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(11) | EP 4 197 383 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | SOLE FOR SPORT SHOES, SPORT SHOE WITH SAID SOLE AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING SAID SOLE |
| (57) The present invention relates to a sole for sports shoes, for practicing a sport
or for riding a motorcycle or similar vehicle, comprising at least one sole element
(6), a lower surface (2), suitable during in use to face the ground, and an upper
surface (3), opposite to the lower surface (2), and at least one protective element
(7) comprising an external surface (9), suitable during use to be facing the ground,
wherein the protective element (7) is positioned at a front area (F), located substantially
at the user's foot toes, and at an outer front lateral area of the sole (1); shoe
comprising this sole; kit and method for making this sole.
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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sole for sports shoes, to a shoe equipped with this sole and to a method for obtaining this sole. In particular, the sports footwear may be used for practicing a sport or for driving motorcycles and similar vehicles.
STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] In the motorcycling world boots are known which users can use during sporting performances, be they races or use of a motorcycle on the road or track.
[0003] These motorcycle boots have a sole and an upper that are reinforced in some points, for example in the points where the upper of the boot is placed on the ground during use of the motorcycle.
[0004] For example, motorcycle boots are known which are provided with a metal reinforcing element to be applied to the outer side area of the boot itself, for example at the malleolus of the user's foot, in order to reduce wear and rubbing of the upper of the boot in this area when the user rests his foot on the ground, for example when making turns on the road or on the track with the motorbike. In particular, motorcyclists - especially when they ride on paved roads or circuits - often place their foot on the ground while the motorbike is moving to have an additional point of support which gives stability and greater riding safety. This practice, however, determines wear of the part of the boot that is placed on the ground (i.e. in particular the external front side part, of both the sole and the upper) such that the boot often needs to be replaced on a recurring basis, or repaired at these points. Furthermore, these zones are often reinforced precisely to avoid drawbacks of this type.
[0005] Other boots known on the market have lateral inserts which help to reduce the wear of the boot in some particular sporting disciplines, such as the supermotard. In fact, these sports disciplines require that the sole or the lateral part of the boot be subjected to very high levels of wear.
[0006] Again, there are sports shoes in general which have removable plugs at the sole to be able to vary their shock-absorbing power and/or resistance, for example for particular types of use.
[0007] It is therefore evident that the object of the present invention is to provide a sole for a sports shoe, such as for example a motorcycle boot, which is resistant in the points of contact with the ground during driving, which is simple to replace once worn and that it can be used by motorcyclists of any category.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole for sports shoes which is particularly useful for motorcycle shoes.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sole equipped with a protective element capable of protecting the sole and/or upper of the sports shoe.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sole equipped with a removable or interchangeable protective element, which allows it to be replaced on the basis of need or on the basis of the level of wear.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sole for a sports shoe according to claim 1 is provided.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sport shoe equipped with a sole with at least one protective element, capable of protecting and reinforcing the sole and/or the upper of the sports shoe itself.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for obtaining a sole. The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The characteristics of the invention will be better understood by any expert in the field on the basis of the following description and the attached tables of drawings, provided as a non-limiting example, in which:
figure 1 illustrates a perspective view from below and from the front of a sole according to the present invention,
figure 2 illustrates a perspective view from above and from behind of the sole of figure 1,
figure 3 illustrates an internal side view of the sole of figure 1,
figure 4 shows a front view of the sole of figure 1,
figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the sole of figure 1,
figure 6A illustrates a bottom or external plan view of a sole element (right) according to the present invention in an unassembled version,
Figure 6B illustrates top or inside plan views of a sole protection element according to the present invention,
figure 6C illustrates a bottom or external plan view of a sole (left) similar to the sole element of figure 6A, in the assembled version with a protective element among those illustrated in figure 6B,
Figure 7 illustrates a slightly top perspective view of a sole protection element according to the present invention,
figure 8 illustrates a side view of a motorcycle boot equipped with a sole according to the present invention,
figure 9 illustrates a perspective view from below and slightly from the front of the boot of figure 8,
Figure 10 illustrates a slightly rear perspective view from below of a semi-assembled version of the sole according to the present invention,
Figures 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate respectively a bottom view, an external side view and a top view of a sole according to the present invention.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The sole according to the present invention, indicated as a whole with the reference number 1 in the attached figures, is a sole for sports shoes, which can be used for practicing a sport or for driving motorcycles and similar vehicles and/or comprise especially a boot for use on a motorcycle or similar vehicle.
