US20160255906A1 - Footwear sole, more particularly sports footwear sole, and footwear provided with such a sole - Google Patents
Footwear sole, more particularly sports footwear sole, and footwear provided with such a sole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160255906A1 US20160255906A1 US15/058,358 US201615058358A US2016255906A1 US 20160255906 A1 US20160255906 A1 US 20160255906A1 US 201615058358 A US201615058358 A US 201615058358A US 2016255906 A1 US2016255906 A1 US 2016255906A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sole
- deformable portion
- footwear
- extension
- footwear sole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036963 noncompetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0427—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details
- A43B5/0435—Adjustment of the boot to the foot
- A43B5/045—Adjustment of the boot to the foot to the width of the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/141—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form with a part of the sole being flexible, e.g. permitting articulation or torsion
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/26—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use adjustable as to length or size
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a footwear sole, more particularly to a sports footwear sole. More particularly, the invention relates to a footwear sole the extension of which in the transverse direction can be adjusted.
- ski boots In the case of ski boots, not only does the conformity of the footwear to the morphology of the foot of the particular user increases the user's comfort, but it also improves the maneuverability of the ski, since even minimal movements of the user's foot are transmitted effectively to the ski boot and from this to the ski.
- footwear were developed which, starting from a standard, non-customized article, which could therefore be manufactured on a large scale, allowed some degree of customization.
- footwear were developed having a transversely adjustable sole, so that the transverse width of the sole could be increased or reduced for adapting it to users having a wider or narrower plantar surface, respectively, than an average one.
- ski boots were developed comprising a substantially soft inner liner and a substantially rigid outer shell, in which the sole of the outer shell is adjustable in a transverse direction in order to adapt the shell—and consequently the ski boot as a whole—to users with a wider or narrower plantar surface than the average one.
- the documents CH 486 857 and CH 515 002 both describe a ski boot comprising a sole consisting of two separate side portions connected to each other by means of an elastic joint interposed therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; adjusting screws allow to adjust the transverse extension of the elastic joint by virtue of its deformability, so as to vary the width of the sole.
- Document EP 1 683 434 shows a substantially analogous solution applied to generic sports footwear.
- Document EP 2 335 506 describes a sole intended for the shell of ski boot and comprising a slot extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and adjusting elements for controlling deformation of the slot so as to bring closer/spread apart the edges thereof: in this way the overall width of the sole of the ski boot shell can be customized.
- This solution involves several drawbacks related to the presence of a discontinuity (the slot) in the footwear sole. Firstly, there is inevitably a very remarkable localized reduction in the flexional and torsional rigidity of the sole in the area of the slot. Secondly, the slot constitutes a passage to the outside, which may involve snow and water infiltrations in the boot, unless specific sealing elements are provided, which would in any case involve a more complex and—therefore—more cost-expensive structure.
- the main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a footwear sole that is adjustable in the transverse direction while at the same time being free from the drawbacks described above.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear sole that is adjustable in the transverse direction while at the same time having a simple and cost-effective structure, with a limited number of components.
- the footwear sole according to invention comprises a deformable portion which is made of the same material as the rest of the sole and is made without discontinuity with the rest of the sole, the non-uniformity in the features of flexional and torsional rigidity are remarkably limited with respect to known solutions.
- the deformable portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear sole—along the longitudinal axis of the sole or in parallel thereto—at least over a substantial portion of the length of the sole.
- the deformable portion is made as a bellows-like portion, the pleats of which can be more or less compressed/stretched so as to vary the extension of the bellows-like portion in the transverse direction and therefore, in the end, of the sole as a whole.
- the deformable portion is made as a single piece with the rest of the sole, during a single step of injection molding.
- the deformable portion is made as an element which is double-molded or over-molded with respect to the rest of the sole; such construction allows, for the same material, to obtain, for the deformable portion, a lower rigidity than the rest of the sole.
- the deformable portion is deformed as a consequence of the insertion of the user's foot into the footwear.
- the footwear sole of the invention preferably comprises an adjusting arrangement for adjusting the deformable portion in order to vary the extension thereof in a transverse direction.
