Counter for a shoe, respective making process and shoe comprising said counter

Abstract

The invention concerns a counter (1) for a shoe, comprising a shell (2) made of a first material and having an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (4), and a plurality of inserts (5), which inserts (8, 9) are made of a second material and are coupled to the shell (2), wherein the first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than the coefficient of deformation of the second material, the first material deforming more than the second material, under equal stress.

Description

[0001] COUNTER FOR A SHOE, RESPECTIVE MAKING PROCESS AND SHOE COMPRISING SAID COUNTER

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] In its most general aspect, the present invention concerns the technical field of shoes and, in particular, concerns a counter for a shoe, a respective making process and a shoe comprising the aforesaid counter.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Nowadays, in the shoe field, a reinforcing element, known as a counter and placed at the so-named hindfoot of a shoe, generally between the upper and the lining to provide support to both the shoe comprising it and the foot of a user wearing such shoe, is widely used.

[0007] Such a reinforcing element is shaped to properly follow the anatomy of the foot, such as to favor its movement while walking and prevent improper movements, as for example excessive pronation, i.e. the inward rotation of the foot at the moment it is leaned on the ground, or excessive supination, i.e. the outward rotation of the foot at the moment it is leaned on the ground, which could both cause injuries, also serious ones.

[0008] Document EP 1 232 700 describes a counter provided with a lower locking portion, relatively rigid, and with a yielding upper portion, relatively flexible and contiguous to, i.e. in contact with, the lower portion, wherein the latter limits the lateral movements of the heel while the upper portion allows the proper movement of the ankle joint.

[0009] However, due to its yielding property, the upper portion can easily fold back towards the inside of the shoe, especially when inserting the foot into the shoe itself.

[0010] In such case, it is necessary for the user to intervene, for example with his hands, to restore the proper position of the upper portion of the counter by appropriately manipulating the upper of the shoe. Moreover, a shoe comprising a counter according to EP 1 232 700 inconveniently provides the user with a relatively limited opening for the entrance of the foot and no guide for the entrance of the foot itself into the shoe, therefore making it necessary to use a shoehorn, which disadvantageously engages a hand of the user, to overcome such drawbacks.

[0011] Counters completely made of a relatively “rigid” material and with a shape adapted for guiding the entrance of the foot into the shoe, such as for example the one used in the shoe described in the document CN 217471364 U, are also known. In particular, such a counter has an upper portion facing backward and which, also thanks to the rigidity of the material with which it is made, allows to guide the foot of the user into the best position for preparing it to enter the shoe, without collapsing under the load transmitted by the foot itself.

[0012] However, a counter of the type described in CN 217471364 U is also not free from drawbacks among which, still due to its rigidity, the more or less zero possibility to be deformed when a user tries to insert the foot into the shoe should be highlighted. This disadvantageously does not allow the foot entrance opening to widen adequately for a comfortable entrance of the foot into the shoe. Moreover, the rigidity of the counter must somehow be compensated by using soft padding to provide an adequate level of comfort to the foot, which padding leads to an increase in processing and production costs and limits the freedom of execution since they often have a non-negligible volume which affects the appearance of the shoe.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The technical problem underlying the present invention was to provide a counter for a shoe having characteristics to overcome one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.

[0015] According to the invention, the aforesaid problem is solved by a counter for a shoe, comprising a shell made of a first material and having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of inserts made of a second material, wherein the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts are coupled to the aforesaid shell, wherein the aforesaid first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than the coefficient of deformation of the aforesaid second material, the first material deforming more than the second material, under equal stress.

[0016] Generally speaking, it may be said that the counter according to the present invention comprises a relatively soft and resilient shell and a plurality of relatively rigid inserts coupled to the shell and which, according to the invention, can be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid inner surface and / or can be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid outer surface and / or can be partially arranged inside the shell, i.e. be partially embedded in the aforesaid first material and / or can be completely arranged inside the shell, i.e. completely embedded in the aforesaid first material. In the latter case, the aforesaid inserts are completely included between the aforesaid inner surface and the aforesaid outer surface and do not have portions exposed towards the outer environment.

[0017] Preferably, at least part of the aforesaid plurality of inserts comprises inserts arranged at a preset distance from one another, more preferably at a distance between about 2 mm and about 7 mm, still more preferably at a distance equal to about 3 mm, the possibility, according to the invention, of providing two consecutive inserts in contact with one another not however being excluded.

[0018] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts extend substantially parallel to one another.

[0019] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts extend substantially parallel to the ground when the counter is in use in the shoe.

[0020] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts extend substantially from the foot outside to the foot inside of the counter.

[0021] Preferably, the aforesaid first material has hardness between 38 and 45 Asker C, more preferably between 40 and 42 Asker C. Preferably, the aforesaid first material has density between 0.88 g / cm3and 0.95 g / cm3, more preferably between 0.90 g / cm3and 0.92 g / cm3.

[0022] Preferably, the aforesaid first material is a polymer material, more preferably a polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based gel or silicone.

[0023] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts have hardness > 90 Shore D.

[0024] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts are made of a polymer material, more preferably rigid polyurethane.

[0025] Polyurethane inserts with polyurethane base of the shell are the basis of a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the adhesion between shell and inserts is this way favored from a chemical point of view.

[0026] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts have quadrangular, ellipsoidal or semi- ellipsoidal shape, it being possible to also provide, in a given counter, inserts having different shapes from one another. More precisely, having, as is known, a counter a non-planar shape, preferably the aforesaid inserts substantially have the shape of a quadrilateral, of an ellipsoid or of a semi-ellipsoid projected onto the surface of the shell.

[0027] In case of a quadrilateral shape, for example, a respective insert has four sides, two longer ones and two shorter ones, with preferably rounded vertexes having a radius of curvature between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. Rounded vertexes of the aforesaid type are preferably also provided in case of a semi-ellipsoid shape.