[0017] In the present invention the term "lower" means an element placed lower down or facing the ground. On the contrary, the term "superior" means an element placed higher or facing upwards.
[0018] The term "front" refers to an element or position substantially corresponding to the area of the toes of a user's foot.
[0019] The term "rear" refers to an element or position substantially corresponding to the area of the heel of a user's foot.
[0020] The term "longitudinal" means an axis or plane that goes substantially from the toes to the heel of a user's foot while "transverse" means an axis or plane that goes substantially from side to side of a user's foot, generally perpendicular to the "longitudinal" axis or plane.
[0021] The sole 1 comprises a lower surface 2, for example shaped like a tread, suitable during use to face downwards or towards the ground.
[0022] The sole 1 also comprises an upper surface 3 opposite the lower surface 2 and adapted during use to be facing towards a foot of a user or facing upwards or adapted to be placed in contact with a midsole or insole.
[0023] In particular, the sole 1 has a front area F, located substantially at the toes of the user's foot, a rear area P, located substantially at the heel of the user's foot, and a central area C, located between the front F and the rear area P.
[0024] The sole 1 also defines an external lateral portion, facing the outside of the user's foot, and an internal lateral portion, facing the other foot.
[0025] The sole 1 further comprises a thickness S. The thickness S corresponds to the distance between the lower surface 2 and the upper surface 3. The thickness S can be variable passing from the front area F to the rear area P of the sole 1 itself. In particular, as can be seen from the figures, the thickness S can be less at the front area F and can be greater at the rear area P of the sole 1.
[0026] Perimetrically, the sole 1 can have a raised edge 4 at one or more areas thereof, for example in particular at the rear area P.
[0027] In the version shown for example in figures 1 to 3, the raised edge 4 has a substantially perpendicular shape with respect to the general extension of the sole 1 and/or its upper surface 3, particularly in the rear area P. Furthermore, the raised edge 4 forms a sort of lateral containment wall which accommodates the user's foot, especially his heel.
[0028] The extension of the raised edge 4 is substantially upwards, considering the sole 1 resting on the ground in use. Furthermore, this extension has a measure such as to wrap in height at least half or less than half or more than half of the user's heel or a measure substantially corresponding - in the rear area - to the lateral thickness of the toes of the user's foot (or to the their height, considering the foot resting on the ground or on the sole 1). Considering figure 6A, it is possible to note that the sole 1 comprises a sole element 6. The sole element 6 can comprise, in at least one version, a hollow portion 5.
[0029] The sole element 6 substantially has the overall shape of the sole 1 and therefore the lower surface 2 and the upper surface 3 of the sole 1 itself can be identified for it.
[0030] The hollow portion 5 is placed substantially at the front area F, and possibly also in the central area C, of the sole 1. In detail, this hollow portion 5 is placed at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and substantially at the user's toe area.
[0031] In greater detail, the hollow area 5 is located at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and in the area of the user's toes or at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and in the area of at least one or at least two or at least some of the user's toes.
[0032] In other words, the hollow portion 5 is placed substantially at the toe of the sole 1, extending also in the outer lateral front part.
[0033] This hollow portion 5 has a depth of thickness S1 lower than the thickness S of the sole 1 and/or of the sole element 6 and/or lower at least than the thickness S of the sole 1 at its front area F. Therefore, this hollow portion 5 determines the formation of a part of the surface 6b of the sole element 6 of smaller size than the overall size of the sole 1 itself and having a thickness S2 smaller than the thickness S of the sole. In detail, the thickness S2 of the surface part 6b has a thickness substantially equal to the difference between S and S 1.
[0034] The surface part 6b, in at least one version of the invention, is smooth, i.e. not affected by the tread pattern present in the remaining part 6a of the sole 1 and/or of the at least one sole element 6, considering that the remaining part 6a of the sole element 6 corresponds to the lower surface 2 of the sole 1 without the surface part 6b which is affected by the hollow portion 5 and/or by the protective element 7.
[0036] The protective element 7 is able to give protection to at least a portion of the sole 1 and/or the upper of the sports shoe object of the present invention. Thanks to this, the sports shoe is protected during use by the user, for example when the motorcyclist places his foot on the ground when cornering or braking or in general during movement of the motorbike. Furthermore, the user is more secure in performing these movements.
[0037] Furthermore, the protective element 7 also makes it possible to provide greater strength to the sole 1 and/or to the upper, so as to help the same to resist the shocks and friction exerted for example by the road, the track or in general by the ground, when the sports shoe is placed on the ground while the motorcycle is being used.
[0038] The at least one protective element 7 is positioned at a front area F, located substantially at the user's toes, and in an outer front lateral area of the sole 1.
[0039] In greater detail, the at least one protective element 7 is positioned at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and in the area of the user's toes or at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and in the area of at least one or at least two or at least some of the toes of the user's foot.
[0040] Therefore, in use, the at least one protective element 7 is interposed, optionally with the surface part 6b, between the user's toes and the ground.
[0041] The at least one protective element 7, in the version in which the hollow portion 5 is present, can be positioned and/or housed at least partially at the hollow portion 5 itself. Furthermore, the protective element 7 is removable or interchangeable since, once it is worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced by the user.
[0042] Furthermore, this removability also allows the user to vary this element at will, to adapt the sports shoe to different uses or even for aesthetic reasons.
[0043] Thus, the sole 1 is a composite sole comprising the at least one sole element 6 and the at least one protective element 7.
[0044] The at least one protective element 7 actually replaces the metal plates (or metal sliders) which are usually placed in the upper at the lateral external part of the classic motorcycle boot, at the user's toes, and in particular at the side (or metatarsal) of the little toe, for protection and to increase the resistance of the boot in that point.
[0045] Furthermore, the protective element 7 according to the present invention allows to cover and therefore also protect the front part or toe of the sole 1 itself or at least part thereof. Therefore, overall, the at least one protective element 7 is able to protect the sole and/or the upper in the most critical points, such as those which are placed on the ground when cornering or braking, for example during the movement of a motorcycle, is capable of absorbing shocks and reducing wear and tear of the sole itself and/or of the upper associated with it.
[0046] As can be seen from the accompanying figures, and in particular from figures 6B and 7, the at least one protective element 7 has, in at least one version, a substantially irregular U shape. In particular, this conformation can be found by observing its transversal trend. The at least one protective element 7 has an internal surface 8, suitable in use to be facing and placed in contact with the sole element 6 (or better with its hollow portion 5) and/or with the upper of the shoe, and an external surface 9, opposite to the internal surface 8 and/or adapted during use to face the ground and/or to come into contact with the same. The external surface 9 can be walked on. This means that at least part of the external surface 9 of the at least one protective element 7 rests on the ground during use and the user can "walk" on it.
[0047] The external surface 9 can, at least in part, reproduce the tread pattern present in the remaining part 6a of the sole 1.
[0048] Going into greater detail, the at least one protective element 7 comprises a base portion 10, which can for example have a shape substantially corresponding to that of the hollow portion 5 of the sole 1.
[0049] The base portion 10 extends in a substantially corresponding way to the front area F, and possibly also to the central area C, of the sole 1. In detail, this base portion 10 is placed at the outer front lateral area of the sole 1 and substantially in the area of the toes of the user.
[0050] In other words, the base portion 10 is placed substantially at the toe of the sole 1, extending also in the external lateral front part.
[0051] The base portion 10 has a thickness S3 substantially corresponding to the thickness S1 of the hollowed portion 5. In this way, in use, once the at least one protective element 7 has been positioned at the hollowed portion 5, the external surface 9 at the base portion 10 and the remaining part 6a of the sole 1, are substantially flush.
[0052] In this way, the comfort of the user when walking or resting on the ground of the sole 1 equipped with at least one protective element 7 is guaranteed.
[0053] The overall lower surface 2 of the sole 1, therefore, in its assembled or ready-to-use version, is formed by the external surface 9 placed at the base portion 10 and by the remaining part 6a of the sole element 6. The surface part 6b, in fact, is placed in contact with the internal surface 8 of the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7 and therefore in use is not visible and/or is not involved in contact with the ground.
