FOOTWEAR DYNAMIC SOLE

Abstract

Footwear sole (1) comprising a first layer (2) defining a leaning surface (3) configured to face, in use, a walking surface and a second layer (4) comprising in turn a plurality of chambers (5) and coupled to said first layer (2). Moreover, the sole (1) comprises an actuation system (6) including a fluid source (7) comprising a feeding fluid and connected to said plurality of chambers (5). The actuation system (6) is configured to control the supply of a fluid to said plurality of chambers (5) between a rest condition and an active condition, and vice versa. In particular, in said rest condition the chambers (5) have a first volume (v1) and are apt to determine a first configuration of the first layer (2), while in said active condition the chambers (5) have a second volume (v2), greater than said first volume (v1), and are apt to determine a second configuration of the first layer (2) wherein the leaning surface (3) has or forms a plurality of bumps at each of said plurality of chambers (5). The present description also relates to a method which can be realized by this sole, as well as to a footwear comprising this sole.

Claims

1. A footwear sole (1) comprising: a first layer (2) defining a leaning surface (3) configured to face, in use, a walking surface; a second layer (4), coupled to said first layer (2) and comprising a plurality of chambers (5); an actuation system (6) including a fluid source (7) comprising a feeding fluid and connected to said plurality of chambers (5); wherein the actuation system (6) is configured to control the feeding fluid supply to said plurality of chambers (5) between a rest condition and an active condition, and vice versa, and wherein in said rest condition the chambers (5) have a first volume (v1) and are apt to determine a first configuration of the first layer (2), and wherein in said active condition the chambers (5) have a second volume (v2), greater than said first volume (v1), and are apt to determine a second configuration of the first layer (2) wherein the leaning surface (3) has or forms a plurality of bumps at each of said plurality of chambers (5).

2. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 1, wherein in said first configuration of the first layer (2) the leaning surface (3) is substantially flat.

3. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation system (6) comprises at least one channel (8) connecting the fluid source (7) to each chamber (5).

4. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 3, wherein each of the chambers (5) of the plurality of chambers is connected to at least another chamber (5) of the plurality of chambers by means of one or more channels (8).

5. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuation system (6) comprises a blocking device (9) configured to contrast the fluid flow from the plurality of chambers (5) to the fluid source (7).

6. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein said fluid source (7) comprises a tank (11) and a stem (10) which can slide inside said tank (11).

7. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 6, wherein said tank (7) is configured to contain said feeding fluid and wherein said stem (10) is configured to slide in a first direction within the tank (11), so as to exert pressure on the feeding fluid contained in said tank (11), and to slide within the tank (11) in a second direction, opposite to the first one, to allow a return of the feeding fluid inside the tank (11).

8. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 7, wherein said stem (10) is configured to be operated electrically or manually by a user.

9. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the second layer (4) has a bellows-like structure at each chamber (5) such that when the chambers (5) are in the rest condition the second layer (2) has a plurality of inward folds or creases (12) at the chambers (5).

10. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 9, wherein said folds or creases (12) are apt to retracted, so as to allow the chambers (5) to adopt the rest configuration, or to be unfolded or spread out, so as to allow the chambers (5) to adopt the active configuration.

11. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 9, wherein said folds or creases (12) are concentric.

12.-15. (canceled)

