WO2011108011A1

WO2011108011A1 - Sole for footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2011108011A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano Roccella; Fabrizio Vecchi; Maria Chiara Carrozza
Original assignee: LION CALZATURE SpA; Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento SantAnna
Current assignee: LION CALZATURE SpA; Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento SantAnna
Priority date: 2010-03-02
Filing date: 2010-03-02
Publication date: 2011-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2012-09-02
Also published as: CN102843926A; EP2542112A1; WO2011108011A8; EA201290369A1

Abstract

A sole (1) for footwear comprises a lower surface (2) apt to rest onto the bottom of the footwear and an upper surface (3) disposed opposite to the lower surface (2). A plurality of channels (4) is formed at least in correspondence of a ventilation portion (5) of the lower surface (2) said channels being apt to be run by a flow of air. An intersection (9) between two channels (4) comprises a cylindrical cavity (11) disposed in line with a point (13) of intersection of the two channels (4). A through hole (15) extends between the lower surface (2) and the upper surface (3) of the sole (1) and is disposed at the intersection point (13).

Description

"SOLE FOR FOOTWEAR"

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to a sole for footwear.

Background Art

The shoesoles currently available on the market exhibit a conformation of their underside coming in contact with the footwear or, shoe, which has the purpose to improve the comfort. In some models, bosses are present of different shapes which act substantially as shock-absorbers by improving the distribution of the weight during the various phases of the walk. The interspace between them create channels that facilitate the passage of air, thereby ensuring some level of ventilation for the foot inside the shoe.

In a known embodiment, for example, the bosses have a spherical cup-shape.

In some cases, through holes are present which run from one side to the other of the sole in correspondence of the metatarsal hold, said holes having the purpose to improve the transpiration of the plant. In case of bosses of spherical shape, the holes are distributed at random and not necessarily located in correspondence of the intervals between bosses. During the walk, the presence of bosses and channels generates a pumping effect within the shoe by giving rise to a motion of air which escapes at the ankle level .

The known shapes of soles exhibit however some drawbacks. In particular, heat-exchange and ventilation are both limited.

The Applicant has found that, owing to the dimensions of the channels, the air motion results essentially laminar. Moreover, the channels are not able to provide a full exchange of air between the upper side and the lower side of the sole inasmuch as the holes, if present, are the only elements for the passage of air, so that a stagnation thereof in the front side of the shoe is likely to occur.

Detailed Description

In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to provide a sole for footwear which does not exhibit the above cited drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a sole for footwear able to significantly improve the conditions of ventilation and heat- exchange inside the same footwear.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a sole for footwear able to significantly improve the. conditions of ventilation and heat- exchange between the lower side and the upper side of the sole, by also maintaining its shock-absorbing function during the walk.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sole for footwear making it possible to limit the use of additional components and to prod,uce it by an automated process at a reasonable cost.

These and further objects are substantially achieved by a sole for footwear according to what is disclosed in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims relating to further embodiments.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly by a detailed description of a preferred and non-exclusive embodiment of a sole for footwear according to the invention.

Such description is given with reference to the attached figures, these also having a purely exemplifying and thus non-limiting purpose, wherein:

- Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a sole for footwear according to the present invention;

- Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the detail II of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the detail III of Fig . 2 ; - Figs. 4 and 5 show the air flow inside a part of the sole respectively in the case of a known sole and in the case of a sole according to the present invention .

With reference to the attached figures, numeral 1 designates as a whole a sole for footwear which comprises a lower surface 2 apt to rest onto the bottom of the footwear, and an upper surface 3 disposed opposite to the lower surface.

A plurality of channels 4 is formed at least in correspondence of a ventilation portion 5 of the lower surface.

The ventilation portion 5 is, for example, disposed in correspondence of a metatarsal portion of the sole, or front portion when referred to the footwear in use. Possibly, the ventilation portion may extend also in correspondence of a plantar arch portion.

The channels 4 are preferably rectilinear. In other words, a median line 4a running throughout a channel 4 on the lower surface of the sole is preferably rectilinear .

The channels 4 are, for example, delimited by bosses 6 having a shock-absorbing function. Moreover, the channels 4 can be run by a flow of air pumped by the compression and release of bosses during the walk. Indicated by way of example in Fig. 3 are an incoming direction 7 and an outgoing direction 8 of the air flow.

Numeral 9 indicates an intersection of channels 4.

In particular, the ventilation portion 5 comprises a grid of channels 4 crossing each other in correspondence of relevant intersections 9. In particular, the channels 4 intersect each other at an angle of 90° by forming an orthogonal grid.

