EP3581054A1

EP3581054A1 - Method for producing a cushioned shoe and cushioned shoe produced with said method

Info

Publication number: EP3581054A1
Application number: EP19179815.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrizio FERRARO
Original assignee: Febos Srl
Current assignee: Febos Srl
Priority date: 2018-06-13
Filing date: 2019-06-12
Publication date: 2019-12-18
Also published as: IT201800006277A1

Abstract

Method for producing a cushioned shoe comprising a step of arranging a sole (2); a first step of making at least one housing seat (4) in said sole (2) by means of laser incision of a lateral surface (23) thereof; a step of housing and a step of fixing at least one cushioning body (5) within said housing seat (4), in particular by means of gluing means (6) and a step of fixing an upper (3) to said sole (2).

Description

Field of application

The present invention regards a method for producing a cushioned shoe and a cushioned shoe produced with said method, according to the preamble of the respective independent claims.
The present cushioned shoe and its production method are intended to be inserted in the shoe manufacturing field, in particular in the field of technical shoes, and more in detail in the field of sneakers provided with cushions in order to confer greater comfort to the user who wears the shoe itself.
The invention is therefore inserted in the context of the industrial field of shoe production.

State of the art

In the shoe manufacturing field, cushioned shoes are known that are provided with an upper intended to enclose the foot of a user who wears the shoe itself, with a sole intended to be abutted against the ground and with a cushioning body housed within the sole.
The cushioning bodies of such cushioned shoes of known type are susceptible of absorbing the weight force of the foot of the user who wears the shoe in order to cushion the impact of the foot with the ground due to a normal walking or running activity.
Mainly, in fact, such cushioned shoes of known type are shoes of technical type in particular sneakers, such as running shoes.
The cushioning bodies of known type housed within the sole of the cushioned shoes of known type are generally constituted by an air cushion externally made of plastic material, e.g. nylon, and internally hollow. Such air cushion is susceptible of being deformed, compressing the air at its interior, in order to absorb the weight force of the foot of the user who wears the shoe.
More in detail, the air cushion of the cushioning bodies of known type is at its interior provided with at least one air pocket, and preferably with a plurality of air pockets in communication with each other; in this manner, when the air cushion is crushed under the weight of the user who wears the shoe, the air is free to be conveyed from one pocket to another adjacent pocket.
The cushioned shoes of known type are generally produced by embedding the cushioning body within the sole of the shoe itself. More in detail, the method for producing cushioned shoes of known type provides for a step of arranging a mold, provided with an internal chamber shaped with the form of the sole. The method then provides for arranging the cushioning body within the mold, supporting it at the desired position, for example at the heel or at the plantar arch.
Subsequently, the method for producing cushioned shoes of known type provides for injecting a material to be foamed into the mold, typically phylon, which is made to foam and harden in the mold in order to obtain the sole with the pre-established form. In this manner, during the step of foaming and hardening the foamed material that forms the sole, the foamed material itself incorporates the cushioning body which then remains embedded at its interior in the correct position.
The cushioned shoes of known type described briefly above have in practice shown that they do not lack drawbacks.
A main drawback of the cushioned shoes of known type lies in the fact that they are visibly the product of a series processing, which attains a very high number of shoes which do not demonstrate an appreciable attention to every detail thereof. Consequently, such cushioned shoes of known type are generally not appreciated by a band of consumers that is rather demanding, who seek high attention to detail.
There is therefore the need on the market to make a cushioned shoe by means of processes that are more precise than those of molding the sole with the cushioning body embedded therein, and which allow ensuring a high care/attention for each produced shoe.

Presentation of the invention

In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the drawbacks manifested by the methods for producing shoes of known type, by providing a method for producing a cushioned shoe and a shoe obtained with such method, which has benefited from a high attention to detail.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a cushioned shoe that is simple to implement.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned shoe which is capable of effectively cushioning the weight of the user who wears it.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned shoe which is safe to use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned shoe which is aesthetically appreciable.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly found in the content of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in which:

Figs. 1A and 1B respectively show a side view and a plan view of a first step of making a cushioned shoe according to the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 2A and 2B respectively show a side view and a plan view of a second step of making a cushioned shoe according to the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C respectively show a side view, a top plan view and a bottom view of a third step of making a cushioned shoe according to the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C respectively show a side view, a top plan view and a bottom view of a fourth step of making a cushioned shoe according to the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C respectively show a side view, a top plan view and a bottom view of a fifth step of making a cushioned shoe according to the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C respectively show a side view, a top plan view and a bottom view of a cushioned shoe, object of the present invention, produced with the method, object of the present invention;
Figs. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B respectively show a side view and a plan view of a second step of making a cushioned shoe respectively attained in a second and a third embodiment.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates a cushioned shoe, according to the present invention.
This is advantageously intended to be worn by a final user, in particular as a technical shoe for carrying out physical activities, such as running.
The cushioned shoe 1, object of the present invention, comprises a sole 2, substantially sheet-like and mainly extended along a longitudinal axis X. For the sake of description simplicity, hereinbelow with the term "lateral" it will be indicated the two portions into which the sole 2 is divided by the longitudinal axis X. In addition, for the sake of description simplicity, hereinbelow it will be indicated with the term "rear" the portion of the sole 2 at which the heel of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1 is intended to be abutted. Consequently, it will be intended with the term "front" the portion of the sole 2, opposite the rear portion, at which the front sole of the foot of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1 is intended to be abutted.
According to the invention, the sole 2 is provided with a first surface 21 intended to be directed towards the ground, a second surface 22 opposite the first surface 21, and at least one lateral surface 23 placed to perimetrically connect the first and the second surface 21, 22.
Advantageously, the sole 2 is made of a microporous material and preferably it is made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (indicated hereinbelow with its initials "EVA"). More in detail, the sole 2 is preferably made of one or more layers of microporous EVA glued together, in the jargon of the field also known as foamed EVA.
The sole 2 of the present cushioned shoe 1 is also provided with at least one housing seat 4 extended inside the sole 2 itself starting from at least one inlet opening 10 made on the lateral wall 23 and delimited by at least one internal wall 11.
In particular, the sole 2 is extended transverse to the longitudinal axis X, between the first and the second surface 21, 22, for a height greater than the transverse extension of the housing seat 4 made therein. Advantageously, moreover, in accordance with the enclosed figures, the internal wall 11 which delimits the housing seat 4 is provided with at least one lower portion 11' and with at least one upper portion 11", substantially facing each other and preferably arranged interposed between the first and the second surface 21, 22 of the sole 2.
More in detail, the aforesaid lower portion 11' of the internal wall 11 is advantageously arranged adjacent to the first surface 21 of the sole 2 and the upper portion 11" is arranged adjacent to the second surface 22 of the sole 2 itself. Advantageously, moreover, the lower portion 11' and the upper portion 11" of the internal wall 11 are arranged parallel to each other and preferably also parallel to the first and second surface 21, 22 of the sole 2.
In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the housing seat 4 is made at the rear portion of the sole 2. Advantageously, the sole 2 of the cushioned shoe 1 can be provided with multiple housing seats 4, made at the rear portion of the sole 2 and/or at the front portion of the sole 2 itself.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures 2A and 2B, the housing seat 4 comprises a through hole extended inside the sole 2 along a first extension axis Y substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2 itself. More in detail, the through hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along the first extension axis Y between a first inlet opening 10' and a second inlet opening 10" made at two opposite lateral faces of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2.