- the adjusting arrangement is configured so as to vary the extension of the deformable of the sole by overcoming its resistance and to adjust the deformation of the deformable portion to a desired value so that the sole maintains unchanged its flexional and torsional rigidity.
- the adjusting arrangement comprises one or more rigid members, to which the deformable portion of the sole is anchored at one or both of its longitudinal ends and which support the adjusting elements of the deformable portion.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows the footwear sole according to the invention, viewed from the outside and illustrated in a first configuration
- FIG. 2 schematically shows the footwear sole according to the invention, viewed from the outside and illustrated in a second configuration
- FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line of the footwear sole of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 schematically shows a detail of the footwear sole according to the invention relating to the adjusting arrangement for adjusting the deformable portion of the sole, viewed from the inside.
- inside means the side of the sole facing the user's foot and the term “outside” means the side of the sole facing the outer environment.
- the preferred embodiment of the invention described below in detail refers to the application of the invention to a sole for a ski boot, and more particularly to a sole for the outer shell of a ski boot.
- This embodiment is in no way to be intended as limiting the scope of the invention and the invention can be applied to the sole of any footwear for which it is deemed necessary or advantageous to customize the width of the sole of the footwear for adapting it to the specific morphology of a particular user.
- Further non-limiting examples of application of the invention comprise footwear for skates (both roller skates and ice skates), mountaineering and trekking footwear, motorcycle footwear and safety footwear.
- the sole 1 of a substantially rigid outer shell of a ski boot.
- the sole 1 comprises a deformable portion 3 extending longitudinally along the sole 1 and is arranged between two side portions 5 a, 5 b.
- the deformable portion 3 can extend along the longitudinal axis L of the sole 1 (as in the illustrated example) or in parallel thereto.
- the deformable portion 3 can extend over the whole length of the sole 1 (as in the illustrated example) or over a portion of the length.
- the deformable portion 3 is made of the same material as the side portions 5 a, 5 b and is made continuously with the side portions and without discontinuity therewith.
- the deformable portion can be made as a single piece with the side portions 5 a, 5 b or, alternatively, as an element double-molded or over-molded with respect to the side portions, but in any case of the same material as the side portions and without junctions between the different portions.
- the deformable portion 3 is therefore deformable not by virtue of the material of which it is made, but rather because of its geometrical configuration, which allows to vary the extension thereof in the transverse direction, i.e. to vary the distance between the two side portions 5 a, 5 b.
- the deformable portion 3 is made as a bellows comprising a plurality of longitudinally oriented pleats 7 , as better visible in FIG. 3 :
- the sole 1 has no areas of discontinuity, which ensures more robustness and integrity of the sole and more uniform features, especially regarding its flexional and torsional flexibility.
- the sole 1 is not provided with any adjusting elements and that the deformation of the portion 3 takes place spontaneously as a consequence of the insertion of the user's foot into the footwear, it is preferable to provide adjusting elements for adjusting the deformation of the deformable portion.
- the deformable portion 3 of the sole 1 is anchored at its opposite longitudinal ends to corresponding rigid members 9 , 11 .
- the rigid members are made as plates 9 , 11 made of a material having a much higher stiffness than the material of which the sole 1 is made, and arranged at the toe region and at the heel region of the sole 1 , respectively.
- Fastening elements 13 are provided for firmly anchoring each of the plates 9 , 11 to the sole 1 , at the corresponding ends of the deformable portion 3 of the sole.
- the plates 9 , 11 support the adjusting elements 15 for adjusting the transverse extension of the deformable portion 3 , the adjusting elements 15 being arranged on the plates 9 , 11 at a distance from the fastening elements 13 enough to allow adjustment of the deformation of the deformable portion 3 in the transverse direction.
- the adjusting elements can be arranged on one side only or—preferably—on both sides of the deformable portion 3 , so as to be capable of exerting a traction/compression force onto the pleats 7 of the deformable portion 3 on one side only or on both sides, respectively.
- the adjusting elements can be configured so as to cause a symmetric traction/compression of the deformable portion 3 or so as to selectively cause a traction on either side of the deformable portion 3 , respectively.
- two pair of adjusting elements 15 are provided, namely a first pair on a first plate 9 close to the toe portion of the sole 1 and a second pair on a second plate 11 close to the heel portion of the sole 1 , each pair comprising two elements arranged on opposite sides of the deformable portion 3 .
