The present invention relates to a kit for assembling shoes.

As is well known, in the vast merchandising category of shoes, it is possible to find shoes that are differentiated by shape, dimensions, materials and/or functionality, as well as by price, intended use and/or target market.

Although the category contains great variety, shoes usually have a common general structure, which includes at least three main elements: the sole (the part in contact with the ground), the upper (the contoured portion that covers the foot) and the insole (the covering on top of the sole, which remains inside the shoe in contact with the sole of the foot).

According to very widespread methods of assembly, the end edge of the upper is sewn under the insole, which is then made adhere to the top of the sole by way of adhesive bonding.

However, this very step of adhesive bonding is not devoid of drawbacks.

In fact it needs to be noted that, in any industrial sector, the need is increasingly felt to preserve the environment and offer products that are environmentally compatible, made with non-polluting materials, and free from potentially harmful effects on health.

Such requirement is progressively becoming apparent in the footwear sector as well, and in such context therefore the chemical substances necessary to ensure adhesive bonding are evidently unwanted.

Furthermore, and with further reference to the adhesive bonding process, it should be noted that this is difficult to automate, especially for shoes of high quality.

This therefore requires the intervention of workers, which brings an unwanted increase in costs, which is exacerbated by the fact that the difficulties inherent in the process require the training of qualified workers to carry it out.

In any case, even availing of trained workers, the step of adhesive bonding still retains a considerable possibility of defects, with additional increase in production costs.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, by providing a kit that makes it possible to obtain the mutual assembly of a sole and of an insole, which are intended to form part of a shoe, without using adhesives and/or methods of adhesive bonding.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a shoe in which the sole and the insole are mutually assembled without using adhesives and/or methods of adhesive bonding.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kit that makes it possible to obtain the assembly of a sole and of an insole, immediately and easily.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kit that is versatile, which can be used to assemble soles and insoles of various different models of shoes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kit and a shoe that ensure a high level of reliability of operation and which can be optionally automated, in an efficacious manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kit and a shoe that adopt an alternative technical and structural architecture to conventional ones.

Another object of the invention is to provide a kit and a shoe that can be obtained easily starting with elements and materials that are readily available on the market, at low cost, and safely applied.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a kit according to claim 1 and by a shoe according to claim 16.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the kit and of the shoe according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figures 1 to 3 show the kit according to the invention, in a first embodiment. More specifically:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the kit and the shoe according to the invention, before carrying out the interlocking between the tenons and mortises;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the kit and the shoe in Figure 1 , after interlocking;

Figure 3 is a greatly enlarged detail of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a variation of embodiment of the kit and of the shoe in Figure 1 ;

Figures 5 to 10 show the kit according to the invention, in a second embodiment. More specifically:

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the kit and the shoe according to the invention, before using an additional component;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the kit and the shoe in Figure 5, with the assembly of the shoe completed;

Figure 7 is a greatly enlarged detail of Figure 6;

Figures 8, 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views showing, in sequence, the method of coupling the components of the kit according to the invention;

Figures 11 to 22 show the kit according to the invention in a third embodiment, more specifically:

Figure 1 1 is a plan view of a tenon of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 1, taken along the line XII-XII;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the tenons of the kit according to the invention, associated with a sole of the shoe according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a plan view of the mortises of the kit according to the invention, associated with an insole of the shoe according to the invention;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 14 taken along the line XV-XV, with the addition of an upper of the shoe according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a greatly enlarged detail of Figure 15, and shows in detail a mortise of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 17 is a plan view of another component of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 17, taken along the line XVIII-XVIII;

Figures 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views showing, in sequence, some steps of coupling the components of the kit according to the invention, until the shoe according to the invention is assembled;

Figure 21 is a plan view of another component of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 21, taken along the line XXII-XXII;

Figures 23 to 35 show the kit according to the invention in a fourth embodiment, more specifically:

Figure 23 is a plan view of a tenon of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 23, taken along the line XXIV-XXIV;

Figure 25 is a plan view of a mortise of the kit according to the invention and of a portion of the insole of the shoe according to the invention, with which that mortise is functionally associated;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 25, taken along the line XXVI-XXVI, and shows the mortise in detail;

Figure 27 shows the tenon and the mortise, which are functionally associated respectively with the sole and with the shoe, before their mutual coupling;

Figure 28 is a plan view of another component of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 28, taken along the line XXIX-XXIX;

Figures 30 and 31 are views showing, in sequence, the use of the component in Figure 28, with the components involved shown in cross- section;

Figure 32 is a plan view of another component of the kit according to the invention;

Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 32, taken along the line CCCIIΪ-CCCIII;

Figures 34 and 35 are views showing, in sequence, the use of the component in Figure 32, with the components involved shown in cross- section.

