SOLE

Abstract

A sole includes a base layer, an intermediate layer, and a top layer. The base layer has a predetermined thickness. The intermediate layer is made of a gel of non-Newtonian fluid. The intermediate layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the top layer to engage the base layer and the top layer together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sole.

Description of the Prior Art

A conventional shoe usually has a sole made of foaming material or plastics such as EVA or PU to provide cushion when walking, jumping or running.

However, there is no sole which is able to disperse the static stress but also to provide better rebound. Thus, it is important to develop a new sole which is comfortable when standing but also providing better rebound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a sole with softness and cushion. However, the sole can provide better rebound to make movement easier.

To achieve the above and other objects, the sole includes a base layer, an intermediate layer, and a top layer. The base layer has a predetermined thickness. The intermediate layer is made of a gel of non-Newtonian fluid. The intermediate layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the top layer to engage the base layer and the top layer together.

The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which show, for purpose of illustrations only, the preferred embodiment(s) in accordance with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a stereogram of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a profile of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial enlargement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a manufacture process of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a chart showing a tensile strength of the intermediate layer when receiving slow compression;

FIG. 5 is a chart showing a tensile strength of the intermediate layer when receiving sudden shock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 2A, the sole 10 of the present invention includes a base layer 11, an intermediate layer 12, and a top layer 13. The base layer 11 has a predetermined thickness. The intermediate layer 12 is composed of a gel of non-Newtonian fluid. The intermediate layer preferably has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm. The intermediate layer 12 is sandwiched between the base layer 11 and the top layer 13 to engage the base layer 11 and the top layer 13 together.

In the present embodiment, the gel of non-Newtonian fluid of the intermediate layer 12 is polyurethane (PU) gel with multifunctional groups, and the base layer 11 is made of foaming material. The top layer 13 is a mesh fabric having a plurality of through holes. The gel of the intermediate layer 12 is partially embedded in the through holes.

More specifically, the gel 30 of non-Newtonian fluid is coated on a release paper 20 and heated by an oven 40, and the release paper 20 with the gel 30 of non-Newtonian fluid is engaged with the top layer 13 with a face thereof having the gel 30 of non-Newtonian fluid by thermocompression or adhesive. An other face of the intermediate layer 12 is engaged with the base layer 11 by adhesive after the release paper 20 is removed.

Because the intermediate layer is made of gel of non-Newtonian fluid of PU with multifunctional groups, the mesh-like structure provides offset of force along two perpendicular directions. Thus, the sole sinks like normal sole to make the sole cover the foot better, and the contact area of the foot on the sole is increased to make it comfortable during standing. On the other hand, when the intermediate layer receives impact, the intermediate layer may not sink too much. On the contrary, the intermediate layer provides a force of rebound. That is, when the user is walking normally, the intermediate layer sinks just like normal soles to provide comfort and cushion. However, when the user jumps or runs, the impact on the intermediate layer results that the intermediate layer provides a force of rebound to help the user lift the foot. Thereby, it is easier to jump or to run.

In the tensile strength tests on the intermediate layer which is exerted with slow compression, the results are shown in the following table. FIG. 4 is a chart made based on the following table.

			Tensile
Test	Test	Max. Load	strength	Elongation at break
No.	time	kgf	kgf/cm2	%
1	10:35:49	7.26	181.40	212.88
2	11:00:49	6.19	154.86	197.53
3	11:06:50	6.55	163.71	206.46
Average		6.67	166.66	205.62

In the tensile strength tests on the intermediate layer which is exerted with sudden (quick) shock, the results are shown in the following table. FIG. 5 is a chart made based on the following table.

			Tensile
Test	Test	Max. Load	strength	Elongation at break
No.	time	kgf	kgf/cm2	%
1	11:49:08	4.77	119.18	160.81
2	11:50:02	5.14	128.42	170.95
3	11:50:46	5.26	161.97	154.99
Average		5.06	136.52	162.25

In view of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, it is easy to find out that the intermediate layer can provide cushion for slow compression and rebound for sudden shock.

In conclusion, the sole of the present invention has an intermediate layer composed of non-Newtonian fluid so that the sole provides softness when walking and rebound when jumping or running Thus, the sole is suitable for multiple usages.

Claims

1. A sole, including:

a base layer, having a predetermined thickness;

an intermediate layer, made of a gel of non-Newtonian fluid;

a top layer;

wherein the intermediate layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the top layer to engage the base layer and the top layer together.

2. The sole of claim 1, wherein the gel of non-Newtonian fluid is polyurethane with multifunctional groups.

3. The sole of claim 1, wherein the base layer is made of foaming material.

4. The sole of claim 1, wherein the top layer is mesh fabric having a plurality through holes, the gel of non-Newtonian fluid of the intermediate layer is partially embedded in the through holes.

5. The sole of claim 1, wherein the gel of non-Newtonian fluid is coated on a release paper and heated by an oven, the release paper with the gel of non-Newtonian fluid is engaged with the top layer with a face thereof having the gel of non-Newtonian fluid, an other face of the intermediate layer is engaged with the base layer after the release paper is removed.

6. The sole of claim 1, wherein a face of the intermediate layer opposite to the top layer is engaged with the base layer by adhesive.

7. The sole of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer and the top layer are engaged by thermocompression.

8. The sole of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer and the top layer are engaged by adhesive.

9. The sole of claim 1, wherein the intermediated layer has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm.