WO2019113811A1

WO2019113811A1 - A shoe part and a method of manufacturing thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019113811A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/115766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ricardo Da Costa Leite; Kuo Lang Pan
Original assignee: Rival Shoes Design Limited
Priority date: 2017-12-13
Filing date: 2017-12-13
Publication date: 2019-06-20
Also published as: TWM564359U; CN209694193U

Abstract

A shoe part (10), comprising a shoe upper (12) and an intermediate layer (14) connectingwith the shoe upper (12) for receiving at least part of a foot therebetween; wherein the in-termediate layer (14) is attached directly to the shoe upper (12) without any binding means. A method of manufacturing the described shoe part (12), comprising the steps of providing the shoe upper (12) in a first mold to define a mold cavity; introducing a liquid polymer into the mold cavity; and solidifying the liquid polymer to form the intermediate layer (14) in the presence of the shoe upper (12) such that the intermediate layer (14) is directly attached to the shoe upper (12) without any binding means to form the shoe part (10).

Description

A Shoe Part And A Method Of Manufacturing Thereof

The invention relates generally to the field of footwear and particularly, but not exclusively, to a part of a footwear and a method of manufacturing thereof.

Different kinds of footwear such as formal shoes and athletic shoes in various constructions are available in the market. In general, a shoe in its typical form comprises a shoe upper which covers a foot of the wearer; and a sole or a shoe bottom which comprises the bottom portion of the shoe for supporting the foot and engaging the ground. Particularly, the sole may generally consist of a number of parts or layers, with the parts or layers comprising, for example, an insole which is in contact with an under surface of the foot in use; an outsole which is the bottom-most layer in contact with the walking surface; and a midsole which is the layer in between the insole and the outsole. Different parts of a shoe in their specific constructions contribute to different functions of the shoe and thus the wearing experience of the wearers. However, during conventional manufacture of a shoe, the shoe construction is usually designed and determined prior to the manufacturing procedures and is generally not alterable once the manufacturing procedures are being implemented. Accordingly, traditional shoes allow very limited variations in terms of shoe constructions, and therefore, customization and/or further processing of the shoes for specific users’ needs are known to be difficult.

Objects of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a shoe part or a shoe, in which the aforesaid shortcomings are mitigated or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Another object of the invention is to mitigate or obviate to some degree one or more problems associated with known shoes or shoe parts.

The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.

In a first main aspect, the invention provides a shoe part. The shoe part comprises a shoe upper; and an intermediate layer connecting with the shoe upper for receiving at least part of a foot therebetween; wherein the intermediate layer is attached directly to the shoe upper without any binding means.

In a second main aspect, the invention provides a shoe comprising a shoe part according to the first main aspect, and an outsole attached to the intermediate layer of the shoe part.

In a third main aspect, the invention provides a shoe system comprising the shoe part according to the first main aspect, and an outsole engageable with the intermediate layer of the shoe part.

In a fourth main aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a shoe part according to the first main aspect. The method comprises providing the shoe upper in a first mold to define a mold cavity; introducing a liquid polymer into the mold cavity; and solidifying the liquid polymer to form the intermediate layer in the presence of the shoe upper such that the intermediate layer is directly attached to the shoe upper without any binding means to form the shoe part.

The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features.

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the shoe part in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2A is a top, perspective view showing an embodied outsole engageable with the shoe part of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B is a bottom side view showing the outsole of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3 is a side view showing the shoe part of Fig. 1 after engaged with the outsole of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the shoe part in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a top view showing an embodied outsole engageable with the shoe part of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of the shoe part in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a top view showing an embodied outsole engageable with the shoe part of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side view showing the shoe part of Fig. 4 or 6 after engaged with the outsole of Fig. 5 or 7, respectively;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing yet a further embodiment of the shoe part in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a top view showing an embodied outsole engageable with the shoe part in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a top view showing another embodied outsole engageable with the shoe part in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 12 is a side view showing the shoe part after engaged with the outsole in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.

Referring to Fig. 1, shown is an embodiment of a shoe part according to the present invention. The shoe part 10 comprises a shoe upper 12 which, in general, holds, positions and covers at least part of a foot of the wearer; and an intermediate layer 14 which connects with the shoe upper 12 for receiving at least part of the foot therebetween. The shoe upper 12 may comprise or be formed of any known materials suitable and/or applicable for shoes, and/or be constructed or arranged in any known configurations applicable for shoes.

