Shoe component

Abstract

A footwear component (10, 110, 210, 210 ') comprising a base structure (11, 111, 211, 211') substantially shaped to at least partially reproduce a sole of a user, the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211 ') having an upper surface (12, 112, 212, 212') designed to be directed towards a foot and a lower surface (13, 113, 213, 213 ') opposite the upper surface (12, 112, 212, 212'), the footwear component (10, 110, 210, 210 ') comprising one or more blind holes (30, 130, 230, 230', 231) and one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220 ') provided in the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211'). The one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220 ') communicate with one or more of the one or more blind holes (30, 130, 230, 230', 231) through one or more channels (40, 140, 240, 240 ') provided in the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211').

Description

[0001] This application is a division of the invention patent application with application number 202011485767.X, application date December 16, 2020, priority date December 16, 2019, and titled "Shoe Parts". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a shoe component. Background Art

[0003] As is known to all, shoes are generally composed of an upper that wraps the foot and a sole combined with the upper.

[0004] Among its primary functions, the sole supports the weight of the user.

[0005] Typically, the sole includes a tread, the function of the tread is to ensure traction on various types of terrain, and the tread must be wear-resistant.

[0006] Such soles also typically include a midsole made of a lighter and more shock-absorbing material than the tread, the midsole being located above the tread in order to attenuate the impact of the user's foot on the ground.

[0007] Alternatively, the sole may have a tread with one or more cavities in the upward area, the cavities being defined by the walls of the tread itself; and one or more inserts made of a lighter and more shock-absorbing material than the tread, the inserts being located in the one or more cavities.

[0008] Today, soles are known to make shoes comfortable not only by attenuating the impact of a user's foot on the ground and providing support sufficient to support the user's weight, but also by allowing ventilation within the shoe through openings and / or channels to keep the foot dry.

[0009] For example, the use of a shoe described in US Pat. No. 4,364,186 is known, which shoe is provided with a sole comprising a tread, the sole having a cavity formed on its upper surface and extending over the entire area of ​​the foot.

[0010] The top of this cavity is covered with an insert, thereby forming an air chamber that communicates with the interior of the shoe through ventilation openings.

[0011] This air chamber is compressed due to the weight of the user and the air is forced through holes provided in the insole and thus into the shoe.

[0012] The above-mentioned insert may also be made of a sponge-like material provided with vertical through holes allowing air to enter the shoe, and these through holes being connected to each other through channels, which are arranged on the lower surface facing the tread.

[0013] This solution, while advantageous in some respects, is susceptible to improvement.

[0014] For example, consider that the holes in the insole are formed over the entire surface that contacts the sole of the foot, without distinguishing between, for example, the forefoot and the heel.

[0015] This makes the movement of air essentially the same between the forefoot and the heel, even though these two areas have completely different needs: in fact, the forefoot has a large number of sweat glands and requires greater ventilation, while the heel basically does not have these glands.

[0016] Furthermore, even if there were channels connecting the holes, the movement of air within the channels from the heel towards the forefoot would not be particularly efficient because some of the holes in the heel area would always remain open, thus preventing air from being forced into the channels.

[0017] Also known is US Pat. No. 3,050,875 which teaches a shoe sole comprising a tread, an intermediate layer and an insole.

[0018] The middle layer made of elastic material is provided with a plurality of cavities arranged over the entire length of the sole, which are interconnected by passages with a V-shaped cross section and are closed under the weight of the user.

[0019] Its purpose is to prevent the air pumped by the cavity in the heel from flowing back towards the cavity in the toes, thereby promoting the air flow directed from the heel towards the toes of the foot.

[0020] The insole is used to facilitate assembly and maintain the correct form of the assembly.

[0021] Although this solution is advantageous, it also exhibits areas where improvements can be made.

[0022] For example, the presence of a passage having such a configuration structurally weakens the intermediate layer, exposing it to the risk of deformation to such an extent that an insole is required to ensure that the correct shape is maintained.

[0023] Furthermore, over time, the insole tends to sink, even if only partially, into the pathways connecting the cavities, resulting in reduced comfort. Summary of the invention

[0024] The object of the present invention is to provide a footwear component that overcomes the drawbacks of the cited known art.

[0025] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a footwear component capable of ensuring an optimal exchange of air inside the shoe housing it, while remaining structurally robust.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to provide an element capable of ensuring differential ventilation according to different areas of the foot.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to provide a component that is highly functional, easy and practical to implement and available at low cost.

[0028] This goal and these and other purposes will become more apparent hereinafter and are achieved by a shoe component comprising a base structure substantially shaped to at least partially reproduce the sole of a user's foot, the base structure having an upper surface designed to face the foot and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the component comprising one or more through holes and one or more blind holes arranged in the base structure, the component being characterized in that one or more of the through holes are connected to one or more of the blind holes through one or more channels arranged in the base structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a footwear component according to the invention, which is illustrated for the purpose of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] - Figure 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 2a yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the component shown taken along line II-II;

[0032] - Figure 2b yes Figure 2a a view of a first variation of the portion shown;

[0033] - Figure 2c yes Figure 2a a view of a second variation of the portion shown;

[0034] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the illustrated component taken along section III-III;

[0035] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a bottom view of the components shown;

[0036] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 another bottom view of the illustrated component;

[0037] - Figure 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0038] - Figure 7a yes Figure 6A cross-sectional view of a portion of the illustrated component taken along section VII-VII;

[0039] - Figure 7b yes Figure 7a a view of a first variation of the portion shown;

[0040] - Figure 7c yes Figure 7a a view of a second variation of the portion shown;

[0041] - Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the component shown taken along section VIII-VIII;

[0042] - Figure 9a is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0043] - Figure 9b is a side view from the inner foot side of a third embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0044] - Fig.10a is a top view of a third embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0045] - Fig.10b is a side view from the outer foot side of a third embodiment of a component according to the invention;

[0046] - Fig.11a and Fig.11b is a view of a variant of the third embodiment of the component according to the invention;

[0047] - Fig.12a is a top view of details of a component in a fourth embodiment according to the present invention;

[0048] - Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view of a component in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] - Fig.13a is a top view of a detail of a component in a fifth embodiment according to the present invention;

[0050] - Fig.13b is a cross-sectional view of a component in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Fig.14 is an exploded view of a sixth embodiment of a component according to the present invention;

[0052] - Fig.15 It is the undecomposed sample taken along the section XV-XV. Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the components shown in ;

[0053] - Fig.16 It is the undecomposed sample taken along the section XVI-XVI. Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the components shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 5 A shoe component according to the invention provided in accordance with a possible first embodiment is generally denoted by reference numeral 10 .

[0055] Component 10 includes a base structure 11 that is substantially shaped to at least partially replicate the sole of a user's foot.

[0056] The base structure 11 is preferably made of a highly elastic, soft and light polymer material, for example of expanded polyurethane (PU) and / or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), the thickness of which preferably varies between about 3 mm in the forefoot area and about 100 mm in the rearfoot area.

[0057] This base structure 11 has an upper surface 12 facing the foot of the user in use and a lower surface 13 opposite the upper surface 12 .

[0058] Advantageously, one or more through holes 20 are provided in the base structure 11, which pass through the entire thickness of the base structure 11 from the upper surface 12 to the lower surface 13, and one or more blind holes 30 are provided in the base structure 11, which extend only part of the thickness of the base structure 11 and open toward the lower surface 13.

[0059] According to the embodiment considered, the through holes 20 and the blind holes 30 are distributed on the base structure 11 according to a predefined pattern (pattern) following the anatomy of the foot in different ways.

[0060] In this regard, it should be noted that the base structure 11 can be ideally subdivided into three parts defined by a first imaginary line 14' and a second imaginary line 14", such as Figure 1 shown.

