WO2021090098A1 - Removable insole for a professional work shoe and professional work shoe comprising such removable insole - Google Patents

Removable insole for a professional work shoe and professional work shoe comprising such removable insole Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021090098A1
WO2021090098A1 PCT/IB2020/059853 IB2020059853W WO2021090098A1 WO 2021090098 A1 WO2021090098 A1 WO 2021090098A1 IB 2020059853 W IB2020059853 W IB 2020059853W WO 2021090098 A1 WO2021090098 A1 WO 2021090098A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
insole
polyurethane
removable
removable insole
millimeters
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/059853
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pier Franco Uzzeni
Original Assignee
U-Power Group S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by U-Power Group S.P.A. filed Critical U-Power Group S.P.A.
Priority to EP20796944.5A priority Critical patent/EP4054374A1/en
Publication of WO2021090098A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021090098A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/144Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/18Resilient soles
    • A43B13/187Resiliency achieved by the features of the material, e.g. foam, non liquid materials
    • A43B13/188Differential cushioning regions
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/14Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined made of sponge, rubber, or plastic materials
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1464Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1475Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the type of support
    • A43B7/148Recesses or holes filled with supports or pads
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/32Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with shock-absorbing means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a removable insole for a professional work shoe and to a professional work shoe comprising such removable insole.
  • the professional work shoes must be provided with a safety toe cap and therefore comply with the standards EN ISO 20344, EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20346.
  • the safety shoes therefore comprise an upper provided, at the shoe toe, with a sufficiently structured, and therefore rigid, safety toe cap to withstand impacts or crushing, protecting the user's foot.
  • a functional insert made of suitable materials adapted to confer a certain desired function to the shoe itself.
  • Such functional inserts can for example be made of an elastic material, for example of the type of thermoplastic expanded polyurethane, adapted to make walking and in general all the activities more comfortable during which the user is in continuous movement, thanks to the return of energy and the soft and dynamic cushioning given by the elastic insert itself.
  • professional work shoes can comprise, in the stratified sole, a functional insert made of a soft, but not elastic material, adapted to absorb and optimally discharge the weight force that affects the user's joints, particularly under static conditions.
  • professional work shoes also comprise a removable insole, or insole, or underfoot, the main function of which is to ensure a greater comfort for the user and a correct hygiene and cleaning of the foot.
  • insoles of the known type have the function of allowing the foot to breathe, keeping it cool and dry, and at the same time they are made with fabrics and/or other materials that guarantee hygiene, and which also have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
  • the insoles of the known type can be made of different types of materials, such as for example materials of animal origin, such as leather, or fabrics of natural and/or synthetic fibers, possibly associated with polymeric materials such as EVA, or polyurethane.
  • these insoles of the known type have transverse thicknesses in the order of 2-4 millimeters.
  • insoles of the known type often defined as “anatomical” have configurations that partly reproduce the anatomy of the sole of the foot and therefore have a transverse thickness that is not constant, which is generally greater at the heel zone. In any case, even at the zones with greater thickness, the transverse thickness of the aforesaid insoles of the known type does not exceed 10 millimeters.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a removable insole for a professional work shoe, as well as a professional work shoe comprising such an insole, which guarantee a high level of comfort for the user, in particular during any type of activity, and that at the same time are also easy and cheap to manufacture if compared to the prior art.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a removable insole for a professional work shoe and a professional work shoe which are capable of giving the greatest guarantees of reliability and safety in use.
  • Figure 1 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of a professional work shoe comprising a removable insole according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is an exploded side view of a professional work shoe comprising a removable insole according to the invention
  • Figure 3a is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention.
  • Figure 3b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 3a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 3c is a longitudinal section view of the removable insole of Figure 3a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 4a is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention.
  • Figure 4b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 4c is a longitudinal section view of the removable insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 4d is a perspective view, from below, of the insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 5a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention.
  • Figure 5b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 5c is a side elevation view of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 5d is a longitudinal section view of the insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 5e is a side elevation view of a variant of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 6a is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention.
  • Figure 6b is a plan view from below of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 6c is a side elevation view of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention.
  • Figure 6d is a perspective view of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention.
  • the removable insole globally indicated with the reference number 100, is configured to be inserted inside a professional work shoe, globally indicated with the reference number 1 and is at least in part made of polyurethane.
  • the insole 100 present, in the rear zone P where, in use, the user rests the heel, a transverse thickness of between 15 millimeters and 35 millimeters, preferably between 20 and 30 millimeters, and even more preferably between 22 and 26 millimeters.
  • the removable insole 100 presents, in the front zone A where, in use, the user rests the front part of the foot, a transverse thickness of between 2 and 4 millimeters, and preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
  • the removable insole 100 presents in the central zone C between said front zone A and said rear zone P a decreasing transverse thickness:
  • said rear zone P occupies a length LP between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 35%;
  • said central zone P occupies a length LC between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 35%, and
  • said front zone P occupies a length LA of between 25% and 35% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 30%.
