Patent EA-001663-B1 (EA)
Title: Improved vapor-permeable shoe
Inventor: POLEGATO MARIO
IPC: A43B7/32
Filed: 1998-04-29
Abstract: 1. A vapor-permeable shoe comprising the following combination of elements: a vapor-permeable upper associated with a vaporpermeable or perforated lining; a tread sole made of perforated elastomer; a mid-sole which comprises at least one membrane made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material associated with a lower protective layer made of a material resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, vapor-permeable and/or perforated; a vapor-permeable or perforated insole; a vapor-permeable or perforated filler layer arranged between said insole and said membrane, said shoe being characterized in that said membrane, together with said protective layer, is arranged in a preassembled insert, to which it is sealed at its perimetric regions, said insert being suitable to form a support for said membrane both during assembly and during use. 2. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert is pre-molded. 3. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert comprises, at least in its perimetric regions, an element made of plastics which is overmolded on the membrane and protective layer components of said insert. 4. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert comprises, above said membrane, a grid which supports said insole and constitutes said filler layer. 5. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert comprises, above said membrane, an element made of vapor-permeable felt which constitutes said filler layer, absorbs moisture, has good mechanical characteristics and provides thermal insulation from the outside climate. 6. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that layers of material are provided above said membrane, said layers comprising an upper layer of hydrophobic material and a lower hydrophilic layer, both of which are vaporpermeable or perforated. 7. A shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that a spacer layer is interposed between said layers made of hydrophobic and hydrophilic material. 8. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said protective layer comprises one or more elements which are associated below said membrane, are shaped complementary thereto and are made of microperforated opencell plastic material. 9. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said protective layer of said membrane comprises one or more felts associated below said membrane and made of vapor-permeable textile materials which are resistant to mechanical stresses. 10. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert is constituted by two membranes made of vaporpermeable and waterproof material, between which an internal structural stiffening layer is interposed, said membranes being sealed together and to the tread sole at the perimetric regions. 11. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert comprises portions of said tread sole. 12. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said insert comprises, directly below said membrane, a structural supporting element which has a corrugated crosssect ion and is provided with transverse holes that ensure the continuity of the overall vapor-permeability of said shoe. 13. A shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said insert comprises in succession, from top to bottom, said membrane, said structural supporting element, a filtering element and a tread sole portion. 14. A shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said structural supporting element is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, carbon fiber composite and fiber reinforced plastic composite. 15. A shoe comprising the following combination of elements: a vapor-permeable upper which is associated with a vapor-permeable or perforated lining; a tread sole; a mid-sole, which comprises at least one membrane made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material associated with a lower protective layer made of a material resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, vapor-permeable and/or perforated; a vapor-permeable or perforated insole; a vapor-permeable or perforated filler layer which is arranged between said insole and said membrane, characterized in that said tread sole is a composite having a lower tough and waterproof layer which is in contact with the ground during use and an upper region having a layer permeable to heat and moisture which faces said membrane upon assembly, said permeable layer allowing transpiration through its perimetric edge in contact with the outside. 16. A shoe comprising the following combination of elements: a vapor-permeable upper associated with a vaporpermeable or perforated lining; a tread sole made of perforated elastomer; a mid-sole, which comprises at least one membrane made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material associated with a lower protective layer made of a material which is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, vapor-permeable and/or perforated; a vapor-permeable or perforated insole; a vapor-permeable or perforated filler layer which is arranged between said insole and said membrane, characterized in that said membrane and said protective layer are folded inwardly at the perimetric regons and said membrane is directly sealed to the tread sole. 17. An insert for use in the sole portion of a vaporpermeable shoe, said insert comprising: (i) a membrane made of waterproof and vapor-permeable material having an upper surface, which faces in the direction of a shoe insole, a lower surface which faces in the direction of a shoe sole tread, and an outer edge; (ii) a protective layer located adjacent to the lower surface of said membrane, and (iii) a support element located at a peripheral portion of said membrane; said membrane having a peripheral portion which comprises (a) that portion of the upper surface adjacent the outer edge, (b) the outer edge, (c) that portion of the lower surface of said membrane adjacent the outer edge, or combinations thereof; said support element being bonded to said membrane such that a waterproof bond is formed between the peripheral portion of said membrane and the support whereby said membrane is sealed at its periphery to said support layer. 18. An insert as set forth in claim 17, wherein said protective layer is spot-bonded to said membrane. 19. An insert as set forth in claim 18, wherein said protective layer is comprised of textile materials resistant to mechanical stress. 20. An insert as set forth in claim 17, wherein said support element is overmolded on said membrane. 21. An insert as set forth in claim 17, wherein said support element is bonded to said membrane by gluing. 22. An insert as set forth in claim 17, wherein said insert further comprises a support grid portion bonded to the top surface of said membrane. 23. An insert as set forth in claim 22, wherein said support grid and said support element are integral with each other.