SELF-SCALABLE FOOTWEAR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-scalable casual footwear that allows involve two subsequent footwear sizes, comprising an upper of bi-elastic material (1) and a mono-elastic (2), a bi-material outsole (3) and a mounting insole (4). Such footwear does not require additional components to fit, such as laces, rubber bands, straps, velcro, zippers, hooks, eyelets or any other that is treated as a resource for the purpose of this invention.

Claims

1. Self-scalable footwear characterized in that it comprises a bi-elastic material upper (1) and a mono-elastic (2), a bi-material outsole in TR (3) and a mounting insole (4).

2. Self-adjusting footwear, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bi-elastic material (1) of the upper is divided in three layers (8 and 9).

3. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and third layers (8) are of synthetic knitted fabric or synthetic laminates with bi-elastic property with a yarn composition in the range of 83% to 97% of PES (polyester), preferably 90% of PES, and 3% to 17% of PUR (elastomeric polyurethane or elastane), preferably 10% of PUR.

4. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 3, characterized in that the composition of the yarns is of synthetic or natural origin associated with a PUR yarn.

5. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 3, characterized in that synthetic laminates are optionally used with a bi-elastic property in replacing the knitted fabric.

6. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 2, characterized in that the layers (8 and 9) are joined with an adhesive film with thermo-sticky PU, or alternatively with adhesives in liquid or semi-solid/paste state.

7. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 2, characterized in that the second layer (9) is composed of a latex foam material with SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) with a thickness of 1.3 to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and specific gravity between 140 kg/m.sup.3 and 350 kg/m.sup.3, preferably 270 kg/m.sup.3.

8. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 1, characterized in that the mono-elastic material (2) of the upper is composed of a fabric of PES (polyester) base and a coating of PU (polyurethane).

9. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 8, characterized in that the mono-elastic material (2) is set in the bi-elastic material (1) by an adhesive film with thermo-sticky PU resin and seams around the edges.

10. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 9, characterized in that the mono-elastic material (2) limits the excessive elongation of the footwear in the heel region, toecap (front of the footwear) and in portions of the sides.

11. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting insole (4) is developed with a web of 100% of PES, a resin non-woven fabric with a grammage of between 140 and 500 g/m.sup.2 and with specific design.

12. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bi-material outsole (3) forms two layers (6 and 7).

13. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 12, characterized in that the layer (7) is soft and elastic with a hardness between 20 and 25 Shore A, preferably of 22 Shore A, and thickness between 0.9 and 2.0 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm in the sole of the foot region, and a thickness between 8 and 11 mm, preferably of 9 mm in the heel region.

14. Self-scalable footwear, according to claim 12, characterized in that the layer (6) is soft and resistant to wear (abrasion) with a hardness between 70 and 80 Shore A, preferably of 80 Shore A.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the footwear described in the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the mounting insole, showing the narrower areas (5) as described in the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows the outsole as described in the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the bi-elastic material of upper, highlighting the three layers that comprise it: the first and third layer (8) of synthetic knitted fabric and the second layer (9) of latex foam material with SBR; and

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view of the outsole highlighting the two layers (6 and 7) that compose it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to a casual footwear that allows involve two subsequent footwear sizes, comprising an upper of bi-elastic material (1) and a mono-elastic (2), an outsole of bi-material (3) and a mounting insole (4).

[0018] The upper, the top part of the footwear, is manufactured with a hi-elastic material (1) and a mono-elastic material (2). The first ensures a lengthening in the vertical and horizontal direction (length and width of feet), and is composed of materials having an elastic property and divided into three layers: the first and third (8) layers of synthetic knitted fabric with a yarn composition in the range of 83% to 97% of PES (polyester), and is more suitable the composition of 90% PBS and 10% of PUR. The composition of the fabric yarns may be of synthetic or natural origin associated with a PUR yarn in the process of manufacturing the knitting for interlacing the yarns, thereby securing its elasticity. There also can be used synthetic laminates with a bi-elastic property to replace the knitted fabric. The second layer (9) is composed of latex foam material with SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) with 1.3 to 5 mm of thickness and specific gravity of 140 kg/m.sup.3 and 350 kg/m.sup.3, the most suitable thickness and specific gravity being 2 mm and 270 kg/m.sup.3.

[0019] The union between the layers is accomplished with an adhesive film of thermo-sticky PU, but other adhesives alternatives may also be applied in the liquid state (when the adhesive is applied at ambient temperature without the need for heat usage to reactivate its properties) or in the semi-solid/paste state (hot melting, when it is necessary to liquefy it with a high temperature to activate its stickiness properties).

[0020] The mono-elastic material (2) has only lengthening in its width, and is composed of a base of PES (polyester) fabric and a PU (polyurethane) coating, and is considered a laminate fabric or synthetic laminate. It is set in the bi-elastic material (1) by an adhesive film with thermo-sticky PU resin and seams around the edges, it is arranged in three parts (pieces) that limit the excessive lengthening of the footwear in the heel area, toecap (front of the footwear) and parts of the sides. In areas where it is not fixed, it allows the bi-elastic material (1) to hold the property of the lengthening, allowing the footwear to fit the size and width of the foot without causing an excessive pressure (tighten the foot) or a play (the footwear drops out of the foot), allowing for a safe walking.

[0021] The mounting insole (4) is developed with a web of 100% of PES, a resin non-woven fabric with a grammage of between 140 and 500 g/m.sup.2 and with specific design, so that, during the manufacturing process of positioning the upper in the mold, allows the length accuracy and not leaving the footwear loose or warped, and when gluing/setting the outsole, the narrower areas (5) are cut and removed to allow the lengthening of the footwear not to be compromised.

[0022] The bi-material outsole (3) of TR (thermoplastic) forms two layers, the first (7) being soft and elastic with a hardness between 20 and 25 Shore A, preferably of 22 Shore A and a thickness between 0.9 and 2.0 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm, in the sole of the foot region (forefoot and midfoot) enabling the lengthening safely, since when reducing the thickness, a low resistance to lengthening occurs and otherwise make rigid the material for lengthening, and a thickness between 8 and 11 mm, preferably of 9 mm, in the heel region (hindfoot), guaranteeing the quality to absorb the impact when walking, without deformation or excessive rigidity.

[0023] The second layer (6), which is in contact with the ground, is soft and resistant to wear (abrasion) with a hardness between 70 and 80 Shore A, preferably of 80 Shore A. The wavy design on its surface enables a greater adherence and ensures the safety when walking, and its application is divided distinctly in the three regions of the foot, more statically covering the entire area of the hindfoot, without significant sizing, in the midfoot/forefoot divided into fifteen insulated parts and with distinct shapes enabling the outsole lengthening in the width and length of the foot and in the forefoot statically occupying part of the toecap/tip of the footwear without significant sizing.

[0024] While the invention has been described widely, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made seeking design improvements without said changes are not covered by the scope of the invention.