[0061] More precisely, in the base structure 11, the following parts can be distinguished:

[0062] - a front portion 11a, ie a portion of the base structure 11 which substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the forefoot;

[0063] - a middle portion 11 b, ie a portion of the base structure 11 which substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the midfoot;

[0064] The rear portion 11 c , ie the portion of the base structure 11 which substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the rear foot.

[0065] The front portion 11 a , the middle portion 11 b , and the rear portion 11 c each extend approximately one third of the entire length of the base structure 11 .

[0066] The middle part 11b can be ideally further subdivided along a third imaginary line 14'', which allows the following parts to be distinguished:

[0067] - an inner middle portion 11 b ′, ie a portion of the base structure 11 that corresponds substantially to the resting area of ​​the inner or middle part of the midfoot;

[0068] An outer middle portion 11 b ″, ie a portion of the base structure 11 which substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the outer or lateral portion of the midfoot.

[0069] The inner middle portion 11b' and the outer middle portion 11b" have substantially the same area.

[0070] As mentioned above, Figure 1 As shown, in this first embodiment, the through hole 20 is arranged at the front part 11a and the inner middle part 11b', that is, the through hole 20 basically affects the middle part and the forefoot of the midfoot, and the blind hole 30 is arranged at the rear part 11c and the outer middle part 11b", that is, the blind hole 30 basically affects the rear foot and the side part of the midfoot.

[0071] The example shown here refers to through-holes 20 and blind holes 30 which are essentially cylindrical and extend transversely to the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 13 .

[0072] However, it is also obvious to a person skilled in the art that the shape of such holes and the direction of the extensions may be varied.

[0073] According to needs and technical requirements, the through hole 20 can have a constant or almost constant cross section 21 along the entire thickness of the base structure 11, such as Figure 2a As shown, the through hole 20 may include a first portion 22 and a second portion 23, wherein the first portion 22 has a reduced cross section and has a substantially circular cross section 22a arranged close to the upper surface 12, and the second portion 23 has a constant or nearly constant cross section and has a substantially circular cross section 23a and has a diameter defined close to the lower surface 13 that is larger than the diameter of the cross section 22a of the first portion 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 2b shown.

[0074] Alternatively, the through hole 20 may be substantially frusto-conical, such as Figure 2c As shown, it has a substantially circular upper cross section 20 ′ and a substantially circular lower cross section 20 ″, wherein the upper cross section 20 ′ has a smaller diameter near the upper surface 12 , and the lower cross section 20 ″ has a larger diameter near the lower surface 13 .

[0075] For example, in a shoe using a particularly thin component 10, similar to Figure 2b and Figure 2c The embodiment shown in is particularly advantageous because said component 10 makes it possible to reduce the risk that the user may experience a soft foot sensation and thus reduce comfort.

[0076] Furthermore, this embodiment in which the through-holes 20 have a reduced cross section is also particularly advantageous, since the reduction in the cross section helps to accelerate the air flow locally, thereby further improving the ventilation close to the upper surface 12 of the base structure 11 .

[0077] In this case, the diameter of the substantially constant portion of cross section 21, 23 is preferably between about 5 mm and about 18 mm, while the diameter of the portion with reduced cross section 22 is preferably between about 2 mm and about 18 mm, and the thickness of the portion with reduced cross section 22 preferably varies between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

[0078] if Figure 2c The upper cross-section 20' shown is substantially frusto-conical, and preferably has a diameter between about 2 mm and about 4 mm, while the lower cross-section 20" preferably has a diameter between about 4 mm and about 18 mm.

[0079] On the other hand, the blind hole 30 has a mainly (substantially) constant cross section, such as Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the blind hole 30 preferably varies between about 5 mm and about 18 mm; the blind hole 30 is separated from the upper surface 12 by a wall 31 with a thickness preferably between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

[0080] According to the invention, component 10 comprises one or more channels 40 arranged in base structure 11, which place one or more through holes 20 and one or more blind holes 30 in communication with each other, so that an almost continuous air flow from the rear foot towards the forefoot is generated during walking, as better explained below.

