils or perfume oils are also conceivable. The odor-masking substance is particularly preferably an at least partially bound and / or complexed fragrance, such as, for example, a fragrance embedded in cyclodextrin structures and / or in particular a microencapsulated fragrance, which in particular comprises a perfume oil. For microencapsulated fragrances there is the advantage that these can implement a delayed release of active ingredients. It can be provided that the microcapsules are destroyed by pressure or shearing, for example by the weight of the person, and the fragrance is released in a controlled manner.

Advantageously, it is provided that the antimicrobial agent has a weight per unit area of 0.001-2 g / m ² , in particular 0.01-2 g / m ² , more in particular 0.05-1.5 g / m ² , more in particular of 0.1-1.0 g / m ² , further in particular 0.1-0.5 g / m ² , is provided.

It is advantageously provided that the insole is equipped with an antimicrobial active ingredient in a proportion based on the entire insole of 0.0001-2% by weight, in particular 0.001-2% by weight, further in particular 0.002-1.5% by weight , further in particular 0.002-1.0% by weight.

The odor absorbent can preferably be provided with a weight per unit area of 0.2-30 g / m ² , in particular 1-20 g / m ² , further in particular 2.5-15 g / m ² .

It is advantageously provided that the insole is equipped with an odor absorbent in a proportion based on the entire insole of 0.1-6% by weight, in particular 0.5-5% by weight, further in particular 1.0-4% by weight -% having.
Finally, it can be provided that the odor-masking substance is provided with a weight per unit area of 0.1-5 g / m ² , in particular 0.5-3 g / m ² , further in particular 1-2 g / m ² .

It is advantageously provided that the insole is equipped with an odor-masking substance in one Proportion based on the entire insole of 0.05-1% by weight, in particular 0.1-0.8% by weight, further in particular 0.2-0.6% by weight.

The combination of the active ingredient groups antimicrobial active ingredient and odor absorbent with a weight ratio of 1: 2 to 1: 500 and / or the combination of the active ingredient groups antimicrobial active ingredient and odor-masking substance in a weight ratio of 1: 0.5 to 1: 150 is particularly preferred.

The base material, especially in the case of multi-layer base material, has a base layer with a weight per unit area of preferably at least 180 g / m ² , more preferably at least 200 g / m ² , more preferably at least 220 g / m ² , more preferably at most 300 g / m ² , more preferably at most 280 g / m ² , more preferably at most 250 g / m ² . The top layer in particular has a basis weight of at least 10 g / m ² , more preferably of at least 15 g / m ² , more preferably of at least 20 g / m ² , more preferably of at most 100 g / m ² , more preferably of at most 90 g / m ² , more preferably at most 80 g / m ² . Depending on the intended use of the insole, e.g. as a variant for summer or winter, the top layer can preferably have lower maximum limits for summer, in particular a maximum of 50 g / m ^{2 of} grammage, while the top layer for winter, on the other hand, has higher minimum values of in particular at least 50 g / m ² basis weight.

The thickness of the insole, including a coating on the sole surface, is preferably 1-3 mm, preferably 1-2 mm.

The thickness of an insole (including a coating) is determined using a specific measuring pressure of 0.5 kPa on a probe surface of 25 cm ² . In particular, a DMT thickness measuring device from Schröder can be used. In addition, the thickness is determined based on DIN EN ISO 9073-2: 1995.

The insole is preferably a throw-away product, that is to say a disposable product. In principle, however, insoles that can be washed or cleaned are also conceivable.

Further advantages of the invention emerge from the further documents. The features can be essential for the invention individually or in combination.

Figur 1:

eine erfindungsgemäße Einlegesohle

Figur 2:

eine Einlegesohle gemäß Figur 1 mit zusätzlicher Beschichtung auf der Sohlenfläche,

Figur 3a:

schematisch ein Querschnitt durch das Grundmaterial einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlegesohle,

Figur 3b:

schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnittes einer Faserlage mit "Klebe" punkten von Bikomponentenfasern,

Figur 4:

in den Darstellungen a) bis b) vergrößerte Ausschnitte aus einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlegesohle,

Figur 5:

in den Darstellungen a) bis c) vergrößerte Ausschnitte aus einer erfindungsgemäßen Einlegesohle.

Figur 6:

schematische Darstellung der Prüfvorrichtung für die Einsickerzeit.

The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing. Show:

Figure 1:

an insole according to the invention

Figure 2:

an insole according to Figure 1 with additional coating on the sole surface,

Figure 3a:

schematically a cross section through the base material of an insole according to the invention,

Figure 3b:

schematic representation of a section of a fiber layer with "adhesive" points of bicomponent fibers,

Figure 4:

in the representations a) to b) enlarged excerpts from an insole according to the invention,

Figure 5:

in the representations a) to c) enlarged excerpts from an insole according to the invention.

Figure 6:

schematic representation of the test device for the infiltration time.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the sole surface of an insole 100 according to the invention, wherein the sole surface 102 faces an insole of a shoe when the insole is used and the surface opposite the sole surface 102 faces the foot as a foot surface 104. The insole 100 consists of a two-layer base material, specifically with a cover layer 200 facing the foot and a base layer 202 facing the shoe, as in FIG Figure 3a as a schematic cross section through the insole 100 according to Figure 1 is shown. The top layer 200 and the base layer 202 consist of a staple fiber fleece. The nonwoven material contains bicomponent fibers in the cover layer and in the base layer, shown with the reference number 150, and absorbent cellulose-based fibers and / or hydrophilic synthetic fibers, shown with the reference number 152.

Both the top layer 200 and the base layer 202 preferably contain at least 10% by weight of bicomponent fibers in the total weight of the respective layer, with a proportion of 60% by weight preferably not being exceeded. The bicomponent fibers contribute with their low-melting component, preferably the sheath component, to a point connection 160 of the fibers in the layers and between the layers, as in FIG Figure 3b is shown schematically. The top layer and the base layer advantageously have a water absorption capacity of at least 2 g / g. The insole has a soaking time of a maximum of 20 seconds. The base material is solidified in that it was embossed calendered, that is, it was passed between a heated calender roll with protruding embossing projections and a counter pressure roll. In this way, the Figure 1 visible surface structure 106 formed with punctiform and web-shaped embossed structures 109 in the illustrated case. The engraving depth that is achieved by calendering is 0.7 mm in the present case, but can be set as desired by a person skilled in the art on the basis of his specialist knowledge. In the area of the embossing, highly compacted embossed areas 109 are formed next to less compacted areas 110. The proportion of the highly compacted areas 109 in the total area is 5-15% in this case.

The base material of the insole has a base layer with a grammage of preferably 200-300 g / m ² and a top layer with a grammage of preferably 20-100 g / m ² , depending on the seasonal use of the insole, a higher surface weight of the top layer of 50-100 g / m ² for winter insoles and a lower basis weight of 20-50 g / m ² for summer insoles.

How Figure 2 shows, a coating 112 of coating lines 114 is provided on the sole surface 102 of the insole 100 facing away from the sole of the foot and facing the insole of a shoe. This serves to prevent the insole 100 from slipping in a shoe. The coating lines 114 are polymer-based and are preferably made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). The material preferably has a Shore A hardness of at least 30, preferably of 60-80 and preferably of at most 90. The coating lines are applied by means of an engraving process, the insole 100 being passed between an engraved roller and an opposing roller. The The width of the coating lines is preferably 0.5-0.7 mm. The height of the coating lines is preferably 0.2-0.3 mm, so that the applied coating pattern does not cause any unpleasant haptic effects on the foot.

In the Figure 2 The coating shown has a multiplicity of individual patterns 120 which are formed by coating lines 114. In the case shown, each individual pattern 120 is preferably formed by pattern groups 124, the pattern groups consisting of at least three pattern elements 126, here concentrically arranged circles, and no coating compound is applied between the individual circles of each individual pattern group forming an individual pattern, i.e. an uncoated area 116 therein present. In this way, a total degree of coverage of approx. 20-25% on the sole surface is achieved by the coating lines 114. With this relatively low degree of coverage by the coating, the properties that are further attributed and desired to the base material of the insole, such as air permeability and / or breathability, are not significantly influenced.

The dynamic coefficient of friction of the coated sole surface, measured on the basis of ASTM D 1894-01, is between 0.8 and 1.4.

Figure 4 shows in the representations a) and b) and Figure 5 shows in representations a) to c) a section through an insole 100 according to the invention, comprising a base material with two layers, namely a cover layer 200 and a base layer 202. The base layer 202 faces a shoe and has the sole surface 102. The cover layer 200 faces a foot and comprises the foot surface 104. In the illustrations it can be seen that a coating 112 is provided on the sole surface, which is analogous to the coating shown in FIG Figure 2 can be designed.

In the case of the insole 100, the base layer 202, in particular the sole surface 102 and the cover layer 200, in particular the foot surface 104, are each assigned active substances for preventing or improving odor. The active ingredients are selected from the active ingredient groups antimicrobial active ingredient, odor absorbent and odor masking substance.

