Air circulation structure for shoes

Abstract

An air circulation structure for shoes according to an embodiment of the present invention is manufactured as a single body so as to form the upper and insole of a shoe, and is combined on the midsole of the shoe. The air circulation structure for shoes may comprise: an inner layer that makes close contact with a foot and absorbs moisture generated from the foot; a middle layer that has an elastic material, and is bonded to the inner layer to connect flow channels for moisture absorption and outside air circulation; and an outer layer that is bonded to the middle layer and dries the absorbed moisture by using the outside air.

Description

Air circulation structure for shoes

[0001] The present invention relates to an air circulation structure for shoes.

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, the shoe is composed of an outsole (10) that is in close contact with the ground, a midsole (20) provided on the outsole, and an upper (40) that is joined along the edge of the outsole and acts to wrap around the foot.

[0003] At this time, the insole (30), also called an insole, can be positioned on the upper part of the midsole (60) and can be worn on the upper part of the shoe (40) to provide sufficient cushioning by coming into contact with the sole of the foot, and in particular, a thick, convex cushion can be designed at a position corresponding to the arch, which is the central part of the sole of the foot.

[0004] The insole (30) can be inserted into the shoe and used by being designed to correspond to the shape of the sole of the foot to absorb the load applied to the sole of the foot during walking, thereby relieving foot fatigue and improving the fit of the shoe.

[0005] In this way, the insole (30) used inside the shoe absorbs moisture such as sweat generated from the foot when the shoe is worn for a long time and can become contaminated by secretions from the foot.

[0006] As such, if the insole (30) fails to quickly expel moisture such as sweat from the foot and continues to absorb it, problems such as lowering the temperature of the foot may occur, and furthermore, there are problems such as causing skin diseases of the foot by generating a severe odor along with contaminated foot secretions from the insole (30).

[0007] Various technologies are being developed for an air circulation structure that can dry the insole and discharge contaminants at the same time to improve the problems of the insole (30) and reduce moisture and odor while preserving foot health.

[0008] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has completed the present invention after conducting research and going through trial and error for a long time to develop a technology for an air circulation structure for shoes configured to quickly and completely remove moisture and contaminants, such as sweat absorbed from the feet, by circulating a large amount of air through the upper as well as the insole, using external air circulated throughout the entire interior of the shoe.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an air circulation structure for a shoe can be provided, which is designed so that the insole and the upper are formed integrally, thereby circulating a large amount of air through the insole as well as the upper, and thus utilizing external air circulated throughout the entire interior of the shoe to quickly and completely remove moisture and contaminants such as sweat absorbed from the foot.

[0010]

[0011] Meanwhile, other unspecified objectives of the present invention will be further considered to the extent that they can be easily inferred from the following detailed description and effects.

[0012] An air circulation structure for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention is an air circulation structure for a shoe that is integrally manufactured to form the upper and insole of the shoe and is coupled to the midsole of the shoe, and may include: an inner layer that adheres to the foot and absorbs moisture generated from the foot; an intermediate layer made of an elastic material and adhered to the inner layer to connect a flow path for moisture absorption and external air circulation; and an outer layer that adheres to the intermediate layer and dries the absorbed moisture using external air.

[0013] In addition, the inner layer forms a mesh structure and can absorb moisture from the shoe through moisture-absorbing holes formed in each mesh.

[0014] In addition, the inner layer can be manufactured by weaving cotton yarn into a mesh structure.

[0015] At this time, the intermediate layer can absorb moisture through a connecting passage connected to the moisture absorption port.

[0016] In addition, the above intermediate layer can be manufactured from any one of silicone, polyurethane, or synthetic rubber.

[0017] Additionally, the outer layer may include an air circulation space that dries incoming moisture using the circulation of external air; a drying air circulation port that supplies moisture absorbed through the intermediate layer to the air circulation space; and a drying air intake port that supplies external air to the air circulation space.