In accordance with such preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures 2A and 2B, the housing seat 4 is advantageously delimited by the first and by the second inlet opening 10', 10" and by a substantially annular internal wall 11. More in detail, the perimeter wall 11 of the preferred embodiment of the housing seat 4 comprises the aforesaid lower 11' and upper 11" portions and preferably also comprises two lateral portions placed to connect between the lower portion 11' and the upper portion 11". In addition, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures 2A and 2B, the aforesaid upper 11", lower 11' and lateral portions are made in a tapered manner with respect to each other, i.e. without clear edges of separation between the various portions of the lateral wall 11, which is thus made of substantially annular form. In accordance with a second embodiment, illustrated in figures 7A and 7B, the housing seat 4 is a first blind hole extended inside the sole 2 along a fourth extension axis Y" substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2 itself (and substantially coinciding with the first extension axis Y).
More in detail, the first blind hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along the fourth extension axis Y" between the inlet opening 10, made at a lateral face of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2, and a first bottom wall 12 opposite the inlet opening 10 itself. In accordance with such second embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures 7A and 7B, the housing seat 4 is advantageously delimited by the inlet opening 10, by the first bottom wall 12 and by the substantially annular internal wall 11. More in detail, the perimeter wall 11 of the second embodiment of the housing seat 4 comprises the aforesaid lower 11' and upper 11" portions and preferably also comprises two lateral portions placed to connect between the lower portion 11' and the upper portion 11". In addition, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures 7A and 7B, the aforesaid upper 11", lower 11' and lateral portions are made in a tapered manner with respect to each other, i.e. without clear edges of separation between the various portions of the lateral wall 11 which is thus made of a substantially annular form.
In accordance with a third embodiment, illustrated in figures 8A and 8B, the housing seat 4 is a second blind hole extended inside the sole 2 along a fifth extension axis Y'" substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2 itself (and substantially transverse to the first extension axis Y). More in detail, the second blind hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along the fifth extension axis Y'" between the inlet opening 10, made at a rear face of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2, and a second bottom wall 13 opposite the inlet opening 10 itself. In accordance with such third embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures 8A and 8B, the housing seat 4 is advantageously delimited by the inlet opening 10 and by the internal wall 11 provided with the lower portion 11' and with the upper portion 11", connected to each other by the second bottom wall 13.
The cushioned shoe 1, object of the present invention, also advantageously comprises an upper 3 mechanically fixed to the sole 2 and intended to at least partially wind around the foot of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1. In a particular manner, the upper 3 is preferably fixed at the second surface 22 of the sole 2 itself. More in detail, the sole 2 is advantageously provided with at least one perimeter groove 14 made on the second surface 22 of the sole 2 itself, and within such perimeter groove 14 a hem of the upper 3 is fixed, e.g. by means of glue.
Advantageously, the cushioned shoe 1 also comprises an insole of an under-upper (not illustrated in the enclosed figures), which is interposed between the sole 2 and the upper 3 to cover the zone in which the upper 3 is fixed to the sole 2 itself.
According to the present invention, the cushioned shoe 1 also comprises at least one cushioning body 5 housed within the housing seat 4 and susceptible of being deformed in order to absorb the weight force of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1 itself, cushioning the impacts of the foot of the user with the ground. In a per se known manner, the cushioning body 5 is constituted by an air cushion externally made of plastic material, e.g. nylon, and internally hollow. More in detail, as indicated in a dashed line in the enclosed figures 3B, 4B and 5B, the cushioning body 5 is at its interior provided with at least one air pocket, and preferably with a plurality of air pockets in communication with each other, through which the air is free to flow in order to allow each air pocket to be compressed, deforming the cushioning body 5 itself which is crushed beneath the weight of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1. Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments described above, in which the sole 2 is provided with multiple housing seats 4, the cushioned shoe 1 comprises multiple cushioning bodies 5, each of which housed within a corresponding housing seat 4.
In accordance with a different embodiment, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the cushioned shoe 1 can comprise multiple cushioning bodies 5 housed within a housing seat 4 and connected to each other by means of connection means, such as glue or connection bridges.
