EP3939460A1 - Inner sole and sole arrangement with ventilation effect and effective fluid removal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insole (10) for shoes, which has a foot surface (12) facing the foot and an opposite sole surface (14) facing the shoe. The insole (10) is provided with at least two through-openings (16), the at least two through-openings (16) being connected to one another on the sole surface side via at least one transverse channel (18) let into the sole surface (14). The through openings (16) of the insole (10) have a hexagonal geometry in cross section. The invention also relates to a sole arrangement comprising an insole (10) and a separate insole, the separate insole having at least one through-opening at least in the forefoot area (28).

Description

The present invention relates to an insole for shoes, which enables the sole of the foot to be optimally ventilated and, if necessary, can efficiently transport liquids such as perspiration from the foot, and a sole arrangement with such properties. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a shoe with such an insole or sole arrangement.

The feet are riddled with many sweat glands, which serve to regulate body temperature. If it is too warm in certain places, the sweat glands secrete sweat and the evaporation creates cooling. Sweat that cannot evaporate begins to smell bad over time. This is undesirable and should be avoided.

Accordingly, it is a particular concern of the shoe industry to develop, among other things, insoles that ensure optimal ventilation of the foot, so that sweating of the wearer's foot can be reduced and at the same time moist or liquid foot perspiration can be removed.

the DE 89 00 237 U describes an insole with an upper side which is formed by a base plate with a multiplicity of nubs regularly distributed thereon, a layer made of a material such as leather or textile facing the sole of the foot and a perforation. This layer is applied to the back of the base plate facing the nubs, and the heads of the nubs are connected to the sole.

the EP 1 304 938 A describes an insole or insole for a shoe that offers improved cushioning properties. The insole is constructed in one piece from a flexible material and has nubs. According to a preferred embodiment, the nubs are hollow and perforations are provided in the area between nubs and/or in the nubs themselves in order to optimize the cushioning properties and drain liquids from the user's foot.

the DE 888 065 B relates to an elastic footrest in the form of a loose insert with recesses provided on one of its faces. The recesses are cup-shaped and provided with channels that extend to the other side of the insert. The cup-like recesses are round in cross section. Furthermore, in the sole area Depressions provided between the individual cup-like recesses in the form of grooves, grooves or similar depressions.

the EP 0 507 263 A2 relates to an insole for shoes with a system of undersurface equipped with longitudinal and transverse air channels and a number of air holes. The air holes are used to transport the air directly to the bottom of the foot.

the DE 1 007 669 A relates to a process for the mass production of orthopedic footwear on lasts. In this process, a supplementary piece (form piece) that forms the insole is used. The fitting is provided on the underside with a plurality of cup-like indentations from which channels lead to the top of the fitting. The indentations are connected to each other by grooves.

the WO 2011/108 011 A1 relates to a sole with a lower surface and an upper surface for footwear. Several channels run towards a continuous opening. At least two continuous openings are connected to each other via such a channel.

the CN 2 358 719 Y concerns, among other things, a lower sole with air duct channels arranged in a net shape

the EP 2 638 817 A1 relates to an insole comprising a mesh support structure provided with a plurality of through holes, at least one layer of natural, perspiring material connected to the mesh support structure on a first side and at least one foot support layer connected to the layer of natural, perspiring material is connected on a second side.

The perforations provided in the prior art in the insoles or insoles are an effective means of conducting liquids away from the foot and improving the climate in the shoe. In the case of very airtight shoes in particular, however, this measure may not be sufficient to permanently protect the shoe from unpleasant odors. There is therefore a need for improvement.

Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide an alternative insole which is not only stable but also provides particularly efficient ventilation of the foot and a removal of moisture or liquid, especially foot sweat, allows.

This object is achieved by an insole for shoes with the features of claim 1, a sole arrangement equipped with such an insole, and a shoe equipped with such an insole and sole arrangement. Preferred variants can be found in the dependent claims.

The insole for shoes according to the invention has a foot surface facing the foot and an opposite sole surface facing the shoe. The foot surface of the insole facing the foot is thus at the top, the sole surface facing the shoe is at the bottom.

The term “inner sole” within the meaning of the present invention is to be interpreted broadly and includes classic insoles, midsoles that are processed into a finished shoe with the outsole, or else a classic insole. Insoles are separate insoles that are often placed inside shoes for comfort or orthopedic reasons.

The insole is provided with at least two through openings. The through openings serve on the one hand to transport liquids or air away from the wearer's foot. On the other hand, the constant alternation of loading and unloading of the insole when walking through these through-openings creates an effect similar to a pump, so that the sole of the foot is optimally ventilated and the evacuation of liquids is increased. The through-openings are preferably formed by a honeycomb or a hexagon, which is open on its upper side and lower side. The insole then comprises a large number of hexagons which are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb structure with the hexagons gives the insole the necessary stability while at the same time ventilating the foot.

The ventilation effect and the evacuation of liquids such as foot perspiration and air is increased according to the invention in that the at least two through-openings are connected to one another on the sole surface side via at least one transverse channel embedded in the sole surface. The transverse channel is preferably interrupted in the area of the passage openings, ie it is not a continuous channel. The cross section of the transverse channel is preferably U-shaped, although other geometries are also conceivable, for example a V-shape. The transverse channel is preferably formed on one side, ie it is open on one side, so that it has a bowl-shaped or semi-circular geometry.

With this structure, the liquid and air transported away from the sole surface facing the shoe can be efficiently distributed over the sole surface of the insole and evaporate better or be drained, e.g. to a moisture-absorbing layer. At the same time, the communication between two through openings can create an air circuit, so that an optimal microclimate can be generated and maintained in the shoe.

For example, when walking, foot perspiration or air can be conducted away from the sole of the foot through the passage openings and distributed via the transverse channels, with dehumidification and air exchange being able to take place along the transverse channels. The dehumidified air can be pumped back to the foot through the passage openings, which leads to the desired ventilation of the sole of the foot. This creates a cycle.

However, this cycle is negatively influenced if the through-openings close when the insole is loaded. According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the through openings have a hexagonal geometry in cross section.

The hexagonal geometry preferred in cross section, i.e. honeycomb geometry of the through-holes, has the advantage that the hexagonal structure is one of the most stable geometries, so that when the insole is loaded, which at the same time represents the strongest contact between the sole of the foot and the insole, the through-holes contract at most slightly can, so that the liquid transport is optimal just when stepping and the above-described ventilation circuit of the insole is significantly improved compared to insoles known in the prior art.

It has been shown that the insole according to the invention works particularly effectively if each through-opening is connected to a further through-opening via exactly one transverse channel.

If the insole according to the invention has a large number of through openings, i.e. perforations, a network is created on the sole surface via which air or moisture can be widely distributed over the sole surface of the insole facing the shoe, which stabilizes and optimizes the air circulation already described above.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that each passage opening is connected to a plurality of transverse channels extending away in a star shape. Such a radial arrangement of the transverse channels ensures that the distance between a transverse channel and the other transverse channels is maximized, so that with a certain number of transverse channels Air circulation is possible over the entire insole. The radially running transverse channels are preferably arranged at regular intervals in the circular circumference. Starting from the center, between four and eight, preferably six, transverse channels are preferred, arranged radially around the vertical axis. If a passage opening is connected to six transverse channels, for example, then the distance between a transverse channel and the two closest transverse channels is preferably approximately 60°.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that each through-opening of the insole is connected to at least three further, preferably six further through-openings via corresponding transverse channels. This creates a complex structure on the sole surface facing the shoe, consisting of through openings and transverse channels in order to be able to create an optimal microclimate over large areas of the insole. It goes without saying that through-openings can also be provided in the edge area of the insole, which are connected to fewer than at least three through-openings via corresponding transverse channels.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the transverse channels have a depth of between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm. Intermediate areas are also covered by the present invention.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the transverse channels have a width of between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm. Intermediate areas are also covered by the present invention.

The above indications of the preferred depth and width of the transverse channels of the insole are the result of numerous theoretical considerations and tests and represent optimized areas.

So that the “pumping effect”, which leads to ventilation of the foot, is particularly pronounced, a preferred embodiment provides that the insole is elastic, preferably made of an elastic plastic. The elasticity of the insole ensures that the insole can deform accordingly under load and relief. The material has a shape memory, so that the insole can return to its original shape after stepping on it.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the insole is an insole. An insole is a sole which has the function of an additional insole and can be placed loosely in the shoe.

So that the insole can provide sufficient stability for the user's foot, particularly in the forefoot area, a preferred embodiment provides that at least in the forefoot area of the insole, the sole surface facing the shoe is bordered by a circumferential stabilizing edge. This stabilizing edge is preferably made of a harder material than the rest of the sole, but can also be made of the same material and is preferably formed in one piece with the foot surface facing the shoe. In the sense of the invention, the forefoot area ends when the ball of foot strikes.