The intermediate layer 14 may comprise or be provided in the form of, for example, an insole which engages and supports the sole or at least part of the under surface of the foot of the wearer. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 14 may comprise or be provided in the form of, for example, a midsole on which a separate insole can optionally be placed or attached; or a midsole which forms integrally with an insole which engages, at its upper surface, the wearer’s foot in use, and attaches at its lower surface with the outsole.

In the context of the present description, the term “upper” as used in the expressions, for example, “upper side”, “upper surface” or “upper portion” relates to the side, surface, or portion facing, near or adjacent to the shoe upper; while the term “lower” as used in the expressions, for example, “lower side”, “lower surface” or “lower portion” relates to the side, surface, or portion facing, near or adjacent to a ground or a contact surface on which the shoe part or the shoe is supported during normal use.

The intermediate layer 14 is attached directly to the shoe upper 12 without any binding means. Specifically, the direct attachment of the intermediate layer 14 to the shoe upper 12 can be achieved without any stitching, adhesive, or heat fusion after the intermediate layer 14 is formed. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 14 can be attached by molding directly onto the shoe upper 12, which can be conducted by, for example, disposing, pouring and/or introducing a flowable or pliable material into a mold carrying the shoe upper 12 to thereby allow a direct attachment of the shoe upper 12 with the intermediate layer 14 once the intermediate layer 14 is solidified. In one further embodiment, the direct molding can be conducted by, for example, any one or more of a direct injection process and a direct pouring method as known in the art.

The intermediate layer 14 can be formed of one or more materials to exhibit one or more, same or different physical properties, such as but not limited to, density, resilience and/or mechanical strength, depending on the required characteristics of the resulting shoe part or shoe. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 14 is formed of one or more resilient and/or flexible materials. In one further embodiment, the intermediate layer 14 can be formed of one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of polyurethane (which can be polyester based polyurethane, polyether based polyurethane and/or foam polyurethane, etc.), ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, polymeric foam and a combination thereof. The intermediate layer 14 can be formed of one or more materials to demonstrate dual or multiple densities and thus different hardnesses at different parts of the layer. Preferably, the intermediate layer 14 is of a hardness ranged from about 15 to about 75 Shore C, preferably from about 25 to about 45 Shore C, and more preferably, from about 25 to about 30 Shore C.

As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the lower side of the intermediate layer 14 can be substantially flat for engaging with and/or attaching to an outsole, for example, the outsole 20 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The outsole 20 can be formed of one or more materials to thereby demonstrate one or more, same or different physical properties, such as but not limited to, density, resilience and/or mechanical strength, depending on the required characteristics of the resulting shoe. In one embodiment, the outsole 20 is preferred to be formed of one or more resilient and/or flexible materials, which can be, but are not limited to, one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of polyurethane (which can be polyester based polyurethane, polyether based polyurethane and/or foam polyurethane, etc.), ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, and a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the outsole 20 can be directly attached to the intermediate layer 14 via molding, such as for the outsole 20 as being formed by molding concurrently with the intermediate layer 14; or for the outsole 20 as being molded subsequently onto the shoe part 10 after formation of the intermediately layer 14. Alternatively, the outsole 20 can be formed or provided separately and then be affixed to the intermediate layer 14, for example, via one or more binding means such as adhesives, which can be any known glues and/or cements after the shoe part 10 is formed. In one further embodiment, the outsole 20 can be configured to releasably attach to or engage with the intermediate layer 14, or even forms part of a shoe system with the outsole 20 being releasably engageable and/or interchangeable with the shoe part 10 to thereby allow replacement or variation of outsoles in different configurations and/or designs for customization.

Optionally, the outsole 20 may comprise one or more supporting means 22 arranged at any one or more of the upper side and the lower side of the outsole 20. The supporting means 22 may comprise or be provided in the form of one or more cushioning members 22 at the lower side of the outsole 20, as shown in Fig. 2B, for providing additional support, resilience and/or shock absorption in use. Fig. 3 illustrates a shoe 100 which comprises the shoe part 10 of Fig. 1 attached to the outsole 20 of Figs. 2A or 2B.