According to the idea underlying the present invention, the cushioned shoe 1 comprises gluing means 6 interposed between the cushioning body 5 and the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4 for the mechanical fixing of the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4, in particular for retaining the cushioning body 5 in position within the housing seat 4.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the gluing means 6 comprise at least one thermoplastic glue, preferably transparent. More in detail, the thermoplastic glue of the gluing means 6 comprises a glue element, which is solid at ambient temperature and melts through the application of heat, becoming fluid and thus allowing application on the cushioning body 5 and on the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4. When cooled, the glue element of the thermoplastic glue once again returns to the solid state, ensuring the fixing of the cushioning body 5 within the housing seat 4.
Advantageously, the sole 2 is also provided with at least one opening 7 extended starting from at least one between the first and the second surface 21, 22 and in communication with the housing seat 4. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, indicated in figures 3A and 3B, the opening 7 is extended along a second extension axis Z, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2 and preferably transverse to the first extension axis Y of the housing seat 4. Preferably, moreover, the opening 7 is made in the upper portion 11" of the internal wall 11. More in detail, the opening 7 is extended along the second extension axis Z and preferably is extended in a through manner between the second surface 22 of the sole 2 and the housing seat 4.
In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the opening 7 is made in the lower portion 11' of the internal wall 11, and more in detail is extended along the second extension axis Z between the first surface 21 of the sole 2 and the housing seat 4. In accordance with a further different embodiment, the opening 7 is made in the upper portion 11" and in the lower portion 11' of the internal wall 11 and is extended along the second extension axis Z between the first and the second surface 21, 22 of the sole 2, intercepting the housing seat 4.
Advantageously the thermoplastic glue of the gluing means 6 is applied in the opening 7 in order to fix the cushioning body 5 to the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4. In this manner, the gluing means 6 are advantageously applied in a region of the sole 2 that is not visible, with the cushioned shoe 1 complete, and they do not project beyond the inlet opening 10 of the housing seat 4. Consequently, the gluing means 6 thus do not negatively affect the final appearance of the cushioned shoe 1 itself.
Preferably, the cushioned shoe 1 also comprises a locking body 8 placed to close the opening 7. More in detail, the locking body 8 is shaped with the opening 7 and is susceptible of being inserted to size at its interior in order to close the opening 7 itself. The locking body 8 is advantageously provided with at least two external faces substantially directed in opposite directions, including a first face directed towards the housing seat 4 and a second face substantially coplanar with the second surface 22 of the sole 2. In such preferred embodiment, the internal wall 11 that delimits the housing seat 4 also comprises the first face of the locking body 8, directed towards the housing seat 4 itself.
Advantageously, in such preferred embodiment, the gluing means 6 are interposed between the cushioning body 5 and the locking body 8, and in particular they are interposed between the cushioning body 5 and the first face of the locking body 8 which at least partly constitutes the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4. In such embodiment, the gluing means 6 mechanically fix the cushioning body 5 to the locking body 8. In addition, since the locking body 8 is inserted to size in the opening 7, this cannot be moved with respect to the opening 7 itself, and consequently the cushioning body 5 fixed to the locking body 8 cannot be moved with respect to the opening 7 and hence it cannot be moved with respect to the sole 2.
Advantageously, the locking body 8 can be made of the same thermoplastic glue as the gluing means, or it can be made of the same microporous material that constitutes the sole 2 (e.g. it can be constituted by exactly the same material removed from the sole 2 for making the opening 7), or it can be made of yet another material, for example transparent in order to allow viewing therethrough the cushioning body 5 housed in the housing seat 4.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures, the cushioned shoe 1 also comprises at least one groove 9, and preferably a plurality of grooves 9, made on the second surface 22 of the sole 2 and extended along a third extension axis W, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2 and preferably parallel to the first extension axis Y of the housing seat 4. More in detail, each groove 9 is extended, parallel to the other grooves 9, along its third extension axis W between the two opposite lateral faces of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, moreover, the grooves 9 are arranged between the front portion and the rear portion of the sole 2 and confer a greater flexibility to the sole 2 itself, allowing the sole 2 to be bent and curved during normal use of the cushioned shoe 1 in order to better accompany the movements of the foot of the user who wears the cushioned shoe 1 itself.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures, the cushioned shoe 1 also comprises a tread 15 mechanically fixed at the first surface 21 of the sole 2 and intended to be abutted against the ground.
Advantageously, the tread 15 can be made integrally with the sole 2 or it can be glued thereto by means of a suitable glue. In addition, the tread 15 can be shaped and cut with notches in order to ensure good adherence to uneven ground such as a dirt road, or it can be smooth in order to ensure good adherence to smooth ground such as the floor of a gym.
Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for producing a cushioned shoe, of the above-described type and regarding which hereinbelow, for the sake of description simplicity, the same reference nomenclature will be employed.
According to the idea underlying the present invention, the method for producing the shoe 1 comprises a step of making a sole 2 of a solid body, which is provided with a first surface 21 intended to be directed towards the ground, with a second surface 22 opposite the first surface 21 and at least one lateral surface 23 placed to perimetrically connect the first and the second surface 21, 22.
More in detail, as illustrated in the enclosed figures 1A and 1B, the step of making the sole 2 provides for arranging a substantially sheet-like solid body preferably made of microporous material, such as one or more sheets of microporous EVA, which is provided with an extension mainly along a longitudinal axis X and is provided with a thickness, along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis X, at least equal to the thickness of the heel of the cushioned shoe 1 to be obtained. In particular, the solid body which is arranged is advantageously provided with a thickness comprised between 10 and 30 mm and preferably of about 25 mm.
In addition, the aforesaid step of making the sole 2 advantageously provides for making a first cutting of the solid body, in order to obtain a blank of the sole 2 preferably provided with a perimeter form substantially shaped in the form of a right sole or in the form of a left sole.
Subsequently, then, the aforesaid step of making the sole 2 provides for a processing of at least two opposite surfaces of the solid body cut so as to obtain the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the sole 2. In particular, it provides for shaping the second surface 22 so as to obtain a desired flaring between the front portion and the rear portion of the sole 2, such flaring known in the jargon of the field also as "longitudinal divisional plane" of the sole 2. In addition, in the aforesaid step of making the sole 2, also the first surface 21 of the sole 2 itself is advantageously shaped, for example in order to obtain a desired flaring at the front portion of the sole 2, as is illustrated in the enclosed figure 1.
The present method then provides for a first step of making at least one housing seat 4 in the sole 2 (illustrated in the enclosed figures 2A and 2B), by means of incision of the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2 itself. In particular, in the aforesaid first attainment step, the housing seat 4 is preferably made by means of laser incision of the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2. Advantageously, the aforesaid first step of making the housing seat 4 by means of laser incision allows executing an extremely precise incision, making the housing seat 4 in the exact shape and desired position, without risks of errors and hence without risk of generating production waste. Advantageously, moreover, the EVA which constitutes the sole 2 can be easily cut by means of a laser beam and allows making the housing seat 4 with extremely precise perimeter walls, without melting the surrounding material and without creating processing burrs.
In an alternative embodiment of the aforesaid first attainment step, the housing seat 4 can also be made by means of milling the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2.
Advantageously, the housing seat 4, made in the first attainment step, is provided with at least one inlet opening 10 made on the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2, as is illustrated in figure 2A.
Advantageously, moreover, the housing seat 4, made in the first attainment step, is delimited at least by an internal wall 11, which is provided with at least one lower portion 11' and with at least one upper portion 11", and such lower and upper portions 11', 11" substantially face each other and are preferably interposed between the first and the second surface 21, 22 of the sole 2. More in detail, the lower portion 11' is advantageously arranged adjacent to the first surface 21 of the sole 2 and the upper portion 11" is advantageously arranged adjacent to the second surface 22 of the sole 2 itself.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 2A and 2B, the first step of making the housing seat 4 provides for cutting the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2 up to making a through hole through the sole 2 itself. More in detail, the through hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along a first extension axis Y between a first inlet opening 10' and a second inlet opening 10" made at two opposite lateral faces of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2, and is delimited by the annular internal wall 11, comprising the lower portion 11', the upper portion 11" and preferably also two lateral portions placed to connect the lower and upper portions 11", 11", as described above.
Advantageously, moreover, the first extension axis Y is arranged substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2.
In accordance with a second embodiment, illustrated in figures 7A and 7B, the first step of making the housing seat 4 provides for cutting the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2 in order to make a first blind hole in the sole 2 itself.
More in detail, the first blind hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along a fourth extension axis Y" between the inlet opening 10, made at a lateral face of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2, and a first bottom wall 12 opposite the inlet opening 10 itself, and is delimited by an annular internal wall 11, comprising the lower portion 11', the upper portion 11" and preferably also two lateral portions placed to connect the lower and upper portions 11", 11", as described above. Advantageously, moreover, also in such second embodiment, the fourth extension axis Y" is arranged substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2, and in particular the fourth extension axis Y" coincides with the first extension axis Y.