The said grid is defined by the repetition of a module 10 comprising at least two channels 4 that cross one another at the relevant intersection 9. Preferably, the two channels that define the module 10 are disposed orthogonal to each other.

With reference to the illustrated example, the module 10 further comprises a cavity 11 formed at the intersection 9.

Preferably, the cavity 11 is cylindrical, or more generally, is partially delimited by curvilinear surfaces 12. For example, the cylindrical cavity 11 has its axis in alignment with that of an intersection point 13 of two channels (axis 11a of cavity 11) . By the term intersection point it is meant the point of intersection of two median lines 4a along which each channel 4 extends. According to the illustrated embodiment, the bosses 6 exhibit a cross-section with an octagonal perimeter 14 having four rectilinear sides 14a corresponding to the rectilinear channels 4 which alternate four curvilinear sides 14b corresponding to the cavity 11 formed at the intersection 9 between two rectilinear channels.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the sole 1 comprises at least one through hole 15 extending between the lower surface 2 and the upper surface 3 of sole 1.

In particular, the through hole 15 is formed at the intersection 13 of two channels 4.

With reference to the module 10, this comprises at least the through hole 15 disposed at the intersection 13 of the two channels 4 which make up the same module .

With reference to the cavity 11 of cylindrical shape, the through hole 15 is formed on the axis 11a of the cavity.

Numeral 16 indicates a perimetral edge of sole 1 into which the channels 4 are made to open. In correspondence of the perimetral edge 16 provision may be made for the bosses to have a shape different from that of the bosses disposed centrally to the ventilation portion, for example, an enlarged shape. The remaining part of the sole may have various configurations. According to the illustrated example, the sole may comprise at least one wing 17 preferably shaped as an arch and located in a median portion of same sole.

Advantageously, the wing 17 extends preferably with a thickness whose dimension grows from a central portion to a plantar arch portion of the sole.

In other words, the ventilation portion 5 is disposed in correspondence of a metatarsal portion of the sole, and the wing 17 is disposed in correspondence of a plantar arch portion of same sole.

In the illustrated example two wings 17 have been provided. The wings 17 delimit median channels 18 which extend preferably past the perimetral edge 16 of the sole and cover also a side portion 19 disposed in correspondence of the plantar arch portion of same sole .

In the example shown by the figures, a plurality of additional channels 20 are formed also in correspondence of a rear portion of the sole. For example, the additional channels 20 of the rear portion may be like the channels 4 of the ventilation portion . The additional channels 20 also open into a perimetral edge, indicated by numeral 16, of sole 1. In the rear portion, likewise, provision may be made that, in correspondence of the perimetral edge 16, the bosses be of a shape different from that of the channels disposed centrally to the rear portion, for example, an enlarged shape.

Preferably, only the median channels 18 extend beyond the perimetral edge 16.

In use, the pumping effect during the walk produces an incoming and outgoing flow of air along the channels 4 and within the through hole 15. The flows along the rectilinear channels 4 are laminar, owing to small Reynolds numbers. The moment the air from channels 4 comes across the cavity 11 there is occurs an expansion of the vein and a separation of vortexes at the point of intersection between the rectilinear channels 4 and the cavity 11. Such vortexes remain confined within the cavity 11 and improve the heat exchange with the rest of the fluid.

In other words, the channels 4 are so designed as to comprise vortex generators or turbulence generators, that is, elements capable of energizing the boundary layer by favouring its transition from laminar to turbulent . In particular, the vortex generators are defined by the conformation of channels 4. In other words, it has been devised to generate and facilitate the turbulence by shaping the same channels with a suitable introduction in their geometry of points of flow' s separation from which the vorticose regions originate .

In such regions, the fluid motion is chaotic and there is occurs an exchange of particles with the surrounding fluid that ensures a better removal of heat by convection and, therefore, in the final analysis, an improved ventilation of the foot inside the shoe .

The fluid-dynamic simulations give evidence of the phenomenon. Figs. 4 and 5 show the flows within the empty spaces (channels 4, cavity 11 and through hole 15) in case of a known sole and in case of a sole according to the present invention. The ligther shade in these figures refer to regions of higher velocity. The represented volume is the empty space between the bosses 6 which is taken over by the air. For the sake of clarity, only the inflow of air from one of the four channels that open into the cavity has been considered. With the regime of incoming flow being equal and, thus, with Reynolds numbers being equal, the novel conformation of the channels ensures the separation of vortexes and thus a better removal of heat. Moreover, the vorticity is such as to increase the tridimensionality of the flow, thereby favouring the transit of a larger amount of air along the through holes and improving the transpiration capacity. Said simulations make it possible to point out that, for example with an entry Reynolds number of about 80, in case of the known conformation, the ratio between the flowrate of air exiting from the through hole and the flowrate of air entering one of the channels is equal to 0, 043, whereas with the novel conformation said ratio rises to 0,22.