Figs. 4 to 8 further show other embodiments of the shoe part 10 and the resulting shoe 100 in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, at least part of the lower surface of the intermediate layer 14 can be provided or arranged with, or be configured to accommodate one or more inserts 30 for providing additional support, resilience and/or shock absorption to the resulting shoe 100. The inserts 30 can be formed of any suitable materials, but preferably formed of resilient and/or flexible materials, for example, such as one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, ,styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and/or styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). The inserts 30 may also comprise one or more fluid-containing bags or packages. More preferably, the inserts 30 are of hardnesses ranged from about 15 to about 75 Shore C to thereby provide the required support, resilience and/or shock absorption, depending on the specific characteristics of the resulting shoes 100 as desired. The inserts may also be configured in one or more shapes depending on the required locations at the shoes and the forms of supports required. For example, the inserts can be in one or more of a planar shape, a tubular shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a spherical shape, a polygonal shape and/or an irregular shape. The inserts may also be provided at various regions or locations at the shoe 100 between the outsole 20 and the intermediate layer 14, for example, at regions of the shoe correspond to the heel, the shank, the forepart, and/or the arch of the foot of the wearer, depending on the specific characteristics and/or performance requirements of the shoe.

The inserts 30 can be arranged to attach to one or more regions at the lower surface of the intermediate layer 14 and/or at the upper surface of the outsole 20 prior to the assembling between the shoe part 10 and the outsole 20. For example, at least part of the lower surface of the intermediate layer 14 may be configured to comprise one or more recesses 32, as shown in Fig. 4, with the recesses 32 being adapted to receive at least part of one or more corresponding inserts 30. The inserts 30 can be positioned at the upper surface of the outsole 20, such as at the corresponding recesses 34 of the outsole, as show in Fig. 5. Alternatively, the inserts may also be accommodated at the recesses 32 of the intermediate layer 14, preferably as long as the inserts can be snugly received and/or fitted into one or more of the corresponding recesses and be positioned between the intermediate layer 14 and the outsole 20. The recesses 32 and/or 34 are preferred to be configured according to the shapes and sizes of the inserts to thereby conform with the received inserts.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the shoe part 10 in which the inserts 30 are arranged and are at least partly received at the recesses 32 of the lower surface of the intermediate layer 14, with at least part of the inserts 30 being protruded out of the recesses 32. Specifically, at least parts of the protruding portions of the inserts 30 are receivable at the corresponding recesses 34 at the upper surface of the outsole 20 as shown in Fig.7. Fig. 8 further illustrates a resulting, assembled shoe 100 with the inserts 30 being sandwiched between the corresponding recesses 32, 34 of the intermediate layer 14 and the outsole 20, respectively. The shoe 100 can be formed by attaching the shoe part 10 and the outsole 20 of Figs. 4 and 5, as well as by attaching the shoe part 10 and the outsole 20 of Figs. 6 and 7. In fact, the shoe 100 of Fig. 8 can be formed by attaching the shoe part 10 of Fig. 6 to any suitable embodiment of the outsole 20 as described, for example, the outsole 20 of Figs. 2A and 2B; and the shoe 100 of Fig. 8 can also be formed by attaching the outsole 20 of Fig. 5 to any suitable embodiment of the shoe part 10 as described, for example, the shoe part 10 of Fig. 1.

The inserts 30 can be configured to have a size and/or a shape which is flush with the receiving recesses 32 or 34 to thereby allow negligible or no protruding portions out of the recesses when the inserts 30 are received or accommodated at the recesses 32 or 34. In this way, any opposing recesses for receiving the protruded portions of the inserts 30 may not be necessarily provided at the corresponding contact surfaces of the outsole 20 or the intermediate layer 14, respectively. For example, the opposing surfaces at the intermediate layer 14 or the outsole 20 can therefore be substantially flat in some embodiments.

Figs. 9 to 12 further show a number of other embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the shoe part 10 with the intermediate layer 14 having an indented portion 32 for receiving a substantially planar insert 30. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment with the outsole 20 being configured with an indented portion 34 adapted to receive a substantially planer insert 30. A supporting member such as a cushioning member 35 may further be arranged at or on the insert 30, as shown in Fig. 11 to thereby provide additional support the wearer, for example, the arch area of the foot. Fig. 12 further illustrates the resulting shoe 100 after assembling the shoe part 10 of Fig. 9 with a corresponding outsole, or the outsole 20 of Fig. 10 or 11 with a corresponding shoe part.

