EP3571950A1

EP3571950A1 - Sole for a sport footwear or a work footwear or a footwear for the leisure time with a structure for conveying sweat

Info

Publication number: EP3571950A1
Application number: EP18173754.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Angelo Mason
Original assignee: Lotto Sport Italia SpA
Current assignee: Ltwhp LLC
Priority date: 2018-05-23
Filing date: 2018-05-23
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-23
Also published as: EP3571950B1; EP3571950C0; CN210158106U

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sole (1) for athletic, work or leisure footwear, comprising a main or top component or mid-sole (4), the top component or mid-sole (4) delimiting a plurality of channels open towards the top or far from a base component (3) or from a base portion of the sole (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention regards a sole for athletic, work or leisure footwear, as well as footwear including one such sole.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Many shoes have been proposed, which usually comprise a mid-sole and an outsole having a tread.
The European patent application published with number EP1118280A1 teaches footwear comprising an upper to which a sole is associated on the bottom part. The sole comprises an insole and an insert having channels adapted for the circulation of air flows and for collecting sweat from a foot in the respective footwear.
While this solution ensures a good air flow due in particular to a pumping effect at the insert, it does not ensure a sufficiently wide zone of sweat collection, nor does it ensure a satisfactory evacuation of the sweat.
In addition, the sole taught in such European patent application has a complex, insufficiently-strong structure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a new sole for athletic, work or leisure footwear.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole as stated above with a good capacity to collect sweat of a foot in a respective shoe.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole as indicated above which is strong, also at evacuation zones for the sweat accumulated therein.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole that can be easily assembled.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole with anti-perforation means which can be integrated therein in a simple and quick manner.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a sole is provided according to claim 1.
The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of embodiments of a sole, illustrated by way of an example in the drawing set in which:

figures 1 and 2 are slightly top perspective views from respective sides of a sole according to the present invention;
figures 3 and 4 are a plan view and a side view of the sole of figure 1;
figures 5, 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the sole of figure 1;
figure 8 is a sectional view of components of the sole of figure 1 along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the sole itself;
figure 9 is a sectional view along the trace IX-IX of figure 4; and
figure 10 is a side view of footwear according to the present invention.

In the set of drawings, equivalent parts or components are marked with the same reference numbers.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to figures 1 to 10, a sole 1 is illustrated for athletic footwear 2, such as a running, football, tennis or work shoe, in particular footwear certified for work or leisure footwear comprising a main or top component or mid-sole 4, which delimits a plurality of channels open towards the top or far from a base component 3 or from a base portion of the sole. Such channels are set for the accumulation of the sweat of the foot of a user; there is also at least one evacuation opening or zone 5a, 5b in fluid communication with the plurality of channels and leading to the outside of the sole 1 for the evacuation of the sweat accumulated therein. The channels are actually recessed in the top component or mid-sole 4.
Advantageously, the sole also comprises a base component or tread component or component for abutting against the ground 3, provided or not provided with heels, and in such case the top component or mid-sole 4 is fixed or constrained to the base component 3. Alternatively, the main component or mid-sole 4 can be provided with a base portion or a tread or ground abutment portion made or formed at the respective external or lower surface.
Clearly, the base component or tread component or ground abutment portion 3 could be provided for the entire extension of the sole or even only at the tip or front F or at the back R.
Preferably, the top component or mid-sole 4 is integrally made or made of a single piece, for example obtained via molding of a single piece or of multiple pieces glued together. The thickness of the top component or mid-sole 4 can be variable from the back R to the front F of the sole 1, for example gradually decreasing from the back R to the waist and then substantially constant or slightly increasing from the waist or intermediate portion to the front F.
Preferably, also the base component 3, if provided, is made integrally or of a single piece, for example obtained via molding of a single piece or of multiple pieces glued together.
In addition, the plurality of channels comprises at least two longitudinal main channels 6, 7, 8 at least partly extended in the direction from the back R to the front F of the sole 1 and at least two first transverse channels or terminal transverse channels 9, 10 at least partly extended substantially in a direction from one side 11 of the sole 1 to the other 12 and, if desired, each intercepting or extended starting from one end or in proximity to one end of one of the two main longitudinal channels 6 to one end or in proximity to one end of another 7 of the two main longitudinal channels.
The main longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8 are at least partly extended in the direction from the back R to the front F of the sole 1, in the sense that they have at least one end closer to the front of the other and vice versa, but they are not necessarily rectilinear with extension parallel to the direction back R-front F, rather they could also be entirely or partly curved or tilted with respect to the back R-front F. Nevertheless, the distance in the back R-front F direction between the ends of each channel 6, 7, 8 is at least equal to 1/4 or 1/3 or 1/2 or 2/3 or 3/4 the length of the sole.
The plurality of channels also includes at least two second transverse channels or intermediate transverse channels 13a-13h substantially extended in a direction from one side 11 of the sole 1 to the other 12 and, if desired each intercepting or extending between two or more main longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8, in particular starting from an intermediate section or portion of one of the two main longitudinal channels 6 to an intermediate section or portion of another 7 of the two main longitudinal channels.
The transverse channels 9, 10, 13a-13h are at least partly extended in a direction from one side 11 of the sole 1 to the other 12, in the sense that they have at least one end closer to one side 11 than the other, and vice versa, but they are not necessarily rectilinear with extension parallel to the direction from one side 11 to the other 12. Rather, they could also be entirely or partly curved or tilted with respect to the direction from one side 11 to the 12. Nevertheless, the distance in a direction from one side 11 to the other 12 between the ends of each transverse channel 9, 10, 13a-13h is at least equal to 1/4 or 1/3 or 1/2 or 2/3 or 3/4 the width of the sole.
If also a third main longitudinal channel 8 is provided, then the transverse channels 9, 10, 13a-13h preferably cross or intersect such channel 8 in the passage from a first main longitudinal channel 6 to another or second main longitudinal channel 7.
Preferably, the channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h are communicating with each other so as to constitute a structure with islands or projections 14a, 14b, 14c of the top component 4, which are delimited and separated from each other by the channels.
For such purpose, all the channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h are in fluid communication with each other so as to constitute a structure with islands or projections 14a, 14b, 14c separated from each other by the channels.
With reference to such aspect, the channels can all be in fluid communication with each other, so as to belong to a single group of channels or two or more groups of channels are provided for, with the channels of each group all being in fluid communication with each other, but not in fluid communication with the channels of the other groups. At least one evacuation opening or zone is provided for each group of channels, i.e. the sole comprises or delimits at least one evacuation opening in fluid communication with each group. Due to such expedient, the sweat percolated or collected in the channels can flow during the performance of the athletic activity into the group or into the groups of channels up to the evacuation opening(s) 5a, 5b.
If multiple groups of channels are provided for, then all the transverse channels 9, 10, 13a-13h could be terminal or intermediate in the above-indicated sense.
In the present invention, by "fluid communication" it is intended that the channels and the evacuation openings (of the group or of each group) are open towards each other at respective ends or connection portions or they lead into each other, such that - in particular when the sole is assembled - sweat or water vapor collected or percolated into the channels can pass or flow, during walking, running or sport activity, between the channels and the evacuation openings in fluid communication with each other.
If desired, the plurality of channels comprises at least three main longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8 substantially extended in the direction from the back R to the front F of the sole 1 starting from the back R of the sole 1 up to or beyond the waist or intermediate portion of the sole itself and if desired up to the tip of the sole. In such case, two of the main longitudinal channels 6, 7 are each extended at one side 11, 12 of the sole and the third main longitudinal channel 8 is extended at the middle line or longitudinal symmetry axis of the sole 1 in intermediate position between the other two main longitudinal channels 6, 7.
Each main channel 6, 7, 8, as in part already stated, has rectilinear and/or curved progression.
For such purpose, with reference to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figure, two main longitudinal channels 6, 7, each extended at a respective side 11, 12 of the sole, have a first section 6a, 7a substantially parallel to the back R-front F direction of the sole, then at the height of the waist, a curved section 6b, 7b with concavity directed towards the exterior and far from the other or from the other main longitudinal channels, and finally a substantially linear or slightly curved section 6c, 7c, which is progressively moved away from the longitudinal middle line of the sole 1 in the direction approaching the front F.
If also a third main longitudinal channel 8 is provided for, then the same can have a progression substantially aligned or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sole 1.
With regard to the intermediate transverse channels, these can comprise at least two transverse channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at the back R and at least two transverse channels 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h at the waist or intermediate portion of the sole.
Advantageously, the intermediate transverse channels can include
at least three or four first transverse channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, at the back R or in a zone which is extended from the back R between about 1/4 and 1/3 of the longitudinal extension of the sole, and such channels 13a-13d are substantially at the same distance from the adjacent channels, and
at least three or four second transverse channels 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h at the waist or intermediate portion of the sole or in a zone which is extended from the waist or intermediate portion of the sole towards the front F, and such channels 13e-13h are substantially at the same distance from the adjacent channels.