The present invention may be carried out in forms different from those described and illustrated.

In particular, the present invention relates, in general terms, to a sole for footwear wherein the channels 4 advantageously comprise at least one vortex generator. Advantageously, the vortex generator is disposed at the intersection 9 of at least two, preferably rectilinear, channels 4.

The module 10 comprises therefore the said vortex generator disposed in correspondence of the intersection 9 between the two preferably rectilinear channels 4 which form the same module. Advantageously, the vortex generator is disposed in correspondence of at least one through hole 15 of the sole, said hole extending between the lower surface 2 and the upper surface 3.

Preferably, the use of additional components is avoided, for example by providing a vortex generator defined by the conformation of the same channels. A conformation of the channels apt to form the said vortex generator has been described with reference to the attached figures.

In general terms, the intersection 9 between at least two channels may comprise a cavity 11 partially delimited by surfaces 12 which define at least one point of separation of the air flow. In particular, the intersection 9 between at least two channels 4 comprises a cavity 11 partially delimited by curvilinear surfaces 12.

Preferably, the cavity 11 is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry 11a and is disposed in line with a point 13 of intersection of the two channels. The example of the cylindrical cavity illustrated in the attached drawings is one embodiment of a symmetrical cavity in which the axis 11a is the axis of symmetry of the cavity.

In general terms, the at least two intersecting channels 4 are apt to determine a laminar motion of the air flow, and the cavity 11 is apt to determine a turbulent motion of the air flow.

The present definition of the invention also applies to the module 10 whose repetition makes up the channels' grid of the lower surface 2. Consequently, as above indicated, the module 10 comprises at least two rectilinear channels 4, which cross each other at the intersection point 9, and the vortex generator disposed in correspondence of the intersection 9. In particular, the module 9 includes the cavity 11 disposed in correspondence of the intersection 9 and partially delimited by the surfaces 12 which define at least one point of separation of the air flow.

In addition to the above, the module 10 comprises at least two channels 4 apt to determine the air flow, and the cavity 11 is apt to determine a turbulent motion of the air flow. The cavity 11 of module 10 is preferably symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry 11a and is disposed in line with a point 13 of intersection of the two channels.

Possibly, the intersection 9 can be defined by more than two channels 4.

The present invention, therefore, overcomes the above cited problems. The novel conformation of the sole's lower surface improves the recirculation of air and the ventilation of the foot by maintaining a shock- absorbing function of the bosses. The attention is shifted from the form of the boss to that of the channels by providing at least one vortex generator which makes easier to pass to the turbulent regime of fluid's motion. Moreover, the presence of at least one through hole disposed in the region of turbulence improves the exchange between the upper and lower sides of the sole, as well as the removal of heat by convection .

Advantageously, it is not necessary to introduce additional elements. Actually, it has been found particularly advantageous making the vortex generator defined by the conformation of the channels.

To provide the vortex generator at the intersection of at least two preferably rectilinear channels allows having sections interested by a laminar flow (channels) and sections interested by a turbulent flow (cavity and through hole) , thereby exploiting the advantages of both flows and achieving a synergetic action which allows the air to be conveyed and accelerated within the channels, to be mixed afterwards in the cavity and be conveyed into the through holes . The provision of a cavity delimited by surfaces which define at least one point of separation of the air flow is particularly suited for use in a sole in which no additional components are contemplated and the automated manufacturing thereof is possible at a limited cost.

The curvilinear shape of the surfaces delimiting the cavity, and in particular a symmetrical, preferably cylindrical cavity, allows optimizing the vorticose regions of the flow, both in terms of speed value and in terms of disposition with respect to the through hole .

Moreover, since the channels 4 open into the perimetral edge 16 of the sole 1, the flow of air between the two lower and upper surfaces of the sole is improved.

Finally, further variants may be provided (not shown) which are known to those skilled in the art.

For example, the channels 4 may have a different conformation or comprise at least one rectilinear portion. In other words, a median line 4a running throughout a channel 4 on the lower surface of the sole would comprise at least one rectilinear portion. If the channels are only partially rectilinear, the intersection 9 is preferably disposed in correspondence of the rectilinear portions of the two channels .

With reference to the module, this may comprise at least one through hole 15 formed at the point 13 of intersection of the two channels 4 making up the same module .

