Damping device for a footwear sole

Abstract

Damping device (1) for a footwear sole, including a first element (10), a second element (20) and a connection system (3) suitable for connecting the first element (10) and the second element (20). The first element (10) comprises a first body (11) and a first magnet (12), the first body (11) including a first cavity (13) and a first seat (14), the first cavity (13) being suitable for movably accommodating the second element (20) and the first seat (14) being suitable for receiving the first magnet (12), the first body (11) being shaped so as to define a first axis (A1). The second element (20) is movably connected to the first element (10) and comprises a second body (21) and a second magnet (22), the second body (21) including a second seat (24) suitable for receiving the second magnet (22). The first magnet (12) and the second magnet (22) are arranged in the respective seats (14, 24) so that a repulsive force is generated between them. The connection system (3) comprises a projection (32) and a groove (31) which is suitable for receiving the projection (32) so as to keep the first element (10) and the second element (20) connected to each other and to allow the second element (20) to rotate about the first axis (A1), to move in translation along the first axis (A1) and to oscillate with respect to the first axis (A1). The groove (31) is formed in the first element (10) and the projection (32) is formed on the second element (20). Footwear sole (2) comprising the damping device (1) which is suitable for damping forces resulting from the contact between the footwear item and the ground.

Description

[0001] DAMPING DEVICE FOR A FOOTWEAR SOLE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a damping device . In particular, the present invention relates to a damping device for a footwear sole . The present invention further relates to a footwear sole comprising said damping device . The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a damping device for a footwear sole .

[0004] The term "damping device" ( sometimes referred to below as "device" for the sake of simplicity) is intended to be understood as a device which is suitable for reducing the transmission of the forces generated by pressure and friction between an outer body, to which it is applied, and a surface with which it comes into contact . The damping device is applicable to bodies which apply pressure and friction in contact with preferably planar surfaces .

[0005] The outer body to which the damping device is applicable is preferably a sole , particularly a footwear sole . Preferably, the damping device is connected to the footwear sole and is suitable for counteracting the forces resulting from the contact between said sole and the ground . As a result of the damping ef fect thereof , said device is suitable for preventing possible shocks and / or inj uries for a user of the footwear which comprises this sole . Therefore , the damping device serves to limit the risk of accidents during the use of this footwear and to maintain in an ef ficient state , over a long time , the parts of the human body which are subj ected to this force .

[0006] In the prior art there are damping devices comprising magnets : as a result of the interaction of these magnets , it is possible to obtain the damping ef fect of the device . Generally, the magnets are positioned in respective elements of the device and these elements are connected to each other by means of a connection system . An example of these damping devices is described in the patent application US20100236095A1 .

[0007] Such devices may have some disadvantages . A first disadvantage may be related to the connection system which limits the degrees of freedom of the movement of the elements of the device . As a result of this , the device cannot adapt to the roughness of the ground and therefore is unable to counteract the forces resulting from the sole-ground contact in a particularly ef fective manner . In US US20100236095A1 , for example , the connection system comprises a threaded connection which secures the elements of the device to each other, limiting the degrees of freedom of movement thereof . Furthermore , this threaded connection over time tends to become unscrewed and unstable . Furthermore , this device is connected to the already formed sole . To carry out this connection, it is necessary to remove material from the sole to obtain a seat , in which the device can be glued . This connection may be very unstable because , over time , it tends to become unglued . Furthermore , carrying out processing operations on a sole which is already formed may not be very ef ficient and precise , and the industriali zation of the process may be impractical and economically disadvantageous .

[0008] An obj ect of the invention is to provide a damping device , a sole and a method for manufacturing a damping device which overcome the problems set out with reference to the cited prior art . An obj ect of the invention is to provide a damping device comprising a connection system which secures the elements of the device to each other and which ensures at the same time a speci fic number of degrees of freedom of such elements .

[0009] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a damping device which is particularly versatile and which can be applied to extremely varied types of footwear soles .

[0010] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a sole , in which the damping device is positioned so as to counteract in a particularly ef fective manner the forces resulting from the contact between the sole and the ground .

[0011] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a damping device , inside which there is provision for the circulation of air, in order to allow both the refilling thereof between the two ends of the device itsel f and the cleaning thereof by discharging air outwards .

[0012] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a particularly economical and ef ficient method for manufacturing the damping device .

[0013] These obj ects and other obj ects are at least partially achieved by the damping device , the method for manufacturing the damping device and the sole comprising the damping device , to which the present invention relates .

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the term " footwear sole" ( or more simply " sole" ) is intended to be understood as the lower portion of a footwear item, i . e . the portion of footwear on which the sole of the foot rests . This footwear portion may also comprise the heel , i f present . Therefore , the term " sole" is intended to be understood as the footwear portion on which the bottom of the foot rests and this portion may or may not also comprise the heel .

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, a damping device is provided . Said damping device includes a first element , a second element and a connection system suitable for connecting the first and the second element . The first element comprises a first body and a first magnet . The first body includes a first cavity and a first seat . The first cavity is suitable for movably accommodating the second element . The first seat is suitable for receiving the first magnet . The first body is shaped so as to define a first axis . The second element is movably connected to the first element and comprises a second body and a second magnet . The second body includes a second seat suitable for receiving the second magnet . The first and the second magnet are arranged in the respective seats so that a repulsive force is generated between them .

[0016] The connection system comprises a proj ection and a groove which is suitable for receiving the proj ection so as to keep the first element and the second element connected to each other and to allow the second element to rotate about the first axis , to move in translation along the first axis and to oscillate with respect to the first axis .

[0017] The groove is formed on the first element and the proj ection is formed on the second element , or vice versa .

[0018] Preferably, the damping device is fixed to an outer body .

[0019] Advantageously, the damping device is fixed to the outer body by means of the first element.

[0020] Preferably, this outer body is the sole of a footwear item. In alternative embodiments, the outer body to which the damping device is applied may be, for example, the saddle or the saddle cover for scooters, bicycles, horses, etc.; car seats; chairs, armchairs, sofas, etc.; suits for motorcycles, lined shorts for bicycles, etc.

[0021] The damping device to which the invention relates allows the second element to move with respect to the first element with three degrees of freedom, particularly allowing the translational, rotational and oscillating movements. In this manner, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the forces generated by the pressure and friction between the outer body to which the damping device is applied and the surface on which it rests or comes into contact. If the outer body is the sole of a footwear item, the device allows a particularly effective reduction in the possible injuries and / or shocks for a user of the footwear item. For example, the shocks resulting from the interaction between the sole and the ground can be caused to the ankles, the lower limbs, the joints and the upper parts of the user of this footwear item. Therefore, the device is found to be particularly effective in avoiding accidents to the user of the footwear, both during use and over an extended time thereof.

[0022] Preferably, the damping device is for a footwear sole. Advantageously, the damping device is intended to be connected to a footwear sole .

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a footwear sole comprising the damping device. Preferably, the damping device is connected to the sole by means of the first element . Advantageously, the device comprises a first axial end placed on the first element and a second axial end placed on the second element . Preferably, the device is connected to the sole so that the first axial end is inside the sole . Advantageously, the device is connected to the sole so that the second axial end protrudes towards the outside of the sole .

[0024] The device can be fitted in many varied types of soles for footwear items , for example , soles for safety shoes , for sports shoes , for walking shoes , etc . This makes the device particularly versatile . Preferably, the device may be integrated in soles made of polymer material , even more preferably in soles made of rubber . Advantageously, the device may be integrated in soles made of polymer materials and / or plastics materials , including ones of di f ferent compositions .

[0025] Preferably, the sole comprises a tread, i . e . a portion suitable for coming into contact with the ground .

[0026] Advantageously, the sole comprises an upper surface which is directed towards the foot of a user of the footwear item and a lower surface which is directed towards the ground . Advantageously, the tread comprises the lower surface of the sole . Preferably, these surfaces can be substantially planar .

[0027] Advantageously, the first body has a cylindrical portion which defines the first axis . The first axis preferably extends longitudinally along the first body . Preferably, the second body is shaped so as to define a second axis . Advantageously, the second body has a cylindrical portion which defines the second axis . The second axis preferably extends longitudinally along the second body . Preferably, the cylindrical portion of the second body is inserted in the first cavity of the first body . The first and second elements have such dimensions that the fit between the first and second elements prevents the introduction of external elements . This also allows for the creation of an internal vacuum, which can produce a pumping ef fect to circulate air through the device via holes formed in the device itsel f , as will be discussed in more detail below .

[0028] Preferably, when the device is in a rest condition, i . e . in the absence of external forces and / or torques which are applied to the device , the second element remains in a condition of equilibrium, in which it abuts the first element as a result of the ef fect of the repelling force of the magnets . Advantageously, in the rest condition the first axis coincides with the second axis .

[0029] Preferably, when the device is in an operating condition, i . e . when the device is urged by external forces and / or torques , for example , as a result of the interaction with the ground, the second element can move with respect to the first element . The connection system is shaped so as to secure the first and second elements to each other and, at the same time , so as to allow the second element to move with respect to the first element with three degrees of freedom : translational , rotational and oscillating movement . Each of these movements contributes to limiting the risk of possible accidents .

[0030] The translational movement of the second element with respect to the first element is carried out along the first axis . The repulsive force between the first and second magnets tends to act counter to the translational movement of the second element towards the first one . This allows the device to generate a damping ef fect capable of limiting the load of the bodily weight during impact with the ground, reducing possible risks of accidents . The repulsive force between the first and second magnets is generated when poles of these magnets having the same polarity face each other . The opposition of the poles with an identical charge , preferably a positive charge , generates the repulsive force . The magnets can also have adhesion of di f ferent magnitudes . This force tends to move the first and second elements apart from each other . The connection system prevents this repulsive force from causing detachment of the second element from the first element .

[0031] The rotation of the second element with respect to the first element is carried out about the first axis . The rotational movement may promote the rotation of the footwear during its support on the ground; this allows a reduction in the torque which is normally generated during contact of the sole with the ground, for example , during a change of direction, attenuating the friction thereof and reducing possible risks of accidents .

[0032] The oscillation of the second element with respect to the first axis occurs when the second axis is inclined with respect to the first axis . It is possible to define an oscillation angle between the second axis and the first axis .

[0033] The oscillation movement allows the device to adapt to the roughness of the ground, improving the support on the ground and reducing possible risks of accidents . The connection system is shaped so that the maximum oscillation angle is preferably between 20 ° and 25 ° , even more preferably of approximately 23 . 5 ° . These values have been found to be particularly ef fective for obtaining a good compromise between stability and walking comfort .

[0034] Advantageously, the first and second bodies are made of polymer material , even more advantageously made from plastics material . This allows the production of a device which is particularly lightweight and economical . The first body may also be made from plastics material with a di f ferent composition with respect to the second body . The second element is movably connected to the first element by means of the connection system . Thanks to the configuration of the connection system with proj ection-groove , the movement of the second element with respect to the first element can be any combination of translational , rotational and oscillating movement .

[0035] Preferably, the groove is axially wider than the proj ection so as to allow the second element to move in translation with respect to the first element .

[0036] Advantageously, the groove is delimited by an upper abutment and by a lower abutment . Preferably, the abutments are suitable for limiting the movement of the proj ection into the groove along the first axis . When the device is in a rest condition, the proj ection can move into abutment against the lower abutment as a result of the ef fect of the repelling force of the magnets . When the device is in an operating condition, an external force can cause the second element to move in such a manner that the second magnet moves towards the first magnet until the proj ection moves into abutment against the upper abutment .

[0037] Preferably, the second component comprises an inner proj ection which is suitable for securing the second magnet in the second seat .

[0038] Preferably, the groove is positioned on the first body and the outer proj ection is positioned on the second body . Advantageously, the proj ection is formed on an end of the cylindrical portion of the second body . Preferably, the radial extent of the groove is slightly greater than the radial extent of the proj ection . This allows the oscillating movement to be promoted .

[0039] Preferably, the groove has a substantially annular shape . This shape allows the second element to move with respect to the first element in a particularly fluid manner, avoiding possible j amming actions .

[0040] Advantageously, the first element comprises a first insulating component and / or the second element comprises a second insulating component .

[0041] The magnets are insulated by means of the respective insulating components . In particular, the second magnet is insulated from the second insulating component , in a state interposed between the second magnet and the sole , in order to considerably reduce the magnetic charge towards the sole . In fact , this would produce unsuitable attraction and the inevitable attachment of external metal materials .

[0042] Preferably, the first insulating component which is interposed between the first magnet and the sole of the foot of a user of a footwear item has a reduced thickness with respect to the second insulating component in order not to excessively inhibit the beneficial ef fect of the negative charge towards the sole of the foot , as will be discussed in greater detail below .

[0043] Preferably, the first insulating component is placed in the first seat . Advantageously, the first insulating component is interposed between the first body and the first magnet .

[0044] Preferably, the second insulating component is positioned in the second seat . Advantageously, the second insulating component is interposed between the second body and the second magnet .

[0045] Preferably, the first magnet is in contact with the first insulating component and the second magnet is in contact with the second insulating component .

[0046] Preferably, the first magnet is secured in the first seat between the first insulating component and the upper abutment .

[0047] Preferably, the second magnet is secured in the second seat between the second insulating component and the inner pro j ection .

[0048] The first and second insulating components have a damping ef fect for avoiding damage to the first and second magnets as a result of the direct contact with the first and second bodies , respectively .

[0049] Preferably, the insulating components are made from polymer material , even more preferably from closed-cell expanded rubber . Preferably, the device comprises holes which are suitable for causing air to circulate in the device .

[0050] Advantageously, these holes can allow the two-way passage of the air which can travel inside the device . Preferably, the holes are formed in the first and second elements and are suitable for causing air to circulate inside the device itsel f .

[0051] Advantageously, the device comprises first holes which are formed in the first element , the first holes being suitable for causing air to circulate through the first element .

[0052] The first holes are used to channel , inside the device , the discharge of the humidity present in the footwear item using the pump ef fect during the succession of heel / sole support actions . It is thereby possible to reduce the natural humidity of the foot by means of discharge of the humidity, through second holes ( as will be seen below) , during the support and, with travel in the opposite direction, by introducing air during detachment . This may allow the perspiration of the foot to be dried in a particularly ef fective manner .

[0053] Preferably, the first holes extend parallel with respect to the first axis .

[0054] Advantageously, the device comprises second holes formed in the second element , the second holes being suitable for causing air to circulate through the second element .

[0055] By means of the second holes , at the time the foot is supported on the sole , the air is urged out of the device , also bringing about cleaning of the device itsel f and further preventing it from being possible to introduce extraneous elements ( for example , water, sand, soil , leaves , etc . ) therein, which are then urged away from the device as a result of the ef fect of the thrust of air being discharged from the second holes . The second holes allow the passage of the air during walking, keeping the device particularly clean . There may further be provision for the use of a membrane , which is made of suitable material and which is suitable for allowing the air flow both inwards and outwards , but for preventing the introduction of extraneous elements mentioned above . This membrane may preferably be applied to the interior of the second element .

[0056] Preferably, the second holes extend perpendicularly with respect to the second axis , i . e . in a radial direction .

[0057] Advantageously, the second body has an outer portion having a convex shape .

[0058] Thanks to the convex shape of the outer portion, the adaptation of the device to the movement of the foot is further improved, thereby improving the support of the footwear item on the ground . This shape further allows the second element not to get stuck in the ground, adapting better to irregularities .

[0059] Advantageously, the outer convex portion proj ects slightly with respect to the lower surface of the sole . Preferably, a lower extreme of this outer convex portion proj ects by approximately 1 or 2 mm with respect to the lower surface of the sole . Preferably, the first element comprises a fixing system which is suitable for fixing the first element to the outer body . Advantageously, the first element is already assembled with the second element and therefore the entire device is fixed to the outer body by means of the fixing system . Preferably, this outer body is the sole of a footwear item .

[0060] Advantageously, the fixing system comprises flanges which extend perpendicularly, i . e . radially, with respect to the first axis , the flanges being suitable for fixing the first element to the sole .

[0061] Preferably, the first element comprises two flanges : an upper flange and a lower flange . In this manner, it is possible to connect the first element to the sole in a particularly stable manner .

[0062] Advantageously, the two flanges are placed at the two longitudinal ends of the first body . In this manner, there is obtained a connection, which is even more stable , of the first element with the sole .

[0063] Preferably, the two flanges delimit in the upper portion and lower portion the cylindrical portion of the first body . Advantageously, the first holes can extend in the upper flange .

[0064] Preferably, the lower flange may have a curved portion . Thanks to this shape , it is possible to facilitate the discharge and introduction of the air through the second holes . Advantageously, the second element may have an inner portion with a curvature which is adapted to the curved portion of the lower flange . This allows the production of a particularly compact device because the curved portion of the lower flange has a shape which complements the inner portion of the second element . This shape further allows the air to flow both inwardly and outwardly in a manner which is further improved through the second holes .

[0065] Preferably, the first magnet and the second magnet are of the type with high resistance to temperature .

[0066] The high temperature resistance magnets can withstand such temperatures while retaining their magnetic properties .

[0067] Advantageously, the first magnet and the second magnet are made of samarium-cobalt . It is possible using said magnets to obtain a good compromise between production costs and performance levels . Said magnets can withstand up to temperatures of approximately 300 ° C . Said magnets are further versatile because they can be configured with forms and dimensions suitable for the device .

[0068] Preferably, the first magnet and the second magnet are shaped as solid disks .

[0069] This shape of the magnets is preferable with respect to perforated disks because it is more economical and easier to produce .

[0070] Advantageously, the upper surface of the first magnet is parallel with the lower surface thereof . Preferably, the upper surface of the second magnet is parallel with the lower surface thereof . Preferably, the first and second insulating components may have a disk-like shape and, even more preferably, a diameter which is substantially identical to that of the magnets .

[0071] Advantageously, the first magnet and the first insulating component are placed in the first seat so as to be coaxial with each other . Advantageously, the second magnet and the second insulating component are placed in the second seat so as to be coaxial with each other .

[0072] In a preferred embodiment , the device comprises a membrane which is placed at the groove .

[0073] Thanks to said membrane , it is possible to protect the device from introductions of water, impurities , etc . , in a particularly ef fective manner .

[0074] Preferably, the membrane is made of impermeable and breathable material , for example , Gore-Tex or similar material .

[0075] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the damping device . This method preferably comprises :

[0076] • providing a first mould configured to obtain the first element of the damping device and a second mould configured to obtain the second element of the damping device , the first mould being di f ferent from the second mould;

[0077] • positioning the first high temperature resistance magnet in a cavity of a first mould and the second high temperature resistance magnet in a cavity of a second mould;

[0078] • inj ecting polymer material into the cavity of the first mould to obtain the first element of the damping device , comprising the first body, the groove and the first seat which receives the first magnet , and inj ecting polymer material into the cavity of the second mould to obtain a second element of the damping device , comprising the second body, the proj ection and the second seat which receives the second magnet ;

[0079] • assembling the first and the second element by inserting the proj ection into the groove so as to allow the second element to rotate about the first axis , to move in translation along the first axis and to oscillate with respect to the first axis , and so that the magnets have opposite faces having the same polarity in order to exert a repulsive force between the two elements of the damping device .

[0080] Preferably, the faces of the magnets having the same polarity are the faces with positive polarity .

[0081] During the process of manufacturing the first and second elements of the device, particularly during the step of inj ecting polymer material into the respective moulds , high temperatures are reached, of approximately 150 ° C . The high temperature resistance magnets which are inserted in the respective moulds can be placed in direct contact with the polymer and / or plastics materials and can withstand the high temperatures during this inj ection step . This allows the magnets to be positioned in the cavity of the respective moulds directly during the step of moulding of the first and second elements without any risk that these magnets may become demagneti zed or damaged as a result of the high temperatures of the inj ection step . Therefore , downstream of the inj ection process , it will be possible to obtain the first element with the first magnet already positioned in the first seat and the second element with the second magnet already placed in the second seat , speeding up the production process and improving the ef ficiency thereof .

[0082] Advantageously, the cavity of the first mould has a shape complementary to the shape of the first body of the first element and the cavity of the second mould has a shape complementary to the shape of the second body of the second element .

[0083] Preferably, the groove, abutments , first cavity and first seat of the first element can be obtained by means of a first core which can be inserted in the cavity of the first mould . It is advantageous for the first core to have a shape complementary to the shape of the groove , abutments , first cavity and first seat of the first element .

[0084] Preferably, the proj ection, inner proj ection and second seat of the second element can be obtained by means of a second core which can be inserted in the cavity of the second mould . It is advantageous for the second core to have a shape complementary to the shape of the proj ection, inner proj ection and second seat of the second element .

[0085] Preferably, the first and second magnets are arranged in the respective seats so that the lower surface of the first magnet is parallel with the upper surface of the second magnet . This arrangement is found to be particularly stable .

[0086] Preferably, the polymer material which is inj ected into the cavity of the first and / or second mould may comprise a base made of plastics material and synthesis additives in relation to the speci fic requirements . In some embodiments , the polymer material which is inj ected into the cavity of the first mould may be di f ferent from the polymer material which is inj ected into the cavity of the second mould .

[0087] Preferably, the first mould comprises a first punch and a first die and the cavity of the first mould is defined between the first punch and the first die . Advantageously, the second mould comprises a second punch and a second die and the cavity of the second mould is defined between the second punch and the second die .

[0088] In a preferred embodiment , the method for manufacturing the damping device comprises inj ecting di f ferent types of polymer materials into the same mould by means of di f ferent inj ectors and corresponding holes .

[0089] It is thereby possible to obtain a first element and / or a second element with dif ferentiated mechanical characteristics . For example , by inj ecting a high-performance polymer material into the zone of the mould in which the proj ection will be formed, it is possible to obtain a second element comprising a proj ection which is particularly resistant . For example , by inj ecting a low- friction polymer material into the zone of the mould in which the lower flange of the first element and the inner portion of the second element will be formed, it is possible to obtain a first element and a second element with an interface zone which is particularly capable of sliding and less subj ect to wear .

[0090] In other embodiments , the method may comprise :

[0091] • positioning first tubular elements in the cavity of the first mould and / or second tubular elements in the cavity of the second mould .

[0092] It is thereby advantageously possible to obtain first holes in the first element and / or second holes in the second element , respectively . By means of these holes , it is possible to make air circulate in the device , as described above .

[0093] This step of the method is advantageously carried out before the inj ection of the polymer material in the mould .

[0094] Advantageously, the first tubular elements can be arranged parallel with respect to the first axis so as to obtain the first holes .

[0095] Preferably, the second tubular elements can be arranged perpendicularly to the second axis , i . e . in a radial direction, so as to obtain the second holes .

[0096] Preferably, the tubular elements have a cylindrical crosssection so as to form holes with a cylindrical cross-section .

[0097] In some embodiments , the method may preferably comprise :

[0098] • positioning the first insulating component in contact with the first high temperature resistance magnet in the cavity of the first mould and the second insulating component in contact with the second high temperature resistance magnet in the cavity of the second mould and inj ecting polymer material into the respective cavities , obtaining the first element wherein the first insulating component is interposed between the first body and the first magnet , and the second element wherein the second insulating component is interposed between the second body and the second magnet , wherein the first seat of the first element receives both the first magnet and the first insulating component and the second seat of the second element receives both the second magnet and the second insulating component .

[0099] It is thereby possible to further speed up the process for obtaining both the first and the second element and to obtain a particularly precise positioning of the magnets and the insulating components in the respective elements .

[0100] Preferably, the first magnet and the first insulating component are in contact with each other so as to be coaxial with each other and the second magnet and the second insulating component are in contact with each other so as to be coaxial with each other . For example , the magnet and the respective insulating component can be kept in contact with each other during the positioning in the cavity of the respective moulds by means of an adhesive element which is placed at the interface between the magnet and respective insulating component .

[0101] In alternative embodiments , the first and / or second insulating component can be inj ected separately during the moulding of the relevant elements by means of suitable in ectors .

[0102] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the footwear sole comprising the damping device . This method comprises :

[0103] • positioning the damping device in a cavity of a sole mould; inj ecting polymer material into the cavity of the sole mould;

[0104] • expanding this polymer material in the cavity of the sole mould during the inj ection process obtaining a semifinished product to which the device is connected;

[0105] • removing this semi- finished product to which the damping device is connected from the cavity of the sole mould, obtaining the sole to which the device is connected .

[0106] Using this method, it is possible to obtain directly a sole comprising the device . Therefore , it is unnecessary to carry out subsequent processing operations on the sole suitable for connecting the device to the sole itsel f , for example , by removing material from the sole and bonding the device . Using this method, it is therefore possible to obtain an optimi zation of the production times and a final product with superior quality, for example , with respect to a sole in which the device is adhesively bonded, because there is no risk that the device may become de-bonded subsequently from the sole itsel f . Thanks to this method, the device can be directly attached to the sole during its manufacturing process .

[0107] Therefore , it is possible to position the device directly in the cavity of the sole mould because the high temperature resistance magnets are already inserted in the damping device during the manufacturing process thereof , as already described above .

[0108] Advantageously, the sole mould comprises a die and a punch and the cavity of the sole mould is defined between the die and the punch . Preferably, the shape of the sole results from the shape of the cavity of the sole mould . Advantageously, the cavity of the sole mould is suitable for receiving polymer material for producing a substrate of the sole .

[0109] The fixing between the sole and the device is facilitated by the fixing system of the device . In particular, the flanges of the device allow the first element to be fixed to the sole in a particularly ef fective inj ection step . The polymer material inj ected into the cavity of the sole mould can expand around these flanges , fixing the device in position in the sole .

[0110] Preferably, during the inj ection process the polymer material is inj ected into the cavity of the sole mould and this material expands around the device . The space occupied by the device cannot be occupied by the polymer material and therefore the sole , once formed, will comprise a housing at the device . The device will advantageously be surrounded by the polymer material of the sole and fixed in position in this housing .

[0111] Advantageously, this housing is configured so as to at least partially accommodate the device . Preferably, said housing is configured so that the first axial end of the device is inside the sole and the second axial end proj ects towards the outside of the sole .

[0112] Preferably, this housing is a through-housing, i . e . it comprises an upper opening which is directed towards the sole of the foot of the user of the footwear and a lower opening which is directed towards the ground . Advantageously, an insole may be interposed between the upper opening and the sole of the foot .

[0113] Using the through-housing, it is possible to promote the circulation of air by means of the first and second holes , reducing the humidity inside the footwear item and increasing the cleanliness of the device itsel f .

[0114] Preferably, the device is placed in the housing of the sole so that the negative pole of the first magnet is directed during use towards the sole of the foot of a user of the footwear item .

[0115] In other words , the negative pole of the first magnet is directed towards the upper opening of the housing .

[0116] Preferably, the positive pole of the first magnet faces towards the positive pole of the second magnet .

[0117] Therefore , the magnets are preferably arranged so that the respective positive poles are repelling each other .

[0118] When the negative charge of the first magnet is directed towards the sole of the foot of the user of the footwear item, it is possible to obtain the benefits of magnetotherapy, i . e . a beneficial ef fect aimed at recovering the full functionality of the body of the user . The fact that the housing is a through-housing, i . e . that there is an upper opening, allows the negative charge not to be shielded by the sole and this further contributes to the beneficial ef fect of the negative charge .

[0119] Preferably, the sole comprises a front portion and a rear portion . Advantageously, the device is placed at the front portion and / or at the rear portion .

[0120] In this manner, the device is able to counteract , in a particularly ef fective manner, the forces resulting from the contact between the sole and the ground .

[0121] In other words , the device can be placed at locations of the sole which correspond to speci fic points of the foot . Preferably, the front portion is at the first metatarsal bone of a user of the footwear item and the rear portion is at the plantar surface of the heel of the user of the footwear item . At the first metatarsal bone or where the head rests on the ground and constitutes the medial vertex of the sole of the foot and in the heel , at the plantar surface of the heel , which trans fers the bodily weight to the ground . Furthermore , by positioning the device in these zones , it is possible to generate a magnetotherapy ef fect with respect to the user which is particularly ef fective . By positioning a device in each of the speci fic points , therefore two devices in total , the beneficial ef fects which are obtained are particularly ef fective .

[0122] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings , in which :

[0123] Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the device and the sole , in which the device is in a rest condition, Figures 2 and 3 are longitudinal sections of the device and the sole , wherein the device is in an operating condition, Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the first element of the device ,

[0124] Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the second element of the device ,

[0125] Figure 6 is an exploded longitudinal section of the device , Figure 7 is an exploded longitudinal section of two devices which can be inserted in respective housings of a footwear sole .

[0126] With reference to the Figures , a damping device for a sole 2 is generally designated 1 .

[0127] The device 1 comprises a first element 10 , a second element 20 and a connection system 3 suitable for connecting the first element 10 and second element 20 . The first element 10 is fixed to the sole 2 and comprises a first body 11 and a first magnet 12 . The first body 11 includes a first cavity 13 and a first seat 14 . The first cavity 13 is suitable for movably receiving the second element 20 . The first seat 14 is suitable for receiving the first magnet 12 . The first body 10 is shaped so as to define a first axis Al .

[0128] The second element 20 is movably connected to the first element 10 and comprise a second body 21 and a second magnet 22 . The second body 21 includes a second seat 24 which is suitable for receiving the second magnet 22 .

[0129] The first magnet 12 and second magnet 22 are arranged in the respective seats 14 , 24 so that a repulsive force is generated between them.

[0130] The connection system 3 comprises a proj ection 32 and a groove 31 which is suitable for receiving the proj ection 32 so as to keep the first element 10 and second element 20 connected to each other and to allow the second element 20 to rotate about the first axis Al , to move in translation along the first axis Al and to oscillate with respect to the first axis Al .

[0131] In the embodiment shown in the Figures , the groove 31 is formed in the first element 10 and the proj ection 32 is formed on the second element 20 .

[0132] The device 1 is integrated in a footwear sole 2 . The sole 2 comprises an upper surface 91 which is directed towards the foot of a user of the footwear item and a lower surface 92 which is directed towards the ground . These surfaces may be substantially planar .

[0133] The device 1 comprises a first axial end 81 which is placed on the first element 10 and a second axial end 82 which is placed on the second element 20 . The first axial end 81 is located inside the sole 2 so as to be under the upper surface 91 of the sole 2 . The second axial end 82 proj ects outside the sole 2 , in particular proj ects towards the outside with respect to the lower surface 92 of the sole 2 .

[0134] The device 1 can be fixed to the sole 2 in such a manner that the first axis Al is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 91 of the sole 2 .

[0135] The first body 11 has a cylindrical portion 15 which defines the first axis Al which extends longitudinally along the first body 11 . The first cavity 13 is formed in the cylindrical portion 15. The first cavity 13 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the first axis Al . The first seat 14 is formed in the cylindrical portion 15 . The first seat 14 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the first axis Al .

[0136] The second body 21 is formed so as to define a second axis A2 . The second body has a cylindrical portion 25 which defines the second axis A2 which extends longitudinally along the second body 21 . The second seat 24 is formed in the cylindrical portion 25. The second seat 24 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the second axis A2 .

[0137] The cylindrical portion 25 of the second body 21 is inserted in the first cavity 13 of the first body 11 . The proj ection 32 is formed at an end of the cylindrical portion 25 of the second body 21 .

[0138] The cylindrical portion 15 of the first body 10 has a lower opening through which the cylindrical portion 25 of the second body 21 enters the first cavity 13 . In particular, the proj ection 32 is inserted in the first cavity 13 . The diameter of the lower opening is slightly less than the diameter of the proj ection 32 of the cylindrical portion 25 of the second body 21 so as to ensure a speci fic play between the two elements and at the same time a speci fic tightness between them .

[0139] When the device 1 is in a rest condition, as shown in Figure 1 , i . e . in the absence of external forces and / or torques which are applied to the device 1 , the second element 20 remains in a condition of equilibrium, in which it abuts the first element 10 as a result of the ef fect of the repelling force of the magnets 12 , 22 . In the rest condition, the first axis Al coincides with the second axis A2 . When the device 1 is in an operating condition, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , i . e . when the device 1 is urged by external forces and / or torques , for example , as a result of the interaction with the ground, the second element 20 can move with respect to the first element 10 . The connection system 3 is formed so as to secure to each other the first element 10 and second element 20 and at the same time so as to allow the second element 20 to move with respect to the first element 10 with three degrees of freedom : translational , rotational and oscillating movement .

[0140] Figure 2 shows the second element 20 during translational movement along the first axis Al and during rotation about the first axis Al . Figure 3 shows the second element during oscillation with respect to the first axis Al . The oscillation of the second element 20 with respect to the first axis Al occurs when the second axis A2 is inclined with respect to the first axis Al . It is possible to define an oscillation angle S between the second axis A2 and the first axis Al .

[0141] The second element 20 is movably connected to the first element 10 by means of the connection system 3 . As a result of the configuration of the connection system 3 with a proj ection 32 and groove 31 , the movement of the second element 20 with respect to the first element 10 may be any combination of translational , rotational and oscillating movement .

[0142] The groove 31 is axially wider than the proj ection 32 so as to allow the second element 20 to move in translation with respect to the first element 10 . The diameter of the proj ection 32 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the groove 31 so as to promote the three degrees of freedom of movement between the two elements 10 , 20 and at the same time to ensure a speci fic stability between them .

[0143] The groove 31 is delimited by an upper abutment 33 and a lower abutment 34 . The abutments 33 , 34 are suitable for limiting the movement of the proj ection 32 in the groove 31 along the first axis Al . When the device 1 is in the rest condition, the proj ection 32 can move into abutment against the lower abutment 34 as a result of the ef fect of the repelling force of the magnets 12 , 22 , as shown in Figure 1 . When the device 1 is in the operating condition, an external force can move the second element 20 so that the second magnet 22 moves towards the first magnet 12 until the proj ection 32 moves into abutment against the upper abutment 33 , as shown in Figure 2 .

[0144] The groove 31 can be formed in the cylindrical portion 15 of the first body 11 . The groove 31 has a substantially annular shape .

[0145] The proj ection 32 may have an annular shape . The proj ection 32 may have a rounded upper edge .

[0146] The upper abutment 33 and lower abutment 34 can proj ect from the cylindrical portion 15 of the first body 11 towards the first cavity 13 . These abutments 33 , 34 can have an annular shape . The upper abutment 33 may have a rounded upper edge . The lower abutment 34 may have a rounded lower edge .

[0147] The first element 10 comprises a first insulating component 41 and the second element 20 comprise a second insulating component 42 .

[0148] The first insulating component 41 is placed in the first seat 14 in a state interposed between the first body 11 and the first magnet 12 . The second insulating component 42 is placed in the second seat 24 in a state interposed between the second body 21 and the second magnet 22 .

[0149] The first magnet 12 can be secured in the first seat 14 between the first insulating component 41 and the upper abutment 33 . The second magnet 22 can be secured in the second seat 24 between the second insulating component 42 and an inner proj ection 43 . The first insulating component 41 and the second insulating component 42 can have a disk-like shape and a diameter which is substantially identical to that of the magnets 12 , 22 . The first insulating component 41 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the first axis Al . The second insulating component 42 can define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the second axis A2 .

[0150] The device 1 comprises first holes 51 which are formed in the first element 10 , the first holes 51 being suitable for causing air to circulate in the first element 10 . The first holes 51 extend parallel with the first axis Al .

[0151] There may be provided four first holes 51 . This number of first holes 51 constitutes an optimum compromise between reduction of the humidity in the footwear item and production costs of the first holes 51 . These four first holes 51 are preferably equidistant from each other .

[0152] The device 1 comprises second holes 52 which are formed in the second element 20 , the second holes 52 being suitable for causing air to circulate in the second element 20 . The second holes 52 extend perpendicularly to the second axis A2 , i . e . in a radial direction .

[0153] There may be provided four second holes 52 . This number of second holes 52 constitutes an optimum compromise between cleaning the device 1 and production costs of the second holes 52 . These four second holes 52 are preferably equidistant from each other .

[0154] The second body 21 has an outer portion 26 having a convex shape . The convex outer portion 26 proj ects by approximately 2 mm with respect to the lower surface 92 of the sole 2 .

[0155] The first element 10 comprises a fixing system 60 which is suitable for fixing the first element 10 to the sole 2 . The fixing system 60 comprises an upper flange 61 and a lower flange 62 . These flanges 61 , 62 extend perpendicularly i . e . radially with respect to the first axis Al . The two flanges 61 , 62 are placed at the longitudinal ends of the first body 11 . The lower flange 62 has a curved portion 63 which is suitable for facilitating the circulation of the air by means of the second holes 52 . The second element 20 may have an inner portion 27 with a curvature which adapts to the curved portion 63 of the lower flange 62 .

[0156] The footwear sole 2 comprises a housing 23 which is suitable for accommodating respective devices 1 , as can be seen in Figure 7 . The housing 23 is a through-housing and comprises an upper opening 94 which is directed towards the sole of the foot of the user of the footwear item and a lower opening 95 which is directed towards the ground, as shown more clearly in Figure 4 .

[0157] The device 1 is placed in the housing 23 of the sole 2 so that the negative pole N of the first magnet 12 is directed during use towards the sole of the foot of a user of the footwear item . In other words , the negative pole N of the first magnet 12 is directed towards the upper opening 94 of the housing 23 . The positive pole of the first magnet 12 faces towards the positive pole of the second magnet 22 . When the negative charge of the first magnet 12 is directed towards the sole of the foot of the user of the footwear item, it is possible to obtain the benefits of magnetotherapy . The sole 2 comprises a front portion 28 and a rear portion 29 and the device 1 is placed at the front portion 28 and the rear portion 29 . The front portion 28 is at the first metatarsal bone of a user of the footwear item and the rear portion 29 is at the plantar surface of the heel of the user of the footwear item . The first magnet 12 and the second magnet 22 are of the type of high temperature resistance magnets , in particular made of samarium-cobalt .

[0158] The first magnet 12 and second magnet 22 are shaped as solid disks . The first magnet 12 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the first axis Al . The second magnet 22 may define a longitudinal axis which coincides with the second axis A2 .

Claims

Patent claims1. A damping device (1) for a footwear sole, including a first element (10) , a second element (20) and a connection system (3) suitable for connecting the first element (10) and the second element (20) , wherein: the first element (10) comprises a first body (11) and a first magnet (12) , the first body (11) including a first cavity (13) and a first seat (14) , the first cavity (13) being suitable for movably accommodating the second element (20) and the first seat (14) being suitable for receiving the first magnet (12) , the first body (11) being shaped so as to define a first axis (Al) , the second element (20) is movably connected to the first element (10) and comprises a second body (21) and a second magnet (22) , the second body (21) including a second seat(24) suitable for receiving the second magnet (22) , the first magnet (12) and the second magnet (22) are arranged in the respective seats (14, 24) so that a repulsive force is generated between them, the connection system (3) comprises a projection (32) and a groove (31) which is suitable for receiving the projection (32) so as to keep the first element (10) and the second element (20) connected to each other and to allow the second element (20) to rotate about the first axis (Al) , to move in translation along the first axis (Al) and to oscillate with respect to the first axis (Al) , said groove (31) being formed in the first element (10) and said projection (32) being formed on the second element (20) .

2. A device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the positive pole of the first magnet (12) faces the positive pole of the second magnet (22) .

3. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (10) comprises a first insulating component (41) and / or the second element (20) comprises a second insulating component (42) .

4. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising first holes (51) formed in the first element (10) , the first holes (51) being suitable for circulating air in the first element (10) .

5. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising second holes (52) formed in the second element (20) , the second holes (52) being suitable for circulating air in the second element (20) .

6. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second body (21) has an outer portion (26) having a convex shape .

7. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (10) comprises a fixing system (60) suitable for fixing the first element (10) to an outer body.

8. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnet (12) and the second magnet (22) are of the high temperature resistance type, preferably made of samarium-cobalt .

9. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnet (12) and the second magnet (22) are shaped as solid disks.

10. A method for manufacturing a damping device (1) for a footwear sole, comprising: providing a first mould configured to obtain the first element (10) of the damping device (1) and a second mould configured to obtain the second element (20) of the damping device (1) , the first mould being different from the second mould;• positioning a first high temperature resistance magnet (12) in a cavity of the first mould and a second high temperature resistance magnet (22) in a cavity of the second mould;• injecting polymer material into the cavity of the first mould to obtain the first element (10) of the damping device, (1) comprising a first body (11) which is shaped so as to define a first axis (Al) , a groove (31) and a first seat (14) which receives the first magnet (12) , and injecting polymer material into the second mould to obtain the second element(20) of the damping device (1) , comprising a second body(21) , a projection (32) and a second seat (24) which receives the second magnet (22) ;• assembling the first element (10) and the second element (20) by inserting the projection (32) into the groove (31) so as to allow the second element (20) to rotate about the first axis (Al) , to move in translation along the first axis (Al) and to oscillate with respect to the first axis (Al) , and so that the magnets (12, 22) have opposite faces having the same polarity, preferably the positive polarity, in order to exert a repulsive force between the two elements (10, 20) of the damping device (1) .

11. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein upstream of the injection process first tubular elements are positioned in the first mould and / or second tubular elementsare positioned in the second mould so as to obtain first holes (51) in the first element (10) and / or second holes (52) in the second element (20) , respectively.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising positioning a first insulating component (41) in contact with the first high temperature resistance magnet (12) in the cavity of the first mould and a second insulating component (42) in contact with the second high temperature resistance magnet (22) in the cavity of the second mould and injecting polymer material into the respective cavities, obtaining the first element (10) wherein the first insulating component (41) is interposed between the first body (11) of the first element (10) and the first magnet (12) , and the second element (20) wherein the second insulating component (42) is interposed between the second body (21) of the second element (20) and the second magnet (22) , wherein the first seat (14) of the first element (10) receives both the first magnet (12) and the first insulating component (41) and the second seat (24) of the second element (20) receives both the second magnet (22) and the second insulating component (42) .

13. A footwear sole (2) comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the device (1) comprising a first axial end (81) placed on the first element (10) and a second axial end (82) placed on the second element (20) , the device (1) being connected to the sole (2) by means of the first element (10) so that the first axial end (81) is inside the sole (2) and so that the second axial end (82) protrudes towards the outside of the sole (2) .

14. A footwear sole (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a housing (23) suitable for at least partiallyaccommodating the device (1) so that the negative pole (N) of the first magnet (12) is directed in use towards the sole of the foot of a user of the footwear.

15. A footwear sole (2) according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a front portion (28) and a rear portion (29) , wherein the device (1) is placed at the front portion (28) and / or at the rear portion (29) .

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