The transverse channels 9, 10, 13a-13h can have one or both respective ends terminating or leading into a longitudinal channel 6, 7 or beyond the longitudinal channels 6, 7 or better yet outside the zone delimited between the latter.
For such purpose, according to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in figure, the terminal transverse channel 9 and the transverse channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at the back R both have the respective ends terminating or leading into a respective longitudinal channel 6, 7, while the terminal transverse channel 10 and the transverse channels 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h at the waist or intermediate portion have terminal sections projecting beyond the longitudinal channels 6, 7, such that both the respective ends terminate or lead beyond the longitudinal channels 6, 7 or better yet beyond the zone delimited between the longitudinal channels 6, 7.
The islands or projections 14a, 14b, 14c preferably have size different from each other.
More particularly, the islands or projections can comprise:

first islands or projections 14a delimited between the longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8, the terminal transverse channel 9 and the transverse channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d at the back R, and such first islands or projections 14a can all have the same size,
second islands or projections 14b delimited between the longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8, a transverse channel 13d at the back R and a transverse channel 13e at the waist or intermediate portion of the sole, and such second islands or projections 14b can have size equal or similar to each other and much greater, e.g. two to five times greater than the size of the first islands 14a, and/or
third islands or projections 14c delimited between the longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8, the terminal transverse channel 10 and the transverse channels 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h at the waist or intermediate portion, and such third islands or projections 14c can have size different from each other, e.g. decreasing in approaching the front F and for example equal to or two to three times the size of the first islands 14a.

The islands 14a, 14b, 14c can have any suitable configurations, e.g. in plan view they can be square, rectangle, polygon, circle or other.
Preferably, all or some longitudinal channels 6, 7, 8 are extended at least for 60% of the longitudinal extension or back R-front F of the sole, preferably between 60% and 90% or 100%.
Advantageously, all or some transverse channels 9, 10, 13a-13h are extended at least for 70% of the transverse extension or from one side 11 of the sole to the other 12, preferably at least for 80% or for 90% or for 100%.
The channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h can have constant or variable width or height, and they can for example have U- or V-shaped section or another suitable configuration.
In addition, the channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h preferably do not have interruptions, i.e. there are no separators or interruptions in the same for the entire longitudinal extension thereof.
The channels can be obtained, or not obtained, at the tip or front F of the sole 1.
With regard to the or to each evacuation opening 5a, 5b, this can be in fluid communication with the channels and is delimited at the back R or waist or front F of the sole 1. According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, each evacuation opening 5a, 5b is delimited at the back R of the sole 1, but one or more evacuation openings 5a, 5b could also be provided or only be provided, delimited at the waist of the sole 1.
One or more openings could also be on the back or on the heel of the sole 1.
Advantageously, at least two openings 5a, 5b are provided, each leading to a respective side 11, 12 of the sole 1. More particularly, at least one opening 5a is provided leading to one medial side 11 of the sole 1 and at least one opening 5a leading to one lateral side 12 of the sole 1.
In such case, an opening 5a leads to or departs from a section of a main longitudinal channel 6 at one medial side 11 of the sole 1, e.g. from the first 6a, from the second 6b or from the third 6c section of one such channel, while another opening 5b leads to or departs from a section of another main longitudinal channel 7 at one side leads 12 of the sole 1, e.g. from the first 7a, from the second 7b or from the third 7a section of one such channel 7.
If desired, one or each evacuation zone or opening 5a, 5b or better yet the wall 15 that is lower or proximal to the base component 3 or to the base portion delimiting the same has steps or is tilted (see in particular figure 8) with respect to the main extension plane of the sole, horizontal during use, with a first open end 5c leading into the plurality of channels and a second open end 5d leading to the outside, the second open end 5d being at a height closer to the base portion or to the base component or tread component 3 or better yet to the main plate-like component or sheet thereof with respect to the first open end 5c.
The evacuation openings 5a, 5b could also not be conical, not have steps, and the same could be positioned in line with the plurality of channels or even in a position with respect to the channels that is more distant from the base component 3 or from the base portion of the sole.
The top component 4 comprises a respective main plate-like component or sheet 4a that is suitably shaped so as to have a first main surface or main external or more external surface 4b and a second main surface or main internal or more internal surface 4c that is flat or slightly curved.
