[0001] The present patent application relates to a plastic moulded shoe bottom, of the type
provided with an insole and preferably designed for the realisation of beach sandals
or slippers, whose main characteristic is represented by the presence of an internal
network of channels for the evacuation of the water or sand picked up by the shoe
while walking.
[0002] As a matter of fact, the bottom according to the present invention was designed to
remedy the annoying inconvenience that occurs when walking in the water's edge or
on dry sand with beach sandals.
[0003] In both situations the sole of the sandal inevitably lifts and picks up water and
sand - just like if it was a shovel - that tend to remain inside the sandal, also
because of the concavity typical of the upper side of any sole.
[0004] This problem, which obviously creates discomfort to the user while he walks, is more
frequent in sandals provided with an insole over the bottom, especially if of soft,
massaging type, with cell-like structure.
[0005] It appears evident that, when provided with insoles, bottoms need to feature a sort
of tub on the upper part with upraised external edges, which undoubtedly favours the
deposit of water or sand. It is also evident that the water or sand deposit is even
more frequent in case of insoles provided with an extremely receptive cell-like structure.
[0006] The structural characteristics of the bottom according to the present invention ensure
the instantaneous spontaneous evacuation of the water or sand deposited between the
bottom and the insole above.
[0007] The present invention is based on the presence of a series of small channels on the
upper surface of the bottom, used to convey the sand and the water towards the external
edge of the bottom, where the channels lead up to corresponding ducts with vertical
axis affecting the whole thickness of the bottom.
[0008] This means that the water or sand converges towards the opening of the vertical ducts
located on the upper surface of the bottom through the above mentioned channels, flows
inside the ducts along their whole height because of gravity, and finally evacuate
on the walking surface of the bottom.
[0009] If present, the insole of the bottom according to the present invention is provided
with through holes with vertical axis. In this way the water or sand is capable of
going through the insole for the whole height and flowing in the upper surface of
the bottom and finally outwards, as explained above.
[0010] For major clarity the description of the invention continues with reference to the
enclosed drawing, which is intended for purposes of illustration and not in a limiting
sense, whereby Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the bottom according to the present
invention under the insole.
[0011] With reference to Figure 1, the bottom (1) according to the present invention features
two main longitudinal channels (2) on the upper surface, which are connected with
four shorter branches (3) orientated towards the external edge of the bottom.
[0012] Each short branch (3) leads up to the opening of a corresponding duct (4) with vertical
axis affecting the whole thickness of the bottom (1) and having the exit hole on the
walking surface of the bottom (1).
[0013] The insole (5) provided on the bottom (1) features a series of through holes with
vertical axis (5a), preferably distributed so as to exactly lead up to the above mentioned
channels (2 and 3) located on the upper side of the bottom (1).
[0014] Of course, this fact guarantees that the water or sand exiting from the lower side
of the insole (5) through the two above mentioned series of through holes (5a) can
directly flow into the channels (2) located on the upper side of the bottom and converge
out of the sandal faster and more efficiently.
[0015] Moreover, it appears evident that, even in the absence of the exact alignment between
the holes of the insole (5) and the channels of the bottom (1), the water or sand
going through the whole thickness of the insole (5) from above downwards cannot avoid
collecting in the channels (2 and 3) and successively converging outwards.
1. Plastic moulded shoe bottom, of the type provided with an insole on the upper part,
characterised by the presence of a network of channels (2 and 3) on the upper side,
preferably in the proximity of the external edge of the bottom (1), leading up to
ducts (3) with vertical channels affecting the whole thickness of the bottom; it being
provided that the insole (5) of the bottom (1) features a series of through holes
(5a) with vertical axis, preferably aligned with the channels (2 and 3) below located
on the bottom (1).