- the plate 9 with its corresponding fastening elements 13 and corresponding adjusting elements 15 is also shown in more detail in FIG. 4 .
- the adjusting elements 15 consist of corresponding eccentric elements.
- Each eccentric element 15 has a cylindrical portion fitted in a corresponding through-hole formed in the rigid plate 9 , 11 , and an eccentric portion engaged in a corresponding seat in the sole 1 , in the proximity of the deformable portion 3 of the sole.
- a rotation of the eccentric element 15 exerts a traction or compression force onto the deformable portion 3 of the sole 1 and a consequent variation of the transverse extension of the deformable portion 3 , whereas the rigid plate 9 , 11 remains fixed to the sole 1 without deformation or displacement.
- Rotation of the eccentric element 15 can be effected by means of an appropriate tool 100 —for example an Allen wrench or a lever specific for amplifying the torque to be applied—and to this aim each eccentric element 15 has a seat 15 a in which the tool 100 can engage.
- an appropriate tool 100 for example an Allen wrench or a lever specific for amplifying the torque to be applied
- the adjustment arrangement of the sole according to the invention comprises at least one adjusting element 15 .
- the presence of a pair of eccentric elements 15 on each of the plates advantageously allows separate, independent adjustment of the deformation of the deformable portion 3 on the medial side and on the lateral side of the sole 1 .
- the invention allows to achieve the objects set forth above, as it allows to combine the possibility of adjusting the transverse extension of a footwear sole, for adapting it to users with a more or less wide plantar surface, with the need of avoiding any discontinuity and non-uniformity in the structural features of the sole.
- any other geometrical configuration of the deformable portion that allows to vary the extension thereof in the transverse direction can also be used.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A footwear sole, more particularly a sports footwear sole, is provided. The extension of the sole can be adjusted in a transverse direction. The sole comprises a deformable portion made of the same material as the rest of the sole and is made with no discontinuity with the rest of the sole. The deformable portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the sole over the whole length of the sole or at least over a substantial portion thereof. Owing to this solution, the sole does not have any discontinuity areas and the non-uniformities in the structural features of the sole, for instance in terms of flexional and torsional rigidity, are remarkably limited.
Description
- The present invention relates to a footwear sole, more particularly to a sports footwear sole. More particularly, the invention relates to a footwear sole the extension of which in the transverse direction can be adjusted.
- It is known that both the comfort and the performance of footwear, for example of sports footwear, are strictly related to the conformity of the footwear to the specific morphology of the particular user. This correlation is especially pronounced in the case in which the footwear comprises a rigid, non-deformable element, as with a sports footwear comprising a substantially soft inner liner and a substantially rigid, non-deformable outer shell.
- Reference can be made, by way of example, to ski boots. In the case of ski boots, not only does the conformity of the footwear to the morphology of the foot of the particular user increases the user's comfort, but it also improves the maneuverability of the ski, since even minimal movements of the user's foot are transmitted effectively to the ski boot and from this to the ski.
- In particular, for the same length of the foot—and therefore for the same footwear size—there are users with a particularly large plantar surface, and others with a particularly narrow plantar surface. It is therefore evident that the same footwear may not fit all users with the same footwear size equally well.
- It is also apparent that making custom-made footwear, while allowing efficient customization on one hand, would on the other hand involve high manufacturing costs and, consequently, very high, non-competitive market prices.
- In the past, sports footwear were developed which, starting from a standard, non-customized article, which could therefore be manufactured on a large scale, allowed some degree of customization. In particular, footwear were developed having a transversely adjustable sole, so that the transverse width of the sole could be increased or reduced for adapting it to users having a wider or narrower plantar surface, respectively, than an average one.
- Still referring to the specific example of ski boots, ski boots were developed comprising a substantially soft inner liner and a substantially rigid outer shell, in which the sole of the outer shell is adjustable in a transverse direction in order to adapt the shell—and consequently the ski boot as a whole—to users with a wider or narrower plantar surface than the average one.