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a kit for assembling shoes 100, such kit 1 comprising at least one sole 101 and at least one insole 102 which are in fact intended to form part of a shoe 100.

It should be noted in this regard that the kit 1 has application in the production (assembly) of shoes 100 which in fact include a sole 101 (the part in contact with the ground) and an insole 102 (the covering on top of the sole 101, which remains inside the shoe 100 in contact with the sole of the foot). Typically (but not necessarily) such shoes 100 are completed by an upper 103 (the contoured portion that covers the foot), as well as by other optional accessories, according to methods that are known per se. Usually in fact the upper 103, sewn or in some other way fixed underneath the peripheral region of the insole 102, is intended to be also sewn or in some other way fixed to the inside of the raised peripheral region of the sole 101 after the coupling of this to the insole 102 according to the methods that will be explained.

So in fact, typically the shoe 100 is a shoe (of various type, size, materials etc.), but it could be something else, in any case within the scope of protection claimed herein.

In such context, in the kit 1 the user therefore has some of the elements that will go to make up the shoe 100 (including the sole 101 and the insole 102, which are made for example of synthetic material), already partially (pre)assembled or otherwise, while the other parts can be supplied or sourced separately.

An object of this discussion and of the protection claimed herein is therefore a kit 1 , which the user 1 can purchase or in any case obtain, for assembling a shoe 100 with its components (and with the upper 103 and/or optional other elements sourced separately). The possibility is not ruled out however that the kit 1 could already be supplied with the upper 103 and with everything necessary for the complete assembly of the shoe 100.

Likewise, an object of this discussion (and of the scope of protection claimed herein) is also a shoe 100 that comprises (at least) the components of the kit 1.

According to the invention, the kit 1 comprises at least one tenon 2a, 2b, 2c and at least one mortise 3 a, 3b, 3c, which are functionally associated respectively with the sole 101 and with the insole 102, or vice versa. The possibility should be noted therefore that the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c can be associated with the sole 101 and the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c with the insole 102 (as in the embodiments in Figures 1 1-35), just as the scope of protection claimed herein covers a kit 1 in which the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c is associated with the insole 102 and the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c with the sole 101 (Figures 1-10).

In the present discussion therefore, where reference is made to embodiments in which the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c is associated with one of the two above-mentioned elements of the shoe 100, it should be understood that the possibility also exists that it is associated with the other element, and the same is true for the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c.

The tenon 2a, 2b, 2c can be inserted by interlocking into the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c for the mutual assembly of the sole 101 and of the insole 102. In this manner, such mutual assembly is obtained without resorting to adhesives and/or methods of adhesive bonding, and so it is possible to achieve the primary set aim from this point onward.

It should be noted that, at least in some implementation solutions, the kit 1 can be supplied with tenons 2a, 2b, 2c and mortises 3a, 3b, 3c that are already mutually coupled, and/or are respectively coupled/associated with soles 101 and insoles 102; in other embodiments the interlocking coupling between tenons 2a, 2b, 2c and mortises 3a, 3b, 3c (and optionally the coupling of these with soles 101 and insoles 102) can be carried out subsequently, by the purchaser or user of the kit 1.

While not ruling out the possibility that the kit 1 has a single tenon 2a, 2b, 2c and/or a single mortise 3a, 3b, 3c, in the preferred embodiment the kit 1 comprises a plurality of tenons 2a, 2b, 2c, which can be inserted by interlocking into a plurality of respective mortises 3a, 3b, 3c (so as to obtain a more stable mutual coupling).

In the discussion below, where reference is made to a tenon 2a, 2b, 2c and/or to a mortise 3a, 3b, 3 c, the concepts explained must be extended to cover all or at least a part of the tenons 2a, 2b, 2c and of the mortises 3 a, 3 b, 3c that each embodiment can have.

Even more specifically, the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c comprises a plurality of teeth 4 that are elastically flexible, so as to be able to bend upon their insertion into the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c (which preferably comprises a through cavity, at least partially cylindrical or prismatic, into which the teeth 4 are indeed inserted). In particular, the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures have two teeth 4 for each tenon 2a (in the embodiments in Figures 1-10) or six teeth 4 for each tenon 2b, 2c (in the embodiments in Figures 1 1-35), but the number can be any, and therefore it can also be different from the number in the examples mentioned above.

More specifically, in a first implementation of the invention (adopted in the solutions in Figures 1-10 and 23-35), by virtue in fact of their ability to elastically deform, the teeth 4 can be coaxially inserted into the respective mortises 3a, 3c until the engagement is achieved, on the other side, of an enlarged head 5 of each one thereof with an outer margin of the mortise 3a, 3c.

It should be noted that the reference numeral of the heads 5 is only indicated in Figures 8-12 and 23-24 in order to not excessively overcomplicate the drawings.

With the engagement of the heads 5 with the outer margin, the mutual interlocking coupling is thus obtained of the tenon 2a, 2c and of the mortise 3 a, 3 c and, as a consequence, the mutual assembly of the sole 101 and of the insole 102, with which the tenon 2a, 2c and the mortise 3a, 3c are associated.

It should be noted that on the outer margin there can be an enlarged seam 6 (Figures 1-10), which in fact surrounds the mortise 3a: this facilitates the engagement of the heads 5. In a different embodiment (Figures 23-35), the margin can be at a lower height with respect to the surrounding insole 102, in that the corresponding mortise 3c has a break in continuity 7 (shown for the sake of simplicity only in Figure 27) in its transverse cross-section (and it is right at such break 7 that the engagement of the heads 5 occurs).

In a second implementation of the invention (adopted in the solution in Figures 1 1-22), and again by virtue of their ability to elastically deform, the teeth 4 can be coaxially inserted into the respective mortises 3b until the engagement is achieved of their enlarged head 5 with an undercut 8 which is provided along a side wall of the mortise 3b (at an intennediate height with respect to the axial extension of the mortise 3b). In this case too, with the engagement of the heads 5 of the teeth 4 in the undercut 8 the mutual interlocking coupling is obtained of the tenon 2b and of the mortise 3b and, as a consequence, the mutual assembly of the sole 101 and of the insole 102, with which the tenon 2b and the mortise 3b are associated.

It should be noted that, in the last few paragraphs, reference is made to implementations that entail in any case that each tenon 2a, 2b, 2c is provided with a plurality of teeth 4: the person skilled in the art will be able to appreciate that the mutual coupling can also be obtained by providing the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c with a single tooth 4, thus defining an additional possibility that still remains within the scope of protection claimed herein.

More generally, it should be noted that the number of teeth 4, and also their mutual arrangement, can vary freely, as a function of the specific requirements and, obviously, of the shape structure of the mortises 3a, 3b, 3c.

For example, the embodiments in Figures 1-10 use two teeth 4 which are arranged mutually mirror-symmetrical (with the distance between centers substantially coinciding with the diameter of the mortise 3a), while the embodiments in Figures 11-35 adopt a greater number of teeth 4 (six, but this can differ), which are distributed about an ideal circumference (which substantially replicates the transverse cross-section of the mortise 3b, 3c).

It should be emphasized however that the possibility exists of providing tenons 2a, 2b, 2c that couple by interlocking in a different manner with the respective mortises 3 a, 3b, 3c.

Each tenon 2a, 2b, 2c (and also each mortise 3a, 3b, 3c) can be functionally associated with the sole 101 (or with the insole 102) in any way whatsoever: below (and in the accompanying figures) just a few examples are given purely for the purposes of non-limiting example of the application of the invention.

As can be seen from the solutions in Figures 11-35, in a possible embodiment the tenon 2b, 2c is functionally associated with one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102 because it is integrally retained in a respective complementarily-shaped recess 104 which is provided in one of them (the mortise 3b, 3c will obviously be associated with the other one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102).

In order to obtain such result, for example the tenon 2b, 2c is positioned in the mold, so as to in fact embed it in the sole 101 or in the insole 102 during the molding of the latter two items. The choice to embed the tenon 2b, 2c (which was made earlier) in the sole 101 (for example), is found to be of considerable practical interest: this in fact makes it possible to make the tenon 2b, 2c of a sufficiently rigid material, in order to ensure the stable interlocking coupling with the mortise 2b, 2c, while the sole 101 can be made of a different material, for example an expanded material, in order to ensure flexibility and softness for the shoe 100. In any case the tenon 2b, 2c can also be associated with the sole 101 or with the insole 102 in another manner, for example by sewing or molding it in a single piece with one of them, or the like.

In other embodiments, illustrated in Figures 1-10, the kit 1 comprises at least one first layer 9 which can be rigidly applied with its first face on one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102. The application on this first face (which provides a rigid coupling between the first layer 9 and the sole 101 or the insole 102) can be done by sewing, during the molding, or in any other way (preferably however, without resorting to gluing). In such context however, the tenon 2a is functionally associated with one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102 because it is provided on a second face of the first layer 9, which is opposite to the first face. The tenon 2a is therefore indirectly (rigidly) coupled to the sole 101/insole 102. In this case too, the p

mortise 3 a will be functionally associated (in various ways) with the other one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102.

With reference to the various methods of association between each mortise 3a, 3b, 3c and the sole 101 or the insole 102, below are some examples which are not limiting of the application of the invention.

As can be seen from the solutions in Figures 11-35, in a possible embodiment the mortise 3b, 3c is (directly) provided along one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102 (with the tenon 2b, 2c which will be functionally associated with the other one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102).

So, effectively, in such implementation option the mortise 3b, 3c is functionally associated with the sole 101/insole 102 because it is directly provided in it (preferably, but not exclusively, during the molding of the latter).

It should be noted that in the accompanying figures, the embodiments which entail the mortise 3b, 3c being provided directly in the insole 102 adopt a tenon 2b, 2c which is held in a recess 104 of the sole 101 : the possibility is not ruled out however that it is instead provided on the first layer 9, or in some other way associated with the sole 101.

In a different method of association (which does not exhaust the possibilities which in any case remain within the scope of protection claimed herein), the kit 1 comprises a second layer 10 (Figures 1-10), which can be rigidly applied on one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102. As previously mentioned for the first layer 9, the application of the second layer 10 (by way of which the latter is coupled rigidly to the sole 101 or to the insole 102) can also be done by sewing, during the molding, or in any other way (preferably however, without resorting to gluing).

In such embodiment therefore, the mortise 3a is functionally associated with one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102 because it is provided on the second layer 10.

Obviously, the tenon 2a will be functionally associated (in various ways) with the other one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102.

In this regard, it should be noted that in the accompanying figures, the embodiments which entail the mortise 3a being provided in the second layer 10 adopt a tenon 2a which is provided on the first layer 9: the possibility is not ruled out however that it is accommodated in the recess 104, or in some other way associated with one of either the sole 101 or the insole 102.

It should likewise be emphasized that in the embodiments in which the mortises 3b are in the second layer 10, receptacles 105 are provided along the sole 101 or the insole 102 (on whichever one the second layer 10 is applied). The receptacles 105 in fact make it possible to obtain the space necessary for the exit on the opposite side of the teeth 4 (when obviously the tenons 2a are inserted into the mortises 3 a), so that they can engage with the seam 6 with their heads 5. To this end therefore, the distribution of the receptacles 105 coincides with that of the mortises 3a and of the tenons 2a.

It should likewise be noted that the provision of the receptacles 105 makes it possible to lighten the sole 101 (when they are provided in it), therefore also being appreciated in order to contain the final weight of the shoe 100.