  • the central zone C of the insole 100 constitutes a connection zone between the high thickness of the rear zone P and the reduced thickness of the front zone A.
  • the insole 100 is at least in part made of a material of the viscoelastic polyurethane foam type, so-called “memory”, or “LRPu” from the acronym “low-resilience polyurethane”.
  • the insole 100 comprises, in correspondence at least of the rear zone P, a functional insert 20 at least partially embedded in the polyurethane in which at least a part 101 of the insole 100 itself is made.
  • the functional insert 20 occupies both the rear zone P and part of the central zone C.
  • the functional insert 20 is made of a material that has different mechanical properties with respect to the mechanical properties of the polyurethane 101 in which it is at least partially embedded.
  • the functional insert 20 is made of a material having a density lower than the density of the material 101 (polyurethane 101) in which the removable insole 100 is made.
  • the functional insert 20 can have a density equal to a value between 80% and 95% of the density of the polyurethane 101.
  • the functional insert 20 is completely covered at least superiorly, frontally and posteriorly by said polyurethane 101 in which at least a part of the insole 100 is made.
  • the removable insole comprises one or more openings 102, 103 made in the polyurethane 101 in which at least a part of said insole 100 is made through which said functional insert 20 results to be exposed.
  • the insole 100 can comprise one or more openings 102 formed in the lower face of the insole 100 through which at least a portion of said functional insert 20 results to be exposed.
  • the insole 100 can comprise a plurality of openings 103 formed in the lateral faces of the insole, through which a plurality of portions of the functional insert 20 result to be exposed.
  • the functional insert 20 can be completely embedded inside the polyurethane 101 in which at least part of the insole 100 is made, with the exception of the portions exposed through the lateral openings 103 formed in the lateral faces of the insole 100 itself.
  • the functional insert 20 can be embedded inside the polyurethane 101, however, leaving the lower face of the functional insert 20 exposed, through an opening 102 formed in the polyurethane 101, which opening 102 can involve the entire lower face of the functional insert 20, or only a part.
  • the functional insert 20 is inferiorly in direct contact with the upper portion of the upper layer 6 of the stratified sole 3, or as explained below, with the puncture-resistant lamina 9, where present. In this configuration, the functional insert 20 is therefore capable of directly performing the function for which it is intended.
  • the polyurethane 101 which, as mentioned above is preferably a "memory" polyurethane, defines a sort of cage inside which the functional insert 20 is firmly retained.
  • the polyurethane 101 surrounds the functional insert 20 at least superiorly, frontally and posteriorly, but can also surround it inferiorly and/or laterally, albeit leaving it free at least through the windows 103.
  • the functional insert 20 advantageously has a transverse thickness of between 75% and 90% of the transverse thickness of the insole 100 itself.
  • the transverse thickness of the insole 100 in the rear zone is equal to about 22 millimeters
  • the transverse thickness of the functional insert 20 in the same zone is equal to about 18 millimeters, and therefore there is a layer of polyurethane of about 2 millimeters superiorly and inferiorly of the functional insert 20.
  • the transverse thickness of the insole 100 in the rear zone is equal to about 22 millimeters
  • the transverse thickness of the functional insert 20 in the same zone is equal to about 20 millimeters, and therefore there is a layer of polyurethane of about 2 millimeters superiorly of the functional insert 20.
  • the thickness of the polyurethane layer 101 which surrounds the functional insert 20 superiorly, and/or laterally and/or inferiorly, is advantageously between 1 and 5 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 and 3 millimeters.
  • the thickness of the functional insert 20 in the central zone C tends to decrease in proportion to the reduction in the thickness of the same insole 100.
  • the insole 100 is made through techniques of injection of polyurethane 101, preferably of the "memory” type, in liquid form inside a special mold in which the functional insert 20 is also housed, so that the "memory" polyurethane polymerizes and solidifies inside the mold by incorporating the functional insert 20 in the cage configuration described above.
  • the functional insert 20 becomes stably an integral part of the insole 100, thus giving the insole 100 a solid and continuous structure, as if it were made as a single piece.
  • the functional insert 20 can be an energizing insert made of thermoplastic expanded polyurethane having a resilience value greater than 55%, where such resilience value greater than 55% is measured according to the measurement standard DIN 53512, ("Determining the rebound resilience of rubber using the Schob pendulum") and represents the ratio between the energy returned by an elastomer subjected to an impact and the energy applied to such elastomer in the same impact.
  • the functional insert 20 can be an anti-fatigue insert made of non-expanded polyurethane having a resilience value of less than 25%, adapted to discharge the static forces that weigh on the user's lower limbs when the latter remains in an upright position for a long time.
  • the upper face of the insole 100 comprises a fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers, adapted for example to give excellent breathability and hygiene to the insole 100 itself, this upper face being the part of the insole 100 in direct contact with the user's foot.
  • the removable insole 100 comprises an upper layer 105 comprising polyurethane associated with a fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers, wherein said upper layer 105 has a constant thickness, preferably between 2 and 4 millimeters and even more preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
  • this upper layer 105 can be a so-called “cloth” made of "memory” polyurethane integrated in a natural and/or synthetic fiber fabric.
  • this layer 105 can be obtained by die-cutting a sheet semi-finished product, then inserted into the mold where the "memory" polyurethane in liquid form is injected, so that the polymerization and solidification of the polyurethane itself achieves the integration of the upper layer 105 with the insole 100.
  • the insole 100 in the front zone A of the insole 100, can be constituted exclusively by said layer 105, so as to have a known and constant thickness, for example of about 3 millimeters, which is therefore not affected by the, albeit minimal, intrinsic variability in the processes of polymeric material injection molding.
  • the insole 100 can comprise both the functional insert 20, embedded inside the polyurethane 101 in which at least part of the insole 100 itself is made, and the layer 105 as described above.
  • the insole 100 can comprise surrounding perimeter walls 106 slightly raised with respect to the resting plane of the foot. These walls 106 define a sort of containment perimeter of the user's foot which further contributes to improving comfort during use.
  • the functional insert 20 can be embedded inside the polyurethane 101 leaving exclusively the lower face of the functional insert 20 exposed.
  • the functional insert 20 can extend in width, at least in the rear zone P, as much as the width of the removable insole 100 itself, as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4d with reference to the second embodiment of the removable insole 100.
  • the functional insert 20 can extend in width, at least in the rear zone P, to a lesser extent than the width of the removable insole 100 itself, as illustrated in Figures 6a to 6d with reference to the fourth embodiment of the removable insole 100.
  • the functional insert 20 occupies, in volumetric terms, a considerable part of the rear zone P of the removable insole 100.
  • the functional insert 20 in fact preferably occupies a volume between 70% and 95% of the volume of the rear zone P of the removable insole 100.
  • the functional insert 20 is made as a single piece.
  • the removable insole 100 preferably comprises only and exclusively a single functional insert 20.
  • the insole 100 extends so as to cover the entire sole of the user's foot.
  • the present invention also relates to a professional work shoe 1, comprising an upper 2 and a stratified sole 3 associated with the upper 2.
  • the stratified sole 3 comprises a lower layer 5 adapted to come into contact with the ground, which is in fact also known by the term "tread”, and an upper layer 6 associated respectively with the upper 2 and with the lower layer 5.
  • a seat 60 is formed in the upper layer 6 in which seat a removable insole 100 such as the one described above is housed.
  • the upper 2 is provided, at the tip, with a safety toe cap 4, so that the shoe 1 can also meet the current safety regulations, and in particular the standards EN ISO 20344 and EN ISO 20345.
  • the safety toe cap 4 can be provided with holes and comprise a protective membrane 11 provided to close the aforesaid holes, in order to ensure at the same time breathability and protection of the user's foot.
  • the upper layer 6 of the stratified sole 3 comprises an anti-puncture lamina 9 which extends substantially in correspondence with the whole sole of the user's foot.
  • the removable insole 100 rests directly on the anti puncture lamina 9.
  • the seat 60 has a recessed shape complementary to the shape of said removable insole 100.
  • the seat 60 has a substantially flat bottom, and consequently also the anti-puncture lamina 9, where present, has a substantially flat transverse profile.
  • the insole 100 itself, thanks to the greater thickness in the rear zone P and the anatomical configuration it has, the one that defines the correct ergonomic support of the sole of the foot, rather than, as in the case of professional shoes of the known type, the stratified sole itself.
  • the professional work shoe 1 as described above externally maintains shapes and proportions that are similar to, if not even the same as, those of the professional shoes of the known type, while being provided with a removable insole 100 with increased thickness. Furthermore, also the fit, by the user, is not perceived differently from that of professional shoes of the known type as regards specifically the positioning of the foot inside the shoe itself, since the increase in thickness of the removable insole 100 is substantially compensated by the lowering of the seat 60 for housing the insole 100 itself.
  • the removable insole for a professional work shoe achieves the intended aim and objects since it allows the user's comfort to be improved from many points of view.
  • the removable insole according to the invention in addition to possessing the necessary breathability and hygiene properties, has an improved ergonomic conformation, thanks for example to the specific thicknesses characterizing it, and also a behaviour capable of responding to the specific user's needs, thanks for example to the presence of the functional insert.
  • the insole has thicknesses such as to allow the user to discharge the forces being developed during movement to the ground in an ergonomic manner, and to absorb any impacts due to sudden movements, impacts that mainly affect the heel.