- By way of example, the documents CH 486 857 and CH 515 002 both describe a ski boot comprising a sole consisting of two separate side portions connected to each other by means of an elastic joint interposed therebetween and extending in the longitudinal direction; adjusting screws allow to adjust the transverse extension of the elastic joint by virtue of its deformability, so as to vary the width of the sole.
Document EP 1 683 434 shows a substantially analogous solution applied to generic sports footwear. - These solutions, however, while allowing to adjust the transverse dimension of the sole of sports footwear, involve several drawbacks. The main drawbacks of the solutions arise from the fact that a discontinuity is introduced in the footwear sole. Firstly, the discontinuity represented by the elastic joint brings about a very remarkable localized reduction in the flexional and torsional rigidity of the sole. Secondly, the connecting areas between the side sections of the sole and the elastic joint interposed therebetween are subject to wear and consequent detachment. This leads to a malfunctioning in the adjustment of the sole on one hand and to a loss of tightness of the sole with respect to the outer environment on the other hand. In particular, in the case of ski boot, snow and water can penetrate the boot.
- Document EP 2 335 506 describes a sole intended for the shell of ski boot and comprising a slot extending in a substantially longitudinal direction and adjusting elements for controlling deformation of the slot so as to bring closer/spread apart the edges thereof: in this way the overall width of the sole of the ski boot shell can be customized. This solution, too, involves several drawbacks related to the presence of a discontinuity (the slot) in the footwear sole. Firstly, there is inevitably a very remarkable localized reduction in the flexional and torsional rigidity of the sole in the area of the slot. Secondly, the slot constitutes a passage to the outside, which may involve snow and water infiltrations in the boot, unless specific sealing elements are provided, which would in any case involve a more complex and—therefore—more cost-expensive structure.
- The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a footwear sole that is adjustable in the transverse direction while at the same time being free from the drawbacks described above.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear sole that is adjustable in the transverse direction while at the same time having a simple and cost-effective structure, with a limited number of components.
- These and other objects are achieved with the footwear sole as claimed in the appended claims.
- Owing to the fact the footwear sole according to invention comprises a deformable portion which is made of the same material as the rest of the sole and is made without discontinuity with the rest of the sole, the non-uniformity in the features of flexional and torsional rigidity are remarkably limited with respect to known solutions.
- In addition, the absence of connecting areas between portions of the sole that are made of different materials eliminates the possibility of detachment and the consequent risks of malfunctioning and infiltration of water and foreign bodies from the outer environment.
- The deformable portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the footwear sole—along the longitudinal axis of the sole or in parallel thereto—at least over a substantial portion of the length of the sole.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the deformable portion is made as a bellows-like portion, the pleats of which can be more or less compressed/stretched so as to vary the extension of the bellows-like portion in the transverse direction and therefore, in the end, of the sole as a whole.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the deformable portion is made as a single piece with the rest of the sole, during a single step of injection molding.
- According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the deformable portion is made as an element which is double-molded or over-molded with respect to the rest of the sole; such construction allows, for the same material, to obtain, for the deformable portion, a lower rigidity than the rest of the sole.
- In its simplest embodiment, the deformable portion is deformed as a consequence of the insertion of the user's foot into the footwear.
- However, the footwear sole of the invention preferably comprises an adjusting arrangement for adjusting the deformable portion in order to vary the extension thereof in a transverse direction.
- Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjusting arrangement is configured so as to vary the extension of the deformable of the sole by overcoming its resistance and to adjust the deformation of the deformable portion to a desired value so that the sole maintains unchanged its flexional and torsional rigidity.
- For this purpose, the adjusting arrangement comprises one or more rigid members, to which the deformable portion of the sole is anchored at one or both of its longitudinal ends and which support the adjusting elements of the deformable portion.
- Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows the footwear sole according to the invention, viewed from the outside and illustrated in a first configuration; -
FIG. 2 schematically shows the footwear sole according to the invention, viewed from the outside and illustrated in a second configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line of the footwear sole ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 4 schematically shows a detail of the footwear sole according to the invention relating to the adjusting arrangement for adjusting the deformable portion of the sole, viewed from the inside. - It is clear that herein the term “inside” means the side of the sole facing the user's foot and the term “outside” means the side of the sole facing the outer environment.