[0018] Here, the outer layer can be manufactured from TPU.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation structure for shoes can rapidly and completely remove moisture and secretions, such as sweat absorbed from the foot, by circulating a large amount of air through the upper as well as the insole formed integrally, using external air circulated throughout the entire interior of the shoe, thereby maintaining the body temperature of the foot and fundamentally blocking the occurrence of bad odors in the shoe and foot, thereby maintaining a dry foot condition, and providing practical and useful effects such as continuous air circulation even under the basic load of body weight and pressure and compression due to weight transfer.

[0020]

[0021] Meanwhile, it should be added that even if an effect is not explicitly mentioned here, the effects described in the following specification and the provisional effects expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded view illustrating the structure of a shoe.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air circulation structure for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating A of FIG. 2,

[0025] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an inner layer of an air circulation structure for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an intermediate layer of an air circulation structure for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating an outer layer of an air circulation structure for a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a TPU.

[0029] It should be noted that the attached drawings are provided as examples for reference to help understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited by them.

[0030] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions are omitted if they are deemed obvious to a person skilled in the art and could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0031] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of an air circulation structure for shoes according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air circulation structure for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating A of FIG. 2.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an air circulation structure (500) for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the insole (30) and the upper (40) of FIG. 1 are designed as a single unit in the structure of the shoe.

[0037] Thus, the air circulation structure (500) for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention may be composed of an inner layer (100) that absorbs moisture and secretions such as sweat discharged from the foot, insole and upper are integrally formed to wrap around the entire foot, an intermediate layer (200) that is bonded to the inner layer (100) by a first adhesive layer (50), and an outer layer (300) that is bonded to the intermediate layer (200) by a second adhesive layer (20).

[0038] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating an inner layer of an air circulation sphere for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039]

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to absorb moisture and secretions, such as sweat, from the foot while in contact with the sole of the foot.

[0041] At this time, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that each mesh forms a moisture absorption opening (110) and enhances breathability.

[0042] Here, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be designed so that the moisture absorption opening (110) of each mesh is connected to the connecting passage opening (210) of the intermediate layer (200) to form a discharge path for moisture and secretions.

[0043] In particular, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by weaving cotton yarn into a mesh structure.

[0044] At this time, cotton yarn is a raw material processed from cotton fibers grown in fields; although the processing methods are diverse and the types and characteristics vary, it feels soft against the skin and lacks the stickiness felt in synthetic fibers, giving a fresh and fluffy sensation.

[0045] In addition, cotton yarn has excellent moisture absorption and breathability, effectively absorbing sweat while remaining flexible for sweat dissipation and ventilation; it is also strong and resistant to heat and alkali, making it possible to wash, iron, or boil at high temperatures.

[0046] Cotton yarn is a natural material that causes minimal skin irritation, even for sensitive skin prone to atopic dermatitis. Since it is a biodegradable material, it places less burden on the environment and can be recycled into recycled cotton.

[0047] As such, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by weaving cotton yarn into a mesh structure, thereby absorbing moisture and secretions discharged from the entire foot through the moisture absorption opening (110) formed in each mesh, while simultaneously supplying dry air from the outside into the shoe through the moisture absorption opening (110).

[0048] In particular, the inner layer (100) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can be designed with a mesh size that prevents foreign substances from entering through the moisture absorption port (110).

[0049] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an intermediate layer of an air circulation structure for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be designed to be attached to the lower surface of the inner layer (100) by a first adhesive layer (10), and connecting passages (210) may be provided at regular intervals.

[0051] At this time, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can form a discharge path for moisture and secretions by connecting the connecting passage (210) to the moisture absorption opening (110) of the inner layer (100).

[0052] At the same time, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can supply external air supplied from the dry air circulation port (320) of the outer layer (300) to the body side through the moisture absorption port (110) of the inner layer (100) via the connecting passage port (210).

[0053] Here, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention is designed to connect the dry air absorption port (310) of the outer layer (300) and the moisture absorption port (120) of the inner layer (100) to each other through the connecting passage (210), thereby enabling moisture absorption and air circulation.

[0054] In particular, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be designed to have elasticity to cushion the impact transmitted through the inner layer (100) and the outer layer (300).