  • the professional work shoe comprising such a removable insole according to the present invention also fulfils the task and the predefined objects as it allows to overcome the technical and economic drawbacks due to the complexity of manufacturing stratified soles for professional work shoes having functional inserts of various types, creating instead a removable insole that can be inserted inside the shoe itself.
  • Another advantage of the insole according to the invention consists in the fact that it can be easily replaced if necessary with equally certified insoles, possibly having different functions.
  • a further advantage of the insole, according to the invention consists in the fact that it behaves as a body made as a single piece, although made of different materials, thanks to the strong adhesion of the polyurethane of which the insole is mainly made both with any functional inserts, and with the upper layer in fabric.

Abstract

This invention relates to a removable insole (100) for a professional work shoe (1), configured to be inserted inside a professional work shoe (1) and at least in part made of polyurethane (101) According to the invention, the removable insole (100) present, in the rear zone (P) where, in use, the user rests the heel, a transverse thickness of between 15 millimeters and 35 millimeters, preferably between 20 and 30 millimeters, and even more preferably between 22 and 26 millimeters.

Description

REMOVABLE INSOLE FOR A PROFESSIONAL WORK SHOE AND
PROFESSIONAL WORK SHOE COMPRISING SUCH REMOVABLE INSOLE
The present invention relates to a removable insole for a professional work shoe and to a professional work shoe comprising such removable insole.
Professional work shoes are known in the art which are able to offer the user a desired degree of protection should accidental events occur.
As is known, professional work shoes must comply with stringent standards, including:
• EN ISO 20345, relating to safety footwear with 200 J toe cap resistance;
• EN ISO 20346, relating to safety footwear with 100 J toe cap resistance;
• EN ISO 20347, relating to work or professional footwear without any specific toe cap resistance;
• EN ISO 20349, relating to work footwear against risks in foundries or from welding works;
• EN ISO 20344, relating to test methods and general requirements.
In particular, to be able to define shoes as "safety" or accident-prevention shoes, the professional work shoes must be provided with a safety toe cap and therefore comply with the standards EN ISO 20344, EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20346. The safety shoes therefore comprise an upper provided, at the shoe toe, with a sufficiently structured, and therefore rigid, safety toe cap to withstand impacts or crushing, protecting the user's foot.
In general, since these are work shoes, they are meant to be worn by the user continuously for several hours a day.
Various types of professional work shoes are currently known which are provided with a stratified sole comprising inside a functional insert made of suitable materials adapted to confer a certain desired function to the shoe itself. Such functional inserts can for example be made of an elastic material, for example of the type of thermoplastic expanded polyurethane, adapted to make walking and in general all the activities more comfortable during which the user is in continuous movement, thanks to the return of energy and the soft and dynamic cushioning given by the elastic insert itself.
In other situations, where for example the user tends to remain stationary for prolonged times in an upright position, professional work shoes can comprise, in the stratified sole, a functional insert made of a soft, but not elastic material, adapted to absorb and optimally discharge the weight force that affects the user's joints, particularly under static conditions.
Generally, professional work shoes also comprise a removable insole, or insole, or underfoot, the main function of which is to ensure a greater comfort for the user and a correct hygiene and cleaning of the foot. In fact, insoles of the known type have the function of allowing the foot to breathe, keeping it cool and dry, and at the same time they are made with fabrics and/or other materials that guarantee hygiene, and which also have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The insoles of the known type can be made of different types of materials, such as for example materials of animal origin, such as leather, or fabrics of natural and/or synthetic fibers, possibly associated with polymeric materials such as EVA, or polyurethane. Generally these insoles of the known type have transverse thicknesses in the order of 2-4 millimeters. Some insoles of the known type, often defined as "anatomical", have configurations that partly reproduce the anatomy of the sole of the foot and therefore have a transverse thickness that is not constant, which is generally greater at the heel zone. In any case, even at the zones with greater thickness, the transverse thickness of the aforesaid insoles of the known type does not exceed 10 millimeters.
Professional work shoes of the known type are not free from drawbacks, including the fact that the insertion of the aforesaid functional inserts inside the stratified sole entails a greater complexity of the operations for manufacturing the finished product, and consequently an increase in the production costs. On the other hand, the removable insoles for professional work shoes of the known type, due in particular to their limited thickness, do not allow to substantially implement any specific function in addition to those of breathability and hygiene mentioned above.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a removable insole for a professional work shoe, as well as a professional work shoe comprising such an insole, which guarantee a high level of comfort for the user, in particular during any type of activity, and that at the same time are also easy and cheap to manufacture if compared to the prior art.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a removable insole for a professional work shoe and a professional work shoe which are capable of giving the greatest guarantees of reliability and safety in use.
