WO2014203202A1

WO2014203202A1 - Footwear sole and footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2014203202A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/062452
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Longhi; Marco Coffinardi; Angel Josè CRAVERO; Enrico Guerra
Original assignee: Akkua S.R.L.
Priority date: 2013-06-21
Filing date: 2014-06-19
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: ITBS20130088A1

Abstract

Sole (1) for footwear (10) comprising a plantar surface (2) delimited peripherally by thicknesses (4, 6, 8) or cleats (12, 14) which extend from said surface (2) at different heights in relation to each other, wherein: - a first thickness (4) or a first series of cleats (12) of greater height extend from an outer longitudinal rim (16) of a front sole portion (1') to an inner longitudinal rim (18) of a rear sole portion (1"); and - at least one second thickness (6, 8) or a second series of cleats (14) of smaller height extend from an inner longitudinal rim (18) of the front sole portion (1') to an outer longitudinal rim (16) of the rear sole portion (1"). The present invention further relates to footwear using the above-mentioned sole.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"FOOTWEAR SOLE AND FOOTWEAR"

[0001] The present invention relates to a sole for footwear, and footwear comprising such sole.

[0002] The positioning of the foot on the ground is a particularly important aspect since the first step of children, but is also essential in the later steps of growth and during the life of people.

[0003] Inappropriately supporting the foot, in fact, inevitably leads, to joint problems and diseases of the spine, which lead to incorrect posture which in turn worsen the dysfunctions of the skeleton.

[0004] A great variety of corrective footwear (but also arch supports) which, a posteriori, allow treating an incorrect support of feet is known.

[0005] It would be, however, preferred for the above- mentioned medical problems to be avoided a priori, that is, even before the first joint ache arises.

[0006] The present invention falls within the previous context, seeking to provide a sole and footwear suitable for guiding, by means of a continuous mechanical action, the correct positioning of the foot.

[0007] Such object is attained by means of a sole according to claim 1, and by means of a footwear according to claim 11. The dependent claims show preferred embodiment variants .

[0008] The object of the present invention will now be described in detail, with the aid of the attached drawing tables, wherein:

[0009] - figure 1 shows a perspective bottom view of a sole object of the present invention, according to a possible embodiment ;

[0010] - figure 2 is an exploded side view of a piece of footwear provided with the sole of figure 1;

[0011] - figure 3 is a plan view of a sole objects of the present invention, according to one embodiment, wherein the "8 "-shaped arrangement of the blocks or pins essential for the purposes of the invention are shown.

[0012] With reference to the above-mentioned tables, reference numeral 10 indicates, in its entirety, a piece of footwear comprising a sole 1 object of the present invention, according to any one of the embodiments illustrated hereinafter.

[0013] According to the embodiment shown in the tables, the footwear 10 is a shoe for rehabilitation or physical therapy. According to further embodiments (not shown) , the footwear may be intended for daily usage or for trekking activities.

[0014] The sole 1 is preferably glued to the footwear, for example by means of a sole body 58, and in particular to an upper or a boot of such footwear.

[0015] According to a further variant, between the upper/boot and the sole 1 there may be interposed at least one insert 60 in a material capable of dampen the stresses produced on the sole.

[0016] For example, such insert may be placed in a seat obtained in the sole or in the boot/upper, preferably in a seat recessed with respect to a surrounding surface delimiting the same.

[0017] Preferably, such insert is thin or does not have a thickness capable of significantly increasing the momentum of inertia of the user's ankle. For example, the term "thin" may mean a thickness equal to or lower than 8 millimetres, optionally equal to or lower than 5 millimetres, advantageously equal to or greater than 1 millimetre .

[0018] In accordance with the illustrated variant, the footwear 10 preferably comprises a textile sock 34 (for example in an elasticised fabric) having an inner side suitable for coming into contact with the foot and an outer side 36 to which a plurality of protective elements 38 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 in polymer material are applied so as to protect specific parts of the foot without limiting the movement thereof.

[0019] More specifically, such protective elements may be selected from the following list:

[0020] - a first element 38 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at Achilles tendon;

[0021] - a second element 40 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at heel;

[0022] - a third element 42 suitable for overlapping the phalanges, ligaments and distal tendons;

[0023] - a fourth element 44 suitable for overlapping the dorsal-lateral-ventral portion of the foot;

[0024] - a fifth element (not shown) suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at the medial (or inner) longitudinal arch;

[0025] - a sixth element 46 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at the lateral (or outer) longitudinal arch;

[0026], - a seventh element 48 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at the anterior metatarsal (or transverse) arch;

[0027] - an eighth element 50 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at the extensor muscle along the hallux; and/or

[0028] - a ninth element 52 suitable for overlapping a portion of the foot at the joint.

[0029] Preferably, the footwear 10 and the respective sole 1 are shape-coupled. For example, the sole 1 may delimit - in a portion facing an upper or a boot 54 of the footwear 10 - an inner compartment 56 sized to accommodate at least a part of the upper/boot 54. For example, the sole body 58 delimits the above-mentioned inner compartment 56.

[0030] The sole 1 extends in a main direction of extension X and comprises a plantar surface 2, facing downwards, delimited peripherally by thicknesses 4, 6, 8 or cleats 12, 14 which extend from said surface 2 at different heights in relation to each other.

[0031] In the description hereinbelow, the terms "thickness" and "cleat" will be used in a substantially interchangeable manner, thereby meaning elements distributed along the plantar surface 2 to maintain the latter at a certain distance from a walkable surface 30 (only schematised in figure 2) .

[0032] Although a preferred embodiment provides for the use of a plurality of cleats 12, 14, for example shown in figure 3, such spacing function may be similarly performed by thicknesses 4, 6, 8 - indicated by dashed lines - having a profile corresponding to the distribution of the cleats 12, 14.

[0033] Therefore, different embodiment variants will provide for the use of cleats only, of thicknesses only or of a combination of cleats and thicknesses. [0034] As regards the cleats 12, 14, 14', 14" only, advantageously these latter thus create several points of support of the sole 1 on the walkable surface 30, where the above-mentioned points are being precisely localised and separate. Preferably, the cleats 12, 14, 14', 14" have a substantially circular cross-section geometry.

[0035] With regard to the plantar surface 2, it is preferably identified on a leather component 32. For example, the leather component 32 may be secured to and/or inserted in the sole body 58, by means of which such component is connected to the upper or boot 54 as discussed previously.

[0036] A first thickness 4 or a first series of cleats 12 of greater height (for example of about 2-3 mm) extend from an outer longitudinal rim 16 of a front sole portion 1' to an inner longitudinal rim 18 of a rear sole portion 1" .

[0037] In other words, such first series of cleats 12 of greater height extends along the main direction of extension X intersecting the plantar surface in a crossed manner .

[0038] Furthermore, at least one second thickness 6, 8 or a second series of cleats 14 of smaller height (for example of about 1-1.5 mm) extend from an inner longitudinal rim rim 16 of the rear sole portion 1", advantageously in a substantially mirror-like axial manner with respect to the first series of cleats 12.

[0039] In such way, innovatively, by means of the combined mechanical action of the cleats having different thickness on the foot of the user, this sole ensure at each repeated support the correct positioning of the foot on the walkable surface.

[0040] In other words, the first series of cleats 12 of greater height "helps" the second series of cleats 14 of smaller height to impose to the user a support of the foot suitable for reducing the stresses to the joints, and therefore preventing the degenerative phenomena illustrated hereinabove.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the cleats 12, 14 or the thicknesses 4, 6, 8 are distributed along the median lines of pressure of the foot, the latter being for example constructed based on the dynamic support curve of the foot while walking.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the thicknesses or the cleats (both those discussed hereinabove and those discussed below) are at least partially formed in a polymer material .

[0043] According to an even further embodiment , the thicknesses 6, 8, 26, 28 or the cleats 14, 14', 14" of smaller height are about half as thick as the thickness 4 or the cleats 12 of a greater height. For example, the above-mentioned cleats may have a thickness of about 1 mm and 2 mm, respectively.

[0044] According to a preferred variant, the first thickness 4 or the first series of cleats 12 cross the second thickness 6 , 8 or second series of cleats 14 at an intermediate sole portion 20 . For example, such crossing takes place at the "shank" of the sole 1 , that is, at the narrowest point between the front sole portion 1 ' and the rear sole portion 1 " .

[0045] According to a further preferred variant, the first thickness 4 or the first series of cleats 12 of greater height extend in an undulating manner along the main direction of extension X.

[0046] Preferably, in a plan view of the sole 1 , the cleats 12 , 14 are distributed substantially in the shape of an " 8 " . In this regard, reference should be made to the illustration of figure 3 .

[0047] In other words, the first series of cleats 12 and the second series of cleats 14 jointly enclose a front circumscribed area 22 and a rear circumscribed area 24 , each of said areas 22 , 24 being occupied by at least one further cleat 14 ' of smaller height. Therefore, the further cleat 14 ' substantially has the same thickness as the second series of cleats 14.

[0048] Preferably, besides the further cleat 14' (or the plurality of further cleats 14' described hereinbelow with reference to certain variants) , the front 22 and rear 24 circumscribed areas are substantially free from cleats/thicknesses. In this way, such areas may act as areas of high sensitivity of the foot because of the full/empty combination and alternation.

[0049] As regards the further cleat 14 ' located in the rear circumscribed area 24, it is advantageously arranged in an end portion of the heel of the above-mentioned sole 1, advantageously in an offset position with respect to the median axis of the same sole. Such area corresponds to an "entrance area", in that it is the first area of the sole 1 coming into contact with the walkable surface 30.

[0050] Preferably, the front circumscribed area 22 comprises a further thickness 26 or a further row of cleats 14' (for example of a height corresponding to the second thickness 6, 8 or to the second series of cleats 14) , which extends parallel to said second thickness 6 or to said second series of cleats 14.

[0051] In this way, the front sole portion 1 ' intended for supporting all the inner part of the forefoot, which plays a key role during the final steps of gait, has a greater density of cleats or thicknesses with respect to the areas adjacent thereto.

[0052] In other words, such variant allows obtaining a high grip of the front part of the foot, which in the exit steps of gait effectively provide a thrust force on the ground.

[0053] It may further be provided a supplementary thickness 28 or a supplementary series of cleats 14 " (these also preferably having the same height as the second thickness 6 , 8 or of the second series of cleats 14 ) which extend at least along a line joining the further thickness 26 or further row of cleats 14 ' to the outer longitudinal rim 16 of the front sole portion 1 ' .

[0054] Therefore, the supplementary thickness 28 or the supplementary series of cleats 14 " - preferably intended for supporting the metatarsal area of the foot - extend with a direction incident to the main direction of extension X.

[0055] Innovatively, the sole and footwear object of the present invention solve the problems suffered in relation to the prior art.

[0056] Advantageously, the above-mentioned footwear is not an extraordinary gait aid, as on the other hand an orthopaedic shoe would, but is footwear for daily usage or walking.

[0057] Advantageously, the sole and footwear object of the present invention may be used to correct existing gait defects, that is, also with a corrective function.

[0058] Advantageously, the sole and footwear object of the present invention allow improving the walking pace in any step of gait, especially thanks to the suitable positioning of cleats and/or thicknesses.

[0059] Advantageously, the sole and footwear object of the present invention guide the foot through a correct and spontaneous twisting action, as has . been particularly possible to show by means of a scientific study.

[0060] Advantageously, the sole and footwear object of the present invention are structurally simple, therefore extremely inexpensive for serial production.

[0061] Advantageously, the sole and footwear object of the present invention are non-slipping, therefore usable both for indoor and outdoor activities, and in any environmental condition.

[0062] A man skilled in the art may make several changes or replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the above sole and footwear, to meet specific needs.

[0063] Also such variants are included within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

[0064] Moreover, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other variants described.

Claims

1. Sole (1) for footwear (10) extending in a main direction of extension (X) and comprising a plantar surface (2) delimited peripherally by thicknesses (4, 6, 8) or cleats (12, 14) which extend from said surface (2) at different heights in relation to each other, wherein:

- a first thickness (4) or a first series of cleats (12) of greater height extend from an outer longitudinal rim (16) of a front sole portion (1') to an inner longitudinal rim (18) of a rear sole portion (1"); and

- at least one second thickness (6, 8) or a second series of cleats (14) of smaller height extend from an inner longitudinal rim (18) of the front sole portion (1') to an outer longitudinal rim (16) of the rear sole portion d").

2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein the first thickness (4) or the first series of cleats (12) cross the second thickness (6, 8) or second series of cleats (14) at an intermediate sole portion (20) .

3. Sole according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first thickness (4) or the first series of cleats (12) of greater height extend in an undulating manner along the main direction of extension (X) .

4. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein, in a plan view of the sole (1), the cleats (12, 14) are substantially distributed in the shape of an "8" (figure 3) .

5. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first series of cleats (12) and the second series of cleats (14) jointly enclose a front circumscribed area (22) and a rear circumscribed area (24), each of said areas (22, 24) being occupied by at least one further cleat (14') of smaller height.

6. Sole according to claim 5, wherein the front circumscribed area (22) comprises a further thickness (26) or a further row of cleats (14'), for example of a height corresponding to the second thickness (6, 8) or to the second series of cleats (14) , which extends parallel to said second thickness (6) or to said second series of cleats (14) .

7. Sole according to claim 6, comprising a supplementary thickness (28) or a supplementary series of cleats (14") which extend at least along a line joining the further thickness (26) or further row of cleats (14') to the outer longitudinal rim (16) of the front sole portion (1 ' ) .

8. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the thicknesses (6, 8, 26, 28) or the cleats (14, 14', 14") of smaller height are about half as thick as the thickness (4) or the cleats (12) of a greater height, for example respectively 1 mm and 2 mm.

9. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cleats (12, 14, 14', 14") form points of support of the sole (1) on a walkable surface (30) , said support points being localised and separate and having a substantially circular cross-section geometry.

10. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the plantar surface (2) is identified on a leather component (32), and wherein said thicknesses or cleats are at least partially composed of polymer material .

11. Footwear (10), for example for rehabilitation, comprising a sole (1) according to any of the previous claims .

12. Footwear according to claim 11, comprising a textile sock (34) having an inner side suitable for coming into contact with the foot and an outer side (36) to which a plurality of protective elements (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52) in polymer material are applied so as to protect specific parts of the foot without limiting the movement thereof .