Although specific examples of the intermediate layer, the outsole and the insert have been described and illustrated in the current specification, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention should not be restricted to the specific embodiments exemplified. Instead, any variations to the shoe parts including materials, configurations and/or constructions, as long as they are considered reasonable, suitable and/or applicable, shall also be encompassed as long as the variations do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, any one of the intermediate layer, the outsole and the insert can be formed of any other non-elastic, non-polymeric materials, for example, natural or synthetic wood materials, metals and/or metal alloys, and/or synthetic materials etc. either being used individually or in the form of a composite.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the shoe part 10 as described above. Particularly, the shoe part 10 can be manufactured by first providing the shoe upper 12 in a mold such as a first mold to define a mold cavity. Subsequently, a flowable material such as a liquid or melted polymer will be introduced into the mold cavity. The liquid polymer would then be allowed to solidify in the mold to form the intermediate layer 14 in the presence of the shoe upper 12, such that the intermediate layer 14 is directly attached to the shoe upper 12 without the need of any binding means to form the shoe part 10. In this process, molding methods such as, but not limited to, molding by direct pouring of a liquid or melted polymer into a mold in the presence of the shoe upper 12 so as to form the shoe part 10 can be employed. The formed shoe part 10 can then be released from the mold and is ready for further processing including arranging an outsole to be attached to the formed shoe part 10, for example, as hereinbefore described.

The above method steps may further comprise a step of closing the first mold with a second mold to define a substantially enclosed mold cavity prior to the introducing of the liquid or melted polymer. This allows the liquid or melted polymer be introduced via, for example, a direct injection process during which the liquid or melted polymer is injected under pressure into the mold cavity. In one embodiment, the second mold may be configured to comprise one or more protrusions at a bottom molding surface, such that after the intermediate layer 14 is solidified, one or more corresponding recesses 32 can be formed at the lower surface of the intermediate layer 14.

Preferably, one or more inserts 30 can be arranged at the second mold prior to the closing step. After the liquid or melted polymer is injected into the closed mold and is allowed to solidified, the intermediate layer 14 thus formed will be attached directly with the shoe upper 12 at one side and the arranged inserts 30 at another side. Again, since liquid or melted polymer is directly injected into the closed mold in the presence of the shoe upper 12 and the inserts 30, the shoe upper 12 and the inserts 30 are attached to the intermediate layer 14 once it is solidified, without the need of any binding means such as adhesives. Optionally, the arrangement of the inserts 30 can be controlled by computer, which may include hardware such as machines and/or robots; and/or software programs and/or applications, such that customer selection of the one or more inserts is customizable for each shoe part according to one or more preset parameters and/or conditions and such that each customer selection, which may comprise a unique or at least a different selection of inserts to those of other customers, can be computer implemented at the point in time that the inserts are being arranged in place for formation of the shoe upper/shoe.

Although a footwear or a shoe in the form of a sport shoe is illustrated in the drawings, a person skilled in the relevant art would appreciate that the present invention should not be limited to any specific shoe types as described or illustrated. Instead, various kinds of footwear or shoes such as boots, sandals, thongs, slippers and footwear with or without heels, etc. should also be encompassed.

In general, the present invention provides a part of a footwear comprising a shoe upper directly molded with an intermediate layer, with the intermediate layer being or comprising a midsole, an insole, or a midsole integrally formed with an insole. The shoe part can be arranged to affix or engage with a corresponding outsole 20. One or more inserts can be arranged and/or accommodated between the intermediate layer 14 and the outsole to allow customization of shoe characteristics and/or performance properties of the resulting shoe. The direct molding of the intermediate layer with the shoe upper allows variation of physical properties such as density, resiliency and hardness of the formed intermediate layer, which can be achieved by applying one or more polymeric materials of different physical properties and/or characteristics during the molding process. The molding steps also allow an easy provision of one or more recesses at the intermediate layer for receiving one or more inserts at different locations of the shoe. The inserts can be configured in various shapes and be formed of materials of different physical properties to thereby customize the resulting performance characteristics of the shoe. The direct molding methods such as direct injection or direct pouring also negate the use of any binding means such as glue or cold cements, which substantially reduces, minimizes or prevents any bonding and sole laying issues commonly occurred in traditional shoes. The shoe part of the present invention is advantageous to streamline the shoe manufacturing process, and particularly, to facilitate operation of an automatic assembly line in the factory, such that shoe manufacturing and customization can be achieved by, for example, computer-controlled processes such as arranging of the various inserts at selected regions of the intermediately layer and/or the outsole, following by a speedy and easy attaching or assembling step to produce shoes with customized performance requirements.