In accordance with a third embodiment, illustrated in figures 8A and 8B, the first step of making the housing seat 4 provides for cutting the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2 in order to make a second blind hole in the sole 2 itself.
More in detail, the second blind hole of the housing seat 4 is extended along a fifth extension axis Y'" between the inlet opening 10, made at a rear face of the lateral wall 23 of the sole 2, and a second bottom wall 13 opposite the inlet opening 10 itself, and is delimited by the internal wall 11, provided with the lower portion 11' and with the upper portion 11" connected to each other by the second bottom wall 13. Advantageously, moreover, in such third embodiment, the fifth extension axis Y'" is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sole 2.
According to the invention, the method for producing the cushioned shoe 1 then provides for a step of housing at least one cushioning body 5 within the housing seat 4 and a step of fixing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4 by means of gluing means 6 preferably interposed between the cushioning body 5 and the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4 for the mechanical fixing of the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4 itself (such steps are illustrated in the enclosed figures 3A, 3B and 3C).
More in detail, the present method provides for a step of inserting and a step of fixing at least one cushioning body 5 within each housing seat 4.
In operation, the step of inserting the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4 provides for introducing the cushioning body 5 through the inlet opening 10 of the housing seat 4 itself.
Figure 3B illustrates the sole 2 after the housing step, with the cushioning body 5 housed within the housing seat 4. Figure 3A is however an exploded view, in which the cushioning body 5 is illustrated externally with respect to the housing seat 4 in which it must be housed and the gluing means 6 are indicated at a portion of the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4 itself.
Advantageously, the method of producing the cushioned shoe 1 also provides for a second step of making at least one opening 7 on at least one from between the first and the second surface 21, 22 by means of incision of the sole 2 (such step is illustrated in the enclosed figures 3A, 3B and 3C) and preferably by means of laser incision of the sole 2 itself.
As indicated above, such second step of making the opening 7 provides for making the opening 7 in communication with the housing seat 4 and preferably provides for cutting the opening 7 starting from the second surface 22 of the sole 2. In operation, therefore, in the aforesaid second attainment step, the opening 7 is made on the upper portion 11" of the internal wall 11, and preferably it is made in a through manner from the second surface 22 of the sole 2 and the housing seat 4.
Preferably, in addition, such second step of making the through opening 7 is made after the first step of making the housing seat 4 and before the step of housing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4, so as to avoid scratching/damaging the cushioning body 5 itself in the aforesaid second attainment step.
Advantageously, the step of fixing the cushioning body 5 provides for applying a thermoplastic glue of the gluing means 6 in the opening 7 in order to fix the cushioning body 5, previously inserted in the housing seat 4, to the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4.
In order to more stably fasten the locking element 5 within the housing seat 4, the present method advantageously comprises a step of closing the opening 7 by means of the application of a locking body 8.
Preferably, the locking body 8 is counter-shaped with respect to the opening 7 in order to be inserted to size at its interior, such that it cannot be moved with respect thereto.
Advantageously, as indicated above, the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4 also comprises a first face of the locking body 8, directed towards the interior of the housing seat 4 itself. Advantageously, therefore, the gluing means 6 are interposed between the cushioning body 5 and the first face of the locking body 8 which constitutes a portion of the internal wall 11 of the housing seat 4.
In operation, following the step of fixing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4, in which the thermoplastic glue of the gluing means 6 is applied in the opening 7, the locking body 8 is quickly inserted in the opening 7 itself until the first face of the locking body 8 is brought into contact with the gluing means 6 themselves (with 'quickly' it is intended that the locking body 8 is inserted in the opening 7 while the thermoplastic glue is still in the liquid state). In this manner, the thermoplastic glue adheres both to the cushioning body 5 and to the locking body 8 and, being hardened, mechanically fixes the two bodies to each other. Consequently, the cushioning body 5 is locked to the locking body 8, which is in turn inserted to size in the opening 7 and cannot be moved with respect thereto. Therefore, also the cushioning body 5 cannot be moved with respect to the opening 7 and, consequently, cannot be moved with respect to the sole 2.
In addition, the method for producing a cushioned shoe according to the present invention advantageously comprises at least one step of milling the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2. In accordance with the embodiment indicated in the enclosed figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 5A, 5B, 5C, the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2 can be milled along a shaped profile, e.g. "diamond" profile.