It is further preferred that the through-openings of the sole surface facing the shoe define a common plane at least in the forefoot area and the stabilizing edge terminates flush with this plane at least in sections in the forefoot area. In this embodiment, a comparatively better feeling when walking and greater stability of the insole are achieved.

Studies have also shown that air transport and air passage can be optimized when the shoe is in use if the channel walls of the transverse channels project between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.0 and 2.0 mm, above the level of the through openings . The best values for air transport and air passage could be achieved when the channel walls of the transverse channels protrude 1.5 mm above the level of the passage openings and correspondingly also above the level of the stabilizing edge. It goes without saying that intermediate values are also included in the concept of the invention.

Furthermore, the feeling of walking and the stability of the insole can be increased in that, in a preferred embodiment, the stabilizing edge is beveled outwards. On the outside means the area of the stabilizing edge that has the greatest distance to the sole surface facing the shoe with the through openings.

In order to further optimize the cushioning and stability of the insole, a preferred embodiment provides that at least in the heel area of the insole, the foot surface facing the foot is partially covered with a layer of material. The rear 5 to 20 rows of through openings are preferably covered by this material layer, particularly preferably the rear 10 to 12 rows.

The material layer preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly preferably a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, ideally 2 mm. It goes without saying that intermediate values are also included in the concept of the invention.

The present invention also includes a sole arrangement, comprising an insole according to the invention and an insole, wherein the insole has at least one through-opening in the forefoot area. The insole can be firmly connected to the insole, but can also be placed loosely in the shoe. The sole arrangement makes use of the knowledge that the forefoot area, in particular the ball of the foot, is the area of the foot which sometimes has the greatest possible contact with the inner sole. Accordingly, it is particularly efficient to implement a circular air circulation in this area.

The insole according to the invention is preferably made from a different material than the insole and is designed to be thinner.

It goes without saying that the insole according to the invention can also be designed as an insole in the sole arrangement. The insole is then an additional insole.

The present invention further relates to a shoe equipped with an insole according to the invention or a sole arrangement according to the invention, which includes a shoe upper. The shoe upper is preferably connected directly to the outsole, which can be done using the Strobel method, for example. The shoe can also already have an insole and the insole according to the invention can be placed in the shoe as an insole.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following drawings. However, the invention is by no means limited to these specific exemplary embodiments. The invention also includes combinations of the embodiment variants described here and their features.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf die fußzugewandte Fußfläche der erfindungsgemäßen Innensohle;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf die schuhzugewandte Sohlenfläche der Innensohle gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische 3D-Darstellung eines Teilausschnittes der schuhzugewandten Sohlenfläche der Innensohle;

Fig. 4

die schematische 3D-Darstellung eines Teilausschnittes der schuhzugewandten Sohlenfläche der Innensohle gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf die Innensohle von ihrer schuhzugewandten Seite in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Innensohle gemäß Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf die Innensohle von ihrer fußzugewandten Seite in einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf die Innensohle von ihrer schuhzugewandten Seite in der dritten Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 7.

It shows:

1

a top view of the foot surface facing the foot of the insole according to the invention;

2

a plan view of the shoe-facing sole surface of the insole according to FIG 1 ;

3

a schematic 3D representation of a partial section of the shoe-facing sole surface of the insole;

4

the schematic 3D representation of a partial section of the shoe-facing sole surface of the insole according to 3 ;

figure 5

a plan view of the insole from its shoe-facing side in a second embodiment;

6

a perspective view of the insole according to FIG figure 5 ;

7

a plan view of the insole from its foot-facing side in a third embodiment;

8

a plan view of the insole from its side facing the shoe in the third embodiment according to FIG 7 .

1 shows a plan view of the foot surface 12 of the insole 10 facing the foot. The foot surface 12 of the insole 10 facing the foot is preferably flat and is at least partially, preferably completely, framed by a peripheral stabilizing edge 24 . The stabilizing edge 24 extends at least in the midfoot area and heel area of the insole 10 like a shell out of the plane of the foot surface 12 facing the foot.

Furthermore, the continuous through-openings 16 can be seen, which are formed across the entire insole 10, with the exception of the area of the stabilizing edge 24. The through-openings 16 are arranged relatively close together, so that there is only a small distance between the individual through-openings 16, preferably 0. 5 to 3 mm, particularly preferably between 1 and 2 mm. The distribution of the through openings 16 is regular. The through openings 16 have a hexagonal geometry in cross section. No through-openings 16 are preferably provided on the stabilizing edge 24 of the insole 10 .

2 shows a plan view of the shoe-facing sole surface 14 of the insole 10, which is preferably flat and also has a stabilizing edge 24, with the stabilizing edge 24 on the shoe-facing sole surface 14 preferably being formed as a flat surface and also having no through openings 16.

