DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning shoes.

In particular, the present invention relates to a shoe with a cushioning insole and to a method for realising a shoe with a cushioning insole.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Figure 1 illustrates a known shoe (100) comprising: a superior portion (101 ) comprising an upper (102); a lower portion (103) comprising a sole (104); the upper (102) and the sole (104) being coupled to one another; an assembly insole (105) which is arranged interposed between the upper (102) and the sole (104) so as to confer rigidity to the lower portion (103) and which extends so as to contact the sole (104); an insole (106) which is arranged adjacent to the assembly insole (105) and which extends so as to contact the assembly insole (105) over the whole length thereof.

During the manufacting steps of the known shoe (100), in general terms, the upper (102) and the assembly insole (105) are fixed to one another and, thereafter, the sole (104) is coupled thereto, so as to define the lower portion (103) of the shoe (100).

Thereafter, the insole (106) is positioned internally of the upper (102) so as to superiorly cover the assembly insole (105).

The assembly insole (105) and the sole (104), together with the insole (106), having a continuous extension and being in contact with one another, give rigidity to the lower portion (103) of the known shoe (100). However, this rigidity makes the known shoe (100) poorly flexible with poor ability to adapt to the movements carried out by a user wearing the shoe (100).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The above aim is attained by means of a shoe with a cushioning insole according to claim 1 and by means of a method for realising a shoe with a cushioning insole according to claim 12.

The assembly insole advantageously comprises a single through-opening which interrupts the continuity of the assembly insole, making the lower portion of the shoe less rigid, with respect to the known one, and more flexible. Further, the cushioning insole comprises a single projection conformed to insert into the single through-opening, passing beyond the thickness of the assembly insole. In this way the shoe, object of the present invention, ensures a better adaptation to the movements carried out by a user who is wearing the shoe, with respect to the known shoe.

There results, a comfortable shoe that is such as to alleviate the pressure on the foot of the user determined when walking on uneven terrain, with different levels, or when carrying weights, as the single projection of the cushioning insole and the sole are, at least partially, in direct contact with one another.

In this way, the pressure on the foot of the user is made uniform at the sole and/or the heel of the foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying tables of drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is view in transversal section of a known shoe;

- figure 2 is a view in transversal section of a shoe with a cushioning insole, object of the present invention;

- figure 3 is an exploded view of figure 2;

- figure 4 is a view of an intermediate step of the method, also object of the present invention;

- figure 5 is a view from above of the assembly insole;

- figures 6 and 7 are views, in two different perspectives, of the cushioning insole;

- figures 8 and 9 are views of the assembly insole;

- figure 10 is a perspective view of the sole;

- figure 11 is a perspective view of some components of the shoe, object of the present invention, in which the design lines have been left.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (1 ) generically relates to a shoe with a cushioning insole (2), object of the present invention, comprising: a superior portion (3) comprising an upper (4); a lower portion (5) comprising a sole (6); the upper (4) and the sole (6) being coupled to one another; an assembly insole (7) which is arranged interposed between the upper (4) and the sole (6) so as to confer rigidity to the lower portion (5), which assembly insole (7) has a predetermined thickness value (S) and a single through- opening (8) which crosses the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) and which extends, at least partially, at the area of the lower portion (5) which receives the sole and/or the heel of the foot of the user wearing the shoe (1 ), during use; a cushioning insole (2) which is arranged adjacent to the assembly insole (7) and which comprises a single projection (9), which projection (9) is conformed to insert into the single through-opening (8) in such a way that, when the single projection (9) is inserted in the single through-opening (8), the single projection (9) passes beyond the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) (see figure 2).

The single projection (9) can cross the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) to contact the sole (6) (see figure 2).

The shoe (1 ), object of the present invention, can be a shoe of a formal type.

In the present description, the term “single” can be understood as being the “only”.

In detail, with reference to figure 2, the superior portion (3) comprises at least a part of the upper (4).

Still with reference to figure 2, the lower portion (5) comprises another part of the upper (4), i.e. the part that is coupled to the sole (6).

By way of example, the upper (4) can be made of leather.

By way of example, the sole (6) can be made of leather or a polymeric material. Alternatively, the sole (6) can be made of a combination of leather or a polymeric material.

Again by way of example, the assembly insole (7) can be made of a regenerated leather.

The assembly insole (7) can have a first thickness value (S1 ) and the single projection (9) can have a second thickness value (S2) (see figure 3).