16. A method for modifying the configuration of a leaning surface (3) of a sole (1) for footwear, wherein the leaning surface (3) is configured to face, in use, towards a walking surface, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a first layer (2) of a footwear sole (1), defining said leaning surface (3), providing a second layer (4) of a footwear sole (1) comprising a plurality of chambers (5), coupling said first layer (2) and said second layer (4), providing an actuation system (6) including a fluid source (7) comprising a feeding fluid and connected to said plurality of chambers (5), controlling the feeding fluid supply from the fluid source (7) to said plurality of chambers (5), so as to determine a variation in the volume of said chambers (5) between a rest condition and an active condition, wherein in said rest condition the chambers (5) have a first volume (v1) and determine a first configuration of the first layer (2), and wherein in said active condition the chambers (5) have a second volume (v2), greater than said first volume (v1), and determine a second configuration of the first layer (2) wherein the leaning surface (3) has or forms a plurality of bumps at each of said plurality of chambers (5).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the control of the feeding fluid supply from the fluid source (7) to said plurality of chambers (5) comprises opening or interrupting a fluid communication between the fluid source (7) and each chamber (5) of said plurality of chambers.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein providing the actuation system (6) comprises providing said fluid source (7) including a tank (11) and a stem (10) which can slide inside said tank (11).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of controlling the fluid supply so as to determine a variation in the volume of each chamber (5) of said plurality of chambers (5) from a rest condition to an active condition, comprises: opening the fluid communication between the fluid source (7) and the chambers (5); sliding said stem (10) inside said tank (11) so that the fluid reaches the plurality of chambers (5); interrupting the fluid communication between the fluid source (7) and the chambers (5).

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of controlling the supply of the fluid so as to determine a variation of the condition of each chamber (5) of said plurality of chambers from an active condition to a rest condition comprises opening the fluid communication between the fluid source (7) and the chambers (5).

21.-23. (canceled)

24. The method according to claim 18, wherein providing the actuation system (6) further comprises providing a blocking device (9) configured to contrast the flow of fluid from the plurality of chambers (5) to the fluid source (7).

25. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 2, wherein the actuation system (6) comprises a blocking device (9) configured to contrast the fluid flow from the plurality of chambers (5) to the fluid source (7).

26. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 3, wherein the actuation system (6) comprises a blocking device (9) configured to contrast the fluid flow from the plurality of chambers (5) to the fluid source (7).

27. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 4, wherein the actuation system (6) comprises a blocking device (9) configured to contrast the fluid flow from the plurality of chambers (5) to the fluid source (7).

28. The footwear sole (1) according to claim 10, wherein said folds or creases (12) are concentric.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 represents a side section of a sole and a footwear according to the present description; [0042] FIG. 2 represents a side section of a sole and a footwear according to the present description wherein the first layer of the sole is in the first configuration; [0043] FIG. 3 represents a side section of a sole and a footwear according to the present description wherein the first layer of the sole is in the second configuration; [0044] FIG. 4 shows a side section of the second layer and the actuation system of a sole according to the present description wherein the chambers of the second layer are in the rest condition; [0045] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the second layer and the actuation system of a sole according to the present description wherein the chambers of the second layer are in the rest condition; [0046] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a sole or a footwear according to the present description; [0047] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a sole according to the present description.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] With reference to the attached figures, an embodiment of a footwear sole is indicated with the reference number 1.

[0049] The expression “footwear sole” means within the scope of the present description an element configured to be associated with a footwear, in particular with the top portion, for example with an upper, of a footwear.

[0050] The sole 1 comprises a first layer 2, or lower layer, intended, in use, to come into contact with the walking surface, or with the ground on which the footwear lays, during a user's walk. Specifically, such first layer 2 defines or has a leaning surface 3 configured to face, in use, said walking surface. The footwear sole 1 according to the present description further comprises a second layer 4 coupled to said first layer 2. The second layer 4 overlaps the first layer 2, i.e. it is coupled at the surface of the first layer 2 opposite the leaning surface 3. The first layer 2 therefore represents an outer or lower coating of the second layer 4. Preferably, said first layer 2 and said second layer 4 are shaped elements having substantially the same shape as a user's foot sole.

[0051] The sole 1 also includes a plurality of chambers comprised within the second layer 4. In other words, the chambers 5 represent substantially hollow spaces within the second layer 4. The chambers 5 are therefore enclosed or confined within the second layer 4.

[0052] The sole 1 further comprises an actuation system 6 which, in turn, includes a fluid source 7 comprising a feeding fluid and connected to said plurality of chambers 5. The actuation system 6 is configured to adjust, or control, the supply of the feeding fluid to the plurality of chambers 5 and consequently to determine the condition of the chambers 5. In particular, the condition of the chambers 5 can vary between a rest condition and an active condition, and vice versa. More specifically, in said rest condition the chambers 5 have a first volume, v1, while in said active condition they have a second volume, v2, where said second volume v2 is greater than the first volume v1. The chambers 5 are, thus, deformable between said rest condition, where they adopt a first volume v1, and a said active condition, where they adopt a second volume v2 greater than the first one.

[0053] Since the first layer 2 is coupled to the second layer 4, the volume adopted or occupied by the plurality of chambers determines the configuration of the first layer 2. A rest condition of the chambers 5 determines a first configuration of the first layer 2 and an active condition of the chambers 5 determines a second configuration of the first layer 2, wherein the leaning surface 3 has a bump at each chamber 5, respectively. So, in said second configuration of the first layer 2, the leaning surface 3 has or forms a plurality of bumps or protrusions with respect to the first configuration of the first layer 2. More specifically, in the second configuration, the leaning surface 3 of the first layer 2 has a protrusion or protuberance or bump at each of said plurality of chambers 5. Consequently, the number of bumps or protrusions on the leaning surface 3 is equal to the number of chambers 5 in the second layer 4.

[0054] It follows that the actuation system 6 is thus configured to control the condition of said plurality of chambers 5 between the rest condition and the active condition in order to modify a configuration of the first layer 2 of the sole 1 between a first and a second configuration. More particularly, the actuation system 6 is apt to control the condition of said plurality of chambers 5 and therefore to control the configuration of the second layer 4. The first layer 2 being coupled to the second layer 4 varies its configuration accordingly.

[0055] Preferably, according to a preferred aspect of the present description, in the first configuration of the first layer 2, the leaning surface 3 is substantially flat, i.e. free of bumps or protrusions.

[0056] According to a further preferred aspect of the present description, the actuation system 6 comprises at least one channel 8 connecting the fluid source 7 to each of the chambers 5. Said at least one channel 8 is thus apt to act as a passage or a path for placing in fluid communication the fluid source 7 and the plurality of chambers 5. Through the at least one channel 8 it is possible to causing a feeding fluid to flow from the fluid source 7 into the chambers 5. Preferably according to this preferred aspect, the sole 1 comprises a plurality of secondary channels 8a apt to connect the chambers 5 among them. Even more preferably, each of the chambers 5 of the plurality of chambers is connected to at least another chamber 5 by means of one or more channels 8. The chambers 5 are therefore interconnected among them and in fluid communication.

[0057] Preferably, the fluid source 7 comprises a tank 11 and a stem 10 which can slide inside said tank 11. The tank 11 therefore acts as a container or collector for containing the feeding fluid, which can be a gaseous or a liquid fluid. That is to say that the tank 11 is configured to contain the feeding fluid therein. The stem 10 is adapted to slide or shift inside the tank 11 between a stroke start position and a stroke end position, varying the room inside the tank 11 where the feeding fluid can be contained. The stem 10 is therefore configured to slide in a first direction inside the tank 11 exerting a pressure on the feeding fluid contained therein. The stem 10 is also configured to slide within the tank 11 in a second direction, opposite to the first, to allow a return of the feeding fluid into the tank 10. The sliding of the stem 10 can take place manually or can be controlled electronically. In other words, the stem 10 is configured to be operated electrically or manually by a user.

[0058] Preferably, the actuation system 6 of the footwear sole 1 according to the present description further comprises a blocking device 9 apt to contrast the flow of the feeding fluid from the plurality of chambers 5 to the fluid source 7. Said blocking device 9 is therefore configured to prevent a return of the supply fluid from the chambers 5, in active condition, to the fluid source 7. The blocking device 9 can be for example a valve arranged on the at least one channel 8 to close said channel 8. The blocking device 9 exerts a reversible action, in other words it is configured to be also unblocked or opened and allow the feeding fluid to flow from the chambers 5 to the fluid source 7. The blocking device 9 is thus configured to selectively place in fluid communication between the plurality of chambers 5 with the fluid source 7. In other words, the blocking device 9 is configured to allow or to not allow, a fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and the chambers 5. For example, the blocking device 9 can be an umbrella-type valve. Alternatively, the blocking device 9 can be a lip valve or gooseneck valve.

[0059] Preferably, moreover, the fluid source 7 is associated with an end region or peripheral region of the sole 1. The fluid source 7 is therefore coupled to an end region or portion or to the edges of the sole. The fluid source 7 is, thus, preferably arranged at an end region of the sole 1. Even more preferably, the fluid source 7 is arranged at a rear or heelbone region of the sole 1.

[0060] Preferably, each chamber 5 is configured to expand and contract in a direction orthogonal to the first layer 2. Since the second layer 4 overlaps the first layer 2, each chamber 5 is, thus, configured to be axially compressible and extensible.

[0061] Preferably, according to a preferred aspect of the present description, the second layer 4 has, at each chamber 5, a bellows-like structure. According to this conformation, when the chambers 5 are in the rest condition, the second layer 4 has, at the chambers 5, a plurality of inward folds or creases 12, that means extending in the opposite direction with respect to the first layer 2. In other words, in the rest condition, the folds or creases 12 are formed in a direction away from the first layer 2. The folds or creases 12 are apt to be retracted so as to allow the chambers 5 to adopt the rest condition. Even more preferably said folds or creases 12 are concentric. That is to say that the folds or creases 12 are concentrically arranged one within the other. The folds or creases 12 are also apt to be unfolded or spread out so as to allow the chambers 5 to adopt the active condition. The bellows-like structure is apt to allow that, upon the supply of feeding fluid inside the chambers 5, i.e. when the chambers 5 are in active condition, the folds or creases 12 of the second layer 4 unfold in the direction of the first layer 2. When the folds or creases 12 deploys, they deform the first layer 2 and cause to the formation of the bumps or protrusions on the leaning surface 3. Furthermore, following the flow of feeding fluid from the chambers 5 to the fluid source 7, i.e. when said chambers 5 are in the rest condition, said bumps or protrusions collapse allowing the first layer 2 to adopt the first configuration.

[0062] Furthermore, according to a further preferred aspect of the present description, the sole 1 also comprises a third layer 13 coupled to the second layer 4 and configured, in use, to support the sole of a user's foot.

[0063] Preferably, said third layer 13 and/or said first layer 2 are made of elastomeric material, such as for example rubber. Preferably the second layer 4 is made of elastomeric and impermeable to fluids material.

[0064] Finally, the sole 1 according to one of the embodiments described so far can be associated with the upper of a footwear 100. According to a particularly preferred aspect, the footwear 100 comprises the fluid source 7 in a rear or heel region of the footwear 100 itself.

[0065] Finally, the present description relates to a method for modifying the configuration of a leaning surface 3 of a footwear sole 1.

[0066] In describing this method, elements and parts of the sole 1 involved in the method and having the same function and the same structure as the elements and parts of the sole 1 previously described retain the same reference number and are not again described in detail.

[0067] The method for modifying the configuration of a leaning surface 3 of a footwear sole comprises the steps of: [0068] providing a first layer 2 of a footwear sole 1, defining said leaning surface 3, [0069] providing a second layer 4 of a footwear sole 1 comprising a plurality of chambers 5, [0070] coupling the first layer 2 and the second layer 4, [0071] providing an actuation system 6 including a fluid source 7, comprising a feeding supply and connected to said plurality of chambers 5, [0072] controlling the supply of the feeding fluid from the fluid source 7 to said plurality of chambers 5, so as to determine a variation in the volume of said chambers 5 between a rest condition and an active condition.

[0073] In particular, in said rest condition the chambers 5 have a first volume, v1, and determine a first configuration of the first layer 2 and in said active condition the chambers 5 have a second volume, v2, greater than said first volume, v1, and determine a second configuration of the first layer 2 where the resting surface 3 has or forms a plurality of bumps in correspondence with each of said plurality of chambers 5.

[0074] In particular, the connection between the fluid source 7 and the plurality of chambers is a fluid communication.

[0075] The method, therefore, provides inducing a deformation of the leaning surface 3 of the first layer 2 upon the variation of the volume of the chambers 5 of the second layer 4. In other words, according to this method it is possible to determine the deformation of the leaning surface 3 acting on the conditions of the second layer 4, in particular of the chambers 5.

[0076] According to a preferred aspect of the method, the step of providing the actuation system 6 further comprises providing at least one channel 8, which connects the fluid source 7 to each chamber 5. The channel 8 allows a fluid connection between the fluid source 7 and the chambers 5. Even more preferably, such step also comprises connecting each of the chambers 5 of the plurality of chambers to at least one other chamber 5 of the plurality of chambers by means of one or more channels 8. The chambers 5 are therefore placed in fluid communication among them.

[0077] In particular, according to a preferred aspect of the method according to the present description, the control of the supply of the feeding fluid from the fluid source 7 to said plurality of chambers 5 comprises opening or interrupting the fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and each chamber 5 of said plurality of chambers. That is to say that the control of the variation of the volume of the chambers 5 in the second layer 4 takes place through the opening or interruption of the fluid communication between the chambers 5 and the fluid source 7.

[0078] The method may also provide that as part of the step of providing the actuation system 6 it is provided a fluid source 7 comprising a tank 11 and a stem 10 slidable inside said tank 11. In other words, preferably, it is also provided a further step which comprises providing for the fluid source 7 a tank 11 and a stem 10 which can slide inside said tank 11.

[0079] Preferably, according to such preferred aspect, in order to vary the condition of each chamber 5 from a rest condition to an active condition, the step of controlling the fluid supply comprises the opening the fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and the chambers 5, the sliding of the stem 10 inside the tank 11 so that the feeding fluid reaches the plurality of chambers 5 and the interruption of the fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and the chambers 5. This is to say that the feeding fluid contained within the fluid source 7 is delivered to the plurality of chambers 5 by sliding the stem 10 into the tank 11 and allowing the fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and the plurality of chambers 5. The feeding fluid from the tank 11 goes inside the chambers 5. In the active condition, therefore, the feeding fluid is received inside the chambers 5. Therefore, the fluid communication is interrupted or prevented so as to prevent a return of the feeding fluid from the plurality of chambers to the tank 11.

[0080] Preferably, the method provides that the provision of the actuation system 6 also includes providing a blocking device 9 configured to contrast the fluid flow from the plurality of chambers 5 to the fluid source 7.

[0081] Even more specifically, in this case, in order to vary the condition of each chamber 5 from a rest condition to an active condition, the method therefore provides that the eventual blocking device 9 does not obstruct or block the at least one channel 8 connecting the plurality of chambers 5 and the tank 11 of the fluid source 7, sliding the stem 10 from a stroke start position to a stroke end position so as to deliver the supply fluid from the tank 11 to the chambers 5 through said at least one channel 8 and then blocking or obstructing said at least one channel 8 to prevent the return of the feeding fluid inside the tank 11.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to vary the condition of each chamber 5 from an active condition to a rest condition, the step of controlling the supply of the feeding fluid can include opening the fluid communication between the fluid source 7 and the chambers 5. In such a way, the feeding fluid contained within the chambers 5 is returned to the tank 11. Preferably, in order to vary the condition of each chamber 5 from an active condition to a rest condition, the step of controlling the supply of feeding fluid further comprises applying a pressure on the first layer 2 and/or on the second layer 4. This pressure application can occur, for example, during the walking of a user. The user's weight on the first layer 2 and on the second layer 4 determines a variation in the configuration of the chambers 5 from the active condition to the rest condition.

[0083] Even more specifically, to vary the condition of each chamber 5 from an active condition to a rest condition, the method step of controlling the supply of feeding fluid can comprise opening or deactivating the eventual blocking device 9 to allow fluid communication between the plurality of chambers 5 and the tank 11 of the fluid source 7. The object of the present description has been in so far described by referring to embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments which pertain to the same inventive core may exist, all of which are within the scope of protection of the claims set out below.

[0084] Any variations or additions may be made by those skilled in the art to the embodiment described and illustrated herein, remaining within the scope of the following claims. In particular, further embodiments may include the technical characteristics of one of the following claims with the addition of one or more technical characteristics described in the text or illustrated in the drawings, taken individually or in any reciprocal combination.