Patent Publication Number: US-2007094900-A1

Title: Sole element of a shoe with a plastic layer

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a sole element of a shoe with a plastic layer, and particularly relates to a heel or sole of a shoe that is covered with a colored plastic layer, which can reflect light when in use.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Conventional heels or soles of shoes are colored by painting, plating or printing. When the surface is abraded, some parts of the heel or sole tend to lose their color. Moreover, the color layer of those shoes loses a tri-dimensional sensation, so they are no longer pleasing to the eye.  
      Therefore, the invention provides a sole element for shoes with a plastic layer to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The main objective of the present invention is to provide a sole element of a shoe that includes a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. A colored transparent plastic layer is formed on the periphery. Furthermore, multiple palettes are embedded in the plastic layer to reflect light.  
      The colored transparent plastic layer can refract light to be aesthetically pleasing. The color is deep in the plastic layer and can be changed, so abrasion of the sole element will not remove the color and impair the appearance of the shoe. In addition, the palettes are embedded in the plastic layer and can reflect light to enhance the appearance of the shoe.  
      Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THF DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of a heel of a shoe in accordance with this invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the heel in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sole of a shoe in accordance with this invention; and  
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the sole in  FIG. 3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , in a first embodiment of the present invention, the sole element is a heel ( 10 ). The heel ( 10 ) in accordance with the present invention includes a top face ( 11 ), a bottom face ( 12 ) and a periphery ( 13 ) between the top face ( 11 ) and the bottom face ( 12 ). The heel ( 10 ) is first molded into shape, and then molded again in another mold, where a soft gum is applied. The quantity of the gum and the temperature and pressure of the molding process are controlled accurately, such that a colored transparent plastic layer ( 15 ) is formed by the gum on the periphery ( 13 ) and serves as a protective layer.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 3-4 , in another embodiment of the present invention, the sole element is a sole ( 20 ). The sole ( 20 ) in accordance with the present invention has a heel portion and includes a top face ( 21 ), a bottom face ( 22 ) and a periphery ( 23 ) between the top face ( 21 ) and the bottom face ( 22 ). The sole ( 20 ) is firstly molded into shape, and then molded again in another mold, where a soft gum is applied. The quantity of the gum and the temperature and pressure of the molding process are controlled accurately, such that a colored transparent plastic layer ( 25 ) is formed by the gum on the periphery ( 23 ) and serves as a protective layer.  
      When the heel ( 10 ) or sole ( 20 ) is molded again to apply the plastic layer ( 15 , 25 ), multiple palettes are embedded in the soft gum, as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , so the colored transparent plastic layers ( 15 , 25 ) have a flickering appearance as those palettes can reflect light.  
      It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.