The task set forth above, as well as the mentioned objects and others which will become more apparent hereinafter, are also achieved by a removable insole for a professional work shoe as stated in claim 1 and by a professional work shoe as stated in claim 15.
Other features are comprised in the dependent claims.
Further features and advantages shall be more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a removable insole and the relative professional work shoe, illustrated merely by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a partially sectioned side elevation view of a professional work shoe comprising a removable insole according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded side view of a professional work shoe comprising a removable insole according to the invention;
Figure 3a is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention;
Figure 3b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 3a, according to the invention;
Figure 3c is a longitudinal section view of the removable insole of Figure 3a, according to the invention;
Figure 4a is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention;
Figure 4b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention;
Figure 4c is a longitudinal section view of the removable insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention;
Figure 4d is a perspective view, from below, of the insole of Figure 4a, according to the invention;
Figure 5a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention;
Figure 5b is a top plan view of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention;
Figure 5c is a side elevation view of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention;
Figure 5d is a longitudinal section view of the insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention;
Figure 5e is a side elevation view of a variant of the removable insole of Figure 5a, according to the invention;
Figure 6a is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a removable insole, according to the invention;
Figure 6b is a plan view from below of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention;
Figure 6c is a side elevation view of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention;
Figure 6d is a perspective view of the removable insole of Figure 6a, according to the invention. With reference to the aforesaid figures, the removable insole, globally indicated with the reference number 100, is configured to be inserted inside a professional work shoe, globally indicated with the reference number 1 and is at least in part made of polyurethane.
According to the invention, the insole 100 present, in the rear zone P where, in use, the user rests the heel, a transverse thickness of between 15 millimeters and 35 millimeters, preferably between 20 and 30 millimeters, and even more preferably between 22 and 26 millimeters.
Advantageously, the removable insole 100 presents, in the front zone A where, in use, the user rests the front part of the foot, a transverse thickness of between 2 and 4 millimeters, and preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
Advantageously, the removable insole 100 presents in the central zone C between said front zone A and said rear zone P a decreasing transverse thickness:
- said rear zone P occupies a length LP between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 35%;
- said central zone P occupies a length LC between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 35%, and
- said front zone P occupies a length LA of between 25% and 35% of the total length of said insole 100, and preferably equal to about 30%.
Advantageously, therefore, the central zone C of the insole 100 constitutes a connection zone between the high thickness of the rear zone P and the reduced thickness of the front zone A.
Advantageously, the insole 100 is at least in part made of a material of the viscoelastic polyurethane foam type, so-called "memory", or "LRPu" from the acronym "low-resilience polyurethane".
In the accompanying figures, as better explained also hereinafter, the parts of the insole 100 made of the aforesaid "memory" polyurethane are indicated with the reference number 101.
Advantageously, the insole 100 comprises, in correspondence at least of the rear zone P, a functional insert 20 at least partially embedded in the polyurethane in which at least a part 101 of the insole 100 itself is made.
Advantageously, the functional insert 20 occupies both the rear zone P and part of the central zone C.
Advantageously, the functional insert 20 is made of a material that has different mechanical properties with respect to the mechanical properties of the polyurethane 101 in which it is at least partially embedded.
For example, the functional insert 20 is made of a material having a density lower than the density of the material 101 (polyurethane 101) in which the removable insole 100 is made. In particular, the functional insert 20 can have a density equal to a value between 80% and 95% of the density of the polyurethane 101.
Advantageously, the functional insert 20 is completely covered at least superiorly, frontally and posteriorly by said polyurethane 101 in which at least a part of the insole 100 is made.
Advantageously, the removable insole comprises one or more openings 102, 103 made in the polyurethane 101 in which at least a part of said insole 100 is made through which said functional insert 20 results to be exposed.
Advantageously, the insole 100 can comprise one or more openings 102 formed in the lower face of the insole 100 through which at least a portion of said functional insert 20 results to be exposed.
Advantageously, the insole 100 can comprise a plurality of openings 103 formed in the lateral faces of the insole, through which a plurality of portions of the functional insert 20 result to be exposed.
Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figures 3a to 3c relating to the first embodiment of the insole 100, the functional insert 20 can be completely embedded inside the polyurethane 101 in which at least part of the insole 100 is made, with the exception of the portions exposed through the lateral openings 103 formed in the lateral faces of the insole 100 itself.
Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4a to 4d relating to the second embodiment of the insole 100, the functional insert 20 can be embedded inside the polyurethane 101, however, leaving the lower face of the functional insert 20 exposed, through an opening 102 formed in the polyurethane 101, which opening 102 can involve the entire lower face of the functional insert 20, or only a part. In this way, the functional insert 20 is inferiorly in direct contact with the upper portion of the upper layer 6 of the stratified sole 3, or as explained below, with the puncture-resistant lamina 9, where present. In this configuration, the functional insert 20 is therefore capable of directly performing the function for which it is intended. As illustrated both in Figures 3a to 3c relating to the first embodiment of the insole 100, and in Figures 4a to 4d relating to the second embodiment of the insole 100, the polyurethane 101, which, as mentioned above is preferably a "memory" polyurethane, defines a sort of cage inside which the functional insert 20 is firmly retained. In fact, the polyurethane 101 surrounds the functional insert 20 at least superiorly, frontally and posteriorly, but can also surround it inferiorly and/or laterally, albeit leaving it free at least through the windows 103.
The functional insert 20 advantageously has a transverse thickness of between 75% and 90% of the transverse thickness of the insole 100 itself.
For example, in the case of a functional insert 20 covered both superiorly and inferiorly by a layer of polyurethane 101, if the transverse thickness of the insole 100 in the rear zone is equal to about 22 millimeters, the transverse thickness of the functional insert 20 in the same zone is equal to about 18 millimeters, and therefore there is a layer of polyurethane of about 2 millimeters superiorly and inferiorly of the functional insert 20.
In the case of a functional insert 20 covered only superiorly by a layer of polyurethane 101, if the transverse thickness of the insole 100 in the rear zone is equal to about 22 millimeters, the transverse thickness of the functional insert 20 in the same zone is equal to about 20 millimeters, and therefore there is a layer of polyurethane of about 2 millimeters superiorly of the functional insert 20.
The thickness of the polyurethane layer 101 which surrounds the functional insert 20 superiorly, and/or laterally and/or inferiorly, is advantageously between 1 and 5 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 and 3 millimeters.
As illustrated in the accompanying figures, if the functional insert 20 also occupies part of the central zone C of the insole 100, the thickness of the functional insert 20 in the central zone C tends to decrease in proportion to the reduction in the thickness of the same insole 100.
Advantageously, the insole 100 is made through techniques of injection of polyurethane 101, preferably of the "memory" type, in liquid form inside a special mold in which the functional insert 20 is also housed, so that the "memory" polyurethane polymerizes and solidifies inside the mold by incorporating the functional insert 20 in the cage configuration described above.
In this way the functional insert 20 becomes stably an integral part of the insole 100, thus giving the insole 100 a solid and continuous structure, as if it were made as a single piece.
Advantageously, according to the functional requirements of the insole 100, the functional insert 20 can be an energizing insert made of thermoplastic expanded polyurethane having a resilience value greater than 55%, where such resilience value greater than 55% is measured according to the measurement standard DIN 53512, ("Determining the rebound resilience of rubber using the Schob pendulum") and represents the ratio between the energy returned by an elastomer subjected to an impact and the energy applied to such elastomer in the same impact.
Alternatively, the functional insert 20 can be an anti-fatigue insert made of non-expanded polyurethane having a resilience value of less than 25%, adapted to discharge the static forces that weigh on the user's lower limbs when the latter remains in an upright position for a long time.
Advantageously, the upper face of the insole 100 comprises a fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers, adapted for example to give excellent breathability and hygiene to the insole 100 itself, this upper face being the part of the insole 100 in direct contact with the user's foot.
Advantageously, as illustrated with particular reference to Figures 5a to 5e relating to the third embodiment, the removable insole 100 comprises an upper layer 105 comprising polyurethane associated with a fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers, wherein said upper layer 105 has a constant thickness, preferably between 2 and 4 millimeters and even more preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
Advantageously, this upper layer 105 can be a so- called "cloth" made of "memory" polyurethane integrated in a natural and/or synthetic fiber fabric.
Advantageously, this layer 105 can be obtained by die-cutting a sheet semi-finished product, then inserted into the mold where the "memory" polyurethane in liquid form is injected, so that the polymerization and solidification of the polyurethane itself achieves the integration of the upper layer 105 with the insole 100.
Advantageously, in the front zone A of the insole 100, the insole 100 can be constituted exclusively by said layer 105, so as to have a known and constant thickness, for example of about 3 millimeters, which is therefore not affected by the, albeit minimal, intrinsic variability in the processes of polymeric material injection molding.
Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figure 5e, the insole 100 can comprise both the functional insert 20, embedded inside the polyurethane 101 in which at least part of the insole 100 itself is made, and the layer 105 as described above.
Furthermore, as illustrated more clearly in particular in Figure 5a, the insole 100 can comprise surrounding perimeter walls 106 slightly raised with respect to the resting plane of the foot. These walls 106 define a sort of containment perimeter of the user's foot which further contributes to improving comfort during use.
Advantageously, as illustrated with particular reference to Figures 6a to 6d relating to the fourth embodiment, the functional insert 20 can be embedded inside the polyurethane 101 leaving exclusively the lower face of the functional insert 20 exposed.
Advantageously, the functional insert 20 can extend in width, at least in the rear zone P, as much as the width of the removable insole 100 itself, as illustrated in Figures 4a to 4d with reference to the second embodiment of the removable insole 100.