The transverse channels 18 can also be seen. Since these do not penetrate the foot surface 12, they cannot be seen when looking at the foot surface 12 facing the foot. The transverse channels 18 are formed over the entire underside of the insole 10 and are preferably designed like channels. Each transverse channel 18, except in the region of the stabilizing edge 24 of the insole 10, connects a through-opening 16 to a further through-opening 16. The transverse channels 18 of a through-opening 16 are distributed around the through-opening 16 in a star-like manner. Preferably, there are six transverse channels 18 per port 16 as shown. The angle between two mutually adjacent transverse channels 18 of a through opening 16 is preferably 60°. Overall, the transverse channels 18 of a through opening 16 form a star-shaped pattern. The depth of the transverse channels 18 is between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm. The width of a transverse channel is between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm.

the Figures 3 and 4 show three-dimensional representations of the structure on the sole surface 14 facing the shoe. As already described above, the through openings 16 are continuous, whereas the transverse channels 18 are only introduced and interrupted in the sole surface 14 facing the shoe.

It goes without saying that in an embodiment that is not shown, the separate insole can additionally have transverse channels according to the invention on a sole surface facing the shoe. Also, the insole can be provided with other accumulations or an even distribution of through-holes.

figure 5 shows a top view of the insole 10 from its side facing the shoe in a second embodiment. The forefoot area 28 of the insole 10 is identified by a box framing it.

The insole 10 of the second embodiment differs from the insole 10 of the first embodiment in particular in that at least the stabilizing edge 24 of the forefoot area 28 defines a plane in sections and that the plane of the stabilizing edge 24 of the forefoot area 28 corresponds to a plane of the through openings 16 in the forefoot area 28 , is flush with this level in terms of height, i.e. it is collinear with this level. Both the level of the stabilizing edge 24 and the level of the through-openings 16 are in turn collinear with the sole surface 14 facing the shoe. If you were to slide your hand from the left stabilizing wheel to the right stabilizing edge of the insole, the only elevations that could be felt would be the channel walls 30 of the transverse channels 18, as in particular in 6 is clarified. The channel walls 30 of the transverse channels 18 protrude between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.0 and 2.0 mm, above the level of the through-openings 16 . In the 6 It can also be clearly seen that the stabilizing edge 24 is beveled outwards at least in the forefoot area 28 of the insole 10 .

the figures 7 and 8th show a third embodiment of the insole 10. In terms of construction, the insole 10 of the third embodiment is identical to either the first or second embodiment and can be combined with it. The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment or the second embodiment is that at least in the heel area 32 of the insole, the foot surface 12 facing the foot is partially covered with a material layer 34, preferably the rear 5 to 20 rows of through openings 16. The material layer 34 has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

Claims (15)

Insole (10) for shoes, which has a foot surface (12) facing the foot and an opposite sole surface (14) facing the shoe, the insole (10) being provided with at least two through-openings (16), the at least two through-openings (16) are connected to one another on the sole surface side via at least one transverse channel (18) let into the sole surface (14), characterized in that the through-openings (16) have a hexagonal geometry in cross section. Insole (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each through-opening (16) is connected to a respective further through-opening (16) via exactly one transverse channel (18). Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each through opening (16) is connected to a plurality of transverse channels (18) extending away in a star shape. Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each through-opening (16) of the insole (10) is connected to at least three further, preferably six further through-openings (16) via corresponding transverse channels (18). Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse channels (18) have a depth of between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm. Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse channels have a width of between 1 and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.25 and 2 mm. Inner sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner sole (10) is made of an elastic plastic. Inner sole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner sole (10) is an insole. Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in the forefoot area (28) of the insole (10) the sole surface (14) facing the shoe is bordered by a peripheral stabilizing edge (24). Insole (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the through openings (16) of the sole surface (14) facing the shoe define a common plane at least in the forefoot area (28) and the stabilizing edge (24) is flush with this plane in sections at least in the forefoot area (28). completes. Inner sole (10) according to one of Claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the stabilizing edge (24) is bevelled outwards. Insole (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in the heel region (32) of the insole (10), the foot surface (12) facing the foot is partially covered with a material layer (34). Insole (10) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the material layer (34) has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm. Sole arrangement, comprising an insole (10) with the features according to one of Claims 1 to 13 and a separate insole, the separate insole having at least one through-opening at least in the forefoot area (28). Shoe equipped with an insole (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 or with a sole arrangement according to Claim 14.

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