Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
  • A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
  • A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
  • A43B3/106—Disposable slippers; One-piece slippers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
  • A43B17/18—Arrangements for attaching removable insoles to footwear
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
  • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
  • A41D13/06—Knee or foot
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
  • A43D25/00—Devices for gluing shoe parts
  • A43D25/047—Devices for lasting with adhesives or for gluing together insoles and uppers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
  • A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an adhesive insole in place of a shoe, which may be applied to a sole of the foot of a user and which allows walking freely and without difficulty in environments and on surfaces wherein the use of footwear is usually advisable, such as for example saunas, pools, on rock, beach, asphalt, etc.
• footwear such as slippers or flip-flops are usually used, which offer protection from hazards due to the high temperature of a surface, the risk of slipping or injuries due to irregular surfaces or surfaces wherein bacterial flora have developed which are carriers of infections.
• the present invention proposes to solve all these drawbacks through the use of an adhesive insole to be applied to the sole of the foot, constructed as specified below.
• figure 1 shows a schematization of a method for manufacturing an adhesive insole, object of the present invention, according to a possible embodiment
• figure 2 shows a plan view of the support layer, along the arrow II shown in figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a cross-section along the plane III-III shown in figure 2;
• FIG. 4 and 5 show the surface features of a support layer in the form of a fabric, according to different embodiments ;
• FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the support layer, along the arrow VI shown in figure 1, after the adjustable coating of the adhesion layer;
• FIG. 7 shows a cross-section along the plane VII-VII shown in figure 6, where in this figure a walking surface has been schematized which, according to the orientation of such figure, is positioned vertically above the adhesion layer;
• FIG. 8 shows a cross-section along the plane VIII- VIII shown in figure 1, after applying the adhesive layer
• figure 9 shows a cross-section along the plane IX-IX shown in figure 1, at the feed of the protection substrate ;
• FIG. 10 shows a section along the plane X-X shown in figure 1, downstream of a joining point U of the products of step iii) and of step iv) of the process illustrated hereinafter;
• figure 13 shows a perspective view of an adhesive insole according to a second embodiment of the present invention .
• a protection substrate 12 comprising a substrate support 14 and at least an overlaid detachment promoting layer 16;
• step iii) combining (position 108) the products of step iii) and of step iv) , so that the detachment promoting layer 16 adheres at least to the adhesive layer 10;
• the areas or islands of the adhesion layer 8 could be arranged with greater density in specific areas of the insole 1, for example in areas wherein the latter overlaps the metatarsal bones and the heel of the user' s foot (when the insole is worn according to the right size) .
• the areas or islands of the adhesion layer 8 could be distributed in a substantially homogeneous manner on the first surface 4.
• the adjustable application could be obtained with a mask suitable to cover the areas 26 (free areas) so that these are protected from the application of the adhesion layer, such mask delimiting one or more through openings through which the adhesion layer may otherwise penetrate to be applied to the first surface.
• the shape of the islands of the adhesion layer 8 is substantially the same in figure 6 and in figure 11. Nevertheless, such islands are not in scale in the various representations, since - by way of example - from the width T of the support layer a plurality of insoles may be formed (for example 2-20) . Therefore, with respect to the schematization of figure 6, the size of the areas/islands wherein the adhesion layer is present will be reduced (as for example shown in figure 11 ) .
• adhesion layer its function is to increase the friction coefficient of the first surface 4, at least in relation to the friction coefficient that the latter has in the absence of the adhesion layer.
• the shape of the islands of the adhesion layer 8 could be circular/ovoidal, or polygonal (for example triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal) .
• the islands of the adhesion layer 8 are arranged in such a way as to delimit one or more outflow-water passages (for example see the reference number 26) , which extend from a central portion of the first surface 4 up to a perimeter or contour of an insole 18 of the support layer 2, so that the water or moisture does not remain trapped beneath the support layer 2 but is free to flow out laterally to said layer 2.
• one or more outflow-water passages for example see the reference number 26
• the adhesion layer 8 creates an anti-slip layer, i.e. it helps to reduce the slipperiness of the insole 1 (and therefore of the foot to which it is adhered) with respect to the underlying walking surface C.
• the adhesion layer 8 is flexible, for example to conform to the movement of the user's foot.
• the support layer 2 could be a non-woven fabric, a film, for example polymeric, a layer of leather or imitation leather or similar .
• the support layer 2 comprises a weft and warp fabric 20.