Alternatively, the functional insert 20 can extend in width, at least in the rear zone P, to a lesser extent than the width of the removable insole 100 itself, as illustrated in Figures 6a to 6d with reference to the fourth embodiment of the removable insole 100. Advantageously, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the functional insert 20 occupies, in volumetric terms, a considerable part of the rear zone P of the removable insole 100. The functional insert 20 in fact preferably occupies a volume between 70% and 95% of the volume of the rear zone P of the removable insole 100.
Preferably, the functional insert 20 is made as a single piece. Furthermore, the removable insole 100 preferably comprises only and exclusively a single functional insert 20.
Advantageously, the insole 100 extends so as to cover the entire sole of the user's foot.
The present invention also relates to a professional work shoe 1, comprising an upper 2 and a stratified sole 3 associated with the upper 2. The stratified sole 3 comprises a lower layer 5 adapted to come into contact with the ground, which is in fact also known by the term "tread", and an upper layer 6 associated respectively with the upper 2 and with the lower layer 5.
According to the invention, a seat 60 is formed in the upper layer 6 in which seat a removable insole 100 such as the one described above is housed.
Advantageously, the upper 2 is provided, at the tip, with a safety toe cap 4, so that the shoe 1 can also meet the current safety regulations, and in particular the standards EN ISO 20344 and EN ISO 20345.
The safety toe cap 4 can be provided with holes and comprise a protective membrane 11 provided to close the aforesaid holes, in order to ensure at the same time breathability and protection of the user's foot.
Advantageously, the upper layer 6 of the stratified sole 3 comprises an anti-puncture lamina 9 which extends substantially in correspondence with the whole sole of the user's foot. As illustrated in particular in Figure 2, the removable insole 100 rests directly on the anti puncture lamina 9.
Advantageously, moreover, the seat 60 has a recessed shape complementary to the shape of said removable insole 100.
Advantageously, the seat 60 has a substantially flat bottom, and consequently also the anti-puncture lamina 9, where present, has a substantially flat transverse profile. In fact, it is the insole 100 itself, thanks to the greater thickness in the rear zone P and the anatomical configuration it has, the one that defines the correct ergonomic support of the sole of the foot, rather than, as in the case of professional shoes of the known type, the stratified sole itself.
The professional work shoe 1 as described above externally maintains shapes and proportions that are similar to, if not even the same as, those of the professional shoes of the known type, while being provided with a removable insole 100 with increased thickness. Furthermore, also the fit, by the user, is not perceived differently from that of professional shoes of the known type as regards specifically the positioning of the foot inside the shoe itself, since the increase in thickness of the removable insole 100 is substantially compensated by the lowering of the seat 60 for housing the insole 100 itself.
In practice it has been found that the removable insole for a professional work shoe, according to the present invention, achieves the intended aim and objects since it allows the user's comfort to be improved from many points of view. In fact, the removable insole according to the invention, in addition to possessing the necessary breathability and hygiene properties, has an improved ergonomic conformation, thanks for example to the specific thicknesses characterizing it, and also a behaviour capable of responding to the specific user's needs, thanks for example to the presence of the functional insert.
In particular, the insole has thicknesses such as to allow the user to discharge the forces being developed during movement to the ground in an ergonomic manner, and to absorb any impacts due to sudden movements, impacts that mainly affect the heel.
The professional work shoe comprising such a removable insole according to the present invention also fulfils the task and the predefined objects as it allows to overcome the technical and economic drawbacks due to the complexity of manufacturing stratified soles for professional work shoes having functional inserts of various types, creating instead a removable insole that can be inserted inside the shoe itself.
Another advantage of the insole according to the invention consists in the fact that it can be easily replaced if necessary with equally certified insoles, possibly having different functions.
A further advantage of the insole, according to the invention, consists in the fact that it behaves as a body made as a single piece, although made of different materials, thanks to the strong adhesion of the polyurethane of which the insole is mainly made both with any functional inserts, and with the upper layer in fabric.
The removable insole and the professional work shoe thus conceived are susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.
Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, any materials can be used according to needs, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, the dimensions and the contingent shapes.

Claims

1) Removable insole (100) for a professional work shoe (1), configured to be inserted inside a professional work shoe (1) and at least in part made of polyurethane (101), characterized by the fact of presenting, in the rear zone (P) where, in use, the user rests the heel, a transverse thickness of between 15 millimeters and 35 millimeters, preferably between 20 and 30 millimeters, and even more preferably between 22 and 26 millimeters.