[0028] Independently of the shape of the inserts, when considering that the aforesaid shell comprises a lower edge and an upper edge, it should be said that the distance of each of the aforesaid inserts from the aforesaid upper edge is preferably the same and more preferably between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[0029] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts substantially have the same thickness, more preferably a thickness between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0030] Preferably, the aforesaid plurality of inserts comprises a lower insert and one or more upper inserts, wherein lower means closer to the ground, when the counter is in use in the shoe, with respect to one or more upper inserts, wherein the aforesaid lower insert has a height between about 35% and about 65% of the total height of the counter, where height means the vertical extent when the counter is in use in the shoe. More preferably, the aforesaid height of the lower insert is between about 40% and about 55% of the total height of the counter.

[0031] Preferably, the aforesaid lower insert has, along its extent, a substantially constant distance from the aforesaid lower edge of the shell, more preferably a distance between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[0032] Preferably, each of the aforesaid one or more upper inserts has a height less than the height of the aforesaid lower insert, where height always means the vertical extent of the counter in use in the shoe, and the aforesaid one or more upper inserts more preferably have a height between about 2 mm and about 10 mm.

[0033] As far as still concerns the aforesaid shell, which comprises a closed back portion and an open front portion since intended to envelop the heel of the foot of the user, it should be said that it preferably has a double-curved profile having a first curvature with respect to a first axis perpendicular to the ground (axis Z), when considering the counter in use in the shoe, and a second curvature with respect to a second axis perpendicular to the aforesaid first axis (axis x’) and contained in a plane parallel to the ground.

[0034] In other words, the aforesaid profile of the shell preferably has an arched convex-concave trend when considering the aforesaid outer surface from bottom to top, when the counter is in use in the shoe, wherein a respective concave portion of the outer surface substantially corresponds to a convex portion of the inner surface and vice-versa. This way, among other things, the aforesaid shell facilitates the entrance of the foot into the shoe.

[0035] According to the invention, the aforesaid arched convex-concave trend of the profile of the aforesaid shell can have a more or less pronounced “degree” of convexity / concavity, defined by the magnitude of an angle 0 preferably between 2° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 25°, wherein the aforesaid angle 0 is identified by a straight line V’ tangential to the aforesaid outer surface of the shell and perpendicular to a horizontal bearing plane of the foot of the user, in practice perpendicular to the ground, and by a straight line V” tangential to the aforesaid upper edge at an apical end of the shell.

[0036] By way of example, in an embodiment referring to a men’s size 42 (the reference is for French sizes), the aforesaid shell has an extent, measured in the heel-toe direction, preferably equal to about 70 mm, and a vertical extent equal to about 90 mm, where “vertical” refers to the present counter in use in the shoe.

[0037] Preferably, the aforesaid lower insert has two curvatures by locally having the same profile of the aforesaid outer surface and more generally of the aforesaid shell and, therefore, preferably has a convexity opposite the foot of a user, i.e. a concavity facing the foot of a user. Still with reference to the foot of a user, it can also be said that the aforesaid lower insert preferably has a height between about half and about 2 / 3 of the heel bone. Practically, with reference to the dimensions of the shell previously set forth for a men’s size 42, it can be said that the aforesaid lower insert extends vertically for about 36 mm.

[0038] Preferably, the aforesaid one or more upper inserts have a profile with a single curvature corresponding to the aforesaid first curvature of the shell.

[0039] Preferably, in case of inserts completely embedded in the aforesaid first material, between the aforesaid lower insert and the aforesaid outer surface, the aforesaid shell has a substantially constant thickness, more preferably between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

[0040] Preferably, in case of inserts completely embedded in the aforesaid first material, between the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts and the aforesaid inner surface, the aforesaid shell has a thickness substantially increasing from bottom to top when the counter is in use in the shoe, wherein the aforesaid thickness is more preferably equal to about 2 mm at the aforesaid lower insert and / or wherein the aforesaid thickness is more preferably between about 4 mm and about 15 mm in a neighborhood of the geometric locus of the inflection points in which the trend of the aforesaid profile changes from convex to concave.

[0041] Preferably, the aforesaid counter locally comprises, at the aforesaid inner surface, one or more pads made, with the aforesaid first material, in one piece in the aforesaid shell and / or one or more pads constrained to the aforesaid inner surface and made of a third material, wherein the aforesaid third material is more preferably selected from the group comprising foam rubber and polyurethane foam.

[0042] Generally speaking, in case of pads made in one piece with the shell, they consist of points or zones of limited extent, with increased shell thickness. In such points or zones of limited extent, the inner surface of the shell has bulges. Such bulges do not have any impact on the convex-concave trend of the outer surface of the shell because, whenever present, they actually only concern the inner surface of the shell which will therefore only locally not have a trend perfectly corresponding to the trend of the outer surface of the shell, but the inner surface of the shell will generally anyhow have a trend substantially corresponding to that of the outer surface of the shell.

[0043] The aforesaid one or more pads are possibly preferably arranged at the aforesaid lower insert and allow the counter to more accurately follow the anatomy of the foot of a user in the corresponding zone of interest, simultaneously providing improved cushioning and comfort.

[0044] Preferably, the aforesaid plurality of inserts comprises a number of upper inserts between 1 and 6, more preferably between 2 and 5, still more preferably between 2 and 4, even more preferably equal to 2 or 3, the possibility of providing a number of upper inserts even greater than 6 not however being excluded, since the number of upper inserts can be any depending on the needs, for example depending on the dimension of the counter which can be much smaller in a child’s shoe than an adult’s shoe, or depending on the type of shoe, for example for sports and possibly intended for a specific sport, or made for leisure, etc... According to the invention, it should be added that the aforesaid shell of the present counter can be made in one piece and can therefore be monolithic or, as an alternative, it can be made in several portions, preferably a lower portion and an upper portion constrained to one another by means of specific combining means, wherein at least one insert (lower insert) is combined with the aforesaid lower portion and the remaining inserts (upper inserts) are combined with the aforesaid upper portion.

[0045] Preferably, the aforesaid combining means can provide a male-female coupling. In this case, the first upper insert of the aforesaid upper portion is provided with protrusions extending below it, while the aforesaid lower portion is provided with openings which are engaged by the aforesaid protrusions, in particular with openings arranged at an upper edge of the lower portion of the shell, which openings can be extended in the shell only, therefore in the only aforesaid lower portion without affecting the respective lower insert, or which openings can also be partially extended into the lower insert.

[0046] The tightness of the aforesaid male-female coupling can further be improved by applying a glue and / or by shape coupling.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, in the aforesaid shell comprising at least two portions constrained to one another, the aforesaid combining means comprise, at the lower portion and at the upper portion of the shell, respective flaps joined to one another by gluing and / or stitching.

[0048] The aforesaid flaps are made so that the overall thickness of the two flaps joined to one another forms a discontinuity of minimal thickness in the aforesaid shell, if any. Therefore, the aforesaid two flaps are preferably constituted by a local thinning of the respective lower and upper portions of the shell but can also be formed with strips of material, for example leather, fabric, polymer material such as Pll or EVA glued or co-molded with the aforesaid shell portions and then joined to one another by gluing and / or stitching.

[0049] According to the invention, the aforesaid problem is further solved by a process of making a counter of the aforesaid type, comprising the steps of: making, by molding plastic material, a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type, co-molding a shell of the aforesaid type with the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts, so that the aforesaid inserts are coupled to the aforesaid shell, or making a shell of the aforesaid type, by molding plastic material, co-molding a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type with the aforesaid shell, so that the aforesaid inserts are coupled to the aforesaid shell, wherein the aforesaid shell is made of a first material and the aforesaid inserts are made of a second material, wherein the aforesaid first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than the aforesaid second material, the first material deforming more than the second material, under equal stress, wherein the aforesaid shell can possibly be co-molded or made in a lower portion and in an upper portion distinct from one another, wherein at least one insert of the aforesaid plurality of inserts is coupled to the aforesaid lower portion, and the remaining inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts are coupled to the aforesaid upper portion, the aforesaid process possibly comprising a step in which the aforesaid lower portion and the aforesaid upper portion are constrained to one another by designated combining means.

[0050] According to the invention, depending on the case, it is also possible to mold a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type and a shell of the aforesaid type and to then constrain the plurality of inserts to the shell, for example by means of an adhesive, so that at least part of the inserts of the plurality of inserts are coupled to the shell on the aforesaid outer and / or inner surface of the shell.

[0051] Preferably, the aforesaid inserts are co-molded with the aforesaid shell, or vice-versa, so that to be, according to the invention, arranged on, and therefore constrained to, the aforesaid inner surface and / or arranged on, and therefore constrained to, the aforesaid outer surface and / or partially arranged inside the shell, i.e. partially embedded in the aforesaid first material and / or completely arranged inside the shell, i.e. completely embedded in the aforesaid first material. In the latter case, the aforesaid inserts are completely included between the aforesaid inner surface and the aforesaid outer surface of the shell and do not have portions exposed towards the outer environment.

[0052] According to what is set forth above, the present invention also provides a shoe comprising an upper and a counter of the aforesaid type, wherein the aforesaid counter is combined with the aforesaid upper, wherein the aforesaid shoe preferably comprises a lining and the aforesaid counter is arranged between the aforesaid upper and the aforesaid lining.

[0053] Brief description of the figures

[0054] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better highlighted by considering the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments illustrated by way of example only and without limitations, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] - figure 1 schematically illustrates a phantom side view of a counter for a shoe, comprising a shell and a plurality of inserts, specifically a lower insert and an upper insert arranged inside the aforesaid shell, according to the present invention;

[0056] - figure 1a schematically shows a phantom perspective view of the counter of figure 1 ;

[0057] - figure 2 schematically illustrates a rotated and sectional view of the counter of figure 1 according to an implementation variant of the present invention, in which the aforesaid plurality of inserts comprises a further upper insert and therefore comprises a lower insert and two upper inserts;

[0058] - figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of inserts joined to one another by molding, preferably by injection molding, plastic material before being co-molded with a shell, for making the counter of figure 2 according to the present invention;

[0059] - figure 4 schematically illustrates the counter of figure 2 in relation to a user's foot shown with the respective bone structure schematized; - figure 5 schematically illustrates a partial sectional view of a shoe comprising the counter of figure 1 according to an implementation variant of the present invention, in which the aforesaid plurality of inserts comprises a lower insert and three upper inserts;

[0060] - figure 6 schematically illustrates a phantom perspective view of the counter of figure 1 according to an implementation variant of the present invention, in which the aforesaid shell is made in two distinct portions combined with one another;

[0061] - figure 7 schematically illustrates a phantom perspective view of the counter of figure 1 according to a further implementation variant of the present invention, in which the aforesaid shell is made in two distinct portions combined with one another.

[0062] Detailed description of the invention

[0063] With reference to figures 1 and 1a, 1 generally denotes a counter for a shoe, according to the present invention.

[0064] The counter 1 essentially comprises a shell 2 having an inner surface 3 and an outer surface 4, and a plurality of inserts generally denoted by 5, wherein the inserts of the plurality of inserts 5 are arranged inside the shell 2.

[0065] In detail, the shell 2 is made of a first material and the inserts of the plurality of inserts 5 are made of a second material, wherein preferably the aforesaid inserts are completely embedded in the first material of the shell 2. Therefore, the aforesaid inserts, preferably being completely covered by the first material, do not have portions exposed towards the outer environment and are completely included between the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 4 of the shell 2.

[0066] The first material of the shell 2 has a coefficient of deformation greater than the coefficient of deformation of the second material of the inserts and therefore deforms more than the second material, under equal stress. The first material is therefore relatively soft and resilient with respect to the second material, which makes the aforesaid inserts relatively rigid. According to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the aforesaid inserts are arranged at a preset distance from one another, a distance which is preferably between about 2 mm and about 7 mm, the possibility of providing consecutive inserts in contact with one another not however being excluded.

[0067] Moreover, still according to the examples of the aforesaid figures, the aforesaid inserts preferably extend from side to side in the counter 1 from the foot outside to the foot inside, and they preferably extend parallel to one another in addition to preferably also extending substantially parallel to the ground, when the counter is in use in the shoe.