[0055] The raised portion 11 has a substantially fin-like shape which departs without interruptions from at least one area of the base portion 10, at least substantially upwards. In detail, this raised portion 11 covers at least part of the front part or toe and the outer front lateral part of the sole 1 and/or of the sports shoe which is equipped with this sole. This raised portion 11 has an at least slightly curved shape, so as to follow the profile of the lateral and/or perimeter part of the sole 1 and/or of the part of the upper which is closest to the sole 1.
[0056] Furthermore, considering the external surface 9 of the at least one protective element 7, this raised portion 11 has a substantially convex shape while, considering the internal surface 8, this raised portion 11 has a substantially concave shape, suitable for housing the corresponding portion of the toe and lateral outer front part of the sports shoe, or at least their edge portions. In this way, the at least one protective element 7 assumes a substantially U-shaped conformation, considering its transversal shape.
[0057] Considering the internal plan view of the at least one protective element 7 illustrated in figure 6B (and therefore substantially the shape of the base portion 10), it is possible to identify for each protective element 7:
- a first section 10a substantially straight and having a first length La,
- a second section 10b substantially straight and having a second length Lb, shorter than the length La,
- a third section 10c, with a substantially curved shape.
[0059] Therefore, the base portion 10 has in plan view a substantially irregular shape and/or similar to an inclined rectangle and/or a trapezoid or a triangle.
[0060] Similarly, considering Figure 6A, the recessed portion 5 is delimited perimetrically by:
- a first segment 5a substantially straight and having a first length Wa,
- a second segment 5b which is substantially straight and having a second length Wb, less than the length Wa,
- a third segment 5c, with a substantially curved shape.
[0061] Therefore, the hollow portion 5 has a substantially irregular plan shape and/or similar to an inclined rectangle and/or a trapezoid or a triangle, completely similar and corresponding to that of the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7.
[0062] In use, the first section 10a is placed at the first segment 5a, the second section 10b at the second segment 5b and the third section 10c at the third segment 5c.
[0063] The first segment 5a extends approximately from a substantially central portion of the sole 1 radially towards the position of the big toe (or substantially in the direction of the big toe) of the user's foot, the second segment 5b extends approximately from this substantially central position of the sole 1 (from which the first segment 5a departs) transversally towards the outer side of the sole 1 or at least slightly towards the rear area P of the sole 1 while the third segment 5c joins the distal end of the first segment 5a (that placed externally or at the perimeter of the sole approximately in the area or in the direction of the big toe) and the distal end of the second segment 5b (that placed externally or at the perimeter of the sole in the area of the outer side), following the curved and/or arched pattern of the sole 1 and/or of the user's foot.
[0064] The raised portion 11 departs from the third section 10c in a substantially continuous manner.
[0065] The raised portion 11 departs from this third section 10c following a substantially upward or vertical trend (considering the version in use or worn by the sole 1) which can continue, according to at least one version of the invention, folding at least partially over the user's toes and/or towards the area corresponding to the user's toe nails. According to this version, therefore, the raised portion 11 at least partially envelops the user's toes and/or reaches as far as the area corresponding to the user's toe nails. The lateral and frontal positioning of the at least one protective element 7 can be better appreciated in the exemplary figures 8 and 9 which represent a motorcycle boot equipped with a sole 1 according to the present invention.
[0066] As can be seen from the images of figure 6B, the width of the base portion 10 and/or the width of the fold of the raised portion 11 above the upper of the sports shoe can vary according to the needs, even possibly with the same width of the base portion 10.
[0067] In particular, the raised portion 11 can have, at the toe of the sole 1, an almost exclusively vertical pattern while, at the outer front lateral portion of the sole 1, a curved pattern which at least partially covers also the upper of the shoe.
[0068] In this way, according to this example, the raised portion 11 takes on a substantially wavelike shape or in any case a different extension on the basis of the area considered.
[0069] The thickness of the at least one protective element 7 can be constant along its entire extension or it can be variable and/or it can be greater at the thickness S3 of the base portion 10 with respect to the thickness of the raised portion 11 or vice versa.
[0070] In particular, according to an exemplary version, the thickness of the raised portion 11 is greater than the thickness S3 since, at the edge or profile of the shoe, there is a need for greater resistance to wear and better cushioning, with respect to the bottom support area of the sole.
[0071] According to at least one version of the invention, the at least one protective element 7 comprises stiffening means 12, at at least part of its internal surface 8.
[0073] This at least one rib can be positioned for example at the third section 10c of the base portion 10. In this way, this area has a greater internal thickness which gives better resistance to impact and wear during use.
[0074] In a further version, alternative or additional to the previous one, the stiffening means 12 can present a series of ribs, for example positioned according to a given pattern. This pattern can be in rows and columns, in parallel rows or columns, in boxes, to form elements in relief with a polygonal section, in cells or honeycombs (as illustrated for example in figure 7), in a lattice, irregular, to various conformations, etc.
[0075] In this way, the area affected by the presence of the stiffening means 12 responds better to stress and wear and results in better resistance of the at least one protective element 7. According to at least one version of the invention, these stiffening means 12 are positioned at the internal surface 8 of the raised portion 11. However, they can also be present only at the base portion 10 or substantially in the entire internal surface 8.
[0076] It should be noted that, in at least one version of the invention, the base portion 10 and the raised portion 11 of the protective element 7 are made in one piece and/or are integrated with each other without interruptions.
[0077] The material which constitutes the sole 1 and/or the at least one element of the sole 6 can be rubber or a compound suitable for complying with the EN 13634 standard.
[0078] The at least one protective element 7 can be made of the same material as the sole element 6 or in the same material as the sole element 6, however having a greater degree of stiffness than that of the material of the sole element 6, or in a thermoplastic polymer (TPU), or in at least one of nylon, Kevlar or other plastic materials, glass fiber, carbon fiber, composite materials, or in a suitable material.
[0079] The material of the at least one protective element 7, however, is selected from materials which guarantee resistance to impacts and/or wear but at the same time do not excessively break the sports shoe when it is placed on the ground in use, for example when cornering or braking a speeding motorcycle.
[0080] In case the material of the protective element 7 corresponds to that of the sole element 6, the sole 1 could be made in one piece, i.e. the protective element 7 and the sole element 6 could be made joined, for example by means of a suitable mould. In this case, the hollow portion 5 could not be present, since the hollow space delimited by it would be directly filled by the material of the sole element 6 and of the protective element 7, without distinction between them or without solution of continuity. Furthermore, in this version there are no coupling means of the removable type between the protective element 7 and the sole element 6 since the latter are bound to each other by adhesion, molding, or by the fact to be realized in a sole piece and/or in a single material.
[0081] According to a further version of the invention, several protective elements 7 can be provided, each having a different degree of stiffness, for example equal to or greater than the stiffness of the material constituting the sole element 6.
[0082] Therefore, the present invention also refers to a kit for making a sole 1 comprising at least one sole element 6 and at least two protective elements 7, wherein each protective element 7 has a different stiffness and/or size than that of the other or subsequent protective element 7. In this way the user can decide to replace a protection element when the first is worn or he can choose the type of protective element 7 to apply, according to his needs, or he can still choose the most suitable size based on the type or size of sports shoe he needs.
[0083] The material of the at least one sole element 6 can also be varied according to the needs of use and employment of the sole 1 or of the sports shoe equipped with the sole 1.
[0084] The present invention also relates to the protective element 7 per se and to a method for assembling a sole 1.
[0085] This method involves the following steps: providing at least one sole element 6, providing at least one protective element 7, positioning the at least one protective element 7 at a front area F, located substantially at the toes of the foot user, and an outer front lateral area of the sole 1, assembling this at least one protective element 7 with the at least one sole element 6 in order to obtain a sole 1.
[0086] The step of positioning and/or assembling comprises a step of superimposing at least a base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7 on a hollow portion 5 of the at least one sole element 6.
[0087] The step of positioning and/or assembling may optionally include a step of bringing the external surface 9 of the base portion 10 flush with the remaining part 6a of the sole element 6, so as to obtain a lower surface 2 for the sole 1 continues and essentially without interruption. In this way the sole 1 is comfortable for the user while walking.
[0088] The assembling step can also comprise removably constraining the at least one protective element 7 and the at least one sole element 6 by means of removable coupling means 13. The removable coupling means 13 comprise, in at least one version of the invention, at least one hole 13a positioned in the hollow portion 5, at least one opening 13b positioned in the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7 and at least one screw or a nail 13c, which can be housed or fixed at the at least one hole 13a and the at least one opening 13b.
[0090] The at least one opening 13b, in fact, in use, is superimposed on the at least one hole 13a, so as to together create a seat for housing at least one screw or at least one nail.
[0091] The method according to the present invention, therefore, provides for bringing the at least one hole 13a into overlap with the at least one opening 13b (step visible, for example, in figure 10) and a step for inserting and/or constraining and/or fixing and/or coupling and/or screwing the at least one screw or at least one nail 13c (or in general the removable coupling means 13), so as to determine the removable assembly of the at least one protective element 7 with the at least one sole element 6.
[0092] According to an alternative version of the invention, the removable coupling means 13 comprise at least one hole 13a positioned in the hollow portion 5 and at least one screw or nail 13c integral with the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7 and which can be housed or fixed at the at least one hole 13a or vice versa.
[0093] Of course, the removable coupling means 13 can have other configurations such as, for example, seats and pins, dovetail joints, interlocking couplings, buttonholes and buttons, magnetic coupling means, etc., able to determine the necessary bond between sole element 6 and protective element 7, without risk of disassembly during use. Furthermore, once the protective element 7 has been assembled with the sole element 6, the removable coupling means 13 are flush with the lower surface 2 of the sole 1 or slightly hollow with respect to the same, so as not to interfere with the foot support of the user.
[0094] The removable coupling means 13, in at least one version, are configured in number of four holes 13a, four openings 13b and four screws or nails 13c. A different number can of course be provided, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0095] The removable coupling means 13, in at least one version, are placed along the first segment 5a of the hollow portion 5 and/or the first section 10a of the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7 and/or at the third segment 5c of the hollow portion 5 and/or of the third section 10c of the base portion 10 of the at least one protective element 7.
[0096] According to an example version illustrated in figures 11A and 11B, there are three removable coupling means 13 along the first section 10a and along the first segment 5a and one removable coupling means 13 at the third section 10c and the third segment 5c. In a further version, alternative or additional to the previous one, the removable coupling means 13 can be placed at the raised portion 11 of the at least one protective element 7 for fastening to the front area F of the sole 1 and/or to the toe of the upper of the sports shoe.
[0097] Otherwise, the removable coupling means 13 can also be placed in other areas of the base portion 10 and of the hollow portion 5 of the sole 1.
[0098] In at least one version of the invention, the removable coupling means 13 are positioned exclusively in the lower part of the sole.
[0099] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all included within the scope of the inventive concept.
[0100] Furthermore, the characteristics described for one embodiment of the invention may therefore be present in other embodiments, without thereby departing from the protective scope of the present invention.
[0101] Furthermore, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, can be of any type conforming to the requirements, without thereby departing from the protective scope of the following claims.
1. Sole for sports shoes, for practicing a sport or for riding a motorcycle or a similar
vehicle, comprising at least one sole element (6), a lower surface (2), suitable during
use to be facing the ground, and an upper surface (3), opposite to said lower surface
(2), and at least one protective element (7) suitable in use to protect said sole
and/or an upper of the sports shoe, in which said at least one protective element
(7) comprises an external surface (9), suitable during use to face the ground and/or
at least partially walkable, characterized in that said at least one protective element (7) is positioned at a front area (F), located
substantially at the toes of the user's foot, and an outer front lateral area of said
sole (1).
2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein said at least one protective element (7) is removable
or interchangeable and/or wherein said sole (1) comprises removable coupling means
(13) between said at least one protective element (7) and said at least one sole element
(6).
3. Sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one sole element (6) comprises
a hollow portion (5) and wherein said at least one protective element (7) can be positioned
and/or housed at least partially at said hollow portion (5).
4. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one protective
element (7) comprises a base portion (10) and a raised portion (11), having a substantially
fin-like shape which departs from at least one area of said base portion (10), at
least substantially upwards.
5. Sole according to the preceding claim, wherein said raised portion (11) departs from
said base portion (10) at least at said front area (F) and said outer front lateral
area of said sole (1) and/or has an at least slightly curved shape and/or is suitable
in use for housing in use an at least partially corresponding portion of the toe and
of the external lateral front part of the sports shoe, and/or wherein said base portion
(10) has a conformation substantially corresponding to that of said recessed portion
(5).
6. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base portion (10),
in internal plan view, is perimetrically delimited by a first section (10a) which
is substantially rectilinear and having a first length (La), by a second section (10b)
substantially rectilinear and having a second length (Lb), shorter than said length
(La), and by a third section (10c), with a substantially curved trend, and/or wherein
said hollow portion (5) is delimited perimetrically by a first segment (5a) substantially
straight and having a first length (Wa), by a second segment (5b) substantially straight
and having a second length (Wb), less than said length (Wa), and by a third segment
(5c), with a substantially curved shape and/or wherein said base portion (10) and/or
said hollow portion (5) has a substantially irregular and/or inclined rectangle and/or
trapezoidal and/or substantially triangular shape in plan view, and/ or wherein in
use said first section (10a) is placed at said first segment (5a), said second section
(10b) is placed at said second segment (5b) and said third section (10c) is placed
at said third segment (5c).
7. Sole according to the preceding claim, wherein said first segment (5a) extends approximately
from a substantially central portion of said sole (1) in a radial manner towards a
position of said sole (1) located peripherally at approximately the big toe of the
user's foot or in the direction of the big toe of the user's foot, said second segment
(5b) extends approximately from said substantially central position transversely towards
an outer side of said sole (1) or at least slightly towards said rear area (P) and
said third segment (5c) joins a distal end of said first segment (5a), a distal end
of said second segment (5b), following a curved and/or arcuate pattern of said sole
(1) and/or the user's foot.
8. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said raised portion (11)
departs from said third section (10c) following a substantially upward or vertical
trend which continues by folding at least partially in use over the user's toes and/or
towards the area corresponding to the user's toe nails.
9. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sole (1) comprises
a thickness (S) which corresponds to the distance between said lower surface (2) and
said upper surface (3) and/or wherein said sole (1) comprises a variable thickness
(S) passing from said front area (F) to a rear area (P) of said sole (1).
10. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hollow portion (5)
has a depth of thickness (S1) lower than said thickness (S) and/or lower than said
thickness (S) of said sole (1) at at least said front area thereof (F), and/or determines
the formation of a part of the surface (6b) of said at least one sole element (6)
having thickness (S2), wherein said thickness (S2) is equal the difference between
said thickness (S) of said at least one sole element (6) and said thickness depth
(S1) of said hollow portion (5).
11. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said surface part (6b)
is smooth while said lower surface (2) of said sole (1) and/or a remaining part (6a)
of said at least one sole element (6) has a tread pattern.
12. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base portion (10)
has a thickness (S3) substantially corresponding to said depth of thickness (S1) of
said hollow portion (5), so that, in use, once said at least one protective element
(7) has been positioned at said hollow portion (5), said external surface (9) placed
at said base portion (10) and said remaining part (6a) are substantially flush.
13. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one protective
element (7) comprises an internal surface (8), at least a part of the same being suitable
in use to face and be placed in contact with said hollow portion (5) and/or opposite
to said external surface (9), and stiffening means (12), at at least part of its internal
surface (8), wherein said stiffening means comprise at least one rib, for example
positioned at said third section (10c), a series of ribs, for example in rows and
columns, in parallel rows or columns, in boxes, to form elements in relief with a
polygonal section, cells or honeycomb, lattice, irregular, with various conformations,
etc. and/or wherein said stiffening means (12) are positioned at said internal surface
(8) of said raised portion (11) and/or of said base portion (10).
14. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sole element (6) is
made of rubber or a suitable compound, for example according to standard EN 13634
and/or wherein said at least one protective element (7) is made in the same material
of said sole element (6) or in the same material of said sole element (6) having a
degree of stiffness greater than that of the material of said sole element (6), and/or
in a thermoplastic polymer (TPU), or at least one of nylon, Kevlar or other plastic
materials, glass fiber, carbon fiber, composite materials, or in a suitable material.
15. Sports shoe, for practicing a sport or for riding a motorcycle or a similar vehicle,
such as for example a motorcycle boot, comprising a sole according to one or more
of the preceding claims.
16. Kit for manufacturing a sole (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims
from 1 to 14, comprising at least one sole element (6) and at least two protective
elements (7) suitable in use to protect said sole and/or an upper of the sports shoe,
wherein each of said at least two protective elements (7) has a stiffness and/or a
size and/or at least one characteristic different from that of the other or subsequent
protective element (7).
17. Method for obtaining a sole for sports shoes, for practicing a sport or for riding
a motorcycle or similar vehicle, having a lower surface (2), suitable during use to
face towards the ground, and an upper surface (3), opposite to said lower surface
(2), according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 14, comprising the following
steps:
providing at least one sole element (6),
providing at least one protective element (7) suitable in use to protect said sole and/or an upper of the sports shoe, wherein said protective element (7) comprises an external surface (9), suitable during use to face towards the ground and/or at least partly walkable,
positioning said at least one protective element (7) at a front area (F), located substantially at the user's foot toes, and at an outer front lateral area of said sole (1),
assembling said at least one protective element (7) with said at least one sole element (6) in order to obtain said sole (1).
18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said step of providing at least one sole element
(6) comprises providing at least one sole element (6) comprising a hollow portion
(5), wherein said hollow portion (5) is positioned at a front area (F), located substantially
at the toes of the user's foot, and at an outer front lateral area of said sole (1),
and wherein said positioning and/or assembling steps comprise the steps of:
superimposing at least a base portion (10) of said at least one protective element (7) on said hollow portion (5),
constraining, for example in a removable way, said at least one protective element (7) and said at least one sole element (6),
optionally bringing said external surface (9) of said base portion (10) flush with a remaining part (6a) of said at least one sole element (6), so as to obtain said lower surface (2) continuous and substantially without interruptions.
19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said step of constraining comprises providing
removable coupling means (13) in the form of at least one hole (13a) positioned at
said hollow portion (5), at least one opening (13b) at said base portion (10), superimposed
on said at least one hole (13a), and at least one screw or nail (13c), which can be
housed or fixed at said at least one hole (13a) and said at least one opening (13b),
or in the form of seats and pegs, dovetails couplings, interlocking couplings, buttonholes
and buttons, magnetic coupling means, etc., and inserting and/or constraining and/or
fixing and/or screwing and/or coupling said removable coupling means (13), so as to
determine the removable assembly of said at least one protective element (7) with
said at least one sole element (6).
20. Protective element (7) for a sole for sports shoes, for practicing a sport or for
riding a motorcycle or similar vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein
said protective element (7) is suitable in use to protect said sole and/or an upper
of the sports shoe, wherein said protective element (7) comprises an external surface
(9), suitable during use to face the ground and/or at least partially walkable, wherein
said protective element (7) can be positioned in use at a front area (F), located
substantially at the user's foot toes, and at an outer front lateral area of said
sole (1), characterized in that said protective element is removable and/or interchangeable.
21. Protective element (7) according to claim 20, comprising a base portion (10) and a
raised portion (11), having a substantially fin-like shape which departs from at least
one area of said base portion (10), at least substantially upwards and/or wherein
said raised portion (11) departs from said base portion (10) at least at said front
area (F) and at said outer front lateral area of said sole (1) and/or has an at least
slightly curved shape and/or is suitable in use for housing in use an at least partially
corresponding portion of the toe and of the external lateral front part of the sports
shoe, and/or wherein said base portion (10), in internal plan, is delimited perimetrically
by a first section (10a) substantially straight and having a first length (La), by
a second section (10b) substantially straight and having a second length (Lb), minor
than said length (La), and by a third section (10c), with a substantially curved shape,
and/or wherein said base portion (10) has a substantially irregular and/or inclined
rectangle and/or trapezoidal and/or substantially triangular plan configuration.
22. Protective element (7) according to claim 20 or 21, comprising an internal surface
(8), at least a part of the same being suitable in use to face and be placed in contact
with said sole and/or with a hollow portion (5) of said sole and/or opposite to said
external surface (9), and stiffening means (12), at at least part of its internal
surface (8), wherein said stiffening means comprise at least one rib, for example
positioned at said third section (10c), a series of ribs, for example in rows and
columns, in parallel rows or columns, in boxes, to form elements in relief with a
polygonal section, cells or honeycombs , lattice, irregular, with various conformations,
etc. and/or wherein said stiffening means (12) are positioned at said internal surface
(8) of said raised portion (11) and/or at said base portion (10).