The base component 3, if provided, comprises a respective main plate-like component or sheet 3a suitably shaped so as to have a first main surface or main internal surface 3b and a second main surface or main external surface 3c that is flat or slightly curved.
The expressions "external" and "internal" are referred to the case of a sole mounted in a respective footwear.
The channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h are made and open at the second main surface 4c and, preferably, are not through channels from this surface up to the first main surface 4b.
Alternatively, at the first main surface 4b, secondary channels are obtained, if desired similar to the main channels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h, and in such case, in the top component or mid-sole 4, holes can be provided for fluid connection between the main channels and the secondary channels. Such solution could improve the flexibility of the sole or the circulation of the sweat or water vapor therein.
The base component 3 can include an edge that is suitably raised, but not necessarily for the entire respective perimeter. For such purpose, the base component 3 can comprise a tip section or point 3d that is curved, for example for protecting the tip of the top component 4 during use.
In addition, the top component 4 can include an edge 4d that is suitably raised, but not necessarily for the entire respective perimeter.
The base component 3 and the top component 4 are coupled or constrained together, e.g. by means of abutment or contact, if desired with interposition of an anti-perforation insole that will be described hereinbelow, of the respective main internal surfaces 3b, 4b for part of their extension.
The base component 3 and the top component 4 are, preferably, rigidly fixed to each other, if desired by means of glue and/or adhesive.
Preferably, the base component or tread component 3 comprises at least one tab or reinforcement rib 16 set to reinforce or stiffen the sole 1 at a respective evacuation opening or zone 5a, 5b. The tab 16 or each tab 16 is, preferably, made integrally or made of a single piece with the base component or tread component 3.
The tab or reinforcement rib 16 can be, during use, set or abutted from the outside or in any case from the sides against the top component 4 at an opening 5a, 5b or, if desired, it can be housed, e.g. substantially to size, in a recessed zone 4e delimited by the top component or mid-sole 4 at or around an opening 5a, 5b. The recessed zone 4e can be delimited at a section of the edge 4d that is suitably raised.
The tab or reinforcement rib 16 could also not be an element of the base component 3, but could be part of another piece suitably superimposed or interposed with the other components of the sole.
As indicated above, the base component or tread component 3 can have a main plate-like component 3a, and starting from one or more edge or perimeter portions 3e thereof one or a respective tab 16 is extended, if desired with position substantially orthogonal to the main extension plane of the main plate-like component 3a.
One or each tab 16 can delimit a through slot 16a, such that the tab or each tab 16 can have annular configuration.
If desired, at least one first tab 16 is provided at one medial side 11 of the sole 1 and at least one second tab 16 is provided at one lateral side 12 of the sole 1, e.g. at the back or waist. For such purpose, the first and the second tab 16 are extended from a respective edge portion 3e of the main plate-like component 3a.
The sole 1 can also be provided with at least one filtering membrane 17 to close or better yet to cover an opening or a respective opening 5a, 5b.
The filtering membrane(s) 17 can be set or abutted from the outside or in any case from the sides against the top component 4 at an opening 5a, 5b or, if desired it/they can be housed, e.g. substantially to size, in a slot 4f delimited by the top component or mid-sole 4 at or around an opening 5a, 5b. The slot 4f can be delimited at a section of the edge 4d that is suitable raised.
The filtering membrane 17 is set to allow the passage of sweat or water vapor from the interior of the sole towards the outside and prevent the passage of water, dirt, such as dust, mud, water or other liquids towards the interior of the sole.
The filtering membrane 17 can for example be made of a material selected from the group constituted by Gore-tex®, Sympatex® or it can comprise a so-called osmotic membrane.
If a tab or reinforcement rib 16 is provided as well as a recessed zone 4e for housing such tab or reinforcement rib 16 along with a slot 4f, then the recessed zone 4e surrounds a respective slot 4f.
Preferably, a plurality of filtering membranes 17 are provided, one per each opening 5a, 5b, so that the sole 1 comprises a respective membrane 17 set or abutted from the outside or in any case from the sides against the top component 4 at each an opening 5a, 5b, e.g. a membrane 17 housed in a respective slot 4f delimited by the top component or mid-sole 4 at each an opening 5a, 5b.
If one or each tab 16 delimits a through slot 16a, the respective filtering membrane 17 can have at least one section 17a exposed at such through slot 16a. For such purpose, the membrane or each membrane 17 can for example include a projecting portion 17a during use arranged at or within the through slot 16a of a respective tab or reinforcement rib 16.