In addition, the step of milling the lateral surface 23 can provide for reducing the planar extension of the sole 2, for example for making the soles 2 of cushioned shoes 1 of different sizes. Advantageously, in this manner, in a single production line it is possible to produce cushioned shoes 1 of different sizes, without having to create a special line for each size to be produced. Preferably, also the aforesaid step of milling the lateral surface 23 is made after the first step of making the housing seat 4 and before the step of housing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4 itself, so as to avoid scratching/damaging such cushioning body 5.
Advantageously, moreover, before such step of milling the lateral surface 23, a further step is provided for housing a temporary fill body within the housing seat 4; such body is advantageously counter-shaped with respect to the housing seat 4 and can be tranquilly scratched during the various sole 2 processing steps, since it is then intended to be removed and substituted by the cushioning body 5. In other words, the temporary fill body only has the object of temporarily filling the housing seat 4 so as to prevent such housing seat 4 from being damaged by subsequent sole 2 processing steps.
The method, object of the present invention, can also comprise further steps of milling respectively the first and the second surface 21, 22 of the sole 2, so as to confer the desired three-dimensional shape thereto. For example, the present method can comprise a step of notching at least one groove 9 in the sole 2, in particular by means of milling the second surface 22.
As indicated above, the notching step provides for making at least one groove 9 and preferably multiple grooves 9 arranged parallel to each other, interposed between a front portion and a rear portion of the sole 2 and extended along a third extension axis W substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis X and preferably parallel to the first extension axis Y of the housing seat 4, as indicated in the enclosed figure 5B.
Advantageously, the present method can also provide for one or more steps of forming the sole 2, in which the sole 2 is inserted in a suitable mold in which it is heated and pressed up to assuming the desired curvature. In the jargon of the field, such forming step is also known with the term "placing in template" of the sole 2. In particular, such forming steps can be repeated multiple time in the course of the present method, for example they can be made before and after the step of milling the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2.
Advantageously, as indicated above, the second step of making the opening 7, the step of milling the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2, the step of notching at least one groove 9 and/or the step of forming the sole 2 are made before the step of housing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4. And preferably, during the aforesaid second step of making the opening 7, step of milling the lateral surface 23, step of notching at least one groove 9 and/or step of forming the sole 2, the temporary fill body is always arranged in the housing seat 4, so as to not ruin the form of such housing seat 4. Advantageously, therefore, the step of housing the cushioning body 5 is attained once the sole 2 is completed and provided with its final form.
Of course, also forming the object of the present invention is a method for producing a cushioned shoe in which the second step of making the opening 7, the step of milling the lateral surface 23 of the sole 2, the step of notching at least one groove 9 and/or the step of forming the sole 2 are attained after the step of housing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4, as indicated in the enclosed figures (in which the cushioning body 5 is indicated as being housed in the housing seat 4 before the steps of milling, notching and forming the sole 2).
Advantageously, the present method can also provide for a step of gluing a tread 15 to the sole 2, in particular at the first surface 21 of the sole 22. In accordance with the enclosed figures, such gluing step is also preferably provided before the step of housing the cushioning body 5 in the housing seat 4. Of course, also forming the object of the present invention is a method which provides for executing the gluing step after the housing step.
Otherwise, as indicated above, the tread 15 can be made integrally with the sole 2. In the latter case, the step of milling the first surface 21 of the sole 2 provides for making the tread notches 15 shaped or for smoothing the first surface 21 in order to make a smooth tread.
The method for producing a present cushioned shoe advantageously also comprises a step of fixing an upper 3 to the sole 2, in particular it provides for fixing the upper 3 at the second surface 22 of the sole 2 (such step is illustrated in the enclosed figures 6A, 6B and 6C).
Advantageously, the notching step of the present method also provides for notching at least one perimeter groove 14 along at least one portion of the external perimeter of the second surface 22 of the sole 2. In operation, the step of fixing the upper 3 to the sole 2 provides for fixing the upper 3 within the perimeter groove 14, for example by means of the glue.
Finally, the method for producing a cushioned shoe, object of the present finding, can also comprise a step of firing the cushioned shoe 1 in an oven in order to allow the drying of the various glues employed during the various steps for producing the cushioned shoe 1 itself, and can provide for a finishing step in which an operator controls each completed shoe and applies finishing elements, such as laces, ornamental elements or other items.
The cushioned shoe 1 and its production method thus conceived therefore achieve the pre-established objects.