[0081] Such channels 40 open towards the lower surface 13 of the base structure 11, i.e. towards the surface which is arranged away from the foot of the user during use, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown.

[0082] This solution is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to reduce to a minimum the number of discontinuities on the upper surface 12 of the base structure 11, thereby increasing the surface available for bonding an optional insole and reducing the risk of the insole collapsing, even only partially, under the weight of the user and thereby reducing comfort.

[0083] The channel 40 is preferably semi-cylindrical in shape, and the diameter of the channel 40 is preferably between about 3 mm and about 10 mm.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, as an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, not shown in the figures, the channel 40 has a quadrilateral cross section whose short side and long side are respectively from about 1 mm to about 3 mm and from about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0085] During gait, the user's weight first acts on the rear portion 11c where the blind holes 30 are almost exclusively (almost only) provided, and as the gait action proceeds, the weight is transferred towards the front portion 11a and the middle portion 11b where the through holes 20 are located.

[0086] In practice, a compression is performed on the air contained in the blind holes 30 , which air is conveyed through the channels 40 in the direction of the forefoot under the effect of the thrust of the foot.

[0087] Due to the characteristics of the blind holes 30, there is almost no air outflow at the resting area of ​​the rear foot, so the pressure loss of the air flow pushed from the rear foot toward the front foot is substantially negligible.

[0088] When the air reaches front portion 11a and inner middle portion 11b', the air can rise through through holes 20 toward upper surface 12 of base structure 11, where the inner parts of the forefoot and midfoot are located, i.e., the area of ​​the foot that is richest in sweat glands and therefore more prone to sweating.

[0089] Since, in the rear portion 11c and the outer middle portion 11b″, air cannot be discharged through the blind hole 30 except for a negligible amount of air, in such areas, there may be a plurality of channels 40 branching out from a single blind hole 30 or converging into a single blind hole 30 relative to the arrangement of the through holes 20 in the front portion 11a and the inner middle portion 11b′.

[0090] This design allows for better distribution of air while avoiding localized pressure increases that could cause unsightly swelling (bulging) and lead to reduced comfort and / or a feeling of instability during gait.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the channel 40 extends substantially from the outer middle portion 11b" toward the front portion 11a according to the main direction of extension 15, which is substantially oriented from the resting area (resting area) of the lateral side (lateral side) of the foot toward the resting area (resting area) of the medial side of the foot, substantially following the second and third steps of the natural walking movement of the foot.

[0092] In this regard, consider that for a walking user, there are basically three phases of placing the foot on the ground:

[0093] - the first phase, in which the heel contacts the ground, also called the taligrade phase (weight falls on the outside of the foot when walking);

[0094] - a second phase, which corresponds to the classic resting on the heel and forefoot and on the lateral edges of the foot, also called the plantigrade phase;

[0095] - A third phase, resting only on the forefoot and gradually releasing from the outside to the inside on the metatarsal heads, also known as the digitigrade phase. Therefore, it has been found that the distribution of channels 40 along the main direction of extension 15 is particularly advantageous, since it facilitates the gradual outflow of the air contained in channels 40 through through-holes 20 following the natural gait of the foot.

[0096] Otherwise, local accumulation of air may occur and the resulting local pressure increase may cause unsightly swelling (bulging) and lead to reduced comfort and / or instability during gait.

[0097] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the first embodiment shown, all through holes 20 and blind holes 30 are connected via channels 40 .

[0098] However, in embodiments not shown, one or more through holes 20 and / or one or more blind holes 30 may be isolated, ie not connected to adjacent holes by passages 40 .

[0099] For example, it may be manufactured in this way to simplify the construction of the mold by which the component 10 is manufactured, while still ensuring effective ventilation.

[0100] In this case, at least about 60% of the through holes 20 and the blind holes 30 may be connected by the passages 40 .

[0101] Alternatively, at least about 70% of the through holes 20 and the blind holes 30 may be connected by the passages 40 .

[0102] Alternatively, at least about 80% of the through holes 20 and the blind holes 30 may be connected by the passages 40 .

[0103] Alternatively, at least about 90% of the through holes 20 and the blind holes 30 may be connected by the passages 40 .

[0104] Advantageously, the component 10 also comprises a surrounding element 50 at least partially covering the periphery of the base structure 11 .

[0105] Advantageously, the surrounding element 50 may also cover the underside of the base structure 11, ie the element 50 may comprise a tread for contacting the ground.

[0106] This approach is advantageous because it makes it possible to produce a base structure 11 having a minimum possible density, for example between about 0.2 g / cm3 and about 0.6 g / cm3, and / or a minimum possible hardness, for example between about 30 Asker C and about 80 Asker C, and to bond the base structure 11 to a surrounding element 50 made of a more rigid material, for example polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane (PU and TPU for short), having a hardness between about 60 and about 90 Shore A and / or a density between about 0.9 g / cm3 and about 1.3 g / cm3.

[0107] In this way, it is possible to obtain an assembled part 10 for use, for example, as a midsole which already comprises a tread or to which a tread will subsequently be incorporated so as to form a sole of a shoe which is extremely comfortable but at the same time sufficiently strong (firm, firm).

[0108] In any case, it is also possible for the midsole to have only a base structure 11 of suitable dimensions.

[0109] Furthermore, according to needs and technical requirements, it is possible for the component 10 to include a base structure 11 having different hardnesses and / or densities in different areas.

[0110] In particular, the portion where the blind hole 30 is provided may have a greater hardness and / or density, and the portion where the through hole 20 is provided may have a smaller hardness and / or density.

[0111] For example, in a preferred embodiment, the base structure 11 has the following hardness:

[0112] - between about 60 Asker C and about 80 Asker C at the portion where the blind hole 30 is provided;

[0113] - Between about 30 Asker C and about 50 Asker C at the portion where the through hole 20 is provided.

[0114] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated possible second embodiment, the footwear component according to the invention is generally denoted by the reference numeral 110 , whereas elements substantially corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals increased by 100 .

[0115] In component 110, first imaginary line 114' and second imaginary line 114" ideally define:

[0116] - a toe portion 111a, ie a portion of the base structure 111 which substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the toes of the foot;

[0117] - an inner central portion 111 b , ie a portion of the base structure 111 that substantially corresponds to the resting area of ​​the inner arch of the foot;

[0118] The complementary portion 111 c , ie the remaining part of the base structure 111 .

[0119] In this second embodiment, through holes 120 are provided in the toe portion 111 a and the inner central portion 111 b , while blind holes 130 are provided in the complementary portion 111 c .

[0120] The toe portion 111 a and the inner central portion 111 b may exist at the same time, or only one of the two may exist.

[0121] These embodiments are advantageous because they make it possible to maximize ventilation in one or more of the aforementioned portions where the load imposed by the weight of the user is lighter.

[0122] In fact, as is known, the foot rests mainly on the heel at the calcaneus and along the external arch up to the head of the fifth metatarsal, so the toe portion 111a and the internal central portion 111b bear lighter loads and are therefore particularly intended to maximize ventilation.

[0123] In a possible third embodiment, the footwear component according to the invention is essentially a removable insole. Figure 9a , Figure 9b , Fig.10a and Fig.10b are shown in the various views.

[0124] Referring to these drawings, the shoe component represented by reference numeral 210 includes a base structure 211 in which one or more through holes 220 are provided, the through holes 220 passing through the entire thickness of the base structure 211 from the upper surface 212 to the lower surface 213, and one or more blind holes 230 are provided in the base structure 211, the blind holes 230 extending only a portion of the base structure 211 and opening toward the lower surface 213.

[0125] In particular, at the heel on the base structure 211, there is a single blind hole 231, the diameter of which is preferably between about 10 mm and about 25 mm.

[0126] Advantageously, the blind hole 231 is delimited towards the lower surface 213 by a convex circular surface 232 , for example.

[0127] This embodiment is advantageous because it makes it possible to exploit the maximum load available to promote the air flow.

[0128] In fact, it is at the heel that the load exerted by the weight of the user reaches its maximum.

[0129] On the other hand, the rounded shape of the surface 232 is advantageous because it makes it possible to avoid points where the air could stagnate and because it confers greater comfort, avoiding the perception of the edges during gait.

[0130] A variation of the third embodiment is Fig.11a is shown in a bottom view and in Fig.11b It is shown in a side view as viewed from the inner foot side.

[0131] Referring to these drawings, the shoe component indicated by reference numeral 210' includes a base structure 211' in which one or more through holes 220' are provided, the through holes passing through the entire thickness of the base structure 211' from the upper surface 212' to the lower surface 213', and one or more blind holes 230' are provided in the base structure 211', the blind holes extending only a portion of the base structure 211' and opening toward the lower surface 213'.

[0132] This variant is particularly advantageous, for example, when the thickness of the base structure 211 ′ is not high enough to be able to provide a single blind hole at the heel.

[0133] like Figure 9a and Fig.11a As shown, channels 240 and a portion of channels 240' advantageously extend according to a main direction of extensions 215 and 215' oriented substantially from a resting area on the lateral side (lateral side) of the foot towards a resting area on the medial side of the foot.

[0134] Furthermore, the blind holes 230 , 230 ′ and the through holes 220 , 220 ′ may have the same shapes as described above with reference to the first embodiment.

[0135] Fig.12a is a top view of a possible embodiment of the surround element 50 .

[0136] In this embodiment, the surrounding element 50 includes one or more tabs 60 made in one piece with the rest of the element 50 and arranged substantially close to its outer periphery.

[0137] Thus, the hardness of the tab 60 is substantially equal to the hardness of the element 50 and greater than the hardness of the base structure 11 .

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the protruding piece 60 corresponds to the supporting post.

[0139] The tabs 60 are particularly advantageous because they limit lateral movement of the base structure 11 due to the shear component of the load carried on the tabs 60 .

[0140] Furthermore, the tabs 60 limit the overall lowering of the group consisting of the base structure 11 and the element 50 subjected to the vertical loads.

[0141] Thus, greater stability is achieved and a higher level of comfort felt by the user.

[0142] Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view of a component 10 for a shoe near the heel, the component including a Fig.12a The illustrated element 50 of tabs 60 , base structure 11 with blind holes 30 and additional upper element 70 is particularly advantageous for aesthetic reasons and / or to provide additional stability to a shoe including such a component 10 .

[0143] exist Fig.13a and Fig.13b In a variant of the embodiment shown, each tab 60 is joined to the inner side wall of the element 50 , the peripheral edge directed towards the base structure 11 , by a first cross-member 61 , also made in one piece with the rest of the element 50 .

[0144] The first cross member 61 is particularly advantageous because it keeps the peripheral edge of the element 50 bound to the tab 60, preventing the perimeter from being too far apart, which is a possible cause of disengagement between the element 50 and the base structure 11 under high load conditions.

[0145] The first cross-member 61 and the corresponding tab 60 constitute a branch of the surrounding element 50 penetrating into the base structure 11 , making the coupling between the base structure 11 and the element 50 more secure and durable even in the presence of multiple cycles of applying and removing loads.

[0146] In this way, lateral movement of the surrounding element 50 is restricted when the surrounding element 50 is pushed by the base structure 11 bearing the weight of the user thereon.

[0147] Furthermore, there may be a plurality of second cross-members 62 , each of which is used for connection between two corresponding tabs 60 .

[0148] In particular, such a second cross-member 62 is also made in one piece with the rest of the surrounding element 50 and is suitable for providing additional support to the surrounding element 50, for example when the hardness of the material constituting the surrounding element 50 is much lower relative to the hardness of the material constituting the base structure 11.

[0149] These second cross members 62 allow the tabs 60 to return to the inoperative position, ie the position when no load is applied, once the applied load is reduced or ceases altogether.

[0150] The tab 60 and the first cross-member 61 are advantageously arranged in a position best suited to the use of a shoe comprising the component 10 with the base structure 11 and the surrounding element 50 .

[0151] For example, the tabs 60 and first cross member 61 may be arranged substantially close to the peripheral edge of the surrounding element 50, thereby leaving the inner area of ​​the foot near the toes and the midfoot free, such as Fig.13a shown.

[0152] Such tabs 60 are preferably cylindrical or frustoconical in shape, having:

[0153] - a diameter at the point closest to the upper surface of the base structure 11, preferably between about 1.5 mm and about 5 mm;

[0154] A height determined so that the upper surface of the tab 60 is located at a position not less than about 2 mm from the upper surface of the base structure 11 .

[0155] This height ensures that even under maximum load conditions, the tab 60 will not be felt by the user, who might otherwise notice a sensation of discomfort or pain.

[0156] The thickness of the first cross member 61 and the second cross member 62 is preferably between about 1.5 mm and about 4 mm.

[0157] The first and second cross-members 61 , 62 have a height extension which is preferably lower than the height of the tabs 60 .

[0158] More preferably, the difference between the height extension of the tab 60 and the height extension of the first cross member 61 and the second cross member 62 is between about 1 mm and about 4 mm.

[0159] This makes it possible not to excessively increase the weight of the surrounding element 50 , since the surrounding element 50 is composed of a polymer material which generally has a higher specific gravity than the polymer material constituting the base structure 11 .

[0160] Fig.14 A sixth embodiment of a component 10 according to the invention is shown, the component 10 comprising a base structure 11 and a surrounding element 50 .

[0161] In this embodiment, the surrounding element 50 comprises one or more tabs 60 arranged close to the outer peripheral edge and on the surface of the element 50 facing the peripheral edge of the base structure 11 .

[0162] The tab 60 is made in one piece with the surrounding element 50 and therefore has substantially the same hardness.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the tab 60 corresponds to a reinforcing wing.

[0164] At the lug 60 , there is a corresponding seat 91 on the base structure 11 for receiving the lug 60 , the shape of which is complementary to that of the lug 60 .

[0165] To provide the element 50 , for example, a first mold can be used, which is subsequently placed in a second mold and into which a heat-stable polymer material, for example polyurethane (PU), constituting the base structure 11 is poured.

[0166] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The Fig.14 Sections XV-XV and XVI-XVI are two different cross-sections of the component 10 .

[0167] In practice, it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a footwear component which makes it possible to generate an almost continuous air flow from the rear foot towards the forefoot during gait, in this way ensuring optimal exchange of air inside the shoe containing the footwear component.

[0168] In particular, an air flow is generated at the forefoot which promotes ventilation precisely at the area of ​​the foot where the sweat glands are more abundant and therefore more prone to sweating.

[0169] Furthermore, the presence of through holes and blind holes, uniformly distributed from the forefoot towards the rear foot and decreasing in relation to the width dimension of the component itself, makes it possible to move a non-negligible amount of air while avoiding, relative to known solutions, the presence of cavities whose dimensions expose the foot placed above the component to the risk of sinking under the weight of the user.

[0170] The aspect thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0171] In practice, the materials employed, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, and the possible dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and the state of the art.

Claims

1. A shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210'), comprising a base structure (11, 111, 211, 211') substantially shaped to at least partially reproduce the sole of a user's foot, the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211') having an upper surface (12, 112, 212, 212') designed to face the foot and a lower surface (13, 113, 213, 213') opposite the upper surface (12, 112, 212, 212'), the shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') comprising one or more blind holes (30, 130, 230, 230', 231) and one or more through holes provided in the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211') (20, 120, 220, 220'), the shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') is characterized in that one or more of the one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220') are connected to the one or more blind holes (30, 130, 230, 230', 231) through one or more channels (40, 140, 240, 240') provided in the base structure (11, 111, 211, 211'), a portion of the channels (40, 140, 240, 240') extending along the main direction of the extension (15, 115, 215, 215'), the main direction being oriented substantially from the resting area on the lateral side of the foot towards the resting area on the medial side of the foot.

2. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220') includes at least one portion having a constant cross section (21, 23, 121, 221).

3. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion of constant cross section (21, 23, 121) has a substantially cylindrical shape, the diameter of the portion of constant cross section (21, 23, 121) being between about 5 mm and about 18 mm.

4. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220') has a reduced cross-section (20', 22a, 120', 122a) defined proximate to the upper surface (12, 112, 112').

5. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 4, characterized in that The reduced cross-section (20', 22a, 120', 122a) has a diameter between about 2 mm and about 18 mm.

6. The shoe component (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more through holes (20) are arranged at a front portion (11a) of the base structure (11) and at an inner middle portion (11b') of the base structure (11).

7. The shoe component (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more through holes (120) are arranged at a toe portion (111a) of the base structure (111) and / or at an inner central portion (111b) of the base structure (111).

8. The shoe component (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the one or more blind holes (30, 130) has a substantially cylindrical shape, a diameter of the one or more blind holes (30, 130) is between about 5 mm and about 18 mm, and the one or more blind holes (30, 130) are separated from the upper surface (12, 112) by a wall (31, 131) having a thickness between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

9. The shoe component (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more blind holes (30) are arranged at a rear portion (11c) of the base structure (11) and at an outer middle portion (11b") of the base structure (11).

10. The shoe component (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more blind holes (130) are arranged at a complementary portion (111c) of the base structure (111), the complementary portion being substantially complementary to the toe portion (111a) and / or the inner central portion (111b).

11. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the channels (40, 140, 240, 240') has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape with a cavity oriented toward the lower surface (13, 113, 213, 213'), the diameter of the channels (40, 140, 240, 240') being between about 3 mm and about 10 mm.

12. The shoe component (10, 110, 210, 210') according to claim 1, characterized in that The percentage of the number of the one or more through holes (20, 120, 220, 220') communicating with the one or more blind holes (30, 130, 230, 230') through one or more of the channels (40, 140, 240, 240') varies from at least about 60% to at least about 90%.

13. Footwear component (10, 110) according to one or more of claims 6, 7, 9 and 10, characterized in that At least one of the front portion (11a), the inner middle portion (11b'), the toe portion (111a) and the inner central portion (111b) has a different hardness and / or density relative to at least one of the rear portion (11c), the outer middle portion (11b") and the complementary portion (111c), and the one or more through holes (20, 120) are defined at at least one of the front portion (11a), the inner middle portion (11b'), the toe portion (111a) and the inner central portion (111b), and the one or more blind holes (30, 130) are defined at at least one of the rear portion (11c), the outer middle portion (11b") and the complementary portion (111c).

14. The shoe component (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that The shoe component comprises at least one surrounding element (50, 150) adapted to at least partially cover a peripheral area of ​​the base structure (11, 111), the surrounding element (50, 150) being made of a material having a different hardness and / or density than the material of which the base structure (11, 111) is made.

15. The shoe component (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least one surrounding element (50) includes one or more tabs (60) substantially proximate its outer periphery.

16. The shoe component (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The surrounding element (50) comprises: a first transverse member (61) for each of said one or more tabs (60) for joining said tab to the inner side wall of the peripheral edge of said surrounding element (50); - and / or a plurality of second cross members (62), each second cross member being used for connection between two corresponding ones of the one or more lugs (60).

17. Footwear component (10) according to one or more of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The base structure (11) comprises, at the one or more tabs (60) of the surrounding element (50), corresponding seats (91) for receiving said tabs, said seats being shaped complementarily to said tabs.

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