Examples of the arrangement of two groups of active substances are given in Figures 4a and 4b shown.
In the design of Figure 4a an antimicrobial agent 204, here not in a polymer or particle-bound version, is applied to the foot surface 104 and partly also in the cover layer 202, and an odor absorbent 206 is incorporated into the coating 112 on the sole surface 102. In the design of Figure 4b For example, an odor-masking substance 208 on the foot surface and an antimicrobial active ingredient 210 in the coating 112 on the sole side 102 are provided as active ingredients.

Examples of the arrangement of three groups of active substances are given in Figures 5a-5b shown.

In all designs in the representations of Figure 5a ) to c), the active ingredients are distributed in such a way that the odor absorbent 206 is provided in the coating 112 on the sole surface 102, a highly porous, fine-grain carbon such as activated carbon being preferably used here. The odor absorbent is thus in direct contact with the shoe and the odors there. This leads to a direct and rapid absorption or binding of the odors.

Also in all three designs by Figure 5 the odor-masking substance in the form of microencapsulated fragrances containing perfume oils, which are provided with the reference numeral 208, is provided on the foot surface. The fragrances are dosed and released in a controlled manner through pressure and shear when using the insole, which destroys the capsules.

In representation Figure 5a ), a polysaccharide, in particular chitosan, is used as the antimicrobial active ingredient, which is indicated here with the reference numeral 204, both on the foot surface 104 and in the nonwoven material of the top layer 200, and partly in the nonwoven material of the base layer 202. This active ingredient is used to control the odor of Fresh foot sweat by inhibiting the growth of bacteria through its antimicrobial activity.

An analog design is shown Figure 5b ), the antimicrobial agent being provided in the form of silver particles 210 on the foot surface 104. The silver particles preferably consist of silver bound to a glass ceramic matrix.

The illustration shows an alternative design Figure 5c ) in the case of the same silver particles 210 as in the illustration Figure 5b ) and also the odor absorbent 206 is present in the coating 112 on the sole surface 102. In this arrangement, the antimicrobial agent 210 can be used to control bacterial growth on the sole side and thus also to control odor in the shoe. Through the in the Fragrances containing odor-masking substances 208 and the sweat-absorbing effect of top layer 200 and base layer 202, the new sweat and the formation of new odors are controlled.

With the selection of an antimicrobial active ingredient from the active ingredient groups and its use in the insole, a measurable antimicrobial effect can be achieved. The designs of the insole as shown in FIG Figure 5a as example 1 and after the illustration of Figure 5b described as Example 2 and measured for their antimicrobial effect.

The insole includes a base material from a base position 200 to 300 g / m ² and a cover layer of 50-100 g / m ^2. The base layer has a fiber composition of 35-60% by weight PES bicomponent fiber and also a mixture of hydrophilic synthetic PES fibers and absorbent cellulosic fibers; the cover layer comprises 25-35% by weight PES bicomponent fibers and further hydrophilic synthetic PES fibers. The top layer is laminated onto the base layer by means of pressure, temperature and an embossed pattern.

In example 1, chitosan is applied to the surface of the foot as an antimicrobial active ingredient together with a microencapsulated perfume oil as an odor-masking substance. The entry of chitosan is 0.05-0.06% by weight and that of encapsulated perfume oil is 0.5-0.65% by weight, each based on the total weight of the insole. As an odor absorbent, activated charcoal is incorporated into a linear polymer coating on the sole side, with a proportion of 1-2% based on the total weight of the insole.

In example 2, in a modification of example 1, particle-bound silver with a proportion of 0.003-0.005% by weight based on the total weight of the insole is applied to the foot surface as the antimicrobial active ingredient.

• C steht für das Kontrollgewebe. T für das Testmuster
• log₁₀ C_t bzw. log₁₀ T_t = allgemeiner Logarithmus des arithmetischen Mittels für die Bakterienzahl nach einer Bebrütung von 18 h, bei Kontrollgewebe C bzw. Testmuster T.

The antimicrobial effect is measured based on DIN EN ISO 20743A: 2013-12. Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990 was used as the test germ. The test procedure is based on the absorption method and the plate counting method is used for quantitative measurement. Modifications have been made to the effect that NaCl 0.9% + 0.05% Tween 80 is used as the inoculation medium and NaCl 0.9% and 0.20% Tween 80 is used as the elution medium. The calculation of the germ growth over 18 hours on the sample compared to the control or reference material is carried out according to the formula $$\mathrm{A.}=\left({\log }_{10}{\mathrm{C.}}_{\mathrm{t}}-{\log }_{10}{\mathrm{C.}}_0\right)-\left({\log }_{10}{\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{t}}-{\log }_{10}{\mathrm{T}}_0\right).$$

• C stands for the control tissue. T for the test pattern
• log ₁₀ C _t or log ₁₀ T _t = general logarithm of the arithmetic mean for the bacterial count after an incubation of 18 h, for control tissue C or test sample T.

log ₁₀ C ₀ or log ₁₀ T _{0 =} general logarithm of the arithmetic mean for the bacterial count immediately after inoculation for control tissue C or test sample T.