• the weft and warp fabric 20 has fabric weaves different between the first surface 4 and the second surface 6.
• fabric weave means the way of weaving the warp threads with the weft threads.
• a fabric weave therefore defines the type of fabric obtained from a specific weaving.
• the different fabric weaves are obtained through a single weaving operation 20, i.e. through the way in which the weft and the warp are intertwined.
• the different fabric weaves are obtained by joining or coupling a first fabric layer with a first fabric weave with a second fabric layer with a second fabric weave.
• first and second fabric layers could be glued or stitched together .
• the fabric weave of the first surface 4 (and/or of the second surface 6) is a three-dimensional honeycomb weave.
• the three- dimensional honeycomb weave is arranged on the reverse side of the fabric.
• the fabric weave of the second surface 6 (and/or of the first surface 4) is a cross twill weave.
• the cross twill weave is arranged on the obverse side of the fabric.
• step i) could comprise one or more of the following sub-steps of:
• sub-step a) is carried out by means of an aqueous dispersion of organic pigments, preferably in the presence of anionic and non- ionic surfactants.
• the support layer 2 i.e. the fabric 20 has a thickness equal to or greater than about 0.5 mm, for example equal to or greater than about 0.6 mm.
• the support layer 2, i.e. the fabric 20, has a thickness equal to or smaller than about 5 mm, for example equal to or smaller than about 3 mm.
• the support layer 2 i.e. the fabric 20, has a weight in the range 200-600 g/m2, for example about 230-430 g/m2.
• weight could be determined according to that which is established by the UNI 5114/82 standard in force on the date of filing this application.
• the fabric 20 comprises at least one elasticized thread or filament in a weft direction and/or in a warp direction.
• the weft direction is oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the adhesive insole 1.
• the elasticized filament is present only in the weft direction.
• the elasticized thread or filament of the fabric has a final count within the range 20-80 Nm, for example between 25-55 Nm.
• the elasticized thread or filament is present in the fabric in a percentage equal to or less than 15%, for example equal to or less than 10%, with respect to the total threads or filaments .
• the elasticized thread or filament could comprise or consist of a synthetic polyurethane fiber.
• fibers that may be used for such purpose are known under the trade names Elastam® or Spandex®.
• the threads or filaments of the fabric other than elasticized threads or filaments have a final count within the range 0.5-10 Nm, for example in the range of 0.5-5 Nm.
• the threads or filaments of the fabric other than elasticized threads or filaments could be of a synthetic or natural type.
• the threads or filaments of the fabric i.e. of the weft and the warp
• the threads or filaments of the fabric could be independently selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, (para- ) aramid, polyethylene (optionally polyethylene with a ultra-high molecular weight) and mixtures thereof.
• the threads or filaments of the fabric could be independently selected from the group consisting of: cotton, linen, jute, coconut, wool, hemp and mixtures thereof, optionally blended with the synthetic fibers or filaments illustrated above.
• the fabric could comprise or consist of a single type of synthetic fiber (in particular: non-elasticized) and a single elasticized thread or filament.
• An advantageous variant could for example provide a fabric comprising or consisting of polyamide and polyurethane synthetic fiber.
• the adhesion layer 8 overlaps at least in part the three-dimensional honeycomb weave, so that the adhesion layer 8 keeps the first surface 4 at a distance D from the walking surface C, creating an intermediate space 22 between such surfaces 4, C for the outflow of water, rain or moisture.
• the intermediate space (for example visible in figure 7) is always present by virtue of the protruding nature of the adhesion layer 8 with respect to the first surface 4. Nevertheless, when the first surface has a three-dimensional honeycomb shape, such intermediate space 22 is increased, and therefore even more efficient in causing the aforementioned outflow .
• step i) comprises a step of feeding the support layer 2 along a feed direction A substantially parallel to a direction of elasticity or yielding of such layer 2, or along a feed direction A substantially parallel to a predominant extension direction of the elasticized thread or filament of such fabric 20.
• step vi) is followed by a step vii) of calibrated shrinkage of the support layer 2 with respect to the protection substrate 12 along the elasticity direction, or of the fabric 20 with respect to the protection substrate 12 along the predominant extension direction.
• a free grip area 24 is formed - from which the support layer 2 or the fabric 20 has drawn back - for the separation of the protection substrate 12 from the remaining part of the adhesive insole 1, specifically for an easier separation of the protection substrate 12.
