Modular footwear

Abstract

Modular footwear comprising a sole (2), an upper (3), mechanically connected to the sole (2), and connection means (4), placed with removable fastening of the upper (3) to the sole (2). The connection means (4) comprise at least one engagement element (5), which is mechanically connected to the sole (2), is arranged at least partially in projection from the sole (2) and is provided with an enlarged terminal portion (51). Furthermore, the connection means (4) comprise at least a first connecting element (6), on which at least one through opening (61) is made and is reversibly engaged by the enlarged terminal portion (51) of the engagement element (5) to removably retain the upper (3) on the sole (2). Furthermore, the first connecting element (6) is removably connected to the upper (3).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to modular footwear, according to the preamble of independent claim no. 1.

[0002] The footwear in question falls within the more general field of the production of clothing, such as shoes, boots, sandals, etc., used in particular to protect the foot and ensure comfort when walking.

[0003] More specifically, the footwear in question is intended to be advantageously modular, i.e. Provided with components that can be replaced even by unqualified personnel and without the use of tools.

[0004] The object of the invention therefore falls within the manufacturing and product field of footwear of any shape, size and type.State of the art

[0005] In the clothing manufacturing sector, various types of footwear are known, classified according to their shape and intended use.

[0006] In general, footwear comprises two main components: a sole, intended to be in contact with the ground, and an upper, fixed to the sole and intended to at least partially cover the foot. Typical footwear manufacturing processes generally involve joining the upper to the sole by either fixing the two semi-finished components or by injection molding one component onto the other.

[0007] In more detail, in the first case the sole and the upper are fixed together using appropriate glues and / or stitching. Differently, in the second case the upper is inserted inside a mold provided with a cavity in the shape of the sole and a polymeric material, in particular elastomeric, is injected in a liquid state into the aforementioned cavity, which solidifies forming the sole in a single body integral with the upper.

[0008] The known type of footwear briefly described so far has proven to be not free from drawbacks in practice.

[0009] A first drawback is that the stitching can break, especially at the points of greatest flexion of the footwear. Furthermore, in a completely analogous manner, the glues used in some cases to join the sole and the upper tend to crystallize, thus losing elasticity and reducing the cohesive capacity.

[0010] A further drawback is that the soles produced with both production processes mentioned above and in any material tend to wear out considerably with use and in almost all cases are not replaceable, making it necessary to replace the entire footwear. In the minority of cases where an attempt was made to replace the sole, it would be necessary to use expensive processes which reduce the interest of the user, i.e. the consumer, in repairing the footwear, thus limiting the useful life thereof in any case.

[0011] A further drawback lies more generally in the difficulty of individually replacing any component, since, as anticipated, this limits the useful life of the footwear. Furthermore, this last drawback limits the possibilities of customizing or modifying the appearance of the footwear according to the user's needs or preferences, greatly reducing the potential aesthetic versatility of the product.

[0012] In order to at least partially resolve the above-mentioned drawbacks, modular footwear is known in the footwear sector, in which the sole and the upper are joined together in a removable manner, for example by means of a zipper provided with a first part fixed to the edge of the sole and a second part, which can be coupled to the first part, fixed to the edge of the upper. Such a system therefore allows separating the sole and the upper and possibly replacing one of the two.

[0013] However, even this last type of footwear has proven to be not free from drawbacks in practice, mainly because the aforesaid zipper is not a fastening means which is sufficiently resistant to the continuous stresses and wear due to walking and can therefore break at any moment.

[0014] A further drawback is that this footwear is not particularly comfortable for the foot, as the zipper tends to stiffen it considerably.

[0015] Furthermore, this footwear does not solve all the previously mentioned drawbacks, as the zipper itself must necessarily be sewn or glued to the other components of the footwear.

[0016] A further drawback is that this footwear also has a significant environmental impact, as the zipper is fixed to components made of different materials, making it difficult if not impossible to dispose of them separately.Presentation of the invention

[0017] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, by providing modular footwear which does not require the use of stitching and glue for assembly.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which allows the simple and quick replacement of one or more components.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which is simultaneously strong and comfortable, as well as practical to use.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which can be disassembled, assembled and / or modified in a simple and rapid manner.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear, which can be disassembled, assembled and / or modified by any user, possibly even without the use of tools.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which allows reducing environmental impact.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which is aesthetically pleasing.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which is operationally completely efficient and reliable.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is to provide modular footwear which is simple and economical to produce.Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The technical features of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen from the contents of the claims set out below and the advantages thereof will become more evident in the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a purely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment thereof, in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the modular footwear which is the subject of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sole of the modular footwear of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the sole of Figure 2 taken along the section plane III-III; Figures 4A-D show perspective and sectional views taken along corresponding section planes IV-IV and IV'-IV' of two embodiment variants of an engagement element of the modular footwear of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sole of the modular footwear of Figure 1 with the engagement element and a first connecting element inserted; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the modular footwear of Figure 5 taken along the section plane VI-VI; Figures 7A-B show a perspective view of the modular footwear of Figure 5 with a second connecting element also inserted in two assembly steps; Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the modular footwear of Figure 7B taken along the section plane VIII-VIII; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the first connecting element of the modular footwear of Figure 1; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the second connecting element of the modular footwear in Figure 1. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment example

[0027] With reference to the attached drawings, the reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole modular footwear, the subject of the present invention.

[0028] The modular footwear 1 in question is intended to be advantageously used to protect the foot and ensure comfort when walking.

[0029] In more detail, the footwear in question can be made in any shape and size, for example a shoe, a boot, a sandal, etc., and is intended to be modular, i.e. provided with components that can be advantageously replaced even by unqualified personnel and without the use of tools.

[0030] According to the invention, the modular footwear comprises, in a manner known per se, a sole 2 and an upper 3.

[0031] The sole 2 extends between a lower face 21 intended, in use, to come into contact with the ground and an opposite upper face 22, preferably shaped like a footbed.

[0032] In more detail, the sole 2 extends along a prevalent development plane P and comprises an edge portion 24 extending in projection from a perimeter edge 25 of the sole 2 at least partially transversely (i.e. advantageously in an inclined manner) with respect to the prevalent development plane P, in particular in the opposite direction to the lower face 21 of the sole itself.

[0033] In accordance with a possible embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the edge portion 24 extends continuously along the entire perimeter edge 25 of the sole 2. For example, the sole 2 is shaped like a "box", that is, with the edge portion 24 in the shape of a lateral curb, in particular extending perpendicularly to the prevalent development plane P.

[0034] In accordance with a further possible embodiment, not illustrated, the edge portion 24 can have a limited extension along the perimeter edge 25. For example, the sole 2 can comprise multiple edge portions 24 separated and spaced along the perimeter edge 25. Obviously, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, the sole 2, and in particular the edge portion 24, can be of any shape and size.

[0035] Advantageously, the sole 2 is made entirely or partly of at least partially elastic material, preferably elastomeric.

[0036] The upper 3 is mechanically connected to the sole 2 and arranged to at least partially cover the upper face 22. In particular, the upper 3 is intended, in use, to at least partially cover a user's foot.

[0037] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper 3 comprises at least one ribbon-like element 31, in particular mechanically connected to the sole 2 in the manner illustrated below.

[0038] In accordance with a first application example, if the modular footwear 1 is a sandal, the upper 3 is formed mainly or exclusively by the aforesaid ribbon-like element 31, which advantageously has a length and shape suitable for holding the foot in the modular footwear 1.

[0039] In accordance with a second application example, if the modular footwear 1 is a shoe or a boot, the upper 3 comprises an outer covering, in particular intended to completely envelop the user's foot, held to the sole 2 by means of the ribbon-like element 31.

[0040] Obviously, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention, the upper 3 can be of any shape and size and, depending on the design choices of the footwear, can comprise different structures. For example, it can be open, half-open and closed.

[0041] According to the idea underlying the invention, the modular footwear 1 is also provided with connection means 4, placed with removable fastening between the upper 3 and said sole 2. Such connection means 4 comprise at least one engagement element 5 and at least a first connecting element 6.

[0042] The engagement element 5 is mechanically connected to the sole 2, is arranged at least partially in projection from the sole 2 and is provided with an enlarged terminal portion 51. In particular, the engagement element 5 extends along a development direction S preferably parallel to the prevalent development plane P of the sole 2.

[0043] Furthermore, on the first connecting element 6 there is at least one through opening 61 reversibly engaged by the enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 to removably retain the upper 3 on the sole 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the first connecting element 6 is removably connected to the upper 3. Thereby, the assembly of the modular footwear 1 is simple and quick, since it occurs through the engagement of the enlarged terminal portion 51 in the through opening 61 of the first connecting element 6, for example in a manner similar to a buttoning.

[0045] At the same time, in combination with this aspect, there is the advantage that the first connecting element 6, also being removably connected to the upper 3 and therefore not being part of the latter, can be replaced both for reasons of wear and for aesthetic reasons.

[0046] Furthermore, thereby, the modular footwear 1 according to the invention can be advantageously assembled by means of a mechanical system for joining the upper 3 to the sole 2, without the use of stitching or glue, which makes it advantageously simple and quick for any user to assemble and disassemble the individual components of the footwear, without the use of tools. Furthermore, the modular footwear 1 thus conceived has an intrinsic aesthetic value.

[0047] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the attached figures, at least one through hole 23 is made on the sole 2. In particular, the through hole 23 is made at the edge portion 24 (continuous or discontinuous) of the sole 2. Conveniently, multiple through holes 23 can be made at the points where the design wishes to place the connection means 4.

[0048] Advantageously, the engagement element 5 comprises an elongated portion 52 arranged to pass through the through hole 23. In particular, the elongated portion 52 of the engagement element 5 extends along the development direction S parallel to the prevalent development plane P of the sole 2.

[0049] Advantageously, the enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 facing the inside of the modular footwear 1 is arranged completely adhering to the sole 2 and in particular to the edge portion 24 of the sole 2, so as not to be perceived when worn. Furthermore, the enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 facing the outside of the modular footwear 1 is arranged detached from the sole 2 by an extension equal to the thickness L3 of the first connecting element 6.

[0050] In more detail, the elongated portion 52 has a length L1 equal to the sum of the extension L2 of the through hole 23 (in particular equal to the thickness of the edge portion 24) and the thickness L3 of the first connecting element 6 engaged by the engagement element 5. In particular, such lengths L1, extensions L2 and thicknesses L3 are to be understood as measured along the development direction S of the engagement element 5.

[0051] Advantageously, the engagement element 5 comprises two opposite enlarged terminal portions 51, between which said elongated portion 52 is interposed. For example, the engagement element 5 is shaped like a cylindrical pin with two larger, button-shaped heads on both ends.

[0052] In particular, the enlarged terminal portions 51 have a dimension L4 greater than the width L5 of the through hole 23, so as to prevent the exit of said engagement element 5 from said through hole 23. In particular, such dimensions L4 or widths L5 are to be understood as measured along a direction perpendicular to the development direction S of the engagement element 5.

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 4A-D, the engagement element 5 is advantageously provided with a first part 53, comprising one of the enlarged terminal portions 51 and at least a section of the elongated portion 52, and a second part 54, comprising the other of the enlarged terminal portions 51. In particular, the first part 53 and the second part 54 are removably fixed together. Advantageously, each pin engagement element 5 is composed only of the first part 53 and the second part 54 that can be coupled, each comprising an enlarged terminal portion 51, i.e. a head, and substantially one half of the elongated portion 52.

[0054] In accordance with a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the first part 53 and the second part 54 of the engagement element 5 are removably fixed together by means of pressure or snap fit engagement. Therefore, the first part 53 and the second part 54 advantageously comprise portions that are counter-shaped to each other, one of which is at least partially elastically yielding, and provided with at least one undercut. In accordance with a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4C and 4B, the first part 53 and the second part 54 of the engagement element 5 are removably fixed together by screwing. Therefore, the first part 53 and the second part 54 advantageously comprise portions counter-threaded to each other.

[0055] Operationally, each engagement element 5 is installed on the sole 2 of the modular footwear 1, joining the first part 53 and the second part 54 that compose it, in particular penetrating with the section of the elongated portion into the corresponding through hole 23.

[0056] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, not illustrated in the attached figures and less preferable with respect to the one previously described, the engagement element 5 is made in a single body with said sole 2.

[0057] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first connecting element 6 is made of flexible material and comprises at least one folding portion 62.

[0058] Furthermore, two through openings 61 are advantageously made on the first connecting element 6, which are superimposed and engaged simultaneously by the enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5.

[0059] To ensure the possibility of obtaining the folded portion 62 and engaging both through openings 61, the first connecting element 6 advantageously has a sheet-like body 64, or in particular substantially shaped like a band, extending between two opposite ends 65. In more detail, at least one corresponding one of the aforesaid through openings 61 is made on each end 65. Furthermore, the folding portion 62 is interposed, preferably centrally, between the two ends 65.

[0060] In this case, therefore, the elongated portion 52 of the engagement element 5 has, as explained above, a length L1 equal to the sum of the extension L2 of the through hole 23 and the thickness L3 of the first connecting element 6 engaged by the engagement element 5, where the thickness L3 of the first connecting element 6 is to be understood as double the thickness L7 of the sheet-like body 64.

[0061] In particular, the folding portion 62 defines an engagement slot 63 for connection to the upper 3. In particular, advantageously by means of the engagement slot, the ribbon-like element 31 of the upper 3 is removably constrained directly or indirectly to the first connecting element 6.

[0062] For example, to directly connect the first connecting element 6 to the upper 3, the ribbon-like element 31 is arranged passing through the engagement slot 63 of the first connecting element 6.

[0063] Alternatively, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to use a second connecting element 7, intermediate between the first connecting element 6 and the upper 3.

[0064] In more detail, the connection means 4 further comprise at least a second connecting element 7 arranged in a removable connection between the first connecting element 6 and the upper 3.

[0065] In particular, the second connecting element 7 is made in the form of a buckle and is provided with at least one passage slot 71 for the attachment of the first connecting element 6 and the upper 3.

[0066] Advantageously, the ribbon-like element 31 is arranged passing through the passage slot 71 of the second connecting element 7.

[0067] Advantageously, furthermore, the first connecting element 6 is also arranged passing through the passage slot 71 of the second connecting element 7.

[0068] Obviously, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, the second connecting element 7 can comprise a single passage slot 71, and in this case both the ribbon-like element 31 and the first connecting element 6 pass through it, or two passage slots 71 each dedicated to the passage of the ribbon-like element 31 and the first connecting element 6, respectively.

[0069] Operationally, with each engagement element 5 already installed on the sole 2, the first connecting element 6 is substantially "buttoned" by making the enlarged terminal portion 51 pass in the corresponding through opening 61. For this purpose, the width L6 of the through opening 61 is slightly greater than or substantially equal to the dimension L4 of the enlarged terminal portion 51 (to be understood as measured along a direction perpendicular to the development direction S of the engagement element 5).

[0070] In particular, each end 65 of the first connecting element 6 provided with a through opening 61 must be buttoned in succession on the engagement element 5.

[0071] Advantageously, the second connecting element 7 can be inserted between the buttoning of one end 65 and the buttoning of the other end 65 on the first connecting element 6 and the first connecting element 6 is then folded along the folding portion 62.

[0072] Furthermore, after both ends 65 of the first connecting element 6 have been buttoned, the space between the enlarged outermost terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 and the sole 2 (in particular its edge portion 24) fills. Thereby, the innermost enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 presses against the sole 2 and the outermost enlarged terminal portion 51 of the engagement element 5 presses on the thickness L3 of the first connecting element 6, holding all the components firmly in place and ensuring mechanical strength.

[0073] Advantageously, this pressure is produced by the expansion of the thickness of the sole 2 (i.e. the increase in the extension L2 of the through hole 53) caused by the elastic return of the material at the end of assembly, during which it was slightly compressed by the user in order to be able to button the first connecting element 6 to the engagement element 5.

[0074] Subsequently or previously, the ribbon-like element 31 of the upper 3 can be passed through the engagement slot 63 or through the passage slot 71 of the second connecting element.

[0075] The modular footwear 1 can advantageously have multiple variants, in particular in the shape of the connection means 4.

[0076] For example, as an alternative to what is described above, the connection means 4 comprise several engagement elements 5 placed side by side and on the first connecting element 6 several pairs of overlapping through openings 61 are made, each engaged by a corresponding engagement element 5.

[0077] Thereby, a first connecting element can, for aesthetic reasons or for greater resistance, be removably connected to several engagement elements 5.

[0078] Furthermore, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the upper 3 may not comprise the ribbon-like element 31 and be provided with one or more buttons fixed to the external lining cover to directly attach the latter to the connection means 4 and in particular to the first connecting element 6. In this case, the configuration of the connection means 4 is substantially as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, with the connecting element 6 not folded and removably fixed only at one end 65 to the engagement element 5. The other opposite end 65 is instead removably fixed in a similar manner to the aforesaid button fixed to the external lining cover of the upper 3.

[0079] The modular footwear 1 according to the invention therefore has the advantage of featuring mechanical connection means 4 designed to resist the mechanical forces generated by the action of walking and, at the same time, flexible enough to adapt to walking, dissipating the forces and allowing an excellent compromise between solidity and adaptability.

[0080] Furthermore, advantageously, the different components of the modular footwear 1 can be assembled and disassembled with the same ease. This allows the user to customize the footwear according to their needs and preferences. The assembly and disassembly operation does not deteriorate the various components, thus ensuring the longevity of the product.

[0081] Furthermore, advantageously, all the different components of the modular footwear 1 can be made of different materials, and be replaced. This offers a wide range of construction design options, and allows the user to create unique aesthetic combinations.

[0082] Furthermore, advantageously, the different components of the modular footwear 1 according to the invention, which can wear out at different times due to wear or damage, can be replaced individually with great simplicity, thus prolonging the useful life of the modular footwear 1.

[0083] Advantageously, the modular footwear 1 according to the assembled invention can also make use of replacements even simply to accommodate fashions and aesthetic changes. This makes the footwear more versatile and fashionable.

[0084] Advantageously, the modular footwear according to the invention also allows reducing the stock of components, as it is not necessary to have all the pre-assembled aesthetic combinations available, reducing the physical spaces for storage but also the waste resulting from unsold stock, because at most the individual components remain unsold, which can be used for new and further combinations.

[0085] Finally, the modular footwear 1 according to the invention maximizes recycling since the different components can be easily separated for correct recovery / recycling, reducing the components destined for disposal and consequently the environmental impact of the product.

[0086] Therefore, the invention thus conceived achieves the pre-set objects.

Claims

1. Modular footwear, which comprises: - a sole (2), extending between a lower face (21) intended, in use, to come into contact with the ground and an opposite upper face (22); and - an upper (3), mechanically connected to said sole (2) and arranged to at least partially cover said upper face (22); said modular footwear (1) being characterized in that it is further provided with connection means (4), placed with removable fastening between said upper (3) and said sole (2) and comprising: - at least one engagement element (5), which is mechanically connected to said sole (2), is arranged at least partially in projection from said sole (2) and is provided with an enlarged terminal portion (51); - at least a first connecting element (6), on which at least one through opening (61) is made, reversibly engaged by the enlarged terminal portion (51) of said engagement element (5) to removably retain said upper (3) on said sole (2); said first connecting element (6) also being removably connected to said upper (3).

2. Modular footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one through hole (23) is made on said sole (2) and that said engagement element (5) comprises an elongated portion (52) arranged to pass through said through hole (23).

3. Modular footwear according to claim 2, characterized in that said elongated portion (52) has a length (L1) equal to the sum of the extension (L2) of said through hole (23) and the thickness (L3) of said first connecting element (6) engaged by said engagement element (5).

4. Modular footwear according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said engagement element (5) comprises two opposite enlarged terminal portions (51), between which said elongated portion (52) is interposed.

5. Modular footwear according to claim 4, characterized in that said enlarged terminal portions (51) have a dimension (L4) greater than the width (L5) of said through hole (23), so as to prevent the exit of said engagement element (5) from said through hole (23).

6. Modular footwear according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said engagement element (5) is provided with a first part (53), comprising one of said enlarged terminal portions (51) and at least a section of said elongated portion (52), and a second part (54), comprising the other of said enlarged terminal portions (51); said first part (53) and said second part (54) being removably fixed together.

7. Modular footwear according to claim 6, characterized in that the first part (53) and the second part (54) of said engagement element (5) are removably fixed together by means of pressure or snap fit engagement.

8. Modular footwear according to claim 6, characterized in that the first part (53) and the second part (54) of said engagement element (5) are removably fixed together by screwing.

9. Modular footwear according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said sole (2) extends along a prevalent development plane (P) and comprises an edge portion (24) extending in projection from a perimeter edge (25) of said sole (2) at least partially transversely with respect to said prevalent development plane (P); said through hole (23) being made at said edge portion (24).

10. Modular footwear according to claim 9, characterized in that said engagement element (5) extends along a development direction (S) parallel to the prevalent development plane (P) of said sole (2).

11. Modular footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that said engagement element (5) is made in a single body with said sole (2).

12. Modular footwear according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first connecting element (6) is made of flexible material and comprises at least one folding portion (62), defining an engagement slot (63) for the connection to said upper (3).

13. Modular footwear according to claim 12, characterized in that on said first connecting element (6) two through openings (61) are made, which are superimposed and engaged simultaneously by the enlarged terminal portion (51) of said engagement element (5).

14. Modular footwear according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said connection means (4) comprise several engagement elements (5) placed side by side; wherein on said first connecting element (6) several pairs of overlapping through openings (61) are made, each engaged by one corresponding said engagement element (5).

15. Modular footwear according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said connection means (4) further comprise at least a second connecting element (7) arranged in a removable connection between said first connecting element (6) and said upper (3).

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