- The preferred embodiment of the invention described below in detail refers to the application of the invention to a sole for a ski boot, and more particularly to a sole for the outer shell of a ski boot. This embodiment is in no way to be intended as limiting the scope of the invention and the invention can be applied to the sole of any footwear for which it is deemed necessary or advantageous to customize the width of the sole of the footwear for adapting it to the specific morphology of a particular user. Further non-limiting examples of application of the invention comprise footwear for skates (both roller skates and ice skates), mountaineering and trekking footwear, motorcycle footwear and safety footwear.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is schematically illustrated the sole 1 of a substantially rigid outer shell of a ski boot. According to the invention, the sole 1 comprises adeformable portion 3 extending longitudinally along the sole 1 and is arranged between twoside portions - The
deformable portion 3 can extend along the longitudinal axis L of the sole 1 (as in the illustrated example) or in parallel thereto. Thedeformable portion 3 can extend over the whole length of the sole 1 (as in the illustrated example) or over a portion of the length. - According to the invention, the
deformable portion 3 is made of the same material as theside portions side portions - The
deformable portion 3 is therefore deformable not by virtue of the material of which it is made, but rather because of its geometrical configuration, which allows to vary the extension thereof in the transverse direction, i.e. to vary the distance between the twoside portions - In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the
deformable portion 3 is made as a bellows comprising a plurality of longitudinallyoriented pleats 7, as better visible inFIG. 3 : -
- by exerting a traction in the transverse direction (arrows F1) onto the
pleats 7 it is possible to spread them apart from one another, thus increasing the extension of thedeformable portion 3 in the transverse direction and spreading apart the twoside portions FIG. 1 ); - by exerting a compression in the transverse direction (arrows F2) onto the
pleats 7 it is possible to bring them closer to one another, thus reducing the extension of thedeformable portion 3 in the transverse direction and bringing the twoside portions FIG. 2 ).
- by exerting a traction in the transverse direction (arrows F1) onto the
- By virtue of the fact that the
deformable portion 3 is made of the same material as theside portions - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , although it is possible to imagine that the sole 1 is not provided with any adjusting elements and that the deformation of theportion 3 takes place spontaneously as a consequence of the insertion of the user's foot into the footwear, it is preferable to provide adjusting elements for adjusting the deformation of the deformable portion. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
deformable portion 3 of thesole 1 is anchored at its opposite longitudinal ends to correspondingrigid members plates elements 13—for example in the form of screws or the like—are provided for firmly anchoring each of theplates deformable portion 3 of the sole. - The
plates elements 15 for adjusting the transverse extension of thedeformable portion 3, the adjustingelements 15 being arranged on theplates fastening elements 13 enough to allow adjustment of the deformation of thedeformable portion 3 in the transverse direction. The adjusting elements can be arranged on one side only or—preferably—on both sides of thedeformable portion 3, so as to be capable of exerting a traction/compression force onto thepleats 7 of thedeformable portion 3 on one side only or on both sides, respectively. - In addition, the adjusting elements can be configured so as to cause a symmetric traction/compression of the
deformable portion 3 or so as to selectively cause a traction on either side of thedeformable portion 3, respectively. - In the shown embodiment, two pair of adjusting
elements 15 are provided, namely a first pair on afirst plate 9 close to the toe portion of the sole 1 and a second pair on asecond plate 11 close to the heel portion of the sole 1, each pair comprising two elements arranged on opposite sides of thedeformable portion 3. Theplate 9 with itscorresponding fastening elements 13 and corresponding adjustingelements 15 is also shown in more detail inFIG. 4 . - In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting
elements 15 consist of corresponding eccentric elements. Eacheccentric element 15 has a cylindrical portion fitted in a corresponding through-hole formed in therigid plate deformable portion 3 of the sole. In this way, a rotation of theeccentric element 15 exerts a traction or compression force onto thedeformable portion 3 of the sole 1 and a consequent variation of the transverse extension of thedeformable portion 3, whereas therigid plate - Rotation of the
eccentric element 15 can be effected by means of anappropriate tool 100—for example an Allen wrench or a lever specific for amplifying the torque to be applied—and to this aim eacheccentric element 15 has aseat 15 a in which thetool 100 can engage. - As anticipated above, the adjustment arrangement of the sole according to the invention comprises at least one adjusting
element 15. - In the illustrated embodiment, the presence of a pair of
eccentric elements 15 on each of the plates advantageously allows separate, independent adjustment of the deformation of thedeformable portion 3 on the medial side and on the lateral side of the sole 1. - From the above description, it is apparent that the invention allows to achieve the objects set forth above, as it allows to combine the possibility of adjusting the transverse extension of a footwear sole, for adapting it to users with a more or less wide plantar surface, with the need of avoiding any discontinuity and non-uniformity in the structural features of the sole.