The membrane 17 can be configured as a thin plate, if desired with an enlargement or embossment with elongated configuration defining the projecting portion 17a.
Advantageously, the sole 1 can also comprise an anti-perforation insole 18 for work shoes, and such insole 18 is capable of protecting the foot from possible risks, such as in particular the perforation of the sole, e.g. by nails or screws or pointed objects of various type which can be inadvertently left on the ground, especially in places such as work sites, depots etcetera.
The anti-perforation insole 18 can be made of a certified suitable material or according to suitable regulations.
Preferably, the anti-perforation insole 18 is arranged between base component or tread component 3 and top component or mid-sole 4. For such purpose, the top component or mid-sole 4 more or less delimits an impression or recessed zone 19 for housing the anti-perforation insole 18, and such impression or recessed zone 19 is open towards the base component or tread component 3. Clearly, the impression or recessed zone for housing the anti-perforation insole could also be delimited by the base component or tread component 3.
The anti-perforation insole 18 could also be co-moulded, e.g. via thermoforming with the mid-sole 4.
Alternatively, the anti-perforation insole 18 could be arranged on the top component or mid-sole 4 or in any case on the side opposite the base component or tread component 3 with respect to the top component or mid-sole 4.
In the non-work shoes, there is usually no need for the anti-perforation insole.
The base component 3 is, preferably, made of a material selected from the group constituted by rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a mixture thereof.
The top component 4 is, preferably, made of a material selected from the group constituted by EVA, PU, TPR, TPU foam or PVC.
In accordance with the present invention, a footwear 2 is also provided comprising a sole 1 as described above and an upper 20 constrained to the top component 4 of the sole 1, in particular at the main internal surface 4c thereof.
The footwear 2 then also comprises a mounting insole 21, e.g. made of breathable material or suitably perforated for an extension for example equal to or corresponding to the extension of the plurality of channels.
For such purpose, the upper 20 is mounted, e.g. glued, on the mounting insole 21 and then the unit thus attained is constrained to a sole 1, with the mounting insole 21 next to the sole 1 or better yet the main internal surface 4c of the main or top component or mid-sole 4.
With reference to such aspect, the mounting insole 21 preferably adheres or is in contact or is perimetrically glued to the main internal surface 4c.
The mounting insole 21 ensures the breathability or the passage of sweat or water vapor from a foot of the user to the plurality of channels or channel structure delimited by the sole.
In addition, in the upper 20, an extractable insole or insole can be present which constitutes the abutment point for the foot or sock of a user, also made of breathable material or suitably perforated.
As will be understood, a sole according to the present invention, due to the specific plurality of channels ensures that the sweat of a foot in a respective footwear is suitably collected and conveyed towards the outside.
This is clearly obtained during walking, running or sports activity, due to the movement of the footwear imparted by the foot of the user and to the pressure exerted by the latter.
In addition, the tabs or reinforcement ribs improve the strength of the sole also at sweat evacuation zones or openings.
The present invention also provides a sole in which possible anti-perforation means are integratable therein in a simple and quick manner, in particular where the anti-perforation insole is arranged between the base component or tread component and the top component or mid-sole.
Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the protective scope defined by the claims.

Claims

Sole for athletic, work or leisure footwear comprising a main or top component or mid-sole (4), said top component or mid-sole (4) delimiting a plurality of channels open towards the top or far from a base component (3) or from a base portion of the sole, said plurality of channels being set to accumulate the sweat of the foot of a user, said top component or mid-sole (4) also delimiting at least one evacuation zone or opening (5a, 5b) in fluid communication with said plurality of channels and leading to the outside of said sole for the evacuation of the sweat accumulated therein, wherein said plurality of channels comprises at least two main longitudinal channels (6, 7, 8) at least partly extended in the direction from the back (R) to the front (F) of the sole and at least two first transverse channels or terminal transverse channels (9, 10) at least partly extended in a direction from one side (11) of the sole to the other (12), said plurality of channels also including at least two second transverse channels or intermediate transverse channels (13a-13h) at least partly extended in a direction from one side (11) of the sole to the other (12), said channels (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h) being communicating with each other so as to constitute a structure with islands or projections (14a, 14b, 14c) delimited and separated from each other by said channels.
