MX2008008596A - Shoe sole including a mechanism for blocking the entry of external ventilation or external liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a shoe sole including an insole which has been designed to control the opening and closing of passages to the exterior for ventilation purposes or to prevent the entry of liquids that could wet the user's foot. For said purpose, the outsole includes a central longitudinal portion which is slightly elevated in relation to the inner face thereof and which is provided with multiple internally-stepped through-cavities. In addition, the inner surface of the insole, which faces the outsole, is provided with a strip which is obtained by shaping an additional part having dimensions that are approximately equal to those of the elevated portion of the outsole on which it rests. The aforementioned strip is provided with multiple projections having a stepped configuration that is complementary to that of the cavities in the outsole in which they are housed. Moreover, longitudinal and transverse grooves are provided on the above-mentioned shaped part and small, reduced-diameter cylindrical forms extend from the points at which they intersect, said forms being housed in respective blind holes formed in the outsole.

Description

"SOLE FOR FOOTWEAR WITH BLOCKING MECHANISM WITH RESPECT TO THE EXTERNAL VENTILATION OR EXTERNAL LIQUIDS ENTRY" DESCRIPTION Object of the Invention The present invention relates to a sole for footwear with blocking mechanism with respect to the entrance of external ventilation or external liquids, which provides essential characteristics of novelty and notable advantages with respect to the means known and used for them purposes in the current state of the art.

More particularly, the invention develops a sole for footwear incorporating a plant in whose interface to the floor have been articulated means that in collaboration with the complements made on the floor itself, constitute a mechanism that not only acts as regulator of the integral ventilation of the foot of the user, but also, when such means are pressed by virtue of the weight of the user applied when walking, provide an effective closure that cuts off the entry access both for ventilation from the outside and in avoidance of the external liquids, for example water or other liquids placed on the floor, can penetrate the interior space of the sole and wet the user's foot.

The field of application of the invention is obviously comprised within the industrial sector dedicated to the design and manufacture of soles for footwear, in particular soles for footwear of the type that provide integral ventilation to their interior space.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is generally known to all the beneficial effect that good ventilation provides to the foot of a user of any piece of footwear. This effect not only results in the elimination of odors that may be caused by the accumulation of certain bacteria, but also helps to maintain an adequate hygiene of the foot with a view to its maintenance in optimal sanitary conditions, this being so important for general hygiene of the body.

As is known, there are currently in the state of the art a multiplicity of soles for footwear with which it is intended to keep the foot of the different users in perfect conditions of use and hygiene, to which effect, the different developments to which it is made reference incorporate some means designed to allow air to enter the interior of the sole, and pump it successively to the outside, as the wearer walks these pieces of footwear.

A sole for footwear, object of registration and manufacture by the same applicant of the present Utility Model, is also known, in which the inclusion of a valve located at the rear part of the sole, provides an air inlet that is provided. it is properly distributed below the sole of the foot, this valve being capable of closing itself when the user, when walking, rests the heel on the area where it is located, and whose elastic recovery of the material with which it is placed. factory, makes it open again when the pressure on it ceases.

Although many of the shoe sole embodiments of those existing in the state of the art provide aeration results that could be considered as satisfactory, it is also true that a good part of these embodiments suffer from a very important defect, derived from from the fact that the same entrances through which the air penetrates for the refreshment of the foot, also constitute entrances for the external liquids, for example the water that may exist in the floor, with the consequent unpleasant result for the user that the foot gets wet, with the inconveniences that this entails.

Taking into consideration these drawbacks of the existing soles, the present invention has proposed as its main objective the development of a sole for footwear substantially improved with respect to the known ones, by means of which not only the healthy and desired integral ventilation of the foot is provided in all its extension, but at the same time prevents that they can sneak liquids in their interior and get to wet the foot of the user. This objective has been fully achieved by the sole that will be described in the following, whose main characteristics are set out in the characterizing part of appended claim 1.

In essence, the invention provides a sole for footwear in which a ventilation mechanism and airtight seal have been incorporated to achieve both of the previously announced effects, for which a sole composed of a floor and an adjustable floor has been designed. interior space of the floor delimited by a perimeter wall obtained as an emergent elevation from the edge of the floor and integral with it. The plant, built in a light material, and usually provided with small through holes at least in a large portion of it, incorporates an intermediate piece in its central position, extended to the greater part of the extension, on its underside. surface of this lower face and embedded in the plant, whose intermediate piece shows the formation of a multiplicity of prismatic formations of preferably ellipsoidal cross section, which at the start have stepped portions, in the manner of a ring or collar of larger dimensions, these formations being usually arranged in longitudinal rows, and leaving spaces between longitudinally or transversely adjacent formations in which grooves or small grooves have formed that follow both longitudinal and transverse directions, and which connect with the through holes of the plant. In the intersections of the above mentioned ridges, circular formations of very low height appear, destined to rest on the internal face of the floor and keep the sole slightly raised with respect to the plane of the latter.

For its part, the floor shows a rear cavity that crosses the rear wall, and that is intended to house a valve of the type that has been discussed above. In the central area, it shows an embossed strip whose dimensions correspond roughly to the dimensions of the intermediate piece described above, in a position facing the latter when both floor and floor pieces are coupled to each other, and also having this elevated inner stripe formation of a multiplicity of through cavities, arranged in positions correspondingly equivalent to the protruding prismatic formations of the intermediate piece, of the same stepped configuration as the latter, to which they receive and lodge when the plant is coupled to the floor. The pressure exerted by the weight of the user causes the elastic deformation of the annular portion of each of the prismatic formations, with a perfect hermetic adjustment to the walls of the respective cavity, and with the consequent pumping action for the expulsion of both liquid that could have entered the cavity, as well as the air flow admitted with the opposite movement, this action of air expelling being favored by the mentioned cylindrical formations of low height that separate the plant from the floor.

As will be understood, with a sole designed in the manner that has been set forth in the brief description above, both the integral ventilation of the foot and the formation of a suitable barrier to the entry of liquids into the interior space of the floor are adequately guaranteed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view, in perspective from above, of a floor designed for the formation of the sole of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a plant part taken with the latter in an inverted position with respect to the normal position of use; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3, and Figure 5 represents an illustration indicative of the coupling between both pieces of floor and floor of the previous Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As previously indicated, the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is going to be carried out in the following with the help of the attached drawings, through the which the same numerical references are used to designate the same or similar parts. Thus, attending first to Figure 1, a perspective view of the floor of the sole, designated in general with reference number 1, and consisting of a piece obtained by a simple molding operation, bending operations, can be appreciated, or any other technique commonly used for this type of article. As shown, the floor 1 has a perimeter wall 2, of reduced thickness, integral with the rest of the piece, and emergent up to a predetermined irregular height. In the interior space, a central portion 3 is distinguished in relief, that is to say elevated with respect to the superficial plane of the interior face of the floor, which affects the greater part of the superficial extension of the latter, and in which a multiplicity of perforations is shown. trays, determinants of cavities that in plan adopt elliptical shape, and that at a predetermined height form a step 5 around a central hole 6. The cavities are distributed in rows according to both longitudinal and transverse directions, successively separated from each other adjacent by predetermined distances. There are other blind holes 7 in positions interspersed between the mentioned elliptical cavities, the orifices 7 of the plant area being of diameter appreciably larger than the holes in the floor area.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 1, in which the different configurations adopted both by the central strip 2 and by the cavities 4 with their respective steps 5 can be better appreciated.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a piece of plant of the type commonly used for the formation of soles, conceived and designed specifically for use in the sole proposed by the invention. The position in which the piece of plant appears is inverted with respect to its usual use, so that the face seen in the drawing will be the one intended to serve as a mesh in its coupling to the floor of Figure 1.

As shown, the floor part 8 illustrated in Figure 3 logically has a configuration such that it allows a coupling in the space delimited by the perimeter wall 2 of the floor 1, in turn presenting a central part 9 embedded in the previous one, in position centered with respect to the first, and of a dimension approximately equivalent to those that delimit the raised zone 3 of the interior of the floor 1.

Likewise, in a complementary manner to said elevated area, the central part 9 has a multiplicity of prismatic formations 10 emerging with a prismatic configuration of elliptical cross-section similar to that shown by the cavities 4 of the floor 1, these formations being constituted in height by two portions 10a, 10b, of which a first portion 10a is larger than the second portion 10b, forming a kind of annular broadening or initial collar with respect to the last one mentioned. The central part 9 is delimited by a perimeter wall 11 that rises substantially above the surface plane of the piece, there being additional grooves or small grooves 12 extending longitudinally and transversely interspersed between the mentioned prismatic formations 10, appreciating cylindrical elevations 13 that they emerge from the intersections of the said grooves 13, and occupy positions approximately corresponding to that occupied by the blind holes 7 made in the floor 1. In addition, there are also small through holes 14 in intermediate positions of the transverse grooves 12 in the area of the piece facing the sole of the user's foot.

Figure 4 shows a section taken on the line IV-IV of Figure 3, in which the details of the raised prismatic formations emerging from the surface of the central piece 9 embedded in the sole 8 of the sole can be seen, as well as as the formation of the wall 11 to a height above the surface plane of said central part 9.

Finally, as an additional feature to the described configuration, the formation of an additional opening 15 in the rear part of the floor 1, in communication with an interior cavity 16, sized and adapted to receive and house a conventional valve, as a passage element, should be mentioned. of air for the refreshment of the user's foot.

As will be understood, the configuration of the different elements that make up the floor 8, is absolutely complementary to those that define the floor 1, given that the latter has to receive and accommodate the first in the condition of use. The ellipsoidal prismatic formations 10 are designed to be housed in the cavities 4 while the cylindrical formations 13 of low height determine a separation between the respective facing faces of the floor and floor parts that ensures the passage of air throughout the interior space of the floor, and therefore that the air is renewed and provides refreshment of the user's foot.

