Waterproof and breathable sole for shoes

Abstract

A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, having a structure that includes a mid-sole component with a membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and connected in spots with a lower protective layer made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, breathable, and/or perforated. A tread made of perforated elastomer is joined perimetrically and hermetically to the component. The membrane is associated with the protective layer by a thermoreactive adhesive.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A waterproof and breathable sole for shoes, comprising: 
 a mid-sole component comprising: a membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor; a lower protective layer made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, breathable, and/or perforated; said membrane being connected in spots with said lower protective layer; and    a tread made of perforated elastomer that is joined perimetrically and hermetically to the component; and    wherein said membrane is associated with said protective layer by a thermoreactive adhesive.    
     
     
         9 . The sole of  claim 8 , wherein said membrane and said protective layer associated therewith are joined hermetically to said tread, which is provided by overmolding or in place assembling on said component.  
     
     
         10 . The sole of  claim 8 , wherein said membrane and said protective layer are part of a mid-sole with a preassembled insert that comprises a perimetric element that is overmolded or assembled in place and surrounds said membrane and said protective layer and is joined to them hermetically, said insert being coupled to said tread, which is overmolded or assembled in place thereon.  
     
     
         11 . The sole of  claim 8 , wherein said thermoreactive adhesive is a thermoplastic polyurethane adhesive.  
     
     
         12 . A method for joining a membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor to a protective layer made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, breathable and/or perforated, to provide waterproof and breathable soles for shoes, the method comprising: 
 applying in spots thermoreactive adhesives between said membrane and said protective layer.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said thermoreactive adhesive is a thermoplastic polyurethane adhesive.  
     
     
         14 . A method for making a waterproof and breathable sole for shoes that has a structure including a mid-sole component with a membrane made of a material that is impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and is connected in spots with a lower protective layer made of a material that is resistant to hydrolysis, water-repellent, breathable and/or perforated; and a tread made of perforated elastomer that is joined perimetrically and hermetically to the component; the method comprising: 
 connecting said membrane to said protective layer by a thermoreactive adhesive.