CN102595950A - Waterproof and vapor-permeable sole for shoes and shoe provided with said sole - Google Patents

Abstract

A waterproof and vapor-permeable sole for shoes, comprising a vapor-permeable lower part (11) made of polymeric material; an upper functional layer (13) totally impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor, affecting at least part of the extension of the breathable surface of the lower component (11). The upper component (14) is arranged substantially on top of the functional layer (13) and has a plurality of suction elements (15) directed towards the upper component corresponding to the inside of the shoe. The functional layer (13) is joined at least perimetrically and hermetically to at least one component of the sole.

Description

Waterproof and breathable sole for shoes and shoes provided with said sole

technical field

The invention relates to a waterproof and breathable sole for shoes.

The invention also relates to a shoe provided by means of said sole.

Background technique

Currently, it is known that in order to be comfortable, a correct heat and moisture exchange must be ensured between the microclimate inside the shoe and the outside.

However, the heat and steam exchange must in no case impair the waterproofness of the shoe against external moisture or water.

Soles are known which solve the problem of internal ventilation of shoes.

Of these soles, the one most used in industry is that of a perforated elastomer on which is peripherally sealed a functional layer consisting of a material (usually intumescent) PTFE) to keep the feet dry relative to the moisture generated by perspiration, which can be properly discharged.

The membrane prevents water from entering the sole until it comes into contact with the foot.

Although these soles have been on the market for many years, there are aspects that could be improved with soles based on this technical principle, mainly the essentially "static" nature of the system, which is due only to the difference between the inside and outside of the shoe Depending on the ambient conditions, these soles transfer vapor to the outside through osmosis.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, which increases the transport of vapor from the inside to the outside of the shoe, which has a perforated sole provided with a water-impermeable but water-vapor-permeable functional layer.

The aim of the invention is thus to allow better penetration of the moisture of the foot, so that the foot remains dry under any conditions of use.

Another object of the invention is to create an optimal microclimate inside the shoe, even under severe conditions, such as those used in sports.

This and these and other objectives, which will become more apparent below, are achieved by a waterproof and breathable sole for shoes comprising, in order from the bottom:

- Breathable lower part made of polymer material

- a functional layer which is generally water impermeable but water vapour-permeable and affects at least a part of the extension of the air-permeable surface of said lower part

- an upper part arranged substantially on top of said functional layer and having a plurality of suction elements directed towards the part corresponding to the interior of the shoe,

Said functional layer is at least peripherally and sealingly joined to at least one component of the sole.

Description of drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a partial transverse sectional view of a first embodiment of a shoe with a sole according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of each part of the sole of the shoe shown in Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a first variant of the components of the sole shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second variant of the components of the sole shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a third variant of the components of the sole shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of a shoe sole according to the invention.

It should be noted that anything found to be known during the patenting process is understood to be unclaimed and the subject of a disclaimer.

Detailed ways

Referring to the drawings, in a first embodiment, a waterproof and breathable sole for a shoe is indicated generally at 10 .

By way of example, the sole consists, in order from the bottom:

- a lower part 11 made of a polymer material and breathable since it is expediently provided with through holes 12,

- a functional layer generally indicated by the reference numeral 13, which is impermeable to water but permeable to water vapour, and affects at least a part of the extension of the surface on which the through-hole 12 is located,

- an upper part 14 arranged substantially on top of said functional layer 13 and having a plurality of suction elements 15 directed towards the upper part corresponding to the interior of the shoe 23 .

The lower part 11 may have a relatively small cross-sectional dimension on the order of one millimeter or a few millimeters and/or a relatively large open through-hole with a cross-section on the order of one square centimeter and larger.

Alternatively, there may be an at least partially porous lower part 11 with open air holes (not shown) to allow air and/or moisture to pass through the lower part.

According to the invention, the functional layer 13 is joined at least peripherally and sealingly to at least one component of the sole 10 .

In particular, the functional layer 13 can be sealed to

- lower part 11, or

- The upper part 14 which in turn is sealed to the lower part 11 .

Advantageously, the functional layer 13 may comprise a film of water vapor and air permeable but water impermeable, usually microporous expanded PTFE or the like, preferably laminated with at least one fine mesh of plastic material ( Not shown in the figures for the sake of simplicity) to support the membrane.