In Figure 5 the coupling position between the pieces of floor 8 and floor 1 has been shown, with the floor now shown in the correct position with respect to floor 1, that is, inverted in relation to the representation of Figure 3. cavities 4 of elliptical section will receive the raised formations 10 of the plant, the respective stages 5 and 10a being those that determine the amount of introduction of the latter in the first, and the portion 10b being housed inside the hole 6 With the weight, the ring portion 10a expands the walls of the cavity, thereby determining a mechanism that by virtue of the friction exerted on the latter, a tight connection is provided together with a pumping effect towards the outside that expels any liquid that could try to enter through the holes of the cavities, thus keeping the interior space of the floor isolated. On the other hand, as has been said, the separation between the floor and the floor determined by the height of the cylindrical formations 13, prevents a total union between the facing faces of both pieces, maintaining a space that helps the exit of the flow of air generated by the foot of the user when walking, the passage of this flow provided by the valve (not shown) being coupled in the orifice 15 of the rear wall of the floor and in fluid communication with the distribution channels through the cavity 15 in which said valve is housed. The small channels 12 help the aforementioned distribution, while communicating with the holes 14 that cross the piece 8 precisely in the support area of the sole of the user's foot which is where more precise ventilation.

On the other hand, the wall 11 that surrounds the central piece 9, helps the hermetism of the assembly during the use of the sole, by supporting intimately with the floor 1 completely surrounding the area where the cavities are formed. Said wall also fulfills the function of providing a resistance effect to absorb the weight exerted on the sole and distribute it throughout the plant, helping to prevent the malformation of the ellipses and rings that form the formations 10 and the cavities.

In the foregoing, the piece 9 has been described as embossed in the plant 8. As will be understood, the provision of an elevated area as described may be provided based on two separate pieces and joined together by a bindering operation, gluing or any other, or the aforementioned raised area 9 can be formed in the plant itself and be integral with it.

On the other hand, it will be understood that the piece of floor 8 will be constructed with any light and soft material of the usual for this type of pieces, in order to provide the user with maximum comfort during the use of the sole in the seasons of the year more cold and rainy.

It is not considered necessary to make the content of this description more extensive so that a person skilled in the art can understand its scope and the advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and carry out the object of the invention.

However, it should be understood that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof, so that it may be susceptible to modifications without this implying any alteration of the foundation of said invention, being able to affect such modifications to the shape, size and / or to the manufacturing materials.

Claims (3)

1. - Sole for footwear with locking mechanism with respect to the external ventilation or external liquids inlet, especially indicated to provide the user with maximum comfort during the coldest or rainiest seasons of the year, through which integral aeration is provided at the same time at the foot of the user for the maintenance of the best possible hygiene conditions, for which purpose it incorporates an air valve inserted in a hole (15) made in the rear wall of the rear floor (1) and housed in a cavity (16) made to the effect on the floor immediately following said valve hole (15), characterized in that: said floor part (1) is designed and sized to receive and house a piece of floor (8) inside a space delimited by a wall (2) emerging from the perimeter edge of the floor, and in which interior space a central portion (3) appears slightly raised with respect to to the superficial plane of the internal face of the floor, in which a multiplicity of cavities (4) has been practiced, which in the plan take a general elliptical shape, with an internal step (5) surrounding a through hole (6), these cavities being distributed in longitudinal and transverse rows, and presenting a multiplicity of blind holes (7) in positions interspersed between said cavities; the piece of plant (8) is sized to be housed in the delimited space of said emerging perimeter wall (2) of the floor (1), said piece of plant having, in relation to its internal face, that is, the face intended for face the inner surface of the floor, the provision of a strip (9), preferably constituted by a recessed piece, formed by bimolding, or otherwise adhered, in a position corresponding to the relief portion (3) of the floor and with approximately equivalent dimensions, which has been provided with a multiplicity of protruding formations (10), also of elliptical section and with two portions (10a, 10b) of different dimensions that provide a stepped configuration, constituting the first portion (10a) ) of larger dimensions a formation like a ring or collar with respect to the second portion (10b); said part or central portion (9) being surrounded by a perimeter wall (11) that completely surrounds it, and that rises to a height substantially above the surface plane of said central part or portion (9); said central part (9) comprising the formation of grooves or small grooves (12) extending longitudinally and transversally between said raised formations (10), and also having said part or central portion (9) forming some protruding cylindrical portions (13) of little diameter, which rise from the intersections of said small grooves (12), and occupy positions approximately coincident with the blind holes (7) of the floor (1).

2. - Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the said formations (10) emerging from the central part (9) of the plant are dimensioned in correspondence with the cavities (4) of the floor (1), where they are received and housed in the operative position of the sole, and whose rings (10a) are deformed when the user exerts pressure on them, forming a tight seal against the walls of the respective cavity, and thereby preventing passage of any fluid.

3. - Sole according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the cyclindrical formations (13) emerging from the intersections of the grooves (12) of the part or central portion (9) of the floor (8), are of reduced height, and they constitute a separating medium between the plant (8) and the floor (1) that facilitates air circulation through the position of the rear valve.