HK1209989B - Air permeable shoe - Google Patents

Description

Air-permeable shoes

The patent application of the invention is a divisional application of Chinese patent application with international application numbers PCT/EP2009/004109, national application numbers 200980122571.x, filed on 8.6.2009 for the title of "shoes including ventilation holes in the bottom area of the shoe barrel and applicable air permeable spacing structures".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to footwear having ventilation holes under the sole of the shoe and sweat can be transmitted through the layers under the foot to improve the weather comfort of such footwear.

Background

In the past, shoes had either a certain water vapour permeability, also called breathability, in the sole area, so that the use of sole materials such as leather had the disadvantage of water permeability in the sole area, or shoes were waterproof in the sole area, but were also impermeable to water vapour in this sole area, so that the use of a base made of a waterproof material such as rubber or a rubber-like plastic had the disadvantage of sweat accumulating in the sole area.

Recently, shoes have been made which are waterproof and vapor-permeable in the sole region, comprising through holes perforated in their base and covered with a waterproof and vapor-permeable membrane arranged on the inside of the base, so that water cannot penetrate into the inside of the shoe from the outside, but sweat formed in the sole region can escape from the inside of the shoe. Two different solutions are followed here. The substrate has vertical through holes across its thickness through which perspiration is conducted from the inside of the shoe to the walking surface of the substrate, or horizontal channels through which perspiration accumulating on the substrate escapes the lateral edges of the substrate.

Examples of the first solution, i.e. substrates with vertical through holes across their thickness, are found in EP 0382904 a1, EP 0275644 a1 and DE 202007000667 UM. The composite shoe sole of EP 0382904 a1 comprises a lower sole part with tiny perforations, also an upper sole part with perforations and a waterproof, water vapor-permeable membrane in between. The base in the shoe described in EP 0275644 a1 comprises a relatively large area of vertical through-holes to obtain a high water vapor permeability, and a water vapor permeable protective layer is arranged between it and the base to achieve mechanical protection of the membrane. The base of the shoe described in DE 202007000667 UM has a relatively large area of vertical through-openings for high water vapor permeability, which are closed by a water vapor-permeable protective layer. This type of base is attached to a waterproof shaft arrangement, thereby providing a waterproof shoe.

Examples of second solutions with horizontal ventilation channels in the base parallel to the walking surface can be found in EP 0479183B 1, EP 1089642B 1, EP 1033924B 1 and JP 16-75205U.

The base in the shoe described in EP 0479183B 1 has on its side facing away from the walking surface protruding base edges on its outer periphery, through which microperforations extend horizontally, i.e. parallel to the walking surface. In the space formed in the edge of the base, a spacer with a transverse web projecting from the base is provided, which may be formed integrally with the base. The inner band belonging to the spacer is also penetrated by a horizontally extending through-hole, which is located in the edge of the base and spaced apart therefrom. A vapor-permeable inlay sole or insole is located above the spacer, below the peripheral region of said insole a last insert of a shaft made of vapor-permeable material is inserted, which is located on the inside of the inner band of the spacer. A waterproof, moisture vapor permeable membrane extends generally vertically upward from the inside of the base between the edge of the base having horizontal microperforations and the inner band having horizontal through-holes. On the one hand, due to the presence of this membrane, water is prevented from passing between the meshes into the interior of the shoe, but on the other hand, perspiration that reaches between the meshes from the interior of the shoe is theoretically able to reach the outside of the sole structure. However, perspiration requires micro-perforations that penetrate not only the membrane but also the edge of the base, the through-holes of the inner band and the shaft material.

In EP 1089642B 1, the base has on its side facing away from the walking surface a peripheral web on the outer periphery, through which ventilation channels are prepared at its top, and in the region of the sole in the peripheral web hemispherical projections. On top of the base, an upper sole element is provided, located on the peripheral web and on the base projections, having a water-vapor-permeable area covered by a waterproof, water-vapor-permeable membrane, which extends for a length approximately equal to the extension of the base area having the projections. Sweat that accumulates in the space between the base and the sole element provided with the base projections can theoretically escape through the ventilation channels in the base peripheral web.

EP 1033924B 1 describes a shoe whose base has a peripheral edge projecting from the inside of the base, said peripheral edge being crossed by a horizontal ventilation channel, i.e. a channel running parallel to the tread of the base. The base is attached to a shaft having a lower shaft region on the sole side with a last insert connected to the bottom of a perforated embedded peripheral region of the sole. A waterproof, moisture-vapor-permeable membrane is disposed in the void formed in the last insert embedded in the bottom of the sole. An air permeable material comprised of fibers such as felt is located in the base space formed within the projecting outer periphery. Perspiration that has reached the vapor-permeable material through the perforations embedded in the sole and in the membrane can diffuse into the external environment through the horizontal ventilation channels at the outer periphery of the base. However, water that reaches the vapor-permeable material through the ventilation channel is prevented by the membrane and cannot reach the inside of the shoe through the insert sole. A nail protection plate is provided inside the base, so that the shoe is suitable for use as a safety shoe.

JP 16-75205U describes a shoe combining the two solutions described above. The sole structure of this shoes has: a perforated insert sole; a base having horizontally extending grooves opened toward the outer side of the periphery of the base at the upper side thereof facing the inside of the shoe, through-holes extending from the grooves to the walking surface; a waterproof, water vapor-permeable membrane disposed at the bottom of the insert; and a protective layer, for example made of felt, arranged between the membrane and the substrate. The lower end area of the outsole side shaft is inserted into the bottom of the outsole peripheral area in the form of a last insert. Although the membrane has the same area as the embedded sole, the protective layer is located in the same plane of the last insert and the protective layer only extends between the inner edges of the last insert. The horizontally extending grooves are open to the external environment on the peripheral region of the substrate. Therefore, sweat can diffuse from the inside of the shoe to the outside of the base tread through the vertical through-holes and to the outer peripheral side through the horizontal grooves.

Especially in shoes where the base does not have vertical through holes through its thickness or cannot have such through holes for safety reasons due to the requirement of a nail protection plate, it is desirable to have a ventilation system in the area under the sole of the foot even in shoes where the base does not have such vertical through holes, whereby the climate comfort in the area of the sole of the foot is significantly improved.

Disclosure of Invention

From this perspective, the present invention provides footwear and breathable spacer structures suitable for use with the footwear.

The core of the invention is the sub-sole ventilation space defined by the breathable spacer structure, which allows for efficient transport of perspiration (water vapor) through the layers to the sub-sole.

The invention provides a waterproof shoe (10) having

a) A shaft arrangement (12) and a sole (14), wherein:

b) the shoe tube arrangement (12) has

b.1) outer shaft material (16) and

b.2) an air permeable layer (40) arranged at the bottom (15) of the shaft;

c) the air permeable layer (40) is arranged above the sole (14) in a lower region of the shaft arrangement (12) on the sole side;

d) the air permeable layer (40) having a three-dimensional structure allowing air to pass at least in a horizontal direction; and

e) the outer shaft material (16) having at least one ventilation aperture (20) in the lower peripheral region of the plantar side, which communicates the air-permeable layer (40) with the external environment in such a way that air can be exchanged between the external environment and the air-permeable layer (40);

f) the shoe has a water vapor-permeable functional layer (34, 38) at least in a lower region of the shaft arrangement (12) facing the sole (14), the air-permeable layer (40) being arranged below the functional layer (34, 38);

g) the functional layer comprises a shaft functional layer (37) in the shaft region and a shaft base functional layer (38) in the sole region, forming a waterproof shaft arrangement (12).

Drawings

The invention will now be further explained by way of variants. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective oblique view of a first embodiment of a shoe designed according to this invention, with some ventilation holes in the outer shaft material;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective oblique view of a second embodiment of a shoe designed according to the present invention, with some ventilation holes in the outer shaft material;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective oblique view of a third embodiment of a shoe designed according to the present invention, with some partially closable ventilation holes in the outer shaft material;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective oblique view of a fourth embodiment of a shoe designed in accordance with the present invention, with an air permeable lattice-like assembly of outer sleeve material surrounding the outer circumference of the sleeve;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the forefoot region of a shoe designed according to one of the variants shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a first variant of its shaft configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the forefoot region of a shoe designed according to one of the variants shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a second variant of its shaft configuration;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the forefoot region of a shoe designed according to one of the variants shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a third variant of its shaft configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the forefoot region of a shoe designed according to one of the variants shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a fourth variant of its shaft configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the forefoot region of a shoe designed according to one of the variants shown in FIGS. 1-4 in a fifth variant of its shaft configuration;

FIG. 10 shows a first variation of an air permeable layer that may be used in the footwear of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a second variation of an air permeable layer that may be used in the footwear of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a third variation of an air permeable layer that may be used in the footwear of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a fourth variation of an air permeable layer that may be used in the footwear of the present invention;

fig. 14 shows a fifth variation of an air permeable layer that may be used in the footwear of the present invention.

Detailed Description

A shoe according to the invention has a shaft arrangement with an outer shaft material and an air permeable layer arranged at the bottom of the shaft, and a sole. The air permeable layer is disposed above the sole in a lower region of the sole-side shaft arrangement. The air permeable layer has a three-dimensional structure allowing air to pass at least in a horizontal direction. The outer shaft material has at least one ventilation hole in the lower peripheral area of the sole side, through which the air permeable layer is connected to the outer environment of the sole, so that air is exchanged between the outer environment and the air permeable layer. In this way, heat and moisture may be removed from the area of the sleeve arrangement above the air permeable layer, for example by convective air exchange through the air permeable layer.

Since the at least one ventilation opening in the solution according to the invention, which in combination with the air-permeable layer allows an effective removal of perspiration, is not located in the base, since the ventilation opening located in the base cannot be particularly large for reasons of stability of the base, in particular in shoes with a relatively thin base, but for aesthetic reasons there is no problem, if at all, with a large ventilation opening in the lower peripheral region of the outer shaft material on the sole side, at which time a better air exchange is achieved, and therefore a higher water vapour removal capacity than in shoes in which the at least one ventilation opening is located in the base.

The configuration of the shaft with an air permeable layer has the additional advantage that the air permeable layer located between the at least one ventilation aperture and the interior of the shoe can extend directly to the interior of the outer shaft material, as shown according to the solutions of EP 1033924B 1 and JP 16-75205U, and is not limited to the inner space between the edges of the last insert of the outer shaft material. For example, in a glue-lasted shoe, the air-permeable layer is located above the insert of the glue-lasted, thus providing a large exchange surface for moisture and heat of the sole. The air permeable layer in the solution according to the invention thus has a considerably larger surface area than in the known solutions, correspondingly a larger exchange surface and a water vapour removal capacity.

The technical solution of the invention and the high water vapor transmission and air exchange effect it achieves are beneficial for shoes that need not be waterproof, since they are only used in dry environments (for example, the work shoes of assembly plants) and at the same time are also worn out and therefore may be exposed to humid environments.

In the latter case, with a variant of the invention, at least a functional layer permeable to water vapor is provided at least in the lower region of the shaft arrangement facing the sole, the air-permeable layer being located below this functional layer. In one variation, the air permeable layer is located directly beneath the water vapor permeable functional layer. In one variant of the invention, the functional layer is waterproof and permeable to water vapor.

In one variant of the invention, a functional layer of the shaft and a functional layer of the shaft bottom are provided, so that both a vapor permeability and a water tightness are achieved for the shaft and the shaft bottom region of the shoe.

In a further variant of the invention, the waterproof and vapor-permeable functional layer is located in the shaft base region, for example in the form of a functional laminate, wherein the air-permeable layer is located directly below the functional layer or functional laminate. In connection with this variant, one of the advantages of the invention is in particular that, by means of the at least one gas permeable hole, in cooperation with the air permeable layer, an air exchange is achieved, thus making possible the removal of sweat and heat. By selecting the thinnest possible functional layer configuration, the efficiency-limiting diffusion path through which water vapor must first travel from the sole to the air-permeable layer is minimized, thereby maximizing heat transfer. If the water vapor reaches the air permeable layer, it is additionally convectively transported away by the air flow, so that the partial pressure difference of water vapor across the functional layer remains permanently high. No other layers need to be overcome. The partial pressure difference of water vapor on both sides of the functional layer is the driving force for the effective removal of sweat. In addition to water vapor, heat is also carried away by convection. For lasting barrels, substantially the entire sole surface is available for moisture exchange, as the air permeable layer is disposed over the last insert of the shoe outer material.

In one variant of the invention, the shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer are part of a sock-like functional layer bootie, wherein the shaft region is formed by the shaft functional layer and the sole region is formed by the shaft bottom functional layer.

In a further variant of the invention with a shaft functional layer and a shaft bottom functional layer, the shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer are connected to one another in a shaft lower region and are sealed watertight to one another at their shared boundary.

In one variant of the invention, the functional layer of the shaft functional layer and/or of the shaft bottom functional layer is part of a multilayer laminate, which has at least one textile layer in addition to the functional layer. Laminates are often used which are two, three or four layers with a textile layer on one or both sides of the functional layer.

In one variant of the invention, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate and/or the shaft functional layer laminate is/are constructed from a laminate.

In one variant of the invention, the functional layer has a water vapor-permeable membrane. The membrane is preferably waterproof and permeable to water vapor. In a preferred variant, the functional layer has a membrane built up from expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable layer is located below the functional layer at the bottom of the footwear.

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable layer is located directly below the shaft bottom functional layer, which means that the air-permeable layer is located directly below the functional layer stack in the case of a shaft bottom functional layer that is part of the functional layer stack.

In one variant of the invention, at least one ventilation hole is provided in the outer shaft material, at least partially at the same level of the air-permeable layer.

In one variant of the invention, at least two at least approximately opposite ventilation apertures are provided in the lower region of the outer shaft material in the transverse direction or longitudinal direction of the foot. Thereby also achieving or facilitating convective air exchange. The air exchange is considerably facilitated due to the relative movement of the shoe wearer with respect to the outside air. The air exchange is enhanced in the wind and/or during walking and running.

In another variation of the invention, the lower perimeter region of the outer shaft material has several ventilation holes located along the outer perimeter of the shaft arrangement.