Claims

Method for producing a cushioned shoe, characterized in that it comprises:
- a step of making a sole (2) of a solid body, said sole (2) being provided with:
- a first surface (21) intended to be directed towards the ground,

- a second surface (22) opposite said first surface (21),

- at least one lateral surface (23) placed to perimetrically connect said first and second surface (21, 22);

- a first step of making at least one housing seat (4) in said sole (2) by means of incision of the lateral surface (23) of said sole (2);

- a step of housing at least one cushioning body (5) within said housing seat (4);

- a step of fixing said cushioning body (5) in said housing seat (4) by means of gluing means (6).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second step of making at least one opening (7) on at least one of said first and second surface (21, 22) by means of incision of said sole (2); said opening (7) being in communication with said housing seat (4).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that said step of fixing said cushioning body (5) provides for applying a thermoplastic glue of said gluing means (6) in said opening (7) in order to fix said cushioning body (5) in said housing seat (4).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a step of closing said opening (7) by means of the application of a locking body (8).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of milling the lateral surface (23) of said sole (2).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of notching at least one groove (9) in said sole (2).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said housing seat (4), made in said first attainment step, is provided with at least one inlet opening (10) made on the lateral surface (23) of said sole (2);
wherein, in said housing step, said cushioning body (5) is introduced into said housing seat (4) through said inlet opening (10).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said housing seat (4), made in said first attainment step, is delimited by at least one internal wall (11), which is provided with at least one lower portion (11') adjacent to said first surface (21) and with at least one upper portion (11") adjacent to said second wall (22), and such upper and lower portions (11', 11") are substantially facing each other.
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to claims 2 and 8, characterized in that, in said second attainment step, said opening (7) is made on the upper portion (11") of said internal wall (11), said opening (7) being extended in a through manner from the second surface (22) of said sole (2) to said housing seat (4).
Method for producing a cushioned shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in said first attainment step, said housing seat (4) is made by means of laser incision.
Cushioned shoe produced according to the method of claim 1, and such shoe comprises:
- a sole (2) provided with:
- a first surface (21) intended to be directed towards the ground,

- a second surface (22) opposite said first surface (21),

- at least one lateral surface (23) placed to perimetrically connect said first and second surface (21, 22),

- at least one housing seat (4) extended inside said sole (2) starting from at least one inlet opening (10) made on said lateral surface (23) and delimited by at least one internal wall (11);

- at least one cushioning body (5) housed within said housing seat (4);
said cushioned shoe being characterized in that it comprises gluing means (6) interposed between said cushioning body (5) and the at least one internal wall (11) of said housing seat (4) for the mechanical fixing of said cushioning body (5) in said housing seat (4).
Cushioned shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that said sole (2) is provided with at least one opening (7) extended starting from at least one of said first and second surface (21, 22) and in communication with said housing seat (4).
Cushioned shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said gluing means (6) comprise at least one thermoplastic glue applied in said opening (7) in order to fix said cushioning body (5) to the at least one internal wall (11) of said housing seat (4).
Cushioned shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a locking body (8) placed to close said opening (7).
Cushioned shoe according to any one of the claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the at least one internal wall (11) of said housing seat (4) is provided with at least one lower portion (11') adjacent to said first surface (21) and with at least one upper portion (11") adjacent to said second wall (22), and such upper and lower portions (11', 11") are substantially facing each other.