The second thickness value (S2) can be greater than the first thickness value (S1 ) (see figure 3).

The through-opening (8) can have an annular shape.

The cushioning insole (2) can be made of a material having a degree of rigidity that is lower than the degree of rigidity of the material that is used to make the assembly insole (7).

By way of example, the cushioning insole (2) can be made of foam rubber or of foamed polyurethane.

The cushioning insole (2) can be arranged superiorly to the assembly insole (7) (see figure 2).

The cushioning insole (2) can be made in a single body so as to define a contact surface with the sole of the foot, during use, which is whole. Further, the cushioning insole (2) can be arranged internally of the shoe (1 ) (see figure 2).

In other words, the assembly insole (7) can be arranged interposed between the cushioning insole (2) and the sole (6) (see figure 2).

By way of example, the single projection (9) can comprise a portion that forms the heel of the shoe (1 ).

Preferably, the assembly insole (7) comprises a peripheral portion (10) and an internal portion (11 ) and the single through-opening (8) extends in the internal portion (11 ) in such a way that the continuity of the peripheral portion (10) is maintained (see figure 5).

In other words, the peripheral portion (10) can form a border frame (see figure 5). The peripheral portion (10) can have an annular shape.

In this way, the peripheral portion (10) confers rigidity to the assembly insole (7) and ensures that the assembly insole (7) maintains a planar extension.

Further, the peripheral portion (10) defines a support portion for anchoring the upper (4) and the assembly insole (7) to one another, during the manufacturing steps of the known shoe (1 ) object of the present invention.

The single through-opening (8) can be fashioned internally of the internal portion (11 ) (see figure 5). In other words, the single through-opening (8) does not interrupt the continuity of the peripheral portion (10), i.e. it does not break the continuity.

The single projection (9) can have a planar extension surface (12) the cushioning insole (2) can be arranged in such a way that the planar extension surface (12) contacts the sole (6) (see figure 2).

In detail, the cushioning insole (2) can be arranged in such a way that the planar extension surface (12) contacts, over the entirety thereof, the sole (6) (see figure 2).

In detail, the sole (6) can comprise a first wall (13) and a second wall (14) which are arranged opposite one another (see figure 3).

The first wall (13) can be angled in such a way as to contact, at least partially, the planar extension surface (12) of the single projection (9).

In other words, the first wall (13) can be turned so as to face the sole and/or the heel of the foot of the user wearing the shoe (1 ), during use.

The first wall (13) can be angled in such a way as to face, in part, both the cushioning insole (2) and the assembly insole (7).

The second wall (14) can be angled in such a way as to face the ground surface, during use.

The cushioning insole (2) can be arranged in such a way that the planar extension surface (12) can contact a part of the first wall (13) of the sole (6).

The remaining part of the first wall (13) can be in contact with the assembly insole (7), during use.

The sole (6) preferably comprises a single seat (15); the single projection (9) is conformed so as to be received in the single seat (15) in such a way that, when the single projection (9) is inserted in the single through-opening (8), the single projection (9) passes beyond the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) and is received in the single seat (15) so as to occupy a part of the thickness of the sole (6) (see figure 3).

Advantageously, when the single projection (9) is received in the single seat (15), a form coupling is made between them such as to ensure the anchoring between the sole (6), the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2), obviating the need to have recourse to other fastening means.

The single seat (15) can be fashioned along the first wall (13) (see figure 3).

The sole (6) can have a third thickness value (S3).

The single projection (9) can extend, passing beyond the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) and along a part of the third thickness value (S3) of the sole (6).

The single seat (15) can be fashioned in the third thickness value (S3) of the sole (6) (see figure 3).

The single projection (9) and the single seat (15) can be conformed so as to couple one to the other (see figures 2 and 3).

The single projection (9) can cross the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) to contact the sole (6).

The assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) are preferably removably fixed to one another.

Advantageously, according to the embodiment, during the manufacturing steps of the shoe (1 ) object of the present invention, the upper (4) will be fixed to the assembly insole (7) and, successively, the cushioning insole (2) will be arranged internally of the shoe (1 ).

Therefore, the cushioning insole (2) will be able to be inserted or removed from the shoe (1 ) should, for example, it have to be replaced by another due to wear.

Alternatively, the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) are preferably removably fixed to one another.