A simplified calculation is used as a basis, with the modification that the germ growth log ₁₀ C ₀ and log ₁₀ T _{0 are} equated.

For example 1 and example 2 each was found to have strong antibacterial activity, i. with a germ reduction> / = 3 log CFU, determined.

Such an insole offers good walking comfort, combined with a dry foot feeling and reduced odor formation.

Claims (19)

1. An insole (100) for shoes, in particular as a disposable product, with an at least two-layer basic material comprising a top layer (200) facing the foot and a base layer (202) bonded thereto that faces the shoe and with a foot surface facing the foot (104) and an opposite sole surface (102) that faces the shoe, wherein the top layer (200) and the base layer (202) consist of a staple fiber nonwoven, wherein bicomponent fibers, and absorbent cellulose-based fibers and/or hydrophilic synthetic fibers are contained in the top layer and in the base layer, and wherein the insole comprises a combination of at least two different active substance groups, the active substance groups being selected from the groups of antimicrobial active substances, odor-absorbing agents, and odor-masking substances, and both the base layer (202) and top layer (200) being assigned at least one active substance group.
2. The insole (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the insole (100) has an infiltration time of at most 20 sec, in particular at most 15 sec, and most particularly at most 10 sec.
3. The insole (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the top layer (200) and/or the base layer (202) has/have a water retention capacity of at least 1 g/g and at most 15 g/g.
4. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer (202) and the top layer (200) are bonded by an embossed pattern, in particular produced by calendering (109).
5. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the odor-absorbing agent (206) is provided on the sole surface (102) .
6. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the odor-masking substance (208) is provided on the foot surface (104).
7. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antimicrobial active substance (204, 210) is provided on the foot surface (104) and/or in the top layer (200) and/or on the sole surface (102) and/or in the base layer (202).
8. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the active substance groups is provided such that it is not penetrated in the base layer (202) and/or the top layer (200), and in particular, the active substance groups are provided in particle-bound and/or polymer-bound form on the sole (102) and/or foot surface (104) of the basic material.
9. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one active substance group, in particular the antimicrobial active substance (204, 210), is not provided in particle-bound and/or polymer-bound form on the sole (102) and/or foot surface (104) of the basic material and can thus diffuse or is diffused into the interior of the respective layer, in particular also the adjacent layer, top layer (200), and/or base layer (201).
10. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a combination of three different active substance groups is provided.
11. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two active substance groups are arranged on one of the surfaces, the sole surface (102) or the foot surface (104), and at least one active substance group is arranged on the other surface, the foot surface (104) or the sole surface (102).
12. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the sole surface (102), a coating (112) is provided that imparts increased frictional force to the sole surface (102) compared to the uncoated sole surface (102) and in particular the coating (112) is not full-surface, but in particular is composed of point-shaped, line-shaped, and/or sheet-shaped coating elements, more particularly coating lines (114).
13. The insole (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one of the active substance groups in the coating (112) is added to and/or bonded to said coating.
14. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the odor-absorbing agent (206) is selected from the group of the carbons, in particular activated carbon, zeolite, starch, diatomaceous earth or combinations thereof.
15. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antimicrobial active substance (204, 210) is selected from the group of antimicrobial metals, in particular silver, or polysaccharides, in particular chitosan or combinations thereof.
16. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the odor-masking substance (208) in particular comprises a microencapsulated perfume, and most particularly a perfume oil.
17. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top layer (200) comprises 25-35 wt% bicomponent fibers, in particular polyester-based, at least 20 wt%, in particular at least 30 wt% hydrophilic synthetic fibers, in particular polyester fibers, and if applicable/optionally also up to 50 wt%, in particular up to 40 wt% cellulose-based fibers, in particular viscose.
18. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base layer (202) comprises 35-60 wt% bicomponent fibers, preferably polyester-based, at least 40 wt% cellulose-based fibers, in particular cotton, and if applicable/optionally also up to 10 wt% synthetic fibers, in particular polyester fibers.
19. The insole (100) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active substance groups of antimicrobial active substances (204, 210) and odor-absorbing agents (206) are introduced in a weight ratio of 1 : 2 to 1 : 500 and/or the active substance groups of antimicrobial active substances (204, 210) and odor-masking substances (208) are introduced in a weight ratio of 1 : 0.5 to 1 : 150.

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