[0055] To this end, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured from any one of silicone, polyurethane, and synthetic rubber having excellent elasticity.

[0056] When silicon is condensed with dimethyl silanediol, it becomes an elastic material with Si-O-Si bonds, and because oxygen atoms are interposed between silicon atoms, the silicon atoms rotate relatively freely around the oxygen-silicon bond axis, and thus form a structure that is easy to flow even at room temperature.

[0057] These silicone materials have excellent heat and cold resistance, superior chemical and oil resistance, and can maintain elastic flexibility even at low temperatures.

[0058] Polyurethane is formed by the synthesis of polyisocyanates and polyols and can be configured to maintain mechanical properties that provide the strength of hard plastics and the elasticity of rubber.

[0059] Polyurethane has flexible elasticity that stretches up to 800% and then contracts smoothly, and has mechanical properties superior to rubber.

[0060] Polyurethane is a fiber that is resistant to sweat and seawater, allows for both home washing and dry cleaning, and possesses tensile strength similar to rubber but greater than that of rubber.

[0061] Synthetic rubber is a rubber produced by polymerizing two or more raw materials with a catalyst. As a synthetic polymer material possessing high elasticity and stiffness, it is a high-performance material primarily used in tires, belts, hoses, and shoes due to its excellent wear resistance, rebound elasticity, and mechanical properties.

[0062] Accordingly, the intermediate layer (200) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured from any one of silicone, polyurethane, or synthetic rubber having excellent elasticity and designed to absorb shock transmitted from the inner layer (100) or the outer layer (300).

[0063] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outer layer of an air circulation structure for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be designed with a square cross-sectional shape having an air circulation space (330) through which air can be circulated, and dry air intake holes (310) may be arranged at regular intervals along the lower surface and both sides of the square cross-section that contacts the outside.

[0065] In addition, the outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a drying air circulation port (320) on the upper surface of a square cross section.

[0066] In this way, the outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can have air circulation in the air circulation space (330) when dry air is introduced through a plurality of dry air intake ports (310) that are processed to be arranged at regular intervals on the lower surface and both sides thereof.

[0067] In particular, the air circulation space (330) of the outer layer (300) can function to absorb moisture and secretions generated from the foot through the moisture absorption port (110) of the inner layer (100), the connecting passage (210) of the middle layer (200), and the dry air circulation port (320), and can function to rapidly dry the absorbed moisture and secretions inside by circulating external air introduced through the dry air absorption port (310).

[0068] In other words, the outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can be elastically expanded by an external force, and during the elastic expansion process, dry air in the air circulation space (330) is circulated while being sucked in and exhausted through the dry air intake port (310) and the dry air circulation port (320), thereby absorbing moisture and secretions such as sweat and simultaneously acting to dry quickly and completely.

[0069] The outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention may be made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

[0070] TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a polyurethane (PU) developed to combine the advantages of plastic and rubber. It is known as an eco-friendly plastic with excellent cost-effectiveness, as well as a transparent material with superior flexibility, durability, and resilience.

[0071] Thermoplasticity refers to the property where a solid returns to a liquid state and can be molded into a desired shape when the temperature is raised by applying a suitable amount of heat.

[0072] For example, when heat is applied to thermosetting urethane foam (used in beds, car seats, etc.), it does not melt but burns immediately; however, thermoplastic TPU can melt and turn into a liquid state when heated, and by pouring the liquid TPU into a mold and cooling it, it can be molded into a plastic product of the desired shape.

[0073] TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) can be composed of diisocyanates, diols, and polyols, and can form a hard phase as the diisocyanates and diols react, and can be composed of a soft phase as the polyol becomes a soft phase and becomes fluid when heat is applied.

[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the TPU.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 7, the TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) can have a Hard Phase formed by the reaction of Diisocyanates (or 4,4'-MDI) and Diol (or 1,4-BDO), and a Soft Phase formed by Polyesterdiol / Polyetherdol.

[0076] More specifically, in TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), MDI can react with BDO to form a regular arrangement and form a Hard Phase, while Polyesterdiol / Polyetherdol with long chains forms an irregular and loose structure and forms a Soft Phase.

[0077] TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a material that possesses the most superior mechanical properties among thermoplastic elastomers, such as tensile strength, tear strength, and wear resistance, and can be widely applied in uses requiring high durability.

[0078] TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is applied in a wide range of industries, including industrial materials, automobiles, electrical and electronics, and footwear, due to its excellent optical properties such as high transparency and gloss, as well as outstanding chemical resistance including hydrolysis resistance, oil resistance, and fuel resistance.

[0079] In particular, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a material capable of long-term use due to its excellent wear resistance, resilience, oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance, excellent low-temperature flexibility, low deformation rate at low temperatures, and outstanding mechanical properties, as well as excellent UV stability through the application of an aliphatic structure.

[0080] In addition, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) can be used as a material for automotive interior parts, sports and leisure goods, and special cables where high wear and scratch resistance is required; it can be used in engineering plastics such as ABS and nylon; it can be applied in electronic applications requiring excellent mechanical properties and stability against ultraviolet rays; it can be utilized in sports / leisure wear and footwear requiring high precision breathability; and it can be used in extruded or injection-molded products such as films, tubes, and hoses where high transparency and hardness are required.

[0081] TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) can have high elasticity over the entire hardness range, provide excellent low-temperature characteristics and superior impact strength, have resistance to various solvents such as oil and grease, and possess excellent flexibility over a wide temperature range.

[0082] As described above, the outer layer (300) of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention is molded from TPU, thereby providing excellent mechanical properties such as durability, elasticity, and resilience, and the dry air in the air circulation space (330) is circulated by being sucked in and exhausted through the dry air absorption port (310) and the dry air circulation port (320), so as to absorb moisture and secretions such as sweat, and at the same time, function to dry quickly and completely.

[0083] The structure of the air circulation structure (500) for shoes configured as described above can form a shoe by forming the insole and upper of the shoe as a single unit, while sequentially combining the midsole (20) and the outsole (10) at the bottom.

[0084] In other words, the air circulation structure (500) for shoes according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to absorb moisture and secretions generated on the entire foot while simultaneously allowing for the intake and exhaust of external air by manufacturing an integrated structure of the upper and the insole through 3D design.

[0085] Ultimately, the shoe structure to which the shoe air circulation structure (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied can circulate air throughout the entire interior of the shoe, thereby enabling the rapid and complete removal of moisture and secretions secreted from the foot from inside the shoe.

[0086]

[0087] The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above. Furthermore, it is added once again that the scope of protection of the present invention cannot be limited by obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0088]

[0089] 100; inner layer

[0090] 200: Middle layer

[0091] 300: Outer layer

[0092] 500; Air circulation structure

Claims

1. An air circulation structure for a shoe that is manufactured integrally to form the upper and insole of the shoe and is combined on the midsole of the shoe, An inner layer that adheres closely to the foot and absorbs moisture generated from the foot; An intermediate layer made of an elastic material and bonded to the inner layer above, connecting a channel for moisture absorption and external air circulation; and An outer layer that dries absorbed moisture by adhering to the above intermediate layer using external air; including, Air circulation structure for shoes.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above inner layer is, It forms a mesh structure and absorbs moisture from the shoe through moisture absorption holes formed in each mesh. Air circulation structure for shoes.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above inner layer is, Manufactured by weaving cotton yarn into a mesh structure, Air circulation structure for shoes.

4. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above intermediate layer is, absorbing moisture through a connecting passage connected to the above moisture absorption port, Air circulation structure for shoes.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above intermediate layer is, Manufactured from any one of silicone, polyurethane, or synthetic rubber, Air circulation structure for shoes.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above outer layer is, An air circulation space that dries incoming moisture using the circulation of external air; A dry air circulation unit that supplies moisture absorbed through the intermediate layer to the air circulation space; and A dry air intake that supplies external air to the above air circulation space; including, Air circulation structure for shoes.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above outer layer is, Made of TPU, Air circulation structure for shoes.

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