[0068] As far as still concerns the aforementioned first and second materials, it should be added that the first material preferably has hardness between 38 and 45 Asker C, more preferably between 40 and 42 Asker C, and density preferably between 0.88 g / cm3and 0.95 g / cm3, more preferably between 0.90 g / cm3and 0.92 g / cm3, and the second material has hardness > 90 Shore D.

[0069] According to the above, the first material is preferably a polymer material, more preferably a polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based gel or silicone, and the second material is a polymer material, more preferably rigid polyurethane.

[0070] The inserts of the plurality of inserts 5 can have various shapes, among which the preferred are quadrangular, ellipsoidal or semi-ellipsoidal shapes.

[0071] More precisely, as is known, having counters non-planar shape, it can be said that preferably the aforesaid inserts substantially have the shape of a quadrilateral, of an ellipsoid or of a semi-ellipsoid projected onto the surface of the aforesaid shell.

[0072] In case of a quadrilateral shape, the respective insert has four sides - two longer ones and two shorter ones - with the vertexes that, although described in the aforesaid figures 1 and 1a and in the figures that will be described below as appearing more like sharp-edged, are instead preferably rounded with radius of curvature between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. Rounded vertexes of the aforesaid type are preferably also provided in case of a semi-ellipsoid shape. Moreover, in a given counter, it is also possible to provide inserts having different shapes from one another.

[0073] In any case, when considering that the shell 2 comprises a lower edge 6 and an upper edge 7, it should be said that preferably the distance of each of the aforesaid inserts from the upper edge 7 is substantially the same and more preferably between about 2 mm and about 5 mm. As mentioned, such distance is preferably constant, within a margin of tolerance due to possible displacements in the order of tenths of millimeters and which can occur during the making process of the present counter, as will appear clearer hereunder, and can be increased depending on the needs: for example, a more enveloping shell can be necessary, i.e. extending more towards the tip of the foot of a user, for increasing comfort. In such case, the extent of the inserts remains substantially unchanged, otherwise there would be no benefits, whereas the distance between the inserts and the aforesaid upper edge of the shell increases.

[0074] According to the invention, it should moreover be said that the inserts of the plurality of inserts 5 preferably substantially have the same thickness, more preferably a thickness between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0075] With reference to the example of figures 1 and 1a, the plurality of inserts 5 comprises a lower insert 8 and an upper insert 9, the possibility of providing a greater number of upper inserts, as will appear clearer hereunder, not however being excluded.

[0076] The lower insert 8, which is closer to the ground than the upper insert 9 when the counter is in use in the shoe, extends by keeping its upper edge substantially parallel to the ground and has a height preferably between about 35% and about 65% of the total height of the counter 1 , where height means its vertical extent always when the counter is in use in the shoe. More preferably, the height of the lower insert 8 is between about 40% and about 55% of the total height of the counter 1.

[0077] Moreover, it should be said that the lower insert 8 preferably has a distance from the lower edge 6 of the shell 2 which is substantially constant and which is more preferably between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[0078] In practice, according to the above and according to the example of figures 1 and 1a, the lower insert 8 of quadrilateral shape comprises two long sides and two short sides, wherein the two long sides are more or less parallel to the ground with reference to the counter in use in the shoe, while the short sides are in practice a so-named offset of the upper edge 7 of the shell 2, which offset is calculated so that to keep a preset and preferably constant distance, as made clear in detail above.

[0079] As far as the upper insert 9 is concerned, it should be said that it has a height less than the height of the lower insert 8, where height always means its vertical extent when the counter is in use in the shoe.

[0080] It should be said that a height of the upper insert less than the height of the lower insert is to be considered a preferred characteristic, an opposite possibility not being excluded. More preferably, the height of the upper insert 9 is therefore between about 2 mm and about 10 mm.

[0081] According to the example of figures 1 and 1a, it should also be said that the shell 2 preferably has a double-curved profile and therefore has a first curvature with respect to a first axis perpendicular to the ground (identified as axis z), when considering the counter in use in the shoe, and a second curvature with respect to a second axis perpendicular to the aforesaid first axis (identified as axis x’) and contained in a plane parallel to the ground (xy), as will also become clearer more in particular hereunder.

[0082] In other words, the aforesaid profile of the shell 2 preferably has an arched convex-concave trend when considering the outer surface 4 from bottom to top, when the counter is in use in the shoe, wherein a respective concave portion of the outer surface 4 substantially corresponds to a convex portion of the inner surface 3 and vice-versa.

[0083] As far as the aforesaid convex-concave trend is concerned, it should be said that the shell 2 can have a more or less pronounced “degree” of convexity / concavity, which degree can be defined by the magnitude of the angle 0 denoted in the example of figure 1. In detail, the angle 0, which preferably takes values between 2° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 25°, is identified by the straight line V’ which is parallel to the aforesaid axis z and tangential to the outer surface 4 of the shell 2, and by the straight line V” which is tangential to the upper edge 7 at an apical end 7a of the shell 2. Generally, the aforesaid angle takes positive values according to the direction depicted in the example of figure 1 (clockwise), whereas negative values of such angle are typical of counters which have a “single” trend, typically concave.

[0084] According to the invention, it should be said that the lower insert 8 also preferably has two curvatures by locally having the same profile of the shell 2 and, in particular, of the outer surface 4.

[0085] The upper insert 9 instead preferably has a profile with a single curvature locally corresponding to the aforesaid first curvature of the shell 2.

[0086] According to the invention and the examples of the aforesaid figures, it should also be said that the shell 2, between the lower insert 8 and the outer surface 4, preferably has a substantially constant thickness, more preferably between about 2 mm and about 4 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the shell 2 between the inserts of the plurality of inserts 5 and the inner surface 3 is instead substantially increasing from bottom to top, when the counter is in use in the shoe.

[0087] In particular, the aforesaid thickness of the shell 2 on the side of the inner surface 3 is preferably equal to about 2 mm at the lower insert 8 and / or the aforesaid thickness is preferably between about 4 mm and about 15 mm, in a neighborhood of the geometric locus of the inflection points in which the trend of the aforesaid profile of the shell 2 changes from convex to concave.

[0088] It should also be added that the counter according to the present invention can locally comprise, at the inner surface, one or more pads made of the aforesaid first material in one piece with the shell and / or one or more pads constrained to the inner surface and made of a third material, preferably foam rubber or polyurethane foam, which are not shown in the examples of the figures. Generally speaking, with reference to the first of the two cases above, the aforesaid one or more pads consist of points or zones of limited extent, where the thickness of the shell is increased. In such points or zones of limited extent, the inner surface of the shell has bulges which do not have any impact on the convex-concave trend of the outer surface of the shell because, whenever present, it actually only concerns the inner surface of the shell which will therefore only locally not have a trend perfectly corresponding to the trend of the outer surface of the shell, but overall the inner surface of the shell will anyhow have a trend substantially corresponding to that of the outer surface of the shell. Possibly, the aforesaid one or more pads are preferably arranged at the aforesaid lower insert and allow the counter to more accurately follow the anatomy of the foot of a user at the corresponding zone of interest, simultaneously providing improved cushioning and comfort.

[0089] The present counter is shown with two inserts in the example of figures 1 and 1a but, according to the invention, the present counter can comprise a greater number of inserts, for example three inserts, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4; four inserts, as illustrated in figure 5, five inserts, six inserts, seven or more inserts, depending for example on the dimensions of the counter which could be much smaller in a child’s shoe than those of an adult’s shoe, or depending on the type of shoe, for example for sports and possibly intended for a specific sport, or made for leisure, etc...

[0090] Moreover, it should be said that the present counter is shown in the example of figures 1 and 1a and in the examples that will follow with inserts completely arranged inside the shell, i.e. with inserts completely embedded in the aforesaid first material, but, according to the invention, the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts can also be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid inner surface of the shell and / or can be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid outer surface of the shell and / or can be partially arranged inside the shell, i.e. be partially embedded in the aforesaid first material.

[0091] According to the invention, in case of three or more inserts, the insert closest to the ground, when the counter is in use in the shoe, is always identified as lower insert or first insert, whereas the remaining inserts are all identified as upper inserts of which the insert proximal to the aforesaid lower insert is also defined as second insert or first upper insert, and the insert furthest from the aforesaid lower insert is also defined as last insert, last upper insert or upper insert distal from the lower insert.

[0092] For the embodiments of the present counter referred to in the examples of figures 2, 4 and 5, respectively, unless otherwise specified, in addition to what has been stated, is valid what has been set forth above for the counter 1 illustrated in the example of figures 1 and 1a to which reference is made.

[0093] In detail, the example of figures 2 and 4 illustrates a counter 10 for which parts structurally and / or functionally corresponding to those of the counter 1 preserve the same numbers of reference as those used in the example of figures 1 and 1a.

[0094] The counter 10 comprises three inserts and precisely one lower insert 80 or first insert, and two upper inserts of which one proximal to the lower insert, denoted by 90a (second insert or first upper insert), and the other distal from the lower insert, denoted by 90b (third insert or last insert).

[0095] In case of more upper inserts, as precisely in the counter shown in the example of figures 2 and 4, it should be said that each of the upper inserts preferably has a vertical extent (height) less than the vertical extent (height) of the lower insert, preferably between about 2 mm and about 10 mm.

[0096] In addition to having a vertical extent less than the vertical extent of the lower insert, the upper inserts are spaced from one another by a length preferably between 2 mm and 7 mm, a distance which preferably also exists between the lower insert 80 and the second insert 90a proximal thereto. It should be added that the third insert 90b distal from the lower insert 80 has a distance from the upper edge 7 of the shell 2 which preferably is substantially constant and between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, a distance which can be greater depending on the needs.

[0097] It should be noted that the aforesaid upper inserts, as the aforesaid lower insert, extend from side to side in the shell 2, i.e. from the foot outside to the foot inside of the counter 10.

[0098] Moreover, the aforesaid upper inserts, as the aforesaid lower insert, have substantially quadrangular sections formed according to a sectional plane locally orthogonal to respective bigger surfaces which correspond, in each insert, to the surfaces facing respectively the inner surface and the outer surface of the aforesaid shell. Generally speaking, this applies regardless of the number of upper inserts.

[0099] As in the counter 1, the lower insert 80 locally has more or less the same profile of the outer surface of the shell 2 also in the counter 10. This means that the lower insert 80 has, so to say, two curvatures, as will be better visible in the example of figure 3 which schematically shows a perspective view of three inserts obtained joined to one another by injection molding of plastic material, before being co-molded with the shell 2 for making the counter 10.

[0100] In detail, two curvatures means that the lower insert 80 shows a curvature both with respect to an axis z perpendicular to the ground, when the counter is in use in the shoe (also identified as first curvature) and with respect to an axis x’ contained in a plane xy parallel to the ground and locally perpendicular to the normal n at the surface of the lower insert 80, facing the outer surface of the shell 2 (also identified as second curvature). Reference is made to “locally perpendicular” because the normal n varies depending on where the point denoted by A in the example of figure 3 is found. In other words, at the point A, the lower insert 80 and, in particular, its outer surface (with reference to the example of figure 3, its surface intended to be facing the outer surface of the shell 2) has a first axis of curvature corresponding to the axis z and a second axis of curvature x’ contained in the plane xy. By displacing the point A on the aforesaid surface of the lower insert 80, the second axis of curvature changes but remains contained in the plane xy, while the first axis of curvature remains parallel to the axis z.

[0101] Conversely, the upper inserts 90a and 90b have a single curvature, in particular a curvature with respect to the axis z, i.e. they show a single curvature corresponding to the aforesaid first curvature.

[0102] Generally speaking, the above means that while it is impossible to “lay down” the lower insert 80 (and the shell 2) on a plane without breaking it, this is instead possible for the upper inserts 90a and 90b. In other words, the upper inserts 90a and 90b do not locally have the same profile of the shell 2 but only have the curvature with respect to the axis z, which, as mentioned, is an axis perpendicular to the ground.

[0103] This particular difference in shape between the lower insert 80, with two curvatures like the shell of the counter, and the upper inserts 90a and 90b, with a single curvature, allows the present counter to be deformed within a very wide range of values, therefore simultaneously preventing the inner surface of the shell to be pierced by the upper inserts and maintaining an adequate thickness for the latter for their molding.

[0104] In short, from a mechanical point of view, double-curved surfaces offer greater strength than those with a single curvature because, as mentioned, they cannot be “laid down” on a plane and are actually referred to as “shape strength”.

[0105] The double-curved surfaces therefore withstand stresses until they break; if the breaking load is instead not reached, the deformation they undergo is very limited, if any.

[0106] According to the invention and to what is set forth above, it should be added that preferably the thickness of the shell 2 between the lower insert 80 and the outer surface of the shell 2 is substantially constant and more preferably equal to at least 2 mm, whereas this is not really the case as far as the upper inserts are concerned, as made clearer hereunder.

[0107] In particular, as far as the thickness of the shell 2 between the upper insert 90a and the outer surface of the shell 2 is concerned, it can be said that, by geometric approximation, it is substantially constant too and preferably equal to at least 2 mm. In other words, at the upper insert 90a proximal to the lower insert, the difference between its single curvature and the two curvatures of the outer surface of the shell 2 is relatively small because the upper insert 90a is at the zone in which the profile of the shell 2, from bottom to top, changes from convex to concave.

[0108] The thickness of the shell 2 between the upper insert 90b distal from the lower insert 80, therefore referring to the third insert, and the outer surface, is less in a neighborhood of a horizontal centerline of the same upper insert 90b, as denoted by s’ in the example of figure 2, wherein the expression “horizontal” refers to the normal use of the counter in the shoe, whereas the thickness s” of the shell 2 between the upper insert 90b and the outer surface at a perimeter edge of the upper insert 90b is greater than s’, as shown in the example of figure 2. This since the shell 2 preferably has a double-curved profile, which advantageously favors the entrance of the foot into the shoe, and, in particular, has a concave profile when considering the outer surface at the third insert, whereas the upper insert 90b must have a single curvature, in particular with respect to the aforesaid axis z.

[0109] The thickness of the shell 2 between the inner surface and the aforesaid inserts is instead not constant and is preferably increasing from bottom to top. In particular, the aforesaid thickness preferably has a minimum value equal to about 2 mm at the lower insert 80 and a maximum value between about 4 mm and about 15 mm in a neighborhood of the geometric locus of the inflection points of the inner surface 3, i.e. in a neighborhood of the geometric locus in which the profile of the shell 2 changes from a convex trend to a concave trend, as visible in the example of figure 2, in which the aforesaid minimum value is denoted by t’ and the aforesaid maximum value is denoted by t”. According to the above, the configuration is advantageous since where the thickness of the shell between its outer surface and an insert is greater, the present counter creates a so-to-say anti-shoe-removal effect, i.e. contributes to prevent the foot of the user from slipping out of the shoe. During the foot insertion step, the zone of the shell where the aforesaid thickness is greater provides practically no sensation of discomfort because, being resilient, the material of the shell can easily be compressed by the force exerted by the foot of the user. Instead, once the foot is inserted, the material of the shell substantially recovers its initial shape, therefore accomplishing its anti-shoe removal function.

[0110] Summarizing, the arched profile with the convex-concave trend of the shell has the advantage of guiding the foot of the user to the best position for favoring its entrance into the shoe and, once inside, to maintain the foot in an optimal position for walking. In particular, at the beginning of the step of entering the foot into the shoe, under the push operated by the foot itself, the counter, which is generally located between the upper and the lining inside the shoe, deforms elastically. In practice, an upper portion of the shell tends to lower and to be displaced backward with respect to the heel of the foot. By doing so, the opening for the entrance of the foot into the shoe in the heel-toe direction can widen by exploiting the elasticity of the upper and lining being pulled by the counter, therefore taking a greater value than the value the same opening has when not stressed by the foot entering the shoe. Moreover, the lowering and backward displacement of the upper portion of the shell allows to decrease the angle of plantar flexion necessary for inserting the foot into the shoe. It should be added that the push of the foot tends to decrease as the latter gradually enters the shoe, up to being more or less absent upon entrance is completed. In the counter according to the present invention the portion at the upper inserts accompanies the foot, enveloping it, because it tends to recover its initial shape, i.e. the one it takes in the at rest condition, as the push gradually decreases. This allows to also provide the user with a sense of safety and awareness that the foot is entering properly the shoe because the contact with the portion of the shoe which contains the counter is actually more or less constant throughout the insertion step. Once the foot is completely inserted into the shoe, the counter has more or less completely recovered its initial shape and dimensions and the same occurs for the opening for the foot entrance into the shoe. At this point the foot, and in particular the heel, is held in the optimal position for preventing relative movements between the foot and the shoe, which movements could cause the onset of blisters. Moreover, while walking, the resilience of the counter at the upper inserts makes the movement of the ankle possible while simultaneously keeping the shoe adherent to the foot.

[0111] The advantages described above are made possible by the so-to-say “articulated” construction of the counter according to the present invention, wherein there are portions that are relatively rigid and discontinuous from one another (the aforesaid inserts) which can substantially be in contact with one another and / or which can be arranged at a preset distance from one another and, therefore, be spaced out by relatively soft portions constituted by portions of the aforesaid shell, which allow a so-to-say articulated movement of the inserts. The aforesaid articulated movement is actually ensured by the presence of a plurality of inserts which make the substantially rigid portion of the counter discontinuous, also in case of inserts substantially in contact with one another.

[0112] In case of two or more inserts arranged at a preset distance from one another, it should be pointed out that the resilience of the aforesaid relatively soft shell portions, which are interposed between two consecutive inserts, further allows quick recovery of the initial shape and position of the counter following the insertion of the foot into the shoe.

[0113] Furthermore, the resilience of the shell portions interposed between two consecutive inserts allows the present counter to flex not only towards the heel and tip but also towards the inside and the outside of the foot. This way, unlike in some counters according to the known art, the present counter does not obstruct, but accompanies by flexing, the entrance of the foot into the shoe, and this occurs even if the foot initially takes a direction of insertion into the shoe that is not aligned with an optimal direction, which optimal direction basically corresponds to the vertical direction when the counter is in use in the shoe. Furthermore, the “articulated” construction of the present counter further makes it difficult, if not even impossible, for the upper portion of the shell to bend towards the inside of the shoe during the foot entrance step because the inserts, by virtue of their rigidity and shape, provide sufficient strength to prevent it.

[0114] Furthermore, the “articulated” construction of the present counter allows the user to insert the foot into the shoe without the aid of the hands, and therefore also without the aid of a shoehorn.

[0115] With reference to the example of figure 5 mentioned above, in which a counter 100 comprising four inserts is shown, and, in particular, a lower insert 800 and three upper inserts 900a, 900b and 900c, the above set forth with reference to the counter 1 illustrated in the example of figures 1 and 1a and to the counter 10 illustrated with reference to the examples of figures 2, 3 and 4, to which reference is made, applies.

[0116] According to what is set forth above and according to the example of figure 5, the present invention therefore also provides a shoe comprising a counter of the aforesaid type.

[0117] In particular, the example of figure 5 shows a shoe generally denoted by 500 and comprising an upper 501 to which the counter 100 is combined and which preferably also comprises a lining, the latter not illustrated, wherein the counter 100 is arranged between the upper 501 and the aforesaid lining.

[0118] According to the invention and to what is set forth above, it should be noted that the shell of the counter illustrated in the examples of the aforesaid figures is made in one piece, the possibility of providing a shell of the aforesaid type made in two or more pieces combined with one another or in portions combined with one another not however being excluded.

[0119] In this regard figures 6 and 7 show respective counters according to the present invention, in which parts structurally and / or functionally corresponding to those of the counters 1 and 10 preserve the same numbers of reference as those used in the examples of figures 1 , 1a and 2, 4, respectively, to which description we also refer.

[0120] In detail, figure 6 shows a counter 101 comprising a shell 21 and three inserts, precisely one lower insert 80 or first insert and two upper inserts, of which one proximal to the lower insert, denoted by 90a (second insert or first upper insert) and the other distal from the lower insert, denoted by 90b (third insert or last insert), wherein the shell is made in two distinct pieces and comprises a lower portion 21a and an upper portion 21b combined with one another by designated combining means.

[0121] In detail, according to the example of figure 6, the lower insert 80 is arranged at the lower portion 21a of the shell 21 and the upper inserts 90a and 90b are arranged at the upper portion 21b of the shell.

[0122] The counter 101 therefore also comprises combining means 22 for constraining the lower portion 21a and the upper portion 21b to one another, which combining means, in the example of figure 6, are in the form of a femalemale coupling; protrusions 23 extending downward from the upper insert 90a of the upper portion 21b, i.e. from the upper insert proximal to the lower insert 80 of the lower portions 21a, and respective openings 24, which are engaged by the protrusions 23, provided in the lower portion 21a of the shell 21, in particular at an upper edge thereof, being provided.

[0123] The openings 24 can only be formed in the shell 21, therefore only in the lower portion 21a of the shell 21, without affecting the respective lower insert, as illustrated in the example of figure 6, the possibility of providing openings of the aforesaid type also partially extended into the lower insert not however being excluded.

[0124] Furthermore, the possibility of providing protrusions of the aforesaid type and respective openings of the aforesaid type with mutually reversed positions, i.e. protrusions arranged on the lower insert and openings arranged on the upper insert, is not excluded.

[0125] The tightness of the male-female coupling can further be improved by applying a glue and / or by a shape coupling. According to the invention, the aforesaid two lower and upper portions of the shell 21 are made separately, as detailed below.

[0126] Figure 7 illustrates a counter 102 completely similar to the counter 101 illustrated in the example of figure 6 to whose description we refer, except that the combining means 22 are different, therefore comprising, at the lower 21a and upper 21b portions of the shell 21, respective flaps 123 and 124 joined to one another by gluing and / or stitching.

[0127] In particular, the flaps 123 and 124 are made so that the overall thickness of the aforesaid two flaps joined to one another forms a discontinuity of minimal thickness in the shell 21, if any. Therefore, the aforesaid two flaps are preferably constituted by a local thinning of the respective lower 21a and upper 21b portions of the shell but can also be formed with strips of material, for example leather, fabric, polymer material such as Pll or EVA glued or comolded with the aforesaid shell portions and then joined to one another by gluing and / or stitching.

[0128] The implementations of the counter according to the present invention and, in particular, of the respective shell in two pieces allow to simplify the construction of the molds and to use a wider range of machinery for both the molding and the making of the molds themselves. Moreover, in such implementations, whenever needed, it is possible to use strips of material of the aforesaid type, which are made of materials particularly resistant to the repeated stresses during the foot insertion step, which stresses especially affect the zone of the shell between the lower insert and the first upper insert.

[0129] For the embodiments of the present counter referred to in the examples of figures 6 and 7, unless otherwise specified in addition to what has been stated, what has been set forth above for the counter 1, the counter 10 and the counter 100 illustrated in the respective figures to which reference is made, is valid.

[0130] According to the above, the present invention also provides a process of making a counter of the aforesaid type, comprising the steps of: making, by molding plastic material, a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type, co-molding a shell of the aforesaid type with the aforesaid inserts, so that the aforesaid inserts are coupled to the aforesaid shell, or making a shell of the aforesaid type, by molding plastic material, co-molding a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type with the aforesaid shell, so that the aforesaid inserts are coupled to the aforesaid shell, wherein the aforesaid shell is made of a first material and the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts are made of a second material, wherein the aforesaid first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than the aforesaid second material, the first material deforming more than the second material, under equal stress.

[0131] As mentioned above, in the examples of the aforesaid figures, the present counter is shown with inserts completely arranged inside the shell, i.e. with inserts completely embedded in the aforesaid first material, but, according to the invention, the inserts of the aforesaid plurality of inserts can also be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid inner surface of the shell and / or can be arranged on, and therefore be constrained to, the aforesaid outer surface of the shell and / or can be partially arranged inside the shell, i.e. be partially embedded in the aforesaid first material.

[0132] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is also possible to overmold a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type on a shell of the aforesaid type, just as it is possible to mold a shell of the aforesaid type and a plurality of inserts of the aforesaid type independently of each other, and then to successively couple the inserts and the shell to one another, for example by means of adhesive. In any case, shell and inserts can be molded according to known techniques which can also possibly be combined in the making of the present counter, in particular in case some inserts are intended to be constrained to the surface of the outer and / or inner shell and some inserts partially or completely embedded in the first material forming the aforesaid shell. According to the invention, it should be added that at least part of the aforesaid plurality of inserts preferably comprises inserts arranged at a preset distance from one another, the possibility of providing consecutive inserts in contact with one another not however being excluded.

[0133] It should be added that the aforesaid inserts preferably extend from side to side in the counter, from the foot outside to the foot inside, and that they preferably substantially extend parallel to one another.

[0134] Preferably, in case of injection molding, the aforesaid inserts are molded joined to one another, as illustrated in the example of figure 3, in which they are preferably joined by a strip 11 of the same material which constitutes the inserts themselves.

[0135] Previously to the molding of the aforesaid shell, the aforesaid strip is preferably removed, for example by shearing.

[0136] As far as the making process of the present counter is concerned, in line with what is set forth above, it should be recalled that the aforesaid shell can also be made in two distinct portions: a lower portion and an upper portion constrained to one another by designated combining means.

[0137] In case the aforesaid shell is made in two distinct portions, the latter can be made in the same way, i.e. with the same techniques, with which a monolithic shell is made, whereas the process of making the counter provides in this case a further step of coupling the aforesaid two portions of the shell.

[0138] The advantages of the present invention, which have become clear during the description set forth above, can be summarized by noting that a counter for a shoe, which is able to favor the entrance of the foot into the shoe and to ensure high comfort while walking and which is further widely reliable and economical to make, is provided.

[0139] In order to meet contingent and specific needs, a technician of the field can make numerous changes and modifications to the present invention in the embodiments shown and described, all thereby comprised in the protection scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Counter (1 ) for a shoe, comprising a shell (2) made of a first material and having an inner surface (3) and an outer surface (4), and a plurality of inserts (5) made of a second material, wherein the inserts of said plurality of inserts (5) are coupled to said shell, wherein said first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than the coefficient of deformation of said second material, said first material deforming more than said second material, under equal stress.

2. Counter according to claim 1 , wherein said inserts are arranged on said inner surface and / or are arranged on said outer surface and / or are partially arranged inside said shell, being partially embedded in said first material, and / or are completely arranged inside said shell, being completely embedded in said first material.

3. Counter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of said plurality of inserts comprises inserts arranged at a preset distance from one another, wherein said preset distance is preferably between about 2 mm and about 7 mm.

4. Counter according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein said inserts extend substantially parallel to one another, wherein said inserts preferably extend substantially parallel to the ground when the counter is in use in the shoe.

5. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inserts extend substantially from the foot outside to the foot inside of the counter (1 ).

6. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inserts of said plurality of inserts (5) substantially have the same thickness, wherein said thickness is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

7. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of inserts comprises a lower insert (8) and one or more upper inserts (9), wherein said lower insert (8) has a height between about 35% and about65% of the total height of the counter, wherein the aforesaid height is preferably between about 40% and about 55% of the total height of the counter.

8. Counter according to claim 7, wherein each of said one or more upper inserts (9) has a height less than the height of said lower insert (8), wherein said one or more upper inserts (9) preferably have a height between about 2 mm and about 10 mm.

9. Counter according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said shell (2) comprises a lower edge (6) and an upper edge (7), wherein the distance of said lower insert (8) from said lower edge (6) is substantially constant and between about 2 mm and about 5 mm and / or wherein the distance of said lower insert (8) and / or of said one or more upper inserts (9) from said upper edge (7) is substantially constant and between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

10. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shell (2) has a double-curved profile locally having a first curvature with respect to a first axis perpendicular to the ground (axis z), when considering said counter in use in the shoe, and a second curvature with respect to a second axis perpendicular to said first axis (axis x’), said profile having an arched convex-concave trend when considering said outer surface (4) from bottom to top, when the counter is in use in the shoe, wherein a respective concave portion of said outer surface (4) substantially corresponds to a convex portion of said inner surface (3) and vice-versa.

11. Counter according to claim 9, wherein said lower insert (8) has two curvatures, by locally having the same profile of said shell (2).

12. Counter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said one or more upper inserts (9) have a profile with a single curvature corresponding to said first curvature.

13. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shell (2), between said lower insert (8) and said outer surface (4), has a substantially constant thickness, preferably between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

14. Counter according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein said shell (2), between the inserts of said plurality of inserts (5) and said inner surface (3), has a thickness substantially increasing from bottom to top, wherein said thickness is preferably equal to about 2 mm at said lower insert (8) and / or wherein said thickness is preferably between about 4 mm and about 15 mm in a neighborhood of the geometric locus of the inflection points in which the trend of said profile changes from convex to concave.

15. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first material has hardness between 38 and 45 Asker C, preferably between 40 and 42 Asker C, and / or wherein said first material has density between 0.88 and 0.95 g / cm3, preferably between 0.90 and 0.92 g / cm3.

16. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second material has hardness > 90 Shore D.

17. Counter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shell comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and combining means for constraining said lower portion and said upper portion to one another.

18. Process of making a counter (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: making, by molding plastic material, a plurality of inserts, co-molding a shell with the inserts of said plurality of inserts, so that said inserts are coupled to said shell, or making a shell, by molding plastic material, co-molding a plurality of inserts with said shell, so that said inserts are coupled to said shell, wherein said shell is made of a first material and said inserts are made of a second material, wherein said first material has a coefficient of deformation greater than said second material, said first material deforming more than said second material, under equal stress, wherein said shell can possibly be co-molded or made in a lower portion and an upper portion distinct from one another, wherein at least one insert ofsaid plurality of inserts is coupled to said lower portion, and the remaining inserts of said plurality of inserts are coupled to said upper portion, said process possibly comprising a step in which said lower portion and said upper portion are constrained to one another by designated combining means.

19. Shoe (500) comprising an upper (501) and a counter (100) according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein said counter is combined with said upper (501), wherein said shoe (500) preferably comprises a lining and said counter is arranged between said upper and said lining.

Images