The present description illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

A shoe part, comprising:
a shoe upper; and
an intermediate layer connecting with the shoe upper for receiving at least part of a foot therebetween;
wherein the intermediate layer is attached directly to the shoe upper without any binding means.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is attached directly to the shoe upper without any stitching or adhesive.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is molded directly onto the shoe upper to thereby allow a direct attachment of the intermediate layer to the shoe upper once the intermediate layer is solidified.
The shoe part according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate layer is formed by any one or more of a direct injection process and a direct pouring method.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a midsole.
The shoe part according to claim 4, wherein the midsole is integrally formed with an insole for engaging an under surface of the foot.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises an insole for engaging an under surface of the foot.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein at least part of a lower surface of the intermediate layer is provided with or configured to accommodate one or more inserts.
The shoe part according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate layer comprises one or more recesses to accommodate the one or more inserts.
The shoe part according to claim 9, wherein the one or more inserts are arranged at the one or more recesses.
The shoe part according to claim 10, wherein the one or more inserts are snugly fitted into the one or more recesses.
The shoe part according to claim 9, wherein the one or more inserts are configured in one or more of a planar shape, a tubular shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a spherical shape, a polygonal shape and/or an irregular shape.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is formed to be resilient and/or flexible.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, polymeric foam and a combination thereof.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is of a hardness ranged from about 15 to about 75 Shore C.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of one or more materials having one or more densities.
The shoe part according to claim 8, wherein the one or more inserts are formed to be resilient and/or flexible.
The shoe part according to claim 8, wherein the one or more inserts are formed of one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS).
The shoe part according to claim 8, wherein the one or more inserts are of hardnesses ranged from about 15 to about 75 Shore C.
The shoe part according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a lower portion adapted to engage with an outsole.
A shoe comprising:
a shoe part according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and
an outsole attached to the intermediate layer of the shoe part.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole is molded to the intermediate layer.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole is affixed to the intermediate layer.
The shoe according to claim 23, wherein the outsole is affixed to the intermediate layer after formation of the shoe part.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole is releasably attached to the intermediate layer.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole comprises one or more supporting means arranged at any one or more of an upper side and a lower side of the outsole.
The shoe according to claim 26, wherein the supporting means comprises a cushioning means.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole is formed to be resilient and/or flexible.
The shoe according to claim 21, wherein the outsole is formed of one or more polymeric materials selected from a group consisting of polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, polymeric foam and a combination thereof.
A shoe system comprising the shoe part of claim 1, and an outsole engageable with the intermediate layer of the shoe part.
A method of manufacturing a shoe part of claim 1, comprising:
providing the shoe upper in a first mold to define a mold cavity;
introducing a liquid polymer into the mold cavity; and
solidifying the liquid polymer to form the intermediate layer in the presence of the shoe upper such that the intermediate layer is directly attached to the shoe upper without any binding means to form the shoe part.
The method according to claim 31, further comprising a step of closing the first mold with a second mold after the providing step.
The method according to claim 32, wherein the second mold comprises one or more protrusions at a bottom molding surface thereby provide one or more corresponding recesses in a lower surface of the intermediate layer.
The method according to claim 32, further comprising a step of arranging one or more inserts at the second mold prior to the closing step, such that, after the solidifying step, the intermediate layer is directly attached to the shoe upper at one side and the one or more inserts at another side without the use of any binding means.
The method according to claim 34, wherein the arranging step are computer controllable such that selection of the one or more inserts is customizable for each shoe part according to one or more preset parameters and/or conditions.
The method according to claim 32, wherein the introducing step comprises direct injecting the liquid polymer into the cavity.
The method according to claim 31, wherein the introducing step comprises direct pouring of the liquid polymer into the cavity.
The method according to claim 31, further comprising a step of releasing the formed shoe part from the first mold.