2) Removable insole (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact of presenting, in the front zone (A) where, in use, the user rests the front part of the foot, a transverse thickness of between 2 and 4 millimeters, and preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
3) Removable insole (100), according to claim 2, characterized in that it has, in the central zone (C) between said front zone (A) and said rear zone (P) a decreasing transverse thickness, wherein said rear zone (P) occupies a length (LP) between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole (100), and preferably equal to about 35% of the total length of said insole (100), said central zone (C) occupies a length (LC) between 30% and 40% of the total length of said insole (100), and preferably equal to about 35% of the total length of said insole (100), said front zone (A) occupies a length (LA) of between 25% and 35% of the total length of said insole (100), and preferably equal to about 30% of the total length of said insole (100).
4) Removable insole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at least in part made of a polyurethane of the viscoelastic polyurethane foam type, so-called "memory".
5) Removable insole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, at least in correspondence of said rear zone (P), a functional insert (20) at least partially embedded in said polyurethane (101) in which at least a part of said insole (100) is made.
6) Removable insole (100), according to claim 5, characterized in that said functional insert (20) is completely covered at least superiorly, frontally and posteriorly by said polyurethane (101) in which at least a part of said insole (100) is made.
7) Removable insole (100), according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said functional insert (20) is made of a material that has different mechanical properties with respect to the mechanical properties of said polyurethane (101) in which it is at least partially embedded.
8) Removable insole (100), according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises one or more openings (102, 103) made in said polyurethane (101) in which at least a part of said insole (100) is made, through which said functional insert (20) is exposed.
9) Removable insole (100), according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises one or more openings (102) formed in the lower face of said insole (100) through which at least a portion of said functional insert (110) is exposed.
10) Removable insole (100), according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of openings (103) formed in the lateral faces of said insole (100) through which a plurality of portions of said functional insert (20) are exposed.
11) Removable insole (100) according to one or more of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said functional insert (20) can be an energizing insert made of thermoplastic expanded polyurethane having a resilience value greater than 55%.
12) Removable insole (100) according to one or more of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said functional insert (20) can be an anti-fatigue insert made of non- expanded polyurethane having a resilience value of less than 25%.
13) Removable insole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper face of said insole (100) comprises a fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers.
14) Removable insole (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises an upper layer (105) comprising polyurethane associated with said fabric obtained from natural and/or synthetic fibers, said upper layer (105) having a constant thickness, preferably between 2 and 4 millimeters and even more preferably equal to about 3 millimeters.
15) Professional work shoe (1), comprising an upper (2) and a stratified sole (3) associated with said upper (2), said stratified sole (3) comprising a lower layer (5) adapted to come into contact with the ground, and an upper layer (6) associated respectively with said upper (2) and said lower layer (5), characterized in that a seat (60) is formed in said upper layer (6) in which a removable insole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims is housed.
16) Professional work shoe (1), according to claim 15, characterized in that said upper (2) is provided, at the tip, with a safety toe (4).
17) Professional work shoe (1), according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said upper layer (6) comprises a puncture-resistant lamina (9) which extends substantially in correspondence with the whole sole of the user's foot, said removable insole (100) resting on said puncture-resistant lamina (9).
18) Professional work shoe (1), according to one or more of claims 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that said seat (60) has a recessed shape complementary to the shape of said removable insole (100).
PCT/IB2020/059853 2019-11-04 2020-10-20 Removable insole for a professional work shoe and professional work shoe comprising such removable insole WO2021090098A1 (en)

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EP20796944.5A EP4054374A1 (en) 2019-11-04 2020-10-20 Removable insole for a professional work shoe and professional work shoe comprising such removable insole

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IT102019000020228A IT201900020228A1 (en) 2019-11-04 2019-11-04 REMOVABLE INSOLE FOR PROFESSIONAL WORK SHOES AND PROFESSIONAL WORK SHOES INCLUDING THIS REMOVABLE INSOLE.
IT102019000020228 2019-11-04

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090049712A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Athena Pacific, Llc Orthotic foot device with removable support components and method of making same
US20110072685A1 (en) * 2009-09-25 2011-03-31 Bdg, Incorporated Integral insole with multiple areas of different resiliency and method of making the insole
WO2013095086A1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Ah Mee Chee Reinforced footwear
US20170027277A1 (en) * 2014-01-21 2017-02-02 Implus Footcare, Llc Customizable Component Insole System
US20180020772A1 (en) * 2016-07-20 2018-01-25 Vionic Group LLC Composite orthotic device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090049712A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Athena Pacific, Llc Orthotic foot device with removable support components and method of making same
US20110072685A1 (en) * 2009-09-25 2011-03-31 Bdg, Incorporated Integral insole with multiple areas of different resiliency and method of making the insole
WO2013095086A1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Ah Mee Chee Reinforced footwear
US20170027277A1 (en) * 2014-01-21 2017-02-02 Implus Footcare, Llc Customizable Component Insole System
US20180020772A1 (en) * 2016-07-20 2018-01-25 Vionic Group LLC Composite orthotic device

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