Sole according to claim 1, wherein said at least two first transverse channels or terminal transverse channels (9, 10) are each extended starting from one end or in proximity to one end of one of said at least two main longitudinal channels (6) to one end or in proximity to one end of another of said at least two main longitudinal channels (7), while said at least two second transverse channels or intermediate transverse channels (13a-13h) are each extended starting from an intermediate section or portion of one of said at least two main longitudinal channels (6) to an intermediate section or portion of another (7) of said at least two main longitudinal channels.
Sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of channels comprises at least three main longitudinal channels (6, 7, 8) at least partly extended in the direction from the back (R) to the front (F) of the sole starting from the back (R) of the sole up to or beyond the waist or intermediate portion of the sole.
Sole according to claim 3, wherein two of said at least three main longitudinal channels are each extended at a respective side (11, 12) of the sole, while the third main longitudinal channel (8) is extended at the middle line or longitudinal symmetry axis of the sole in a position intermediate between the other two main longitudinal channels (6, 7).
Sole according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein said at least two intermediate transverse channels include at least two transverse channels (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) at the back (R) and at least two transverse channels (13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) at the waist or intermediate portion of the sole.
Sole according to claim 5, wherein said two intermediate transverse channels include
at least three or four first transverse channels (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d), at the back (R) or in a zone which is extended from the back (R) between about 1/4 and 1/3 of the longitudinal extension of the sole, and such first transverse channels (13a-13d) are substantially at the same distance from the adjacent channel or the adjacent channels, and
at least three or four second transverse channels (13e, 13f, 13g, 13h) at the waist or intermediate portion of the sole or in a zone which is extended from the waist or intermediate portion of the sole towards the front (F), and such second transverse channels (13e-13h) are substantially at the same distance from the adjacent channel or the adjacent channels.
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one evacuation zone or opening (5a, 5b) leading to the outside of said sole is in fluid communication with said plurality of channels and is delimited at the back or waist or front of said sole and wherein said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b) comprises at least two evacuation openings (5a, 5b) each leading to a respective side (11, 12) of said sole.
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b), or better yet the wall (15) delimiting the same below or proximal to the base component (3) or to a base portion of the sole, is tilted with respect to the main extension plane of the sole, with a first open end (5c) leading into the plurality of channels and a second open end (5d) leading to the outside, the second open end (5d) being at a height closer to the base portion or to the base component or tread component (3) or better yet to the main plate-like component or sheet (3a) thereof with respect to the first open end (5c).
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base component or tread component (3), and wherein said top component or mid-sole (4) is fixed or constrained to said base component or tread component (3).
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one tab or reinforcement rib (16) set to reinforce or stiffen said sole at said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b), said at least one tab or reinforcement rib (16) being, during use, set or abutted from the outside or in any case from the sides against said top component (4) at said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b).
Sole according to claim 9 and 10, wherein said at least one tab (16) is extended starting from an edge or perimeter portion (3e) of said base component or tread component (3).
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one filtering membrane (17) placed to close or better yet to cover said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b), said at least one filtering membrane (17) being set or abutted from the outside or in any case from the sides against the top component (4) at said at least one evacuation opening (5a, 5b), said at least one filtering membrane (17) being set to allow the passage of sweat or water vapor from the interior of the sole towards the exterior and prevent the passage of dirt, such as dust, mud, water or other liquids towards the interior of the sole.
Sole according to claim 10 and 12 or 11 and 12, wherein said at least one tab (16) delimits at least one through slot (16a), such that said at least one tab or reinforcement rib (16) has annular configuration, while said at least one filtering membrane (17) has at least one section (17a) exposed at said at least one through slot (16a).
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an anti-perforation insole (18) arranged between said base component or tread component (3) and said top component or mid-sole (4).
Sole according to claim 14, wherein said top component or mid-sole (4) delimits an impression or recessed zone (19) for housing said anti-perforation insole (18), said impression or recessed zone (19) being open towards said base component or tread component (3).
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top component or mid-sole (4) is integrally made or made of single piece.
Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all said channels (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13a-13h) are in fluid communication with each other, so as to belong to a single group of channels or two or more groups of channels are provided for, with the channels of each group all being in fluid communication with each other, but not in fluid communication with the channels of the other groups and wherein at least one evacuation opening or zone is in fluid communication with each group of channels, such that the sweat or water vapor percolated or collected in the channels can flow during the performance of the sports activity into the groups of channels up to the respective evacuation opening(s) (5a, 5b).
Footwear comprising a sole according to any one of the preceding claims and an upper (20) constrained to said top component (4) of said sole.