Conveniently, the kit 1 comprises at least one locking unit 1 1a, l ib, 1 lc of a respective tenon 2a, 2b, 2c (and, preferably, the number of locking units 11a, l ib, 11c will be the same as the number of tenons 2a, 2b, 2c comprised in the kit 1). The locking unit 11a, l ib, 11c can be selectively activated after the interlocking insertion of the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c into the respective mortise 3a, 3b, 3c, to impede the accidental decoupling between the sole 101 and the insole 102.

More specifically, the locking unit 11a, l ib, 11c comprises a block 12a, 12b, 12c with a shape at least partially corresponding to the space ideally defined between at least two teeth 4 of a respective tenon 2a, 2b, 2c. More precisely, in the embodiments in Figures 11-35, which for each tenon 2b, 2c have a plurality of teeth 4 which are distributed about an ideal circumference, the block 12b, 12c is substantially cylindrical, with a transverse cross-section equal to that of the space, which is also cylindrical.

In the embodiment in Figures 5-7 on the other hand, in which the tenon 2a has two teeth 4 arranged mirror- symmetrical, the block 12a is a slightly flared pin (in order to favor its introduction between the teeth 4), but still with a transverse cross-section size that is substantially equal to the distance between centers between the two teeth 4.

In any case, the block 12a, 12b, 12c can be inserted into the space in order to oppose any additional elastic deformation of the teeth 4 (and keep them engaged with the mortise 3a, 3b, 3 c), thus impeding the extraction of the tenon 2a, 2b, 2c from the mortise 3a, 3b, 3c.

In fact, by virtue of the dimensioning given above, when the block 12a, 12b, 12c is inserted into the space it occupies the space between the teeth 4, brushing up against them, and therefore impedes them from bending inward: this keeps the heads 5 in engagement.

In some embodiments (for example the ones in Figures 11-35), each locking unit l ib, 1 lc is an individual component. In such embodiments, the locking unit l ib, 11c can also have a slot A or incision that can be engaged with a T-shaped key or other, similar element, to be used as needed, for the removal of the unit l ib, 1 1c.

In another embodiment (Figures 5-7), the locking unit 11a (or each locking unit 11a) is provided along a third layer 13, which can be rigidly applied on the first layer 9 (after each tenon 2a has been coupled by interlocking with the respective mortise 3a), on the opposite side with respect to the second layer 10 and/or to the mortise 3a.

It should be noted that each layer 9, 10, 13 can have any shape, according to the specific requirements.

The kit 1 can in fact have, for example, one or more layers 9, 10, 13 which are constituted by simple rectangular or square (or other shape) pieces, which are made to adhere with a suitable distribution, at specific portions of the sole 101 and/or of the insole 102 (Figure 4). Such choice makes it possible to simplify or eliminate the step of shaping the layers 9, 10, 13.

In other embodiments of significant practical interest, illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 5-10 for the purposes of non-limiting example of the implementation of the invention, the first layer 9 and/or the second layer 10 and/or the third layer 13 (and preferably all of them) have a shape corresponding to that of the sole 101 and/or of the insole 102. In such case therefore, as is in fact evident from the cited figures, the layers 9, 10, 13 effectively call to mind the sole of a foot and thus their provision can be simplified, in that they can be obtained with the same mold (possibly the same one used for the sole 101 and the insole 102).

Advantageously, the kit 1 according to the invention comprises at least one element for releasing 14b, 14c a respective tenon 2b, 2c from a corresponding mortise 3b, 3c. The element 14a, 14b, can be selectively activated, after the interlocking insertion of the tenon 2b, 2c into the mortise 3b, 3c, to obtain the (facilitated) decoupling between the sole 101 and the insole 102. It should likewise be noted that the element 14b, 14c can be used only in the absence of the locking unit l ib, 1 lc (or after removing it).

The need to obtain the decoupling between the sole 101 and the insole 102 can arise for various reasons, for example in order to substitute the upper 103 or another component of the shoe 100 which has accidentally been damaged during the production process.

In particular, in the embodiment in Figures 1 1-22, the element for releasing 14b (the specific subject of Figures 21-22) comprises a base 15 for supporting a plurality of tines 16 (mutually parallel). The tines 16 can be inserted coaxially into respective holes 17. Such holes 17 are conveniently provided coaxially around the corresponding seat 3b and are connected to the undercut 8. Thus, when the tines 16 are in fact inserted into the holes 17, during their travel they affect the heads 5 of the teeth 4, when obviously the respective tenon 2b is inserted by interlocking into the corresponding mortise 3b, and they force the elastic bending of the teeth 4 (folding them inward), in order to allow the extraction of the tenon 2b. In order to provide the true extraction, it will therefore be sufficient to exert a pull on one of the sole 101 and the insole 102, with respect to the other: the teeth 4 are no longer in engagement in the undercut 8 and they do not oppose the extraction.

In the embodiment in Figures 23-35 (which does not exhaust the possibilities which in any case remain within the scope of protection claimed herein), the element for releasing 14c (Figures 32-33) comprises a plunger 18 which can slide in an axial duct 19 defined inside a cylinder 20.

The cylinder 20 has, at an axial end thereof, an opening with an internally flared edge 21 , which can engage the heads 5 of the teeth 4, when obviously the respective tenon 2c is inserted by interlocking into the corresponding mortise 3c. In a similar manner to what was explained for the previous embodiment, it is thus possible force the elastic bending of the teeth 4 (folding them inward), in order to allow the extraction of the tenon 2c, coaxially pushed by the plunger 18.

So, effectively, by placing the cylinder 20 about the tenon 2c, the edge 21 affects the heads 5 of the teeth 4 (the shape of the edge 21 replicates the distribution of the teeth 4) and bends them inward (Figure 34); thus, the user can press on the plunger 18 (keeping the cylinder 20 immobile) in order to force the extraction of the tenon 2c (with the teeth 4 no longer opposing the extraction), and obtain the detachment of the sole 101 from the insole 102 (Figure 35).

As already anticipated, as well as the kit 1, an object of the present discussion (and of the protection claimed herein), also relates to a shoe 100.

According to various shapes, dimensions, materials, and intended uses, such shoe 100 comprises first of all at least one sole 101 (the part in contact with the ground) and at least one insole 102 (the covering on top of the sole 101, for example made of nylon or other suitable material and in any case intended to remain inside the shoe 100 in contact with the sole of the foot); furthermore typically (but not necessarily) it also comprises an upper 103 (the contoured portion that covers the foot).

According to the invention therefore, the kit 100 comprises at least one tenon 2a, 2b, 2c and at least one mortise 3a, 3b, 3 c, which are part of the kit 1 according to the invention and which have the specifications given in the foregoing paragraphs. The shoe 100 can likewise comprise other components of the kit 1 according to the invention, from those illustrated in the foregoing pages.

Use of the kit (and of the shoe) according to the invention is the following.

As noted, in the kit 1 the user receives a sole 101 with which tenons 2a, 2b, 2c are functionally associated (fixed in various ways); in turn, these tenons are coupled by interlocking with mortises 3a, 3b, 3c which are functionally associated with the insole 102 (because they are provided in it or in a second layer 10 which is made to adhere to the insole 102), or vice versa.

Therefore, by virtue of the above-mentioned coupling by interlocking it is possible to obtain the assembly of part of the shoe 100 (the part constituted by the sole 101 and by the insole 102) without using adhesives or in any case to methods of adhesive bonding. This makes it possible to achieve the set aim, moreover easily and immediately. After the interlocking coupling of the sole 101 with the insole 102, the upper 103 can be sewn or in any case fixed to these items in another manner.

It should be noted moreover that the interlocking coupling does not require particular expertise: it is in fact sufficient to align the tenons 2a, 2b, 2c and mortises 3a, 3b, 3c and then press the sole 101 against the insole 102, one against the other. It is therefore not necessary to avail of specialist staff and, by contrast, it is possible to wholly or partially automate the process, with great benefits in terms of productivity and reduction of costs (of labor and of production in general), while still ensuring high reliability.

In the various embodiments shown, tenons 2a, 2b, 2c and mortises 3a, 3 b, 3c can be associated with soles 101 and insoles 102 of various shape, dimensions and type, and this confirms the total versatility of the invention, which can easily be employed for many and varied models of shoes 100.

In more detail, in the solutions in Figures 1-10, the tenons 2a are provided along a first layer 9, which is applied on the insole 101. The insole 102 can then be pressed against a second layer 10, which in turn is applied on the sole 101, on which the mortises 3a have been provided in advance. The teeth 4 are then inserted into the mortises 3a until they protrude with their head 5 on the other side (accommodating in the space defined by the receptacles 105): the head 5 thus engages with the seam 6, so defining the interlocking coupling.

The layers 9, 10 and/or 13 are preferably provided by molding, with a single mold even for different shapes (in fact the final shape can be conferred subsequently). As previously noted, the adhesion of the first layer 9 and/or of the second layer 10 to the sole 101 or to the insole 102 can be obtained during the same molding step in which the latter are provided, or subsequently, by sewing or the like.

The embodiment in Figures 1-4 differs from the one in Figures 5-10 because the latter also uses locking units 11a which are arranged on the third layer 13, which is applied on the opposite side of the first layer 9 with respect to the second layer 10, after which the interlocking is achieved between the tenons 2a and mortises 3a, in order to immobilize the tenons 2a and prevent the subsequent extraction (the blocks 12a are introduced between the pairs of teeth 4 of each tenon 2a, thus opposing any subsequent bending inward).

In the embodiments in Figures 11-35 on the other hand, the tenons 2b, 2c are coupled directly to the (embedded in the) sole 101, while the mortises 3b, 3c (suitably-shaped through cavities) are provided directly along the insole 102. The mutual assembly is obtained simply by pressing the insole 102 onto the sole 101 (obviously making the tenons 2b, 2c and mortises 3b, 3 c fit into each other), as this determines the desired interlocking coupling.

In more detail, in the embodiment in Figures 1 1-22, pressing the insole 102 against the sole 101 ensures that the teeth 4 of each tenon 2b penetrate into the respective seat 3 b until they engage their heads 5 in the undercut 8, thus achieving the interlocking coupling. The interlocking coupling can be stabilized by using locking units l ib, which have a substantially circular block 12b, which replicates the shape of the ideally- defined space between the teeth 4 (which are distributed about a circumference). The block 12b opposes the bending of the teeth 4, thus keeping the heads 5 in the undercut 8, in fact impeding subsequent extraction.

After having removed the unit l ib, however (for example by way of a T-shaped key that can be inserted into the slot A), in the kit 1 the user can find a releasing element 14b, such element facilitating the mutual separation between sole 101 and insole 102, if necessary.

As previously noted in fact, the releasing element 14b has tines 16 which, once inserted into holes 17 which are arranged around the seat 3b, affect the heads 5 which are inserted into the undercut 8, pushing them out from the undercut by making the teeth 4 bend, thus making the extraction possible.

By contrast, in the embodiment in Figures 23-35, when the user presses the insole 102 against the sole 101 , the teeth 4 of each tenon 2c penetrate into the respective mortise 3b until they engage their heads 5 with the break in continuity 7 (which defines an outer margin of the mortise 3c), thus achieving the interlocking coupling. The interlocking coupling can be stabilized by using locking units 11c, which have a substantially circular block 12c, which replicates the shape of the ideally-defined space between the teeth 4 (which are distributed about a circumference). The block 12c opposes the bending of the teeth 4, thus keeping the heads 5 in engagement with outer margin, in fact impeding subsequent extraction.

After having removed the unit 1 lc (for example by way of a T-shaped key that can be inserted into the slot A), in the kit 1 the user can find an element for releasing 14c, such element facilitating the mutual separation between sole 101 and insole 102, if necessary.

First of all in fact, the cylinder 20 can be placed around the tenon 2c, in such a way that the edge 21 affects the heads 5 of the teeth 4, bending them inward; then pressing the plunger 18 causes the extraction of the tenon 2c, in order to detach the sole 101 from the insole 102.

Lastly, it should be noted that the locking unit l ib, 11c and/or the tenons 2b, 2c will have shapes and dimensions that will be selected conveniently to ensure the continuity of the insole 102, and therefore not cause discomfort to the sole of the foot of the person wearing the shoe 100.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.