- It is further apparent that the above description has been given by way of non-limiting example and that several modifications and variants are within the reach of the person skilled in the art and in any case fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In particular, although the preferred embodiment described above relates to a ski boot, the invention is profitably applicable to a variety of different footwear as well.
- Furthermore, although in the embodiment described above reference is made to a deformable portion made as a bellows, any other geometrical configuration of the deformable portion that allows to vary the extension thereof in the transverse direction can also be used.
Claims (10)
1. A footwear sole, of the kind comprising a deformable portion, extending in a longitudinal direction of the sole, and a pair of side portions, arranged on opposite sides of the deformable portion, wherein the deformable portion is made of the same material as the side portions and is made continuously with the side portions, with no discontinuity.
2. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is made as a bellows comprising a number of pleats oriented along the longitudinal direction of the sole.
3. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion extends over the whole length of the sole.
4. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion extends over a substantial portion of the length of the sole.
5. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is made as a single piece with the side portions.
6. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion is provided with an adjusting arrangement for varying the extension of the deformable portion in a transverse direction and for setting the extension of the deformable portion at a preset value.
7. The footwear sole according to claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion has two opposite longitudinal ends in the longitudinal direction and it is anchored at one or both of its longitudinal ends to one or more corresponding rigid members, the one or more rigid members being made of a material having a much higher stiffness than the material of the sole.
8. The footwear sole according to claim 7 , wherein the deformable portion is provided with an adjusting arrangement for varying the extension of the deformable portion in a transverse direction and for setting the extension of the deformable portion at a preset value and wherein the one or more rigid members support adjusting elements for adjusting the extension of the deformable portion in the transverse direction.
9. The footwear sole according to claim 8 , wherein the adjusting elements comprise respective eccentric elements.
10. A footwear, more particularly a sports footwear, comprising a sole according to claim 1 .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITUB2015A000397A ITUB20150397A1 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2015-03-06 | Sole for footwear, in particular for sports footwear, and footwear provided with such a sole |
IT102015000007822 | 2015-03-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160255906A1 true US20160255906A1 (en) | 2016-09-08 |
Family
ID=53267496
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/058,358 Abandoned US20160255906A1 (en) | 2015-03-06 | 2016-03-02 | Footwear sole, more particularly sports footwear sole, and footwear provided with such a sole |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160255906A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3064080A1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITUB20150397A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2019154852A (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2019-09-19 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole structure and shoe using the same |
US10881164B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2021-01-05 | Tecnica Group S.P.A. | Ski boot, in particular boot for ski touring |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5425186A (en) * | 1994-04-15 | 1995-06-20 | Hoyt; David | Overshoe with an accordian type sole |
US5729912A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-03-24 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear having adjustable width, footform and cushioning |
US6138385A (en) * | 1995-03-09 | 2000-10-31 | Puma Aktiengellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport | Shoe sole, and shoe with such a sole |
US20020088145A1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-07-11 | The Timberland Company | Shoe construction |
US20040107604A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-06-10 | Ki-Ho Ha | Length adjustable shoe |
US20050257405A1 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2005-11-24 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with longitudinally split midsole for dynamic fit adjustment |
US20060130371A1 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-06-22 | Brett Schneider | Expansion system to increase the size of a shoe |
US20070151123A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-07-05 | Roces - S.R.L. | Inner boot, particularly for a sports shoe |
