Multi-color Shoe Sole Blanks

Abstract

A shoe sole blank of synthetic material is produced by applying a brown color layer to a sheet of synthetic material, applying another coat of black color layer over the brown, the black being of limited abrasion-resistance, stamping shoe sole blanks out of the sheet, and selectively abrading away the black layer from the central portion of the blank corresponding to the ball of the foot. Skeletal traces of the black color layer may remain even in said central portion. The resulting blank has a pleasing two-tone appearance and even simulates the grainy texture of leather in said central portion.

Description

The present invention relates to the production of multi-color shoe sole blanks.

It is known to punch out soles from single-color rubber slabs. It is also known to print a color design on the sole slab. Subsequent to punching out a sole, the joint section was dyed black for further improvement, possibly also the edge of the walking surface. However, this process is time-consuming.

It is an object of the invention to provide a shoe sole blank, formed of synthetic material, with an attractive color pattern in a simple, inexpensive manner.

This and other objects and advantages are realized in accordance with the present invention wherein to a sheet or slab of synthetic material such as synthetic rubber there is applied a first layer of color, e.g. brown, in usual fashion and of usual composition. Over this first coating there is applied a second layer of different visual appearance, e.g. of different color such as black or of different pattern. The second layer is of lesser abrasion resistance than said first layer. Shoe sole blanks are then punched out of the sheet in conventional manner and in the central portion corresponding to the sole of the shoe blank the blank is subjected to abrasion so as to remove the second layer and expose the first layer. Skeletal traces of the second layer are frequently still visible in the exposed area, depending upon the extent of intermingling of the layers and the extent of abrasion, giving a grainy leather-like appearance. This can be enhanced, if desired, by actually printing a leather-like grain pattern as the first color layer or by forming the initial sheet material with a special texture on its surface.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing which is a photographic reproduction of a shoe sole blank in accordance with the invention.

While the first layer is preferably brown and the second layer is black, other color combinations are possible and either or both layers can be patterned, e.g. printed, rather than being a solid color.

The shoe sole blank can then be combined in conventional manner with an upper and a heel to form a shoe. If desired, the abrasion of the second layer can be effected after formation of the shoe or possibly even before punching out of the blank from the initial sheet or slab. Optionally, the blanks are first punched out and thereafter colored. While the second layer is preferably less abrasion-resistant than the first to facilitate achieving the desired color effect, even if not less resistant it will obviously come away first since it overlies the first layer; in such event, however, greater care will be required to avoid removing the first layer as well. If desired, the abrasion can be effected over a smaller or greater portion than only that illustrated herein.

It will be appreciated that the instant specification has been set forth by way of illustration and not limitation and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is: 5.

1. A punched out shoe sole blank comprising a blank body of synthetic material, a first abrasion-resistant colored coating on its outer surface, and a second colored coating of limited abrasion-resistance superimposed over said first coating, said second coating being of different color than siad first coating.

2. A shoe sole blank according to claim 1, wherein said first colored coating has an uneven outer surface, whereby upon brushing the outer surface of said coated blank said second coating is removed except for traces in the depressed portions of said first colored coating, said traces imparting a grain-like appearance thereto.

3. A shoe sole blank according to claim 1 wherein said second coating is substantially absent from the central portion corresponding to the ball of the foot.

4. A shoe sole blank according to claim 3, wherein said second coating is present in the central portion in trace amounts imparting a grain-like appearance thereto.

5. A shoe including an upper and a treadsole, said sole comprising a body of synthetic material, a first abrasion resistant colored coating on its outer surface, and a second colored coating of limited abrasion-resistance superimposed over said first coating, said second coating being of different color than said first coating.

6. A shoe according to claim 5, wherein said second coating is substantially absent from the central portion corresponding to the ball of the foot.