• step vi) when step vi) is performed, the support layer 2 and the protection substrate 12 are substantially coincident with each other, as this step could be performed, for example, with a single die- cutting operation. Nevertheless, in the subsequent step vii) , the inherent elasticity of the support layer 2 or of the fabric 20 induces a calibrated reduction of at least one dimension (length and/or width) of the support layer 2, so that this layer narrows along such dimension occupying a smaller surface of the protection substrate 12.
• the calibrated shrinkage could be regulated by a measure of the tension of the support layer 2 along the direction of elasticity, or of the tension of the fabric 20 along the predominant extension direction .
• the calibrated shrinkage may be equal to or less than 15% (for example, equal or smaller than 10%, or equal to or smaller than 5%, or equal to or smaller than 2%) with respect to a total longitudinal length of the support layer 2 immediately at the end of step vi), i.e. when the layer 2 and the substrate 12 have the same dimensions.
• the detachment promoting layer comprises a de-adhesive substance, for example a silicone paint.
• step ii) comprises sub-steps of:
• the expandable sub- step comprises at least one step of heating the expanding substance to a temperature above about 100°C (e.g. below 180°C) , optionally for about 1-10 minutes.
• the expanding substance comprises or consists of expanding powder.
• step iii) comprises at least one sub-step of transferring a semi-solid adhesive layer 10 precursor from a flexible support to the second surface 6.
• step iii) comprises a transfer of the adhesive layer 10 from a flexible support to the second surface 6.
• step iii) comprises at least one sub-step of spreading the adhesive layer 10 on the second surface 6, predominantly (i.e., more than 50% of the area of the surface 6) or completely.
• the adhesive layer 10 comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive substance.
• the adhesive layer 10 comprises an adhesive substance cross-linkable with UV rays, for example with UV-C rays.
• the adhesive substance 10 comprises an acrylic-based substance.
• the insole or footbed has the shape and size of a human foot, with a recessed space between the first toe and the second toe of a variable length between 3 and 4.5 cm.
• such recessed space has a width ranging from 0.4 cm (in the narrowest part) to 1.5 cm (in the widest part) .
• a cut (for example of about 1 centimeter) is made between the user's second toe and third toe, specifically to allow free movement which usually occurs between these two toes while walking.
• the insole or footbed has a thickness of about 1 mm, for example in order to minimize its perception by the foot during use.
• the insole has a thickness in the range 0.8-2.5 mm, for example about 0.8- 1.8 mm.
• the insole or the footbed is made - for example, predominantly or completely - of cotton and/or nylon.
• the insole is characterized by an average elasticity of about 40%.
• the adhesive layer is resistant to water and/or sweat.
• the adhesive layer is hypoallergenic .
• the adhesive layer is biocompatible according to the ISO 10993 standard in force on the filing date of this application.
• the adhesive insole 1 applicable to a foot sole of a user comprises:
• a support layer 2 which delimits a first surface 4 and an opposite second surface 6, separated through the thickness of such layer;
• an adhesion layer 8 which adjustably coats at least one part of the first surface 4, in relief and configured to increase the friction coefficient of the latter;
• a protection substrate 12 comprising a substrate support 14 and at least an overlaid detachment promoting layer 16, combined with the support layer 2 such that the detachment promoting layer 16 adheres at least to the adhesive layer 10;
• the support layer 2 comprises a weft and warp fabric 20 having optionally different fabric weaves between the first surface 4 and the second surface 6; - the fabric weave of the first surface 4 is a three- dimensional honeycomb weave, and/or the fabric weave of the second surface 6 is a cross twill weave.
• the fabric 20 comprises at least one elasticized thread or filament in a weft direction and/or a warp direction;
• the adhesion layer 8 overlaps at least in part the three-dimensional honeycomb weave, so that the adhesion layer 8 keeps the first surface 4 at a distance D from a walking surface C, creating an intermediate space 22 between such surfaces 4, C for the outflow of water, rain or moisture.
• a free grip area 24 is present - from which the support layer 2 or the fabric 20 has drawn back in an elastically calibrated way - for the separation of the protection substrate 12 from the remaining part of the adhesive insole 1 ;
• the relieved adhesion layer 8 comprises at least one layer of a thermally-expanded expanding substance
• the fabric 20 consists of a single type of synthetic fiber (for example polyamide) , and of a single elasticized thread or filament (for example polyurethane synthetic fiber) .
• the adhesive insole 1 is characterized in that it is disposable. [0084] According to one embodiment, the adhesive insole 1 is breathable.
• the support layer 2 is fed along a feed direction A, unwinding it from a first feed reel 50.
• the support layer 2 is subjected to the discussed steps of coating (step ii) , position 102) and of applying (step iii) , position 104) and brought to a joining point or area U with the protection substrate 12.
• the protection substrate 12 is unwound from a second feed reel 52, and is moved in a second feed direction A' to the joining point or area U.
• graphic characters may be imprinted or printed (position 112) .
• step iii) and of step iv) are then coupled in the joining point or area U, so that the detachment promoting layer 16 adheres at least to the adhesive layer 10.
• the adhesive insoles are formed from the coupled material thus created, for example by one or more die-cutting operations .
• the forming of the insoles 1 takes place through a separation or cut passing through the coupled material.
• the separation/die-cutting takes place at a depth that passes through all the layers (identified by the numbers 8, 2, 10, 16, 14) discussed above.
• the insoles 1 thus manufactured are then fed to a packing station 114.
• the residue scrap 56 from the separation is collected in a take-up reel 54 (if in the form of a continuous scrap) or cut into segments to be discarded .
• the present insole makes it possible to dispense with the use of shoes or slippers in circumstances wherein the use of these represents an encumbrance or a nuisance for the user.
• the invention allows, in general, for one to walk barefoot freely, taking advantage of the benefits provided by the use of footwear.
• the invention allows, in particular, to walk "barefoot” (at least with regards the top of the feet) on slippery surfaces without danger (or at least reducing the possibility) of slipping.
• the invention allows walking barefoot (according to the previous connotation) on damp and/or wet surfaces without danger (or at least reducing the possibility) of coming into direct contact with the bacterial and/or fungal flora, very often present in large quantities in such conditions.
• the invention allows one to walk barefoot (according to the preceding connotation) on jagged or irregular surfaces, such as asphalt, grass, stony soils, sandy soils and rocks, without danger (or at least reducing the possibility) of wounds to the sole of the foot.
• the invention allows one to walk on hot or very hot surfaces due to prolonged exposure to the sun without danger (or at least reducing the possibility) of burning.
• the present insole has been designed to be resistant to heat, for example, from the body and/or walking surfaces to which such insole is intended to abut against.
• the present insole has been designed to become a sort of second skin for the foot, since the support layer 2 is able to dynamically adapt to the movement of the foot while walking.
• the present insole has a variability of measurements mainly dictated by the need to standardize the insole to the size of the user's foot.
• the measurements of the present insole have been specifically designed to obtain an insole measurement suitable for a plurality of different user soles (obviously within certain limits) .
• the inventors of this invention have studied a range of insoles capable of covering a plurality of different anthropomorphic sizes.
• each measurement of the insole could be suitable to cover two foot sizes, for example according to the Italian standard 35-36, 40-41 or similar .
• the structure of the insole illustrated above has been designed for the precise purpose of maximizing the adhesion of the insole applied to the foot for the duration of its use, also eliminating the slightest form of hindrance or limitation to the natural movement of the foot while walking.
• the step of coating the first surface precedes the step of applying the adhesive layer, in order to avoid thermodynamic conditions which could alter the features (for example of stability and/or biocompatibility) of the adhesive substance.
• the three-dimensional weave faces the walking surface.
• the three-dimensional structure lends itself to joining with the adhesion layer, and possibly to be permeated by the liquid precursor thereof;
• the presence of a relatively smooth support layer allows better adhesion to the sole of the foot.
• the present insole has been designed with a plurality of open outflow channels so as to minimize the presence of liquid under the user's foot.
• each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be achieved independently of the other variants described.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=62046973

Family Applications (1)

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Citations (3)

• 2017
  • 2017-02-14 IT IT202017000015072U patent/IT201700015072U1/it unknown
• 2018
  • 2018-02-14 WO PCT/IB2018/050894 patent/WO2018150333A1/en unknown
  • 2018-02-14 EP EP18719994.8A patent/EP3582645A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2018-02-14 JP JP2019530003A patent/JP2020505966A/ja active Pending
  • 2018-02-14 US US16/485,640 patent/US20200046073A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2018-02-14 AU AU2018220943A patent/AU2018220943A1/en not_active Abandoned
• 2019
  • 2019-07-01 IL IL267757A patent/IL267757A/en unknown

Patent Citations (3)

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