Advantageously, in accordance with this further embodiment, during the manufacturing steps of the shoe (1 ) object of the present invention, the upper (4) will be fixed to the assembly insole (7) and to the cushioning insole (2).

Therefore, it will not be necessary to have recourse to further steps of insertion of the cushioning insole (2) into the upper (4), thus simplifying the steps of manufacturing the shoe (1 ).

By way of example, the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) can be fixed to one another by means of an adhesive substance.

Again, alternatively to the above, the cushioning insole (2) and the sole (6) can be solidly constrained to one another.

The cushioning insole (2) can comprise: a first plantar layer (20) which receives the sole and/or the heel of the foot of the user wearing the shoe (1 ), during use, and which comprises a first wall (21 ); a second plantar layer (22) which is borne by the first plantar layer (20) and which bears the single projection (9) and which comprises a second wall (23) (see figures 6 and 7).

The first plantar layer (20) and the second plantar layer (22) are coupled to one another so that the first wall (21 ) and the second wall (23) are in contact with one another leaving a free portion (24) of the first wall (21 ) (see figures 6 and 7).

Further, when the single projection (9) is inserted in the single through-opening (8), the assembly insole (7) and the free portion (24) of the first wall (21 ) are in contact with one another (see figure 11 ).

In detail, during use of the shoe (1 ), object of the present invention, the peripheral portion (10) and the free portion (24) of the first wall (21 ) may be in contact with one another.

The free portion (24) of the first wall (21 ) can have an annular shape and can laterally surround the second plantar layer (22).

The free portion (24) of the first wall (21 ) can be arranged at the edge of the sole and/or the heel of the foot, during use of the shoe (1 ), object of the present invention.

The second plantar layer (22) preferably comprises a third wall (25); the third wall (25) and the second wall (23) are arranged opposite one another and the second plantar layer (22) comprises a fourth wall (26) which is arranged so as to connect the second wall (23) and the third wall (25) to one another. The fourth wall (26) has an inclined extension along an axis (A) which defines an obtuse angle with the third wall (25) (see figures 6 and 7).

Advantageously, when the single projection (9) is inserted in the single through- opening (8), the fourth wall (26) defines a lateral containment of the assembly insole (7), so that it is maintained in an interposed position between the upper (4) and the sole (6).

In this way, the inclination of the fourth wall (26) enables avoiding undesired decouplings between the cushioning insole (2) and the assembly insole (7).

The third wall (25) can comprise the surface of plantar extension (12).

In other words, the fourth wall (26) extends outwardly, starting from the third wall (25) (see figures. 6 and 7).

The fourth wall (26) can extend along the thickness of the second plantar layer (22) (see figures 6 and 7).

The fourth wall (26) preferably defines a first coupling profile (26a) and the assembly insole (7) comprises a first part (71 ) which comprises a second coupling profile (71a). When the single projection (9) is inserted in the single through- opening (8), the first coupling profile (26a) and the second coupling profile (71a) realise a form coupling with one another.

The second coupling profile (71a) forms the inner edge of the first part (71 ) of the assembly insole (7) (see figures 8 and 9).

The second coupling profile (71a) can have a countersunk shape (see figures 8 and 9).

In detail, the first coupling profile (26a) and the second coupling profile (71a) are in mutual contact during use of the shoe (1 ).

The inclination of the fourth wall (26) and the inner edge of the assembly insole (7) advantageously enable easily removing the cushioning insole (2) from the shoe (1 ) and, at the same time, easily inserting the cushioning insole (2) into the shoe (1 ).

During use of the shoe (1 ), object of the present invention, there may arise the need to remove the cushioning insole (2) from the shoe (1 ) to be cleaned, to replace it with a new cushioning insole or with a different material.

In this matter, facilitating the insertion and removal of the cushioning insole (2) from the shoe (1 ) ensures being able to carry out the foregoing rapidly and without compromising the other parts of the shoe (1 ) itself.

With reference to figure 11 , the first coupling profile (26a) and the second coupling profile (71a) can have a curved shape.

In this way, during use of the shoe (1 ), object of the present invention, following the pressure of the heel on the first part (71 ) of the assembly insole (7), as the assembly insole does not exert a point load on the heel itself, it ensures a limitation to wear on the cushioning insole (2). Preferably, the assembly insole (7) comprises a first part (71 ) which is posterior and a second part (72) which is anterior: which are made in separate bodies, which are made of different materials and which are couplable to one another (see figures. 8 and 9).

The first part (71 ) can be made of a polymeric material.

The use of the polymeric material advantageously guarantees being able to form the first part (71 ) in such a way as to realise the second coupling profile (71a) at the inner edge: in fact, by using polymeric material it is possible to make the first part (71 ) using a moulding process and, therefore, to predispose the moulds in such a way as to realise the second coupling profile (71a) at the inner edge.

By way of example, the second part (72) can be made of a natural material.

The use of natural material for the second part (72) advantageously ensures transpirability and flexibility.

By way of example, the coupling between the first part (71 ) and the second part (72) can be done using and adhesive substance.

The first part (71 ) can have a thickness that is greater than the second part (72). Advantageously, once the shoe (1 ) that is the object of the present invention has been donned, the anterior portion of the shoe (1 ), i.e. the part that is subject to most flexion during use, is such as to guarantee adequate comfort.

The following is a description of a method for realising the shoe (1 ) with a cushioning insole (2), also object of the present invention, comprising steps of: arranging a superior portion (3) comprising an upper (4); arranging a lower portion (5) comprising a sole (6); arranging an assembly insole (7) which has a predetermined thickness value (S) and a single through-opening (8) which crosses the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7); positioning the assembly insole (7) so that it is arranged interposed between the upper (4) and the sole (6) so as to confer rigidity to the lower portion (5); arranging a cushioning insole (2) comprising a single projection (9) which is conformed to insert into the single through-opening (8); coupling the upper (4), the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) to one another in such a way that the assembly insole (7) extends, at least partially, at the area of the lower portion (5) which receives the sole and/or the heel of the foot of the user wearing the shoe (1 ), during use; positioning the cushioning insole (2) adjacent to the assembly insole (7); inserting the projection (9) into the through-opening (8) in such a way that the projection (9) extends beyond the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7).

The method, also object of the present invention, can be used to realise the shoe (1 ) with a cushioning insole (2) as described above, also object of the present invention.

The considerations made above are also valid for the following part of the present description.

The projection (9) can be inserted in the through-opening (8) in such a way that the projection (9) extends beyond the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) to contact the sole (6).

The step of coupling the upper (4), the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) to one another can include: coupling the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) to one another and, thereafter, coupling the above- mentioned to the upper (4); or, coupling the upper (4) and the assembly insole (7) to one another and, thereafter, coupling the above-mentioned to the cushioning insole (2).

With reference to the appended figures, figures 3, 4 and 2 make reference to the steps of the method which include coupling the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) to one another and, thereafter, coupling the above- mentioned to the upper (4).

In detail, figure 3 illustrates the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) coupled to one another in order to be, thereafter, coupled to the upper (4) and to the sole (6). Figure 4 illustrates the assembly insole (7), the cushioning insole (2) and the upper (4) coupled to one another and, lastly, figure 2 illustrates the shoe (1 ), assembled according to the embodiment of the present invention.

What is described above, relating to the step of coupling the upper (4), the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2) to one another, has been described by way of non-limiting example.

Alternatively, this step can include: coupling the upper (4) and the assembly insole (7) to one another, and, thereafter, coupling the above-mentioned to the sole (6); and, lastly, positioning the cushioning insole (2).

Further, in a case where the assembly insole (7) comprises a peripheral portion (10) and an internal portion (11 ); the single through-opening (8) extends in the internal portion (11 ) so that the continuity of the peripheral portion (10) is maintained, the method can comprise a step of coupling, at the peripheral portion (10), the upper (4) and the assembly insole (7) to one another.

The peripheral portion (10) advantageously confers rigidity to the assembly insole (7) and ensures that the assembly insole (7) maintains a planar extension.

Further, the peripheral portion (10) defines a support portion for anchoring the upper (4) and the assembly insole (7) to one another, during the manufacturing steps of the known shoe (1 ) object of the present invention.

Further, the projection (9) is conformed so as to be received in the seat (15) in such a way that, when the projection (9) can be inserted in the through-opening (8), the single projection (9) crosses the thickness (S) of the assembly insole (7) and is received in the seat (15) so as to occupy a part of the thickness of the sole (6), the method can comprise a step of inserting the projection (9) in the seat (15) in such a way that it is received therein.

Advantageously, when the single projection (9) is received in the single seat (15) a form coupling is made between them such as to ensure the anchoring between the sole (6), the assembly insole (7) and the cushioning insole (2), obviating the need to have recourse to other fastening means.