Moreover, provision may be made for at least one wing 17 delimiting at least one median channel 18.

Claims

C L A I S

1. Sole (1) for footwear, comprising a lower surface (2) apt to rest onto the bottom the footwear and an upper surface (3) disposed opposite to the lower surface (2) ,

wherein a plurality of channels (4) is formed at least in correspondence of a ventilation portion (5) of the lower surface (2), said channels being apt to be run by a flow of air,

and wherein said channels (4) comprise at least one vortex generator (11, 12) .

2. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 1, wherein said vortex generator is disposed in correspondence of at least one through hole (15) extending between said lower surface (2) and said upper surface (3) of said sole (1) .

3. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said vortex generator is defined by the conformation of said channels (4) .

4. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said vortex generator is disposed at the intersection (9) of at least two channels (4) .

5. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said vortex generator is disposed at the intersection (9) of at least two rectilinear channels.

6. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said intersection (9) between at least two channels (4) comprises a cavity (11) partially delimited by surfaces (12) which define at least one point of separation of the air flow.

7. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, wherein said intersection (9) between at least two channels (4) comprises a cavity (11) partially delimited by curvilinear surfaces (12).

8. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 6 or 1, wherein said cavity (11) is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (11a) and is disposed in line with a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4) .

9. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 4 to 8, wherein said intersection (9) between at least two channels (4) comprises a cylindrical cavity (11) .

10. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 9, wherein said cylindrical cavity (11) is disposed in line with a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4).

11. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 6 to .10, wherein said at least two channels (4) are apt to determine a laminar motion of the air flow, and wherein said cavity (11) is apt to determine a turbulent motion of air flow.

12. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 4 to 11, comprising at least one through hole (15) extending between said lower surface (2) and said upper surface (3) of said sole (1) and disposed in correspondence of a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4) .

13. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilation portion (5) comprises a grid of channels (4) crossing each other, said grid being defined by the repetition of a module (10) comprising at least two channels (4) which cross each other in correspondence of an intersection (9) and said vortex generator disposed in correspondence of said intersection (9) .

14. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 13, wherein said module (10) comprises at least two rectilinear channels (4) which cross each other at said intersection (9, and said vortex generator disposed in correspondence of the intersection (9) .

15. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said module (10) comprises a cavity (11) disposed in .correspondence of said intersection (9) and partially delimited by surfaces (12) which define at least one point of separation of the air flow.

16. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, wherein said module (10) comprises a cavity (11) disposed in correspondence of said intersection (9) and partially. delimited by curvilinear surfaces (12) .

17. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said cavity (11) is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (11a) and is disposed in line with a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4) .

18. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 13 to 17, wherein said module (10) comprises a cylindrical cavity (11) disposed in correspondence of said intersection (9).

19. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 18, wherein said cylindrical cavity (11) is disposed in line with a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4) .

20. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 15 to 19, wherein said module (10) comprises said at least two channels (4) apt to determine a laminar motion of the air flow and said cavity (11) apt to determine a turbulent motion of air flow.

21. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of claims 13 to 20, wherein said module (10) comprises at least one through hole (15) extending between said lower surface (2) and said upper surface (3) of the sole (1) and being formed in correspondence of a point (13) of intersection of said at least two channels (4 ) .

22. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said channels (4) delimit shock-absorbing and pumping bosses (6).

23. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 22, wherein said bosses (6) exhibit a cross-section with octagonal perimeter (14) having four rectilinear sides (14a) , corresponding to rectilinear channels (4) which alternate four curvilinear sides (14b) corresponding to cavities (11) disposed at an intersection (9) between at least two rectilinear channels (4 ) .

24. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said channels (4) open into a perimetral edge (16) of the sole (1) .

25. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said ventilation portion (5) is disposed in correspondence of a metatarsal portion of the sole.

26. Sole (1) for footwear according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least one, preferably arched wing (17) disposed in a median portion of same sole.

27. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 26, wherein said at least one wing (17) extends, preferably with a growing thickness, from a central portion to a plantar arch portion of the sole (1) .

28. Sole (1) for footwear according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said at least one wing (17) delimits at least a median channel (18) beyond a perimetral edge (16) of the sole and covers a side portion (19) disposed in correspondence of a portion of plantar arch of the sole.

29. Sole (1) for footwear according to one of claims 26 to 28, wherein said ventilation portion (5) is disposed in correspondence of a metatarsal portion of the sole (1) and wherein said at least one wing (17) is disposed in correspondence of a portion of plantar arch of the sole.

(1) .

30. Footwear comprising a sole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims.