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(11) | EP 2 108 275 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | All-terrain footwear |
| (57) The present invention refers to all-terrain footwear (10), preferably boots, which
comprises an external upper (11) joined at the bottom to a sole (18) and it is characterised in that it comprises a removable lining (20) on the inside. Preferably, such a removable
lining (20) is made from a fabric resistant to nuclear, biological or chemical agents
(NBC) and it is coupled with a waterproof and breathable membrane.
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[0002] In particular in the military field, there is a need to operate in regions with extremely different climates, as well as to move suddenly and without any particular warning between these regions.
[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to be equipped with equipment that can, for example, be used equally effectively both in tropical locations and in arctic locations in order to ensure that the user has the necessary protection specific to the particular region. For example, in cold climates like in the arctic, the specific equipment must ensure sufficient protection from the cold as well as being substantially waterproof. On the other hand, in tropical climates, the particular equipment must allow sweating, thus preventing the body temperature from increasing too much.
[0004] For this purpose, up to now all professional individuals are kitted out with equipment specifically studied for each climate in which they have to work. Moreover, in the case of work in regions with hazardous conditions and in particular with a risk of pollution or radioactive, chemical or bacteriological contamination, it is also essential to be provided with suitable outer garments and overshoes that isolate the individual from polluting, nuclear, biological or chemical agents.
[0005] A person must therefore have and carry around a large number of garments, footwear and accessories in order to be able to be suitably equipped irrespective of the destination to which he is assigned.
[0006] In particular, the large number of items of footwear that it is necessary to have makes it difficult to transport luggage that has a large volumes and substantially weight.
[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and in particular to make all-terrain footwear that is suitable for use in various climates, always being able to offer the protection and isolation most suited to the particular conditions. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide all-terrain footwear that ensures sufficient insulation from polluting, nuclear, chemical and/or bacteriological agents.
[0008] A further purpose of the present invention is to make all-terrain footwear capable of reducing the equipment necessary for each individual.
[0009] The last but not least purpose of the present invention is to make all-terrain footwear that is also light and strong, as well as able to be manufactured at low cost. These and other purposes according to the present invention are accomplished by making all-terrain footwear as outlined in claim 1.
[0011] The characteristics and advantages of all-terrain footwear according to the present invention shall become clearer from the following description, given as an example and not for limiting purposes, referring to the attached schematic drawings, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic top side view of a preferred embodiment of all-terrain footwear according to the present invention;
- figure 2 is a schematic view of the footwear of figure 1 during the removal of the interchangeable lining;
- figure 3 is a schematic top side view of a preferred embodiment of an interchangeable lining of the footwear according to the present invention;
- figure 4 is a section view along the line IV-IV of a detail of figure 3.
[0013] The all-terrain footwear 10 according to the present invention comprises an external upper 11 joined at the bottom to a sole 18, and comprises a removable lining 20 on the inside that is therefore easily interchangeable.
[0014] Such a lining 20 comprises a bellows 21, two quarters 22 and an insole 23 joined through heat-sealed stitching, for example with three-layer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape.
[0015] The interchangeable lining 20 is also equipped with gripping means 24, like for example a loop of banded fabric, which make it easier to remove it from the footwear 10.
[0016] The lining 20 is joined to the upper 11 through an ankle guard 25 configured like a sheath that locks it and fixes it to the footwear 10.
[0017] According to the particular embodiment, the removable lining 20 has different characteristics specifically adapted to a particular climate.
[0018] For example, according to a first embodiment, the removable lining 20 is waterproof and highly breathable making it particularly suitable for use in hot and humid conditions.
[0019] Such a lining 20 is made from a honeycombed polyester fabric coupled with a waterproof and breathable membrane, preferably made from adhesive two-layer expanded bi-component PTFE.
[0020] In a second embodiment, the removable lining 20 is waterproof and breathable, therefore suited to European climates.
[0021] Such a lining 20 is preferably made from fabric and comprises a plurality of layers joined together through suitable gluing points to still allow the foot to perspire.
[0022] The material used for the most outer layer is extremely wear-resistant unwoven fabric preferably applied onto a polyester felt support.
[0023] A waterproof and breathable membrane is arranged on the inside to ensure the absolute waterproofing of the footwear and at the same time the comfort of the foot. Such a membrane is preferably made from adhesive two-layer expanded bi-component PTFE. Finally, there is a further mesh support.
[0024] According to a third embodiment, the removable lining 20 is of the type for harsh climates being made from pure virgin wool coupled with a waterproof and breathable membrane, and preferably made from adhesive two-layer expanded bi-component PTFE.
[0025] Last but not least, it is also possible to foresee a special lining 20 resistant to nuclear, biological or chemical agents (NBC), for working in potentially polluted, radioactive or contaminated locations.
[0026] Such a fourth embodiment of the removable lining 20 is made from fabric and it is coupled with a waterproof and breathable membrane, preferably made from adhesive two-layer expanded bi-component PTFE.
[0027] According to the working environment, the individual can thus insert the lining 20 most suited to the outdoor conditions into the footwear 10, adapting the footwear 10 to the needs at that time.
[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the footwear 10 is a boot that comprises an upper 11 made up of a vamp in a single piece joined, for example through double stitching, to two quarters 13 made from fabric, preferably Nylon, two shaped flashes 9 and a heel counter 15. Two raised shaped inserts 13a, preferably made from thermoplastic material, are inserted onto the quarters 13 to give greater protection to the user's leg.
[0029] A bellows 8, preferably oval shaped and made from leather, is preferably inserted into the back part of the upper 11 to make it easier for the user to move around and to offer greater comfort. Such a bellows 8 preferably comprises an open-cell foam rubber padding in the central part.
[0030] On top, in the inner part of the bellows 8, releasable fastening means are applied, like for example a velcro band portion, which lock the lining 20 to the upper 11 in order to avoid displacements during the movement of the foot that could cause discomfort during use.
[0031] In the central part of the upper 11, at the height of the instep, a brace 14 is inserted, suitable for keeping the user's ankle held tight.
[0032] In the front and back part of the upper 11 two inserts 16a, 16b made from anti-abrasion fabric are applied. Centrally, the front part of the upper 11 is padded with open-cell foam rubber and preferably lined with leather.
[0033] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the adjustment of the fit takes place through laces 6.
[0034] In such a preferred embodiment, the footwear 10 is fully lined with highly breathable unwoven fabric. Between the lining 20 and the upper 11, there is also a toecap at the front and the stiffener at the back. The toecap and the stiffener are preferably made from unwoven fabric of synthetic fibres impregnated with thermoadhesive resins. The stiffener is also thermoformed so that it takes on an anatomical shape at the heel whereas the toecap is thermoformed so that it takes on an anatomical form at the toe. The bottom of the footwear 10 consists of an anatomical insole (not illustrated) and the sole 18, between which a layer of foamed phase change material (PCM) is inserted that actively compensates the extreme temperatures always ensuring the optimal conditions.
[0035] A series of microcapsules are inserted into the layer of fabric, which, at a certain temperature, undergo a phase change from liquid to solid and vice-versa.
[0036] A shank made from plastic material is inserted into the back part of the anatomical insole, suitable for ensuring adequate rigidity of the bottom and covered by a fibreboard half heel cushion.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, not illustrated, there is also a removable anatomical footbed consisting of three layers: a first layer of phase change material (PCM) for actively regulating the temperature of the foot, a second odour-eating and antimycotic active carbon layer, and a third support layer made from expanded polyurethane. In the front part and in the heel of the footbed two inserts of aliphatic gel are inserted with shock-absorbing function.
[0038] The sole 18 is preferably of the bi-component rubber and polyurethane type with an embedded midsole made from pierce-resistant fabric. The sole is also of the non-slip type, equipped with high resistance to wear and absorbing energy in the heel 12.
[0039] The configuration of the tread 19 is such as to avoid mud, stones and earth being collected. The heel 12 is made lighter through quadrangular recesses, made on the inner surface.
[0040] The footwear can, for example, be mounted with thermoplastic technology, in which the sole 18 is joined to the upper 11 with glue through "needling". From the description that has been made the characteristics of the device object of the present invention are clear, just as the relative advantages are also clear.
[0041] According to the location, the individual can insert the lining most suited to the outdoor conditions inside the footwear, adapting the footwear to the needs at that time.
[0042] The same footwear is able to adapt to the most varied climatic conditions in which the individual may find himself, ensuring versatility of use and excellent adaptability to the outdoor conditions.
[0043] Moreover, since the linings are extremely light and made from bendable material, the individual's equipment is kept easy to manoeuvre and transport.
[0044] Last but not least, the lining made from fabric resistant to nuclear, biological and chemical agents offers a substantial innovation compared to what is currently known, making it unnecessary to use a special overshoe that, what's more, can offer less protection since it is not perfectly adapted to the foot and in contact with it. The necessary equipment is thus further reduced in the case of working in potentially polluting, radioactive or contaminated areas. In addition to the specific advantages outlined above, there is the possibility, after use, of removing the lining and cleaning it or drying it out of sweat or water more easily compared to conventional footwear, and the possibility of purchasing the lining separately from the upper and thus being able to optimise the costs connected to the replacement of the product in the case of just the upper or just the lining breaking. Finally, it is clear that the device thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the invention; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the sizes, can be whatever according to the technical requirements.
1. All-terrain footwear (10) comprising an external upper (11) joined at the bottom to
a sole (18) characterised in that it comprises a removable lining (20) on the inside.
2. All-terrain footwear (10) according to claim 1 characterised in that said removable lining (20) is made from fabric resistant to nuclear, biological or
chemical agents (NBC) and it is coupled with a waterproof and breathable membrane.
3. All-terrain footwear (10) according to claim 1 characterised in that said removable lining (20) is made from a honeycomb polyester fabric coupled with
a waterproof and breathable membrane.
4. All-terrain footwear (10) according to claim 1 characterised in that said removable lining (20) consists of a plurality of layers joined together through
gluing points, said plurality of layers comprising a first material made from unwoven
fabric with high resistance to wear, a support made from polyester felt, a waterproof
and breathable membrane and a mesh support.
5. All-terrain footwear (10) according to claim 1 characterised in that said removable lining (20) is made from wool coupled with a waterproof and breathable
membrane.
6. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5 characterised in that said waterproof and breathable membrane is made from adhesive two-layer expanded
bi-component polytetrafluoroethylene.
7. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that said removable lining (20) comprises two quarters (22) joined to a bellows (21) and
to an insole (23) through heat-sealed stitching.
8. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that said removable lining (20) is equipped with gripping means (24) for removal from
said footwear (10).
9. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that said removable lining (20) is joined to said upper (11) through an ankle guard (25)
configured like a sheath.
10. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that said upper (11) on the inside comprises releasable means for fastening to the removable
lining (20).
11. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that on top of said sole (18) it comprises a layer of foamed fabric made from phase change
material (PCM).
12. All-terrain footwear (10) according to claim 11 characterised in that in said layer of fabric a plurality of microcapsules is inserted suitable for undergoing
a temperature-dependent phase change.
13. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that it comprises a removable anatomical footbed consisting of a first layer of phase
change material (PCM), a second active carbon layer and a third support layer made
from expanded polyurethane.
14. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that said sole (18) is of the bi-component type made from rubber and polyurethane with
an embedded midsole made from pierce-resistant fabric.
15. All-terrain footwear (10) according to any one of the previous claims characterised in that it is a boot.