In one variation of the invention, the lower end of the outer shaft material has a separate air permeable shaft material attached to, and thus part of, the outer shaft material. This air permeable shaft material extends around a substantial portion of the circumference of the shaft or even around the entire circumference of the shaft, and has a plurality of ventilation apertures due to its air permeable structure. In one variation, the air permeable shaft material is attached to the lower end of the outer shaft material in the form of a mesh. In other variations, the air permeable shaft material may be constructed of perforated or mesh material. The air permeable shaft material can be designed to be stable, thereby imparting the desired shape stability to the shaft, although the ventilation holes extend around almost the entire or the entire periphery of the shaft.

In a variant of the invention, the total area of the at least one vent is at least 50mm²Preferably at least 100mm²。

In another variant of the invention, the at least one vent hole is covered with an air-permeable protective material, such as a protective gauze or mesh made of metal or plastic, so as to limit the intrusion of foreign objects, such as dust or stones, through the vent hole. The air permeable protective material may be located in the lower peripheral area of the outer sleeve material along the air permeable layer, in particular on the outside of the ventilation holes or on the inside of the ventilation holes between the outer sleeve material and the air permeable layer.

In one variant of the invention, the at least one vent is sealed with a device. The device serves as a temporary protection against external elements, at least against splashed water, so that water cannot penetrate the gas permeable pores directly. The device is designed as a movable device, for example in the form of a slide, through which at least one ventilation hole is partially or completely closed, in order to throttle or suppress the exchange of air between the outside of the shoe and the air-permeable layer. This is particularly beneficial at low temperatures (e.g. winter) as sweat removal and its associated cooling effect in combination with air exchange through the air permeable layer may result in an overly strong cooling effect. With the movable device in relation to the air permeable holes, excessive moisture penetration can be counteracted during walking in a very humid environment.

In one variant of the invention, for example a ventilation device or a fan in the air-permeable layer can ensure a constant air exchange with the external environment. The fan power can be automatically controlled to maintain the desired target temperature for the feet. Especially during small range of movement between the shoe and the outside air and in high temperature environments, a fan is necessary because of its significant cooling effect.

In a variant of the invention relating to a lasting shoe, a last insert of the sole-side outer shaft material is glued to the peripheral edge of the bottom of an insert sole or insole (also called AGO), the last insert and the insert sole of the glued last insert being located below the air permeable layer.

However, the invention is not limited to footwear having a lasting sleeve, but may be used in a stand alone manner, wherein the lower region of the outer sleeve material is processed to form a sleeve configuration on the bottom side of the sleeve. In addition to lasting, other versions of known footwear may be used. For example, we mention the Strobel version in which the lower region of the outer shaft material is stitched to the periphery of the insert sole by so-called Strobel stitches; a lace version (also called a lace last) in which a cord channel, for example in the form of a spiral loop seam, through which the moving tether passes, is applied to the ending regions of the sole-side outer sleeve material, whereby the ending regions of the sole-side outer sleeve material are pulled together; and the maccasin variant, in which the shaft and shaft sole, with the exception of the upper leather, are integrally formed from a single piece of outer shaft material, typically leather.

In one variant of the invention, all the shoe components that contribute to the ventilation are located above the boundary plane between the shaft and the sole. Thus, all components except the ground-contacting base are part of the shaft arrangement. This shaft arrangement can be prepared already before the base is attached to the shaft arrangement in the second manufacturing step, which is possible in time and space for the preparation of the shoe. The base may be applied immediately after the manufacture of the shaft configuration in a uniform path through the shoe manufacture, or the preparation of the shaft configuration may indicate the end of the closed manufacturing step, whereby the resulting shaft configuration is passed to another manufacturing plant where the base is applied for the shaft configuration. The manufacturing site may be located at the same manufacturing facility as the shoe barrel arrangement. However, the manufacturing site for arranging the application base for the shaft may also be completely different from the manufacturing site for arranging the shaft, so that there is an interruption of the manufacturing process between the manufacturing shaft arrangement and the step of arranging the application base for the shaft, during which interruption the finished shaft arrangement enters the manufacturing site for arranging the application base for the shaft. Since all shoe components are included in the shaft arrangement with the exception of the base, not only the shaft bottom functional layer but also the air permeable layer is attached to or forms part of the shaft bottom, and then the shaft arrangement is provided with the base, for example by moulding or gluing, the manufacturing site responsible for providing the shaft arrangement with the base does not need to apply other components than the base, for which normally ordinary methods and tools are sufficient. The most difficult parts of the shoe to manufacture, i.e. the handling and assembly of the functional layer and the air permeable layer, are the most difficult to deal with, which are included in the manufacturing process of the shaft arrangement, i.e. in the manufacturing process which requires more complex process steps with respect to the process steps of attaching the base only to the shaft arrangement.

In one variant of the invention, the sole additionally has at least one sole passage opening extending through its thickness. The shoe resulting from this variant is capable of removing perspiration and heat in the region of its foot sole in the vertical direction through the at least one sole passage opening and in the horizontal direction through the at least one ventilation opening of the outer shaft material. Furthermore, the at least one sole channel opening serves as an auxiliary means which enables an improved drainage of moisture reaching the area above the sole.

In one variant of the invention, a permeation protection element in the form of a nail protection plate is provided in or above the substrate to produce a safe shoe. This element prevents substances on the floor, such as nails, from penetrating through the base and other upper elements of the sole structure and the bottom of the shaft, entering the interior of the shoe and damaging the foot of the shoe wearer. The substance, such as a nail, is captured by the penetration protection element, which is a steel or plastic plate with a corresponding penetration resistance. Since the passage openings through the base are not meaningful in safety shoes, since they are covered by a nail protection plate, the horizontal lateral removal of perspiration in this type of shoe still only consists of ventilation holes in the sole region of the foot and thus improves the weather comfort.

In one variation of the invention, the air permeable layer forms an air permeable spacer structure configured such that the air permeable layer maintains spacing between layers located beneath and above the air permeable layer even when the foot of the footwear wearer is stressed, thereby maintaining the air permeability of the air permeable layer.

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable spacer structure is made at least partially elastic. Thus, the walking comfort of the shoe is improved, since this type of air permeable spacer structure enables cushioning and an easier rolling process during walking.

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable spacer structure is designed to be capable of elastic generation, at a maximum stress corresponding to the maximum weight of the intended shoe wearer of the shoe size, to an extent that at most a major part of the air-conductivity of the spacer structure forming the air-permeable layer remains even during such maximum stress. This form of the air-permeable spacer structure ensures that the air-permeable spacer structure does not compress completely to lose air permeability when subjected to the stress of the shoe wearer, but rather maintains the spacer function sufficiently, thus maintaining the air permeability of the spacer structure to achieve the air-permeable function, even under the stress of the shoe wearer.

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable spacer structure has a planar structure forming the first support face and a plurality of spacers extending away from the planar structure at right angles and/or at angles of 0-90 °. The ends of the spacers extending away from the planar structure together define a plane, thereby forming a second support surface facing away from the planar structure.

In a variant of the invention, the spacers of the spacer structure are designed as balls, the free ball ends together forming said second support surface.

In one variant of the invention, the spacer structure has two planar structures arranged parallel to one another, which are connected to one another in an air-permeable manner by the spacer and are spaced apart from one another. The planar structures each form one of the two support surfaces of the spacer structure.

