WO2018215824A1

WO2018215824A1 - Sole for an article of footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2018215824A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Del Biondi; Alessio Rizzi
Original assignee: Alberto Del Biondi S.P.A.; Gab-Al Shoes S.L.
Priority date: 2017-05-23
Filing date: 2017-12-11
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Also published as: IT201700055848A1

Abstract

A sole (100) for footwear comprising a lower structure (1) which defines a tread surface (10), a shock-absorbent structure (2) and an insole structure (3), in which there is defined a support surface (30) of the foot of the user. The shock-absorbent structure (2) is interposed between the lower structure (1) and the insole structure (3), wherein the lower structure (1) and the shock-absorbent structure are produced from plastics material, the plastics material of the lower structure (1) having greater rigidity than the material of the shock-absorbent structure (2). The insole structure is formed from a material comprising cork fibres.

Description

SOLE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a sole for footwear of the type comprising a lower structure which defines a tread surface, a shock-absorbent intermediate structure and an upper structure, in which there is defined a support surface of the foot of the user.

An example of a sole is described in the US patent US 8,266,825 B2 which relates to an item of footwear comprising a sole structure which is formed by an outsole and an insole. The outsole comprises an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the insole which is formed by two connected portions. The upper surface of the outsole has at least two complementary depressions having embossments which are constructed on the lower surface of the insole so as to allow relative movement between the two portions. In order to support this movement, the insole is more rigid than the outsole and is fixed to the sole.

The insole can be constructed by means of a combination of different materials, including cork, leather and plastics materials.

However, the combination of layers used does not allow the production of the optimum characteristics in terms of shock-absorbance and comfort for the foot of the user.

The technical problem which is addressed by the present invention is to provide a sole which is structurally and functionally configured to overcome one or more of the limitations set out above with reference to the cited prior art.

In the context of the above-mentioned problem, a main object of the invention is to provide a sole for footwear which combines comfort and appearance and on which the foot can be supported on a surface of a natural material.

This problem is solved and these objects are achieved by the present invention by means of a sole constructed according to claim 1. Preferred characteristics of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The sole according to the present invention allows to provide a cork insole , therefore in a natural material, while ensuring shock-absorbance and walking comfort.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which :

- Figure 1 is a side view of a sole according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the sole of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a top view of the sole of Figure 1;

- Figure 3A is a perspective bottom view of an insole structure of the sole of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sole according to the present invention;

- Figure 4A is a schematic illustration according to a cross-sectional view which illustrates a through-hole which is defined in the insole structure of Figure 1 ; and

- Figures 5 to 8 are exploded perspective views which illustrate alternative embodiments of the sole according to the present invention.

Initially with reference to Figure 1, a sole according to the present invention is generally designated 100.

The sole 100 for footwear is formed by a series of successive layers and comprises a lower structure 1 which defines a tread surface 10 and a shock-absorbent structure 2 positioned thereabove and an insole structure 3, in which there is defined a support surface 30 for the foot of the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower structure 1 has a plurality of projections 11 and indentations 12, which alternate in a toe-to-heel direction of the sole 100 and which define the tread surface. In this manner, it is possible to obtain the characteristics of flexibility and support desired for the sole. Preferably, the support surface 30 is defined in the region of an anatomically shaped surface of the insole structure 3.

As can be seen in the Figures, in one embodiment the shock-absorbent structure 2 is arranged so as to be interposed between the lower structure 1 and the insole structure 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower structure 1 is produced from EVA or P-EVA with sufficient rigidity to confer adequate resistance on the sole during the impacts with the sole during normal use of the shoe on which the sole is used. It will be appreciated that there could also be provided different plastics materials which are suitable for the purpose. Preferably, the lower structure 1 has a hardness between 40 and 45 Shore.

The shock-absorbent structure is also produced from plastics material but with rigidity characteristics which are lower than those of the lower structure 1.

In other words, the plastics material of the lower structure 1 has greater rigidity than the material of the shock-absorbent structure 2.

With reference to Figures 3 and 5, according to a preferred embodiment the shock- absorbent structure 2 comprises a shock-absorbent element 23 which is received in the region of a through-hole 31 which is constructed in the insole structure 3. In one embodiment, the shock-absorbent element 23 projects through the hole 31 so as to be able to come into contact with the foot of the user.

Preferably, the shock-absorbent element 23 has such an extent as to project from the support surface 30 in such a manner that the foot first comes into contact with the surface 30 and subsequently, following the deformation of the element 23 or the natural pressure on the foot which brings about a compression of the heel, there is complete contact with the support surface 30.

The shock-absorbent element 23 may be in the form of a spherical cap or substantially disc-like or lens-like so as to be connected to the hole 31. According to another aspect of the invention, in order to obtain an excellent connection between the shock-absorbent element 23 and the hole 31, there may be provided a widened portion 32 which is defined in the hole at the side thereof directed towards the lower structure 1. Preferably, the widened portion 32 is in the form of an annular cavity which extends around the periphery of the hole.

However, there is formed on the shock-absorbent element 23 an edge 26 having a shape which complements the widened portion 32 so that the edge engages therewith. This connection advantageously allows the production of a precise positioning and a correct centring of the shock-absorbent element 23. In addition, it allows the shock-absorbent element 23 to be suitably retained in the through-hole 31.

In one embodiment, the shock-absorbent element 23 defines a main sealed cavity 24 which may comprise at the inner side thereof air or a product of plastics material in the form of gel of expanded foam in order to confer the desired characteristics of deformability.

The polyurethane material which is marketed under the name Technogel® is particularly preferred.

It may be noted that in order to use the deformability of the element 23 in the most advantageous manner, the hole 31 may advantageously be formed in the region of a central zone of the rear-foot portion of the insole structure 3. In this manner, the heel of the user could come into contact with the element 23 according to what has been set out above.

According to another aspect, it is possible to provide for the presence of shock- absorbent inserts 20 in the shock-absorbent structure 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the shock-absorbent inserts 20 involve the shock- absorbent structure to the extent that they extend substantially between the lower structure 1 and the insole structure 3. The shock-absorbent inserts have a higher deformability than the material from which the remaining portion of the shock- absorbent structure 2 is produced, and allow an increase of the deformability of the structure, advantageously precisely locating the zones of greatest deformability and allowing a gradual and progressive deformation of the structure.

In one embodiment, the shock-absorbent inserts 20 define auxiliary sealed cavities 21, at the inner side of which there is preferably present air or an expanded foam product which can readily be deformed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the shock-absorbent structure 2 comprises a base portion 25 in which there are formed the shock-absorbent inserts 20. Preferably, the base structure 25 mainly involves the rear portion of the sole and even more preferably it extends from a mid-foot portion 102 of the sole as far as a rear-foot portion 103 thereof.

In one embodiment, the base structure 25 is of wedge-like form, tapering towards the mid-foot portion 102.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the sole 100 further comprises an interface layer 13, preferably also of wedge-like form, which is interposed between the lower structure 1 and the shock-absorbent structure 2 in order to confer sufficient support on the base portion 25 or more generally on the shock-absorbent structure 2. At the same time, the wedge-like form allows sufficient flexibility to be ensured for the flexion movement of the sole.

The shock-absorbent element 26 and the base portion 25 can be constructed as two separate components, as in the example of Figure 5, or are formed as a single body, as in the example of Figure 6.

In another aspect of the invention, the shock-absorbent structure 2 extends from the rear-foot portion 103 of the sole as far as a forefoot portion 101 thereof, preferably as far as the tip of the sole 100.

However, the lower structure 1 and the insole structure 3 are in contact with each other in the region of the forefoot portion 101 of the sole 100. This allows the production of a high level of shock-absorbance only in the region of the rear portion of the footwear on which the sole is used, thereby providing particular comfort during walking.

In the rear-foot portion, the lower structure 1 and the insole structure 3 are preferably not in contact with each other, with the shock-absorbent structure 2 which extends to the extent that it involves at least the external edge of the sole 100 in the region of this portion.

As a result of the features of the invention, the sole 100 advantageously combines comfort, strength, natural materials without abandoning a design with a high level of workmanship.

Claims

1. A sole (100) for footwear comprising a lower structure (1) which defines a tread surface (10), a shock-absorbent structure (2) and an insole structure (3), in which there is defined a support surface (30) of the foot of the user, the shock-absorbent structure (2) extending in the region of a rear-foot portion (103) of the sole (100), wherein the lower structure (1) and the shock-absorbent structure are produced from plastics material, the plastics material of the lower structure (1) having greater rigidity than the material of the shock-absorbent structure (2), the insole structure being produced from a material comprising cork fibres, wherein the shock-absorbent structure (2) comprises a shock-absorbent element (23) which is received inside a through-hole (31) which is formed in the insole structure (3).

2. A sole (100) according to claim 1, wherein the shock-absorbent structure (2) is interposed between the lower structure (1) and the insole structure (3).

3. A sole (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shock-absorbent structure (2) comprises a plurality of shock-absorbent inserts (20) which extend substantially between the lower structure (1) and the insole structure (3).

4. A sole (100) according to claim 3, wherein the shock-absorbent inserts (20) define auxiliary sealed cavities (21).

5. A sole (100) according to claim 4, wherein the sealed cavities (21) comprise air or an expanded foam product therein.

6. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shock- absorbent structure (2) comprises a base portion (25) which extends from a midfoot portion (102) of the sole as far as the rear-foot portion (103) of the sole (100), the lower structure (1) and the insole structure (3) being in contact with each other at a forefoot portion (101) of the sole (100).

7. A sole (100) according to claim 6, wherein the shock-absorbent element (26) and the base portion (25) are formed as a single body.

8. A sole (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the base structure (25) has a wedge-like form, tapering towards the mid-foot portion (102).

9. A sole (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the plurality of shock-absorbent inserts (20) are formed in the region of the base portion (25).

10. A sole (100) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the base portion (25) of the shock-absorbent structure (2) extends until it involves at least a portion of the outer edge of the sole (100).

11. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shock- absorbent element (23) defines a main sealed cavity (24).

12. A sole (100) according to claim 8, wherein the main sealed cavity (24) comprises air or a plastics material product of gel or an expanded foam therein.

13. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-hole (31) is formed at a central zone of the rear-foot portion of the insole structure (3).

14. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-hole (31) comprises a widened portion (32) which is defined at a side of the through-hole (31) directed towards the lower structure (1) and with which a corresponding edge (26) which is formed on the shock-absorbent element (23) engages.

15. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower structure (1) has a hardness between 40 and 45 Shore and the shock-absorbent element (23) has a hardness between 30 and 35 Shore.

16. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shock- absorbent element (23) is formed from Technogel®.

17. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shock- absorbent element (23) projects through the hole (31) so as to be able to come into contact with the foot of the user.

18. A sole (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shock- absorbent element (23) has such an extent that it projects from the support surface (30) in such a manner that the foot of the user first comes into contact with the support surface (30) and subsequently, following the deformation of the shock- absorbent element (23), there is complete contact with the support surface (30).