Object of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for protecting the seam of the shoe upper
wherein said seam performs the fixation by stitching the edge projected outward of
the upper with the sole or welt of the shoe itself, the process known as "stitch down".
[0002] The object of the invention is to achieve the waterproofing of the seam referred
above and therefore of the seam made-up by the aforementioned "stitch down" system.
Background of the invention
[0003] There are processes for manufacturing shoe, and can be cited as those most known
the so-called "strobel" and "stitch down", in such a way that in the first case it
is created a inner cover of the upper by zigzag stitching of a inner sole to the upper,
while in the second case a inner sole is fixed to the sole and subsequently the upper
is tightened and pasted to the sole, leaving the fixing seam of the inner sole outwardly
of the shoe and therefore with a total lack of waterproofing in the same.
[0004] This problem is trying to be resolved by a sticking outward of the perimeter edge
of the sole to the upper, which not avoids having to fix or stitch the constituent
inner sole of the cover and of the step of pasting the sole to the inner sole itself.
[0005] In any case, the waterproofing cannot be achieved effectively and the use of the
mounting inner sole cannot be avoided and however adhesives are required to fix the
upper to the sole.
[0006] On the other hand, the invention patent
414080 describes a manufacturing process of a shoe, and specifically a process for fixing
the upper to the sole, by a seam, but always with a lack of waterproofing of the fixation.
Description of the invention
[0007] The system proposed has been conceived to solve the problems previously set forth,
based on a simple but extremely effective solution.
[0008] Specifically, the new system consist of protecting the seam produced by the "stitch
down" process by sealing with a crude strip rubber, being the set then vulcanized
in an autoclave, in such a way that the aforementioned seam remains protected against
water and therefore waterproofing the shoe, in addition to make-up a medium that reinforces
the bond between the upper and the sole, since the seam that joins the upper to the
sole or welt is performed on an edge projected outwards from the upper itself.
[0009] Using this system the use of mounting inner soles is not required, thus reducing
the use of adhesives since the bond of the upper to the sole is performed by stitching
and not gluing, definitively resulting and as a result in a great flexibility shoe.
[0010] Using this protection system is also achieved an optimum finish in regards to the
aesthetic aspect of the shoe, regardless of achieving the waterproofing with the rubber
strip, the bond between upper and sole is also reinforced.
Description of the drawings
[0011] To complement the description below and in order to help to a better understanding
of the features of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of embodiment
thereof, is accompanied as an integral part of the description a set of drawings wherein,
with illustrative and non-limitative character, has been represented as follows:
Figure 1 shows a detail in perspective from one side and partial portion of a shoe
in which the corresponding seam of the upper to the sole, all this as is conventionally.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the shoe equipped with the covering rubber strip
and waterproofing of the seam shown in the previous figure.
Preferred embodiment of the invention
[0012] As can be seen in the aforementioned figures, the " stitch down" process for manufacturing
shoes, consist in that the edge of the shoe upper (1) is mounted outwardly and is
stitched by a seam (2) to the corresponding sole (3) or welt, as depicted in Figure
1.
[0013] In that regard, the novelty consists of protecting this seam (2) by a crude rubber
strip (4) that is then vulcanized with the rest of the shoe in an autoclave, providing
in this way not only the protection and waterproofing of the shoe seam (2), and therefore
of this latter, but the bond between upper (1) and sole or welt (3) is reinforced,
not only against water, but other external agents, such as friction, etc.
[0014] The shoe with the improvement described and corresponding to the invention does not
require mounting inner sole, in addition the use of adhesives is reduced since the
fixation of the upper to the sole is performed by a seam and not glued, resulting
further in a remarkably flexible shoe.
1. System for protecting the seam of a shoe upper, which being applicable in that type
of shoes in which the manufacturing process is based on the fact that the edge of
the corresponding upper (1) is mounted outwardly and is stitched by a seam (2) to
the sole itself (3) or welt, is characterized in that it consist of applying on said seam (2) a crude rubber strip (4), whereupon the vulcanization
is performed in autoclave of the set, protecting and waterproofing the seam (2) and
thereby the shoe itself.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description