All spacers need not have the same length so that the two support surfaces are equidistant over the entire planar extension of the spacer structure. For a particular application, it may be desirable to fabricate spacer structures having different thicknesses in different regions along their surface extension or at different locations to form a footbed that conforms to the foot.

The spacers may be formed separately, in which case they are not interconnected between the two support surfaces. However, it is also possible for the spacers to be brought into contact between the two support surfaces or for at least some of the contact sites formed in this way to be fixed, for example with an adhesive, or for the spacers to be composed of materials which can be welded to one another, for example materials which become tacky by heating.

The spacer may be a separate element in the shape of a rod or a sewing thread or a segment of a more complex structure, such as a truss or lattice. The spacers may also be interconnected in a zigzag or cross-grid pattern.

By selecting the material of the spacer and/or by selecting the angle of inclination of the spacer and/or by selecting the percentage of contact sites at which adjacent spacers are connected to one another and/or the shape of the truss or lattice used, the rigidity of the spacer and the shape stability of the spacer structure are adapted to the respective requirements, even under stress.

In one variant of the invention, the spacer structure is designed to be corrugated or serrated. The upper and lower peaks or upper and lower saw tooth tips of the spacer structure define two contact surfaces.

In one variant of the invention, the spacer structure is designed with a reinforcing braid, for example reinforced by gluing, a synthetic resin adhesive can be used, or by thermal effects, wherein the spacer structure is constructed with a thermoplastic material and cured by heating to a softening point at which the material becomes sticky.

In one variant of the invention, the spacer structure is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides or polyesters.

In one variant of the invention, the spacer structure is constructed from fibers, at least some of which are vertically aligned in the form of spacers between planar structures.

In one variant of the invention, the fibers are constructed from a flexibly deformable material.

In one variant of the invention, the fibers comprise polyolefins, polyesters or polyamides.

In one variant of the invention, the planar structure is constructed from an open-pored woven, warp-knitted or braided textile material.

In one variant of the invention, the air-permeable spacer structure is formed by two air-permeable planar structures arranged parallel to one another, which are connected to one another in an air-permeable manner by monofilaments or multifilaments and are spaced apart from one another at the same time.

In one variant of the invention, the planar structure is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides or polyesters.

In one variation of the invention, at least some of the monofilaments or multifilaments of the spacer structure are arranged in the form of spacers substantially perpendicular between the planar structures.

In one variant of the invention, the monofilament or multifilament comprises a polyolefin and/or a polyester and/or a polyamide.

An air-permeable spacer structure of the type described, designed for use as an air-permeable layer in the bottom of a footwear shaft arrangement, represents a separate object of the present invention.

The air-permeable layer or air-permeable spacer structure forming it has the function of a breathable layer, the breathable effect of which is due to the very low resistance to air flow. The air exchange results in the efficient removal of perspiration in the form of moisture from the interior of the shoe to the exterior of the shoe.

Another advantage of the present invention is that because of the provision of the air permeable layer of the present invention in the bottom region of the shaft arrangement, a conventional sole can be used without additional modifications. In particular, in jogging shoes and hiking shoes, the border area between the sole and the shaft arrangement is sealed from the outside along the shoe periphery with an additional tread band made of rubber. The belt must also be perforated in the vent area. Hard shell soles can be used in variations of the invention if the ventilation holes are located in the shaft material above the shell rim or when an additional sole strap has one or more corresponding ventilation holes at its location above the at least one ventilation hole of the outer shaft material.

The at least one vent may have any shape. In one variant of the invention, the at least one vent has a circular shape, such as a circle or an ellipse. However, the shape of the at least one vent may also be angular, for example it may have the shape of a square or an elongated rectangle.

Definition of

Horizontal and vertical:

the device is used when the object is located on a flat base plate at a limited position and the corresponding object is observed, such as a shoe sole or a shoe barrel configuration.

Inboard, outboard:

the inner side represents the side facing the inside of the shoe and the outer side represents the side facing the outside of the shoe.

Top, bottom:

the top represents the side facing away from the tread of the shoe sole; bottom means the side facing the tread of the shoe sole or the side facing the base plate on which the shoe stands, again assuming that the base plate is flat.

Shoes are as follows:

footwear having an upper portion (shaft configuration) with a foot insertion opening closure and at least one sole or sole composite.

The shoe barrel configuration:

completely wrapping the foot up to the foot insertion opening, and having a shaft bottom in addition to the shaft. The shaft arrangement may also have one or more inner linings, for example in the form of linings and/or waterproof, moisture-permeable functional layers and/or one or more barrier layers.

External shaft material:

the material forming the outer side of the shaft, and thus the shaft arrangement, is for example composed of or constructed from leather, textile, plastic or other known materials or combinations thereof. Typically, these materials and combinations are water vapor permeable. The lower perimeter region of the outer shaft material on the underside of the shoe depicts the region adjacent the upper edge of the sole or above the boundary plane between the shaft and the sole.

Bottom of the shoe tube

A lower region of the outsole side shaft arrangement, wherein the shaft arrangement is fully or at least partially closed. The bottom of the shaft is located between the sole and the sole. In shoes with lasts or Strobel tubes, the bottom of the tube is shaped to cooperate with an embedded sole (insole). The shaft bottom can have a shaft bottom functional layer or a shaft bottom functional layer laminate, wherein the laminate can also have the function of an insert in a shoe sole.

Insert sole (insole):

the inlay sole is a part of the bottom of the shaft, to which the lower end area of the shaft on the bottom side is attached. The insert sole is vapor-permeable, for example, it is formed from a vapor-permeable material or is constructed so as to be vapor-permeable by means of openings (through-holes, perforations) formed through the thickness of the insert sole. The water vapor permeability value Ret of the embedded sole is less than 150m²×Pa×W^-1. The water vapor permeability can be tested according to the Hochstein skin model. This test method is described in DIN EN31092(02/94) and ISO 11092 (1993).

Sole:

the shoe has at least one sole layer, but may also have several types of soles arranged one above the other.

Substrate:

a sole is understood to mean that part of the sole area which contacts or makes primary contact with the ground/floor. The base has at least one tread surface for contacting the floor.

Middle sole:

in the case where the base is not directly applied to the shaft arrangement, a midsole may be interposed between the base and the shaft arrangement.

For example, the midsole may act as a cushioning, dampening, or filling material.

Bootie (bootie):

the inner lining of the shaft configured like a sock is called a boot sleeve. The bootie forms a pocket liner of the shaft arrangement that substantially completely covers the interior of the footwear.

Functional layer:

for example a water vapour permeable and/or water barrier in the form of a film or a correspondingly treated or refined material, for example a plasma treated fabric. The functional layer in the form of a shaft bottom functional layer may form at least one layer of the shaft bottom of the shaft arrangement, but it may also additionally be in the form of a shaft functional layer at least partially lining the shaft; if present, the shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer may be part of a multi-layer, typically two, three or four-layer laminate; if a shaft functional layer and a separate shaft bottom functional layer are used instead of the functional layer bootie, they are sealed to be waterproof in the lower region of the shaft arrangement on the sole side, for example; the shaft bottom functional layer and the shaft functional layer may also be formed of a single material.

Suitable materials for the waterproof, water-vapor-permeable functional layer are in particular polyurethanes, polyolefins and polyesters, including polyetheresters and laminates thereof, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. A-4,725,418 and 4,493,870. In one variant, the functional layer is built up from microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene provided with A hydrophilic impregnant and/or A hydrophilic layer, as described in documents US-A-3,953,566 and US-A-4,187,390, see for example document US-A-4,194,041. By microporous functional layer is understood a functional layer whose average effective pore size is about 0.1 to 2 μm, preferably 0.2 to 0.3 μm.

Laminating:

laminates are composite materials consisting of several layers which are permanently joined together, usually by gluing or welding to each other.

In the functional layer stack, the waterproof and/or water vapor-permeable functional layer has at least one textile layer. The at least one textile layer is primarily used to protect the functional layer during processing. This is a two-layer laminate. The three-layer laminate comprises a waterproof, water vapor-permeable functional layer sandwiched between two textile layers. The connection between the functional layer and the at least one textile layer is realized by means of, for example, a discontinuous adhesive layer or a continuous water vapor-permeable adhesive layer.

In a variant, the adhesive can be applied in spots between the functional layer and one or both textile layers.

The spot or discontinuous application of the adhesive is because a complete adhesive surface layer which is not itself water vapour permeable will block the water vapour permeability of the functional layer.

Waterproofing:

the functional layer/functional layer laminate is considered "waterproof" and optionally comprises a seam on the functional layer/functional layer laminate if it ensures a water penetration pressure of at least 1 × 10⁴Pa. the functional layer material preferably withstands more than 1 × 10⁵Water osmotic pressure of Pa. Then, the water osmotic pressure was determined according to the following test method, i.e., distilled water of 20. + -. 2 ℃ was applied to 100cm with increasing pressure²The functional layer sample of (1). The water pressure increase is 60 +/-3 cm H/min₂And O. The water penetration pressure corresponds to the pressure at which water first appears on the other side of the sample. Details of this method are described in ISO-Standard 0811, 1981.

Whether the shoe is waterproof may be tested, for example, using A centrifuge of the type described in US-A-5329807.

Water vapor permeable:

if the functional layer/functional layer stack has less than 150m²×Pa×W^-1Is considered "water vapor permeable" by the water vapor permeability value, Ret. The water vapor permeability was tested according to the Hochstein-skin model.

This test method is described in DIN EN31092(02/94) or ISO 11092 (1993).

Air permeable layer:

the air permeable layer has a three-dimensional structure that allows air to pass through at least in a horizontal direction. This structure has very low air flow resistance. The air permeable layer allows heat and moisture vapor to pass from the interior of the footwearAbsorption and transmission by convection. The air permeable layer comprises an air volume of at least 50%, in one variation greater than 85%. The thickness of the air permeable layer may be less than 12mm, in one variant less than 8 mm. The basis weight of the air permeable layer is less than 2000g/m²Preferably less than 800g/m². The air permeable layer covers at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of the upstanding surface of the bottom of the shaft. The air permeable layer also includes a structure having a degree of rigidity so as not to be compressed or significantly compressed by the user's foot during running.

Spacer structures such as described in DE 10240802 a2 are suitable for use as air permeable layers, but in combination with infrared reflective materials for articles of apparel.

The air permeable layer may be, for example, a polymeric formed structure, a 3D spacer structure, or a fabric structure reinforced with a polymeric resin. The air permeable layer may also be prepared by an injection molding process. In one variation, it may have a channel or tubular configuration, or may be formed from a polymer or metal foam.

Polymeric forming structures are based on polymeric monofilaments, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics or layers formed by deformation and attachment of the material to ribs, knobs or zigzag structures. The structure may also be a three-dimensional structure, for example formed from polypropylene, with filaments of undulating or other shape forming a 3D structure. The deformation and fixing can be performed, for example, by heating the building roll or as a thermoforming process. The forming structure may additionally be laminated with a woven or nonwoven fabric to improve dimensional stability. One possible method for preparing such a shaped structure is described, for example, in patent application WO 2006/056398A 1.

The air permeable layer may also be formed by a 3D spacer structure. Such spacer structures are typically constructed of polyester multifilaments or monofilaments. The spacer structure may be a spacer braid, a spacer warp braid, a spacer non-woven fabric, or a spacer woven fabric. The weaving technique enables the top and bottom of the surface of the product and the spacer stitching (bar stitching) to be varied independently of each other. Thus, the surface and hardness, including the elastic characteristics, can be adjusted for individual applications. The spacer structure is characterized by very high air circulation in all directions, even under stress. Spacer structures, for example in the form of spacer braids, can also be produced by the following method: the woven fabric impregnated before or after being deformed into a three-dimensional structure is impregnated into a synthetic resin to obtain a desired stiffness. Inorganic fibers such as glass fibers or carbon fibers may also be selected as the fibrous material of the spacer structure.

Table 1: selection of materials for which air permeable layers may be useful

In general, the air permeable layer should maintain the spacing between the foot and the base and form a plurality of channels that create the least possible resistance to airflow, thereby facilitating the transfer of moisture and heat without absorbing moisture. The air permeable layer is non-wicking or at least substantially non-wicking. The air-permeable layer is closed at the bottom by the insert sole and/or the filling layer and/or the base, being open at least at its periphery to allow air to penetrate. The air permeable layer is preferably also open at its upper surface to allow air to pass through. The upper surface of the air permeable layer is directed towards the inside of the shoe, in a variant towards the waterproof and optionally also moisture-permeable functional layer.

The air permeability of the spacer structure was determined according to DIN EN ISO 9237 "determination of air permeability of woven fabrics". Unlike DIN EN ISO 9237, the flow velocity and pressure difference along the surface were determined instead of the flow velocity and pressure difference perpendicular to the surface. To this end, a defined spacer channel delimited by a closed covering surface is constructed and an air flow is provided from one side. The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the channel and the flow rate at the air outlet were measured. The pressure difference measured at the end of the 300-1300mm long channel was 0-100Pa, and the flow rate was 0-1 m/s. This means that no measurable flow is produced at the outlet at static pressures up to 100Pa and a spacer structure with a flow channel length of 300mm is not suitable for use in the present invention.

Air holes:

the outsole side outer shaft material includes at least one opening in a lower perimeter region thereof. Preferably there are at least two substantially opposing vents. The ventilation holes may be introduced in the outer shaft material by, for example, punching, cutting or perforating. The vent may be of any shape, for example circular or angular. The permeable pores are protected from the intrusion of foreign substances with an air permeable surface protecting material in the form of, for example, a net or a gauze. The protective material may be refined to be hydrophobic. The total area of the at least one air hole is at least 50mm²Preferably at least 100mm². In an alternative variant, the ventilation apertures may also be formed directly from an air permeable material, which may be used as or as an integral part of the outer shaft material, inherently having the necessary air permeability, thus eliminating the need for additional openings.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a shoe 10 with a shaft arrangement 12 and a sole 14 applied to a lower end region of the shaft arrangement 12, wherein this embodiment relates to a sole. In conventional fashion, the shaft arrangement 12 has a foot insertion opening 12a at its upper end, from which opening a lace region 12b extends in the direction of the forefoot region of the shaft arrangement 12. In the lower end region of the shaft arrangement 12, a number of ventilation apertures 20 are visible, which are arranged around a part of the outer circumference of the shaft arrangement 12. In the present embodiment, there are no ventilation holes in the front of the forefoot region, i.e., the region substantially corresponding to the toes of the shoe. The ventilation holes 20 are evenly distributed at substantially equal intervals around the remaining peripheral area of the shaft arrangement 12 and are circular in shape. The breather 20 also has an air permeable protective covering 22 to prevent the intrusion of large particles such as stones. The protective cover 22 may cover the vent holes from the outside and/or from the inside. The protective cover 22 can be applied to each individual vent 20, or the entire protective cover 22 can extend over all of the vents. For example, the protective covering 22 may be designed as a yarn or mesh.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the footwear 10, which is substantially identical to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, except for the arrangement and shape of the airing holes 20 with respect to the first embodiment. The ventilation holes 20 of the shoe shown in fig. 2 have a rectangular shape elongated in the peripheral direction of the shaft arrangement 12 and are located in the forefoot area or heel area of the periphery of the shaft in the lower end area of the shaft arrangement. The vent 20 may also have a gauze-like protective covering 22.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the shoe 10, which is substantially the same as the second embodiment shown in fig. 2, except for the arrangement of the airing holes 20 with respect to the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the airing hole 20 also has an elongated rectangular shape along the outer circumferential direction of the shaft arrangement 12. However, the airing holes 20 at least substantially opposite to each other in the lateral direction of the foot are located only in the forefoot region of the outer circumference of the shaft. The breather holes 20 are covered with a grid-like protective cover 22.

Fig. 3 also shows a device 45, which is also representative for all the variants of fig. 1-4, through which the venting orifice 20 is closed as desired. The movable means 45 shown comprises a mechanism that causes at least the water repellent material to temporarily close the permeable pores 20. In the variant shown, at least the water repellent material is pushed over the ventilation holes 20 by means of sliding means along the periphery of the shaft until it closes. A sliding means may be provided for one vent or for a plurality of vents. The movable means 45 makes it possible to temporarily protect the air permeable apertures and the air permeable layer (not shown) of the shaft arrangement 12 from the ingress of liquids such as water. The closing of the airing hole is also beneficial in winter or very cold temperatures, since excessive severe cold of the foot can be prevented. Plugs, slides, flaps, continuous strips, and all other closure mechanisms can be used as a means for closing the vent. Possible materials for closing the vent can be plastics, foams, coated textiles, TPU, TPE, silicones, polyolefins, polyamides and sulfides.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a shoe 10, substantially identical to the first embodiment shown in fig. 1, differing from the first embodiment in that the airing aperture 20 is formed by an air permeable material extending around the entire periphery of the lower shaft area. A particularly high exchange of air is thus achieved between the air-permeable layer and the environment outside of footwear 10, with a corresponding efficient removal of heat and moisture from the interior of the footwear to the environment outside of footwear 10. The air permeable material is an integral part of the outer shaft material. In a variant, it is made of a separate perforated, grid-like or net-like material, attached to the lower peripheral area of the outer shaft material on the sole side, or the outer shaft material itself is subjected to a corresponding mechanical treatment in this lower peripheral area, for example by punching or perforation. Meshes, yarns, gauze-like fabrics, open-cell foams, air-permeable fabrics, and combinations of these materials may be used as the air-permeable material. These materials may consist of, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, TPEs, TPUs or sulfides.

A common feature of all the variants in fig. 1-4 is that at least two ventilation apertures are at least substantially opposite each other in the transverse direction of the foot or in the longitudinal direction of the foot. In view of this, an air flow through the air permeable layer may be created, which is necessary during the removal of moisture and heat from the interior of the shoe by convection. The air flow may also be actively generated with an included fan.

The variants of fig. 1-4 may also be combined with each other.

Fig. 5-9 each show a cross-sectional view through a portion of the forefoot region of footwear 10, particularly along line a-a of fig. 1. Although the lines are shown only in fig. 1, the cross-sectional views of fig. 5-9 also apply to the variations shown in fig. 2-4. Fig. 5-9 each show the shaft arrangement 12 and the sole 14 applied thereto, representing the base of the illustrated variant. The variants shown in fig. 5-9 differ in the corresponding shaft arrangement 12.

All of the shaft arrangements 12 of the variants shown in fig. 5-9 have an outer shaft material 16, the inner side of the outer shaft material 16 being provided with a lining with a boot sleeve functional layer 34 (fig. 5 and 9), a shaft functional layer 37 (fig. 6 and 7), or only with a lining layer 18 without a functional layer (fig. 8). In all five variants, the shaft bottom functional layer is located in the region of the shaft bottom 15. The shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer may be conventional portions of the functional layer bootie 39 (fig. 5 or 9), or they may be separate functional layer portions stitched to each other (fig. 6 and 7). In fig. 8, only the bottom of the shoe has a functional layer. In the embodiment shown, all these functional layers are part of a multilayer functional layer stack of the three-layer functional layer stack 24, 27 or 28 in the variant shown, the functional layer 34, 37 or 38 being embedded between the two fabrics 25 and 26. The fabrics in 25 and 26 may each typically be a single fabric layer. The shaft functional layer 37 or shaft functional layer laminate 27 (fig. 6 and 7), or the lining layer 18 (fig. 8) can be attached to the insert sole 30 by means of a Strobel seam 32. An air permeable layer 40 (fig. 5-9) is located below the shaft bottom functional layer 38 or shaft bottom functional layer laminate 28, specifically at least about the height of the at least one ventilation aperture 20. The lower end region of the outsole side outer shaft material 16 is adhesively lasted or attached by means of a last adhesive (not shown) as a last insert 16a at the bottom of the insert sole 30 (fig. 5 and 9) or the air permeable layer 40 (fig. 6 and 7). Alternatively, the lower end region of the sole side outer shaft material 16 is connected to an additional insert sole 30a by an additional Strobel stitch 33 (fig. 8).

In all of the variations shown in FIGS. 1-9, the outer sleeve material 16 is constructed of a water vapor permeable material. The insert sole 30, which is arranged above the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 28 (fig. 6-8) and the lining layer 18 (fig. 8), is also constructed from a water vapor-permeable material. All layers of the bottom of the shaft, such as the insert sole 30 in fig. 5, the filling layer 31 in fig. 6 and 7 and the additional insert sole 30a in fig. 8, which are located below the air permeable layer 40, need not be vapor permeable.

In the variant of fig. 5-9, the ventilation holes 20 of the outer shaft material 16 are located directly on the inclined area of the lower end area where the outer shaft material 16 is inserted, specifically at a height such that the ventilation holes 20 are at least approximately at the same height as the peripheral side surface 42 of the air permeable layer 40. In order to achieve a particularly efficient air flow communication between the air permeable layer 40 and the airing aperture 20, the airing aperture 20 preferably has a vertical extension substantially equal to the vertical thickness of the air permeable layer 40, the airing aperture 20 and the air permeable layer 40 being vertically aligned with each other such that the horizontal mid-plane of the air permeable layer 40 is at least substantially at the same vertical height as the central axis of the respective airing aperture 20.

In all five variations, the sole 14 is attached to the lower region of the shaft arrangement 12, and thus to the bottom of the lower end region 16a of the outer shaft material 16 forming the insert and to the bottom region of the shaft bottom not covered by the insert. The unevenness of the bottom area of the shaft bottom caused by the last insert 16a of the outer shaft material 16 in particular can be compensated for by the filling layer 31. The sole 14 may be constructed of a waterproof material, which may involve rubber or rubber-like resilient plastics, such as elastomers. However, the sole 14 may also be constructed of a water vapor permeable material such as leather. The sole 14 may be a pre-manufactured sole glued to the shaft arrangement 12 or a sole moulded onto the shaft arrangement 12. The walking surface of the sole 14 at the bottom of the sole has a pattern of grooves in a conventional manner to form characteristic projections that improve the slip resistant characteristics of a shoe 10 having such a sole 14. In all the variants shown in fig. 5-9, the upper edge 14a of the sole 14 ends below the lower end of the corresponding airing hole 20.

In a manner not shown, in particular in the case of walking or jogging shoes, a rubber strip, which is mainly used as gravel protection, can be applied in the area of the outer sleeve material 16 directly above the upper edge 14a of the sole 14, i.e. in the location of the at least one ventilation opening 20, for example by gluing to the outer sleeve material 16 and the upper edge 14a of the sole, for example with the same colour as the sole 14. In order to prevent the air permeability of the airing holes 20 from being blocked, the rubber edges of the airing holes 20 are also provided with the airing holes at the corresponding positions.

In all the variants of fig. 5-9, the vent 20 is provided with an air-permeable protective covering 22, for example a gauze or mesh made of metal or plastic or formed of a textile material having a high air permeability and therefore also a high water vapor permeability. The protective coverings 22 may be positioned outside (fig. 5, 6, 8 and 9) or inside (fig. 7) the respective vent holes 20. Each vent 20 has its own protective cover 22 applied or a common strip of protective cover is applied to some or all of the vents 20, the strip extending over a corresponding number of vents 20.

Additional details of fig. 5-9 will now be considered.

In the variant of fig. 5, both the functional layer on the inside of the outer shaft material 16 and the functional layer on the top of the air permeable layer 40 are part of a sock-like bootie 39, lining the entire shaft arrangement 12 on its inside except for the foot insertion opening 12 a. Such booties are usually stitched together by functional layer components, wherein the stitching location is glued with a watertight seam seal and is therefore watertight. However, the bootie may also be made from a single piece of sheet material, thus eliminating the need for stitching and sealing. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the boot sleeve is constructed using the functional layer stack 24 described above. Thus, the shaft arrangement 12 is waterproof and provides a waterproof shoe when incorporated into the sole 14. The air permeable layer 40 is disposed in the bottom area of the shaft directly beneath the functional layer laminate 24 of the boot sleeve 39. The air permeable layer 40 extends over the entire bottom area of the shaft and the entire sole of the foot is adapted for both vapor and heat exchange. Beneath the air permeable layer 40 is a last insert 16a embedded in the sole 30, at the bottom of which is a sole-side lower end region attached (not shown) by means of a lasting adhesive. In certain variations, rather than employing a separate embedded sole, the bottom or lower support surface of the air permeable layer 40 may also be correspondingly stabilized to enable the last insert to be attached to the bottom. In this embodiment, the air permeable layer additionally has the function of being embedded in the sole.

In the variant shown in fig. 6, the individual functional layers 37 and 38 belong to the shaft functional layer laminate 27 and the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 28, respectively, in the area of the inner side of the outer shaft material 16 and the shaft bottom 15. The insertion lower end region 27a of the sole side shaft functional layer laminate 27 is firmly sewn to the insert sole 30 by Strobel stitches 32. The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 28 is located underneath the inlay sole 30 and extends to underneath the insert end region 27a of the shaft functional layer laminate 27 and is connected to the insert end region 27a in a waterproof manner by means of a stitching material (not shown), for example in the form of a stitching adhesive, except for the foot insertion opening 12a and the lace region 12b of the shoe 10, which makes the interior of the shoe completely waterproof due to the cooperation of the functional layers 37 and 38 stitched to one another, as shown with the functional layer bootie. The shaft bottom functional layer embedded above the sole can also be connected to the shaft functional layer laminate in a waterproof manner. Since the shaft bottom functional layer 38 extends below the insertion end region 27a and beyond the Strobel stitching 32, the Strobel stitching 32 is also sealed with respect to the shaft bottom functional layer 38. The air permeable layer 40 is disposed directly beneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 28. The last insert 16a of the outer sleeve material 16 is attached to the bottom or lower support surface of the air permeable layer 40 by means of a last making adhesive (not shown). Thus, the air permeable layer additionally has the function of being embedded in the sole. In principle, however, it is also possible to provide a separate inlay sole below the air-permeable layer. The unevenness of the bottom area of the shaft bottom 15 caused by the last insert 16a of the outer shaft material 16 can be compensated for by the filling layer 31, as described above.

The variant shown in fig. 7 differs from the variant shown in fig. 6 only in that the protective covering 22 is not arranged on the outside, but on the inside of the outer shaft material 16, directly along the peripheral side surface 42 of the air-permeable layer 40 and on the inside in front of the ventilation holes 20.

On the one hand, the variant shown in fig. 8 differs from the variants shown in fig. 5 to 7 in that the outer shaft material 16 has only a lining layer 18 and no shaft functional layer, except for the lower region close to the shaft bottom 15, and on the other hand there are also two embedded soles and two Strobel stitches. The lining layer 18 has at the lower end of the underside of the shoe a lining layer insert 18a which is attached to the inlay sole 30 by Strobel stitches 32. The lower end region 16a of the outsole side outer sleeve material 16 is attached to an additional insert sole 30a by additional Strobel stitching 33. The shaft bottom functional layer 38 may also be part of a shaft bottom functional layer laminate with an upwardly convex collar 38a at its outer periphery extending into the gap between the outer shaft material 16 and the lining layer 18. An air permeable layer 40 is provided between the shaft bottom functional layer 38 or the shaft bottom functional layer laminate and the additional insert sole 30 a. The functional layer laminate at the bottom of the shoe barrel can also be arranged on the embedded sole.

However, in the variant shown in fig. 8, the upper region of the shaft is not waterproof. Thus, the shoe shown in fig. 8 is particularly suitable for use in environments where the humidity from the top is lower than the humidity from the bottom and from the sides, i.e., walking or jogging in a wet environment, not raining or staying in rain for only a short period of time.

The variant shown in fig. 9 substantially corresponds to the variant shown in fig. 5. Unlike fig. 5, the insert sole 30 is configured such that the surface of the insert sole 30 facing the air permeable layer 40 is centrally convex at an angle and extends into the air permeable layer. Thus, the lower support surface of the air permeable layer 40 is raised or pressed according to the angular height of the insert sole 30. In this manner, two inclined planes are formed in the air permeable layer, extending from the center downwardly in the direction of the peripheral side surface 42, thereby facilitating the drainage of any water present in the air permeable layer 40. This configuration of the insert sole 30 is also applicable to the variations of fig. 5-8.

The embodiment of fig. 10-14 shows different variations of a spacer structure 60 that are suitable for use with the impermeable layer 40 of the present invention. All these spacer structures have the common feature that they form two mutually spaced support surfaces, wherein the lower support surface of the spacer structure rests on the respective base plate, while the upper support surface thereof serves as a support surface for a layer arranged on the spacer structure, which may be the bottom region of a functional layer bootie (fig. 5-9) or a functional layer laminate of the bottom of a shaft (fig. 6-8). Both support surfaces are either formed of flat structures and are kept spaced apart from each other by a spacer located therebetween, at least the upper support surface being air-permeable (fig. 11), or only the lower support surface is formed of a flat structure, from which spacer elements project, the free ends of which form support points which together have the function of the upper support surface (fig. 10, 12 and 14). Or there is no lower or upper planar structure, the single planar structure forms lower and upper peaks or crests defining lower or upper support surfaces in a wavy or zigzag fashion (fig. 13).

The spacer structure shown in fig. 10-14 will now be described in more detail.

In the variant shown in fig. 10, the spacer structure 60 approximates the air permeable layer 40, being a generally hemispherical protrusion or bump 65 rising upwardly from a lower planar structure 64, the upper top of which defines an upper support surface. In one variation, the spacer structure 60 comprises an initially flat woven or solid material that, after being formed into the form shown, is hardened or reinforced by a deep drawing process, thereby maintaining that shape even when subjected to stress during walking while wearing footwear having such spacer structures. Instead of the deep drawing process, it is also possible to use the other steps already mentioned, namely the deformation and hardening by means of a hot deformation process or impregnation with a synthetic resin which can be cured to the desired form and hardness.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, a spacer structure 60 is suitable for use as the air-permeable layer 40, the upper and lower support surfaces of which are formed by two parallel air-permeable planar structures 62 and 64, selected for example from polyolefins, polyamides or polyesters, wherein the planar structures 62 and 64 are bonded to one another in an air-permeable manner and are simultaneously spaced apart from one another by support fibers 66. At least some of the fibers 66 are arranged in a spacer pattern that is at least approximately perpendicular between the planar structures 62 and 64. The fibers 66 are constructed of a resilient, deformable material such as polyester or polypropylene. Air may pass between the planar structures 62 and 64 and the fibers 66. The planar structures 62 and 64 are open weave, warp weave, or braided fabric materials. Such spacer structures 60 may be the spacer woven materials already mentioned from taylor Co, or from muller Textile Co.

The spacer structure 60 shown in fig. 12 is similar in structure to the spacer structure shown in fig. 10, but includes a weave of woven fibers or woven filaments, formed into that shape and cured by a thermal process or a synthetic resin infusion process.

FIG. 13 shows a variation of the serrated or serrated spacer structure 60, with the initially planar material formed into the shape such that the upper and lower crests 60a and 60b define the upper and lower support surfaces of the spacer structure 60. This form of spacer structure 60 can also be formed by the already mentioned method and reinforced to the desired stiffness.

Fig. 14 shows another embodiment of a spacer structure 60 suitable for use as the air permeable layer 40 of the present invention. In this variant, the spacer is not formed by a projection or protuberance from a single lower planar structure 68, but by a bundle of fibres 70 projecting upwards from the planar structure 68, the upper free ends of which together define an upper support surface. The fiber bundles 70 may be applied by coalescing the lower planar structure 68.

Claims (20)

1. A shoe (10) has

a) A shaft arrangement (12) and a sole (14), wherein:

b) the shoe tube arrangement (12) has

b.1) outer shaft material (16) and

b.2) an air permeable layer (40) arranged at the bottom (15) of the shaft;

c) the air permeable layer (40) is arranged above the sole (14) in a lower region of the shaft arrangement (12) on the sole side;

d) the air permeable layer (40) having a three-dimensional structure allowing air to pass at least in a horizontal direction;

e) said outer shaft material (16) having, in the lower peripheral region of said plantar side, at least two substantially opposite ventilation apertures (20) in the transverse or longitudinal direction of the foot, said ventilation apertures (20) communicating the air-permeable layer (40) with the external environment in a horizontal direction, so that air can be convectively exchanged between the external environment and the air-permeable layer (40), and

f) a water vapor-permeable waterproof functional layer (38) disposed in a lower region of the shaft arrangement (12) facing the sole (14), the air-permeable layer (40) being disposed below the water vapor-permeable waterproof functional layer (38);

g) said air permeable layer (40) presenting an air permeable spacer structure (60) forming upper and lower spaced apart support surfaces;

h) the upper and lower support surfaces are each formed from planar structures (62, 64), the planar structures (62, 64) being parallel to each other and being air-permeable to the support fibers (66) for bonding to each other and being spaced from each other, at least some of the fibers (66) being arranged in the form of spacers at least substantially perpendicular between the planar structures (62, 64), the planar structures (62, 64) being air-permeable and being constructed from an open-pored woven material, a warp-knitted material or a knitted woven material, the air-permeable layer containing at least 50% by volume of air.

2. The shoe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a shaft functional layer (37) is further provided in a lower region of the shaft arrangement (12) facing the sole (14), the water vapor-permeable waterproof functional layer (38) being provided as a shaft bottom functional layer (38).

3. The shoe (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a sock-like functional layer bootie (39), the shaft functional layer (37) and the shaft bottom functional layer (38) being part of a sock-like functional layer bootie, wherein the shaft region is formed at least partially by the shaft functional layer (37) and the shaft bottom region is formed by the shaft bottom functional layer (38).

4. The shoe (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the functional layer of the shaft functional layer (37) and/or the functional layer of the shaft bottom functional layer (38) is part of at least two laminated layers.

5. The shoe (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said laminate is a shaft bottom functional layer laminate (28) and/or a shaft functional layer laminate (27).

6. The shoe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said waterproof vapor-permeable functional layer (38) has a vapor-permeable membrane.

7. The shoe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said waterproof, vapor-permeable functional layer (38) has a membrane constructed with expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

8. The shoe (10) of claim 3, characterized in that said air permeable layer (40) is located below said shaft bottom functional layer (38).

9. The shoe (10) of claim 8, characterized in that the air permeable layer (40) is located directly below the shaft bottom functional layer (38).

10. The shoe (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said air-permeable layer (40) is designed to be at least vapor-permeable in the direction of said vapor-permeable waterproof functional layer (38).

11. Shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ventilation apertures (20) are provided in the outer shaft material (16) in such a way that they are at least partially located at the same height as the air permeable layer (40).

12. Shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total area of said ventilation holes (20) is at least 50mm²。

13. The shoe (10) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insert sole (30) located between the sole (14) and the air permeable layer (40), the insert sole (30) being configured such that the surface of the insert sole (30) facing the air permeable layer (40) is centrally convex at an angle and extends into the air permeable layer (40).

14. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower region (16a) of the outer sleeve material (16) forms a last insert at the sole side, the air permeable layer (40) being arranged above the last insert of the outer sleeve material (16).

15. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an additional inlay sole (30a) is provided below said air permeable layer (40).

16. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an air-permeable protective material is arranged in the sole (14) or above the sole (14).

17. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said air permeable spacer structure (60) has a plurality of spacers extending from one of said planar structures perpendicularly and away from said planar structure at an angle of 0-90 °.

18. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said ventilation holes (20) are covered by a protective material (22) permeable to air.

19. The shoe (10) of claim 18, characterized in that said air permeable protective material is in the form of a yarn or a mesh.

20. The shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said ventilation holes (20) are sealable by a means.