US20110146105A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2011-06-23 | Head Technology Gmbh | Shoe with improved fit |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH486857A (en) * | 1969-06-10 | 1970-03-15 | Bernard Mottet Willy | Adjustable ski boot sole |
CH515002A (en) | 1969-11-14 | 1971-11-15 | Bernard Mottet Willy | Adjustable width ski boot |
ITTO20050016U1 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2006-07-26 | Diadora Invicta S P A | SHOE MAKING WITH A WIDTH DIMENSION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM. |
ITTV20050165A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2007-04-28 | Garmont Srl | SKI BOOT |
US9491983B2 (en) * | 2013-08-19 | 2016-11-15 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with adjustable sole |
-
2015
- 2015-03-06 IT ITUB2015A000397A patent/ITUB20150397A1/en unknown
-
2016
- 2016-02-16 EP EP16155852.3A patent/EP3064080A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-03-02 US US15/058,358 patent/US20160255906A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5425186A (en) * | 1994-04-15 | 1995-06-20 | Hoyt; David | Overshoe with an accordian type sole |
US6138385A (en) * | 1995-03-09 | 2000-10-31 | Puma Aktiengellschaft Rudolf Dassler Sport | Shoe sole, and shoe with such a sole |
US5729912A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-03-24 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear having adjustable width, footform and cushioning |
US5813146A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-09-29 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear having adjustable width, footform and cushioning |
US20020088145A1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-07-11 | The Timberland Company | Shoe construction |
US20050055849A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2005-03-17 | Shin Kyung Chemical Co., Ltd. | Length-adjustable shoe |
US20040107604A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-06-10 | Ki-Ho Ha | Length adjustable shoe |
US20050257405A1 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2005-11-24 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with longitudinally split midsole for dynamic fit adjustment |
US7627963B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2009-12-08 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with longitudinally split midsole for dynamic fit adjustment |
US7634861B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2009-12-22 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with longitudinally split midsole for dynamic fit adjustment |
US20060130371A1 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-06-22 | Brett Schneider | Expansion system to increase the size of a shoe |
US20070151123A1 (en) * | 2005-12-29 | 2007-07-05 | Roces - S.R.L. | Inner boot, particularly for a sports shoe |
US20110146105A1 (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2011-06-23 | Head Technology Gmbh | Shoe with improved fit |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10881164B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2021-01-05 | Tecnica Group S.P.A. | Ski boot, in particular boot for ski touring |
JP2019154852A (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2019-09-19 | 美津濃株式会社 | Sole structure and shoe using the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3064080A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
ITUB20150397A1 (en) | 2016-09-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10321737B2 (en) | Article of footwear with decoupled upper | |
US8359771B2 (en) | Sports shoe, in particular ski shoe and tightening means therefor | |
US8881428B2 (en) | Sole assembly for article of footwear with plural cushioning members | |
US10485294B2 (en) | Sole structure for article of footwear having a nonlinear bending stiffness | |
US9468261B2 (en) | Article with adjustable stiffness tongue | |
US20130152425A1 (en) | Footwear with improved tightening of upper | |
US20080189987A1 (en) | Hiking Aid | |
US20100251568A1 (en) | Footwear insert | |
US11547173B2 (en) | Climbing shoe | |
TWI744706B (en) | Footwear with a shell | |
US20160255906A1 (en) | Footwear sole, more particularly sports footwear sole, and footwear provided with such a sole | |
EP3439498B1 (en) | Post-operative shoe | |
WO2003063633A8 (en) | Shoe | |
US4928405A (en) | Shoe dynamic fitting system | |
US20190150565A1 (en) | Modular sole structure | |
US10595584B2 (en) | Adjustable article system | |
WO2005115189A1 (en) | Footwear | |
CA2907288C (en) | Skate boot including a thermoformable arch-support region | |
WO1998001051A1 (en) | Grinding apparatus and associated footwear | |
US20230255315A1 (en) | Stabilizing element for a shoe upper | |
KR200238256Y1 (en) | Friction pad preventing for slip of shoes | |
KR200313713Y1 (en) | Footwear | |
KR200404229Y1 (en) | Shoe Liner | |
KR100822049B1 (en) | Skate with a shoes joining structure | |
KR200426711Y1 (en) | Skate with a shoes joining structure |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TECNICA GROUP S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRANDIN, GIORGIO;MACCARI, DINO;REEL/FRAME:037871/0830 Effective date: 20160212 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |