Patent EA-002796-B1 (EA)
Title: Vapor-permeable waterproof sole for shoes
Inventor: POLEGATO MORETTI MARIO
IPC: A43B7/32
Filed: 1999-06-17
Abstract: 1. A vapor-permeable and waterproof sole (10,110,210) for shoes, comprising: a lower flat element (11,111,213) made of shaped rubber-like material; an upper element (22,120,214); a membrane (19,116,215) made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material; said lower and upper elements and said membrane being joined hermetically in the perimetric regions (26,27) of mutual contact; the sole being characterized in that said lower element has a hollow upper region (13) delimited by a border (14,114) with air passage openings (16,212) formed in said border which extend radially and connect the hollow region to the outside of the shoe, and said membrane being interposed between said lower and upper elements at said hollow region. 2. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that said membrane (19,116,215) is associated, in a downward region, with a protective layer (20,117) made of a material which has one or more of the characteristics of being water-repellent, vapor-permeable or perforated, and resistant to hydrolysis. 3. The sole according to any one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said upper element (22,120,214) is obtained by overmolding a compatible material on said membrane (19,116,215) so as to provide said perimetric seal. 4. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that said upper element (22,120,214) comprises perimetric rim (24) and a vapor-permeable or perforated filler layer (25,118) which occupies the free region of the upper element which is delimited by the rim, said upper element being superimposed on said membrane (19,116,215) at one (27) of its perimetric regions which is arranged adjacent said filler layer. 5. The sole according to Claim 4, characterized in that said filler layer (25,118) is made of open-cell polyurethane foam. 6. The sole according to Claim 5, characterized in that said filler layer (25,118) is made of open-cell polyurethane foam combined with chemicals which convert liquid perspiration into a solid gel which is dissolved by evaporation. 7. The sole according to Claim 2, characterized in that said protective layer (20,117) is made of non-woven fabric or needle-loomed fabric. 8. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that said air passage openings are produced by the hermetic joining of said lower and upper elements, channels (16,212) being formed on the border of said lower element (11,213). 9. The sole according to Claim 8, characterized in that said channels (16,212) protrude from the bottom of said hollow region (13) toward the outside and are inclined downward. 10. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that the border of said lower element (111) is constituted by a rim (114) made of porous material which is joined hermetically in a downward region, said porous material constituting said air passages. 11. The sole according to Claim 10, characterized in that the lower element (111) is thinner at its perimetric regions, said rim (114) widening from the inside outward. 12. The sole according to any one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said hollow upper region (13) is internally provided with raised portions (15,115,216) protruding upwardly from said lower element (11,111,213). 13. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that fine perforations (113) are formed in said lower element (111) at right angles to the ground resting plane. 14. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that said membrane (19,116,215) is sealed, in an upward region, with said upper element (22,120,214) in the perimetric regions and, if it is in contact, with said lower element as well. 15. The sole according to Claim 1, characterized in that said lower element (11,111,213) and said upper one (22,120,214) are sealed in the regions of contact so as to form a monolithic assembly. 16. The sole according to Claim 10, characterized in that said upper element (120) is glued hermetically to said rim (114) made of porous material. 17. The sole according to Claim 8 and/or 9, characterized in that each one of said channels (212) has a one-way air flow valve (211). 18. The sole according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a protective metal lamina for accident prevention is integrated in said lower element (11,111,213). 19. The sole according to Claim 7, characterized in that said membrane (19,116,215) and said protective layer (20,117) are associated by spot bonding with an adhesive which is resistant to hydrolysis and is of the type commonly known in the field as Hot Merc or with calendered powders. 20. The sole according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the hermetic bonding between said lower element (11,111,213) and the upper element (22,120,214) is provided by gluing with hydrolysis-resistant adhesives or by high-frequency welding. 21. The sole according to Claim 12, characterized in that said raised portions are dome-shaped and said membrane (19,116,215) or said protective layer (20,117) if present rests thereon.