As an alternative to the membrane 17, the functional layer 13 may comprise an insert having a layered and cohesive one-piece sheet structure comprising a plurality of functional layers made of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable polymer material, such that An insert such as that disclosed in EPA No. 09425334.1 by the same applicant on August 28, 2009, or an insert that may comprise a one-piece sheet-like structure made of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable polymer material Such a plug-in, such as that disclosed in EPA No. 09425336.6, August 28, 2009 by the same applicant.

Expediently, the functional layer 13 may comprise a support 19 made of a hydrophilic, water vapor permeable and optionally also water impermeable material.

Preferably, the functional layer 13 comprises a layer 20 for protecting the film 17 and/or the support 19, which layer 20 is arranged in the lower region, is made of a breathable material and is capable of rapid drying, such as a suitably processed Felt into a water-repellent non-woven fabric.

Suitably, the protective layer 20 is disposed below the film 17 and/or the support 19, between the film 17 and/or the support 19 and the lower part 11, and directly above the lower part 11, between the through holes 12 or the lower part 11. large openings to protect the membrane 17 and/or the support 19 from external impacts or foreign objects that would penetrate through the lower part 11 .

Furthermore, the protective layer 20 and the film 17 and/or the support 19 are advantageously used, for example by using commercially available hydrolysis-resistant adhesives (of the type commonly called "hot melt" or systems with calendered powders). ) to connect with each other by spot gluing.

Also according to the invention, the suction element 15 is preferably co-moulded directly on the functional layer 13 and consists of a generally suction cup-shaped tubular element and/or a generally open hourglass-shaped tubular element and/or a generally corrugated tubular element and/or The top is perforated with elements shaped like spherical domes that are spaced apart to make the shoe more comfortable to use.

This is done to ensure that during the movement caused by walking, the impact generated by the foot is cushioned in its pressing step and to provide a downward squeezing movement of the contained air to force the contained vapor through the function Layer 13.

Furthermore, the suction element 15 constituted by tubular elements is connected by a plurality of grids 27 in order to prevent the injected material from completely covering the surface of the functional layer 13 during the molding of the upper part 14 .

The co-moulding and thus direct sealing of each of the suction elements 15 to the functional layer 13 advantageously allows the creation of air-filled cavities which, due to the compression of said suction elements 15 during walking, Instead, it allows the escape of humid air, which comes from the inside of the shoe, through the pores of the membrane 17 .

In this way, inside the tubular suction element, air and moisture are actively transported outwards via the microporous membrane 17 in addition to the transport by osmosis.

The parts of the functional layer 13 which are free of the polymer material of the upper part 14 continue to function by osmosis.

The suction element 15 constituted by a tubular element has greater elasticity and resistance to permanent deformation, and is preferably made of an elastic and flexible thermoplastic material, generally shaped like a suction cup and/or an open hourglass and/or corrugated and /or shaped like a spherical dome perforated at the top.

Referring again specifically to FIG. 1 , the upper part 14 is co-moulded with the suction element 15 on the functional layer 13 to form an insert 16 to which the breathable lower part 11 is joined peripherally by gluing or by co-moulding.

In practice the insert 16 is provided separately and then applied sealingly to the lower part 11 , ie in a suitably arranged seat 21 of the lower part.

The seal of the lower part 11 can be formed by perimeter gluing with a hydrolysis-resistant glue.

In this case, such an insert 16 comprises, in addition to the functional layer 13 and the upper part 14 , an element 25 which affects the edge region of the functional layer 13 along the periphery.

The film 17 and/or the support 19 of the functional layer 13 together with the protective layer 20 are connected at the edge region to an element 25 made of polymer material (for example thermoplastic rubber or polyurethane) which is suitable during the assembly step and The support for the functional layer is formed during the working step.

The connection between functional layer 13 and element 25 is therefore advantageously carried out without adhesive or only within the perimeter.

The sealing to the confinement of the peripheral zone formed by the edge regions of the functional layers allows the air permeability to remain constant for the majority of the surface of the insert 16 .

An upper 22 (for example made of natural leather not covered with pigments) is suitably attached to the sole 10 according to the invention and with a breathable and/or perforated lining 24 (for example made of so-called Cambrelle) , to form the shoe 23. The lining 24 is joined to the upper 22 by spot gluing so as not to interfere with the penetration of steam through the upper.

In this case, the shoe 23 also includes an insole 26 made of a breathable and/or perforated material (for example, natural leather, felt or cellulose material), which can optionally be combined with an absorbent rubber latex (absorbent rubber latex) soft leather heel seat (not shown) connected.

In this case, the insole 26 is joined to the upper 22 by means of stitches 28 of the strobel type.

The foot pad 29 is provided at the pressing area of the foot.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3 , in a first configuration variant of the insert, now 116 , the element 125 sealing the functional layer 113 in the edge region of the functional layer 113 has an upper surface free of the suction element 115 .

This solution allows a more uniform and effective pressing during gluing of the insert 116 to the lower part 11 , thus achieving a better mechanical strength of the connection.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4 , in a second construction variant of the insert, now 216 , the upper part 214 is premolded with the suction element 215 and then assembled to the functional layer 213 by gluing with a seal to form the insert, the lower breathable part 11 is attached to the insert by gluing with a perimeter seal or by co-moulding.

Expediently, in this case, sealing each of the suction elements 215 directly to the functional layer 213 also allows creating air-filled cavities which, due to the extrusion of the suction elements 215, allow passage of the functional layer. Layer 213 vents air and/or moisture.

Referring in particular to FIG. 5 , in a third configuration variant of the insert, now 316 , the element 325 sealing the functional layer 313 at its edge region consists of a ring-shaped element and is made, for example, of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) . The upper part 314 , which is premolded and then assembled by gluing, is advantageously inserted inside the element 325 in order to seal the suction element 315 on the functional layer 313 .

All inserts 16, 116, 216, 316 can be made modularly so that the inserts can be used on different types of soles and on different sizes.

Likewise, the easy insertion of the insert into the lower part, which facilitates the positioning, can be observed of the functional layers 13 , 113 , 213 , 313 which can be applied with absolute precision.

In fact, the actual contour of the insert, adapted to the precision of the positioning, gives said insert a shape along its perimeter which is substantially complementary shaped with respect to the rest of the sole parts between which it must be housed.

With particular reference to FIG. 6 , in a second embodiment of the sole according to the invention, the functional layer 413 is an insert which is provided separately and then applied to the lower part 411 , i.e. in an adapted seat 421 of the lower part, and The sealing is done by means of an element 425 that joins the whole assembly to the upper (not shown). The upper part 414 is premolded and then assembled by gluing, while the suction element 415 is suitably sealed to the functional layer 413 .

Referring in particular to FIG. 7 , a third embodiment of a sole according to the invention is completely similar to sole 10 and is indicated generally by reference numeral 500 .

In this embodiment, the sole 500 has means for protecting the functional layer 513 , the means consisting of a composite lower part 511 .

In particular, the lower part 511 includes a waterproof part 511a in contact with the ground and a part 511b made of a porous material with open pores to allow air and/or moisture to pass through the lower part.

In particular, the part 511b is in contact with or in any case facing the film 517 and/or the support 519 of the functional layer 513, which part 511b is in contact with the film and/or the support at least in the edge region (in which the seal is provided). link.

Part 511b is completely permeable and thus allows perspiration to pass through formed inside the shoe.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous alterations and modifications, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims, all the details of which may also be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In fact, the materials employed and the accompanying shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements and the state of the art, provided they are compatible with the particular application.

This application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. PD2009A000300, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, and these reference signs are included only to increase the intelligibility of the claims, so these reference signs are used for each The explanation of the individual elements is not intended to be limiting.

Claims (22)

1. A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, said sole comprising sequentially from the bottom: - a breathable lower part (11) made of a polymer material - A functional layer (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) which is generally water-impermeable but water vapor-permeable and which affects at least a part of the extension of the air-permeable surface of said lower part (11) - an upper part (14, 214, 314, 414) arranged substantially on top of said functional layer (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) and having a plurality of suction elements (15, 115 , 215, 315, 415), said suction element is directed towards a portion corresponding to the interior of said shoe, Said functional layer (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) is at least peripherally and sealingly joined to at least one component of said sole. 2. The sole as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, said lower part (11) has respectively: - through-holes (12) with smaller cross-sectional dimensions on the order of one millimeter or several millimeters and/or larger openings with cross-sections on the order of one square centimeter and more - Holes that are at least partially open to allow air to pass through said lower part. 3. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said functional layer (13) is selectively sealed to: - said lower part (11), - said upper part (14), which in turn is sealed to said lower part (11). 4. The shoe sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said functional layer (13) comprises a membrane (17) made of water vapor permeable but impermeable, microporous expanded PTFE or the like. 5. The sole according to claim 4, characterized in that said membrane (17) is laminated with a fine mesh of plastic material to support said membrane. 6. The sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said functional layer (13) comprises a support (19) made of a hydrophilic material selected from: - vapor permeable material, - Materials that are vapor permeable but impervious to water. 7. The sole as claimed in one or more of claims 1 and 6, characterized in that said functional layer (13) comprises a protective layer for protecting said membrane and/or said support (19) (20), the protective layer is arranged in the lower region, is made of breathable material and can dry quickly. 8. The shoe sole according to claim 7, characterized in that said protective layer (20) and said film (17) and/or said support (19) are obtained by using a commercially available hydrolysis-resistant adhesive (commonly known as "hot melt" or the type of system with calender powder) to be spot glued to join each other. 9. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said functional layer (13) comprises inserts selected from: - A layered and cohesive one-piece sheet-like structure comprising a plurality of functional layers made of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable polymer material - A one-piece sheet-like structure made of a water impermeable but water vapor permeable polymer material. 10. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction element (15) is molded directly on the functional layer (13). 11. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said suction element (15) is optionally constituted by: - generally suction cup shaped tubular element - generally open hourglass-shaped tubular element - generally corrugated tubular element -Perforated at the top, shaped like a spherical dome. 12. The sole according to claim 10, characterized in that said suction elements (15) are co-moulded directly on said functional layer (13), and each of said suction elements (15) The suction element is sealed directly to said functional layer (13). 13. The sole as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said suction elements (15) are connected by a plurality of grids (27) to mold on said upper part (14) The process prevents the injection material from completely covering the surface of the functional layer (13). 14. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part (14) is co-moulded together with the suction element (15) on the functional layer (13) to form an insert (16) , said lower part (11) is joined to said insert sealingly by gluing the perimeter or by co-moulding. 15. The sole according to claim 14, characterized in that said insert (16, 116) comprises, besides said functional layer (13, 113) and said upper part (14), a peripherally influencing and sealing The element (25, 125) of the edge region of the functional layer (13) is thus adapted to form a support for the functional layer during an assembly step and during a working step. 16. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper part (214) is premolded together with said suction element (215) and is then hermetically assembled to said functional layer (213) by gluing ), to form an insert (216) to which the lower breathable member (11) is sealingly joined by gluing the perimeter or joined to the insert by co-moulding. 17. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said functional layer (313) is sealed at its edge region to an element (325) constituted by an annular element into which said upper part (314) is inserted Said annular element, said upper part (314) are pre-moulded and then assembled by gluing to advantageously seal said suction element (315) to said functional layer (313) to form an insert (316 ), the lower breathable part (11) is joined to the insert by adhesive perimeter sealing or by co-moulding. 18. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said functional layer (413) is an insert which is provided separately and then applied to said lower part (411), i.e. said In the socket (421) of the lower part, and sealed by means of the element (425) that joins the whole assembly to the upper. 19. The sole according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said insert (16, 116, 216, 316) is inserted into a suitably arranged seat (21) of said lower part (11) Inside. 20. The sole according to claim 18, characterized in that said upper part (414) is premolded and then assembled by gluing, while said suction element (415) is sealed to said functional layer (413 ). 21. The sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said lower part (511) is composite, said lower part comprises a waterproof part (511a) in contact with the ground and is made of a porous material to allow air and / or water passes through said lower part part (511b). 22. A shoe comprising a sole as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims.

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