EP1880624A1 - Breathable waterproof shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The shoe has an external sole (2) on which an external flexible upper (10) is disposed. The upper has a vamp (13) and a backer (16) that are assembled by stitching and made of breathable waterproof material that is constituted of a layer made of treated extensible material, another layer constituted by a breathable-waterproof membrane e.g. plutonium (PU) film known under trade description of Sympatex(RTM: Not defined) and a third layer made of polyester or polyamide mesh. Apparent stems (16c, 17) of the upper are covered by a sealing band (18) disposed at the exterior of the upper.

Description

The invention relates to the field of shoes and more particularly to that of shoes, especially sports, walking, running, respiro-waterproof.

By waterproof means here a waterproof shoe or water resistant, that is to say, a shoe whose at least one functional layer of the rod is at least a barrier to the penetration of water or liquid. Respiro-waterproof means that the shoe lets out water vapor (perspiration) from the foot, while being waterproof from the outside.

A shoe is traditionally made of an outer sole, which can be flexible or rigid, on which is mounted a rod that covers the foot of the user.

The stem must form a three-dimensional envelope as close as possible to the shape of a user's foot. This rod is most often made in the form of several pieces which are cut and assembled together by seams so as to form said three-dimensional envelope. Generally the shape of these parts and the materials that constitute them are dictated by the position of said parts and by the function that we want them to fill. In the case of a sports shoe, the upper may also include protective and / or shaped inserts such as a front end reinforcement generally made of thick leather (or similar material) or rubber and a heel counter.

In most shoes, and especially sports shoes, the upper has internal and external lateral quarters which are separated by a longitudinal slot and which are intended to be brought closer to one another by a clamping system, the more often a lacing system disposed along each of the edges of the slot.

The typical construction of a so-called waterproof or breathable shoe is described in US 4,599,810 .

Such a shoe has an outer shaft, a breathable material, in principle not waterproof, such as leather or a textile, and an inner liner disposed inside said outer shaft in a breathable material, generally having a membrane respiro-waterproof as known under one of the trade names GoreTex®, Sympatex®, Event® ... etc.

The liner consists of several pieces assembled by stitching, each stitch being then covered by a sealing tape.

This construction is complicated and expensive because it requires the realization of an additional layer (slipper), and because of the breathable-waterproof material used for the slipper which is very expensive, as well as the need to seal all seams. The material used for the liner is generally inextensible, making its confection even more complicated and expensive to achieve.

In addition, the material used for making the slipper and the sealing tape is relatively fragile and it is important not to damage it to have a really waterproof construction. As a result, the bootie is completely hidden inside the shoe anyway.

In addition, the waterproof boot is directly in contact with the foot, which can cause comfort problems, because the material is generally not extensible and more gives a feeling of "dry touch" and not cozy, unlike shoes traditional having linings with foam to the touch more cozy.

Finally comfort foams are certainly generally provided, but they are then arranged between the waterproof liner and the outer rod, so far enough from the foot. In addition, these comfort foams are not protected from moisture and can be wetted by the water penetrating through the unsealed outer shaft. If these foams are wet, the comfort of the shoe is obviously affected even if the foot of the user, properly speaking, remains dry.

Finally, these waterproof shoes do not go in principle to the upper end of the shoe, which can also be very detrimental, moisture, water penetrating inside the shoe by the upper edge, -no tight-, of it.

It is also known to seal leather shoes by applying on the outer shaft of these shoes a sealing coating, such as oil, wax, rubber or other waterproof coating. Such sealing techniques have the disadvantage of closing the pores of the leather and thus suppressing any breathability effect so that moisture associated with perspiration condenses around the foot. Moreover, these sealing techniques do not completely close the holes of the seams assembly of the rod.

Finally depending on the type of coating, its application must be renewed more or less frequently.

There are also completely waterproof footwear constructions such as rubber boots, made of waterproof material, molded and welded, but such boots do not allow any evacuation of moisture and are therefore uncomfortable and uncomfortable to wear. Such boots also generally have no clamping means and can hardly be used for sporting use such as walking, running.

The object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages.

One purpose is in particular to provide a waterproof shoe construction, including breathable waterproof, improved. Another goal is to optimize the construction of the shoe.

This or these goals are achieved in the shoe according to the invention which is of the type comprising an outer sole on which is mounted an outer rod, the rod comprising several inserts assembled by stitching, in that the inserts of the rod are in one. respiro-waterproof material and in that at least the apparent seams of the rod are covered by a sealing tape disposed outside the rod.

By this construction the boot is sealed from the outside and therefore has no or little risk of penetration of untimely water. In other words, the outer rod returns to its primary function, which is to provide a tight barrier to external elements, including water, moisture. Moreover, the elements of possible comforts are necessarily provided inside the sealed outer rod and are no longer likely to be damaged / wet. This results in increased comfort. In addition the construction of the stem, with sealing from the outside, is much easier to achieve because it does not require the realization of an additional liner.

Finally the provision of sealing tape on the outside of the stem gives the entire shoe a very particular aesthetic. In addition, the tape protects the seams from abrasion.

• la figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'une chaussure de l'invention,
• la figure 1bis est une vue similaire à la figure 1 selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe selon II-II de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon III-III de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 selon un autre exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 5 est une vue de détail du matériau de la tige,
• la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 4, en perspective partielle selon un autre exemple de réalisation.

In any case the invention will be better understood and other characteristics thereof will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawing illustrating, by way of non-limiting examples, several forms embodiment and wherein:

• FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a shoe of the invention,
• FIG. 1bis is a view similar to FIG. 1 according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view along II-II of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view on III-III of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 according to another exemplary embodiment,
• FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the material of the rod,
• Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4, in partial perspective according to another embodiment.

In Figure 1 is shown a shoe, in this case a sports shoe 1, consisting of an outer rod 10, an outer sole 2, the rod 10 can be mounted on the outer sole 2 by any known technique in self and for example by gluing, overmoulding, etc.

The upper 10 of the boot is essentially a flexible rod, that is to say that it is formed of main parts made of flexible or relatively flexible materials, while having complementary rigid or semi-rigid elements especially for the implementation shape of the boot and in this case a buttress heel 11, disposed inside the rod 10 and shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and a front end piece 12, disposed at the end of the rod 10 and used for times to the shaping of said rod 10 at the toes, and the protection thereof. In the assembly shown, the tip 12 is a molded tip made of TPU, PU, PVC, textile or rubber, glued directly to the rod before assembly on the sole 2.

According to the embodiment and / or the type of shoe such a tip 12 may be provided inside the shoe, as heel counter or be removed.

The rod 10 itself is in the assembly consisting of a slice 13 in several parts 13d, 13c assembled by a seam 16c which cover the entire front and back of the foot of the user. The slap 13 may also be in one piece.

The rod also defines a horizontal opening 4 foot entry and a clamping zone 5 at the instep of the user.

At the level of the instep zone, the slap 13 or slab portion 13d may be in one piece or, as shown in the example, define a longitudinal opening 14 inside which a tab 15 is fixed. all cases the slap 13 / tongue 15 (and thus the rod 10) is closed and the tongue 15 can be connected to the slap 13 by flaps of more flexible material forming bellows.

• une première couche 13a en un matériau extensible traité déperlant à base de polyester, polyamide et présentant une résistance à l'abrasion minimum de 30 cycles selon la norme DIN/ISO 05470-2,
• une seconde couche 13b constituée par une membrane respiro-étanche tel que film PU, membrane connue sous la dénomination commerciale Gore®, Sympatex®, Event®,
• une troisième couche 13c en maille ou filet (mesh) polyester ou polyamide, cette couche 13c étant moins extensible que la couche 13a. Cette troisième couche peut être supprimée dans certaines zones moins sollicitées (par exemple zone de confort talon) et peut aussi être associée à une mousse de confort comportant (ou non) des perforations de 1 à 8mm, laminée en même temps.

In the example shown, the slap 13 and the tongue 15 are made of a breathable material consisting of three laminated layers, namely from the outside to the inside (see FIG.

• a first layer 13a made of a water-repellent polyester / polyamide-resistant extensible material having a minimum abrasion resistance of 30 cycles according to DIN / ISO 05470-2,
• a second layer 13b constituted by a breathable membrane such as a PU film, a membrane known under the trade name Gore®, Sympatex®, Event®,
• a third layer 13c mesh or mesh (mesh) polyester or polyamide, this layer 13c being less extensible than the layer 13a. This third layer can be removed in some less stressed areas (eg heel comfort zone) and can also be associated with a comfort foam having (or not) perforations of 1 to 8mm, laminated at the same time.

All three layers is a slightly extensible complex, having an elongation rate of between 30% and 150%, which is interesting for a good adaptation of the stem to the volume of the foot.

Extensibility should of course not be too important, so as not to hinder the tightening process. On the other hand extensibility is important because it allows to have a patronage requiring a minimum of seams and therefore a minimum of labor at the level of sealing, while having a very nice aesthetics of the rod.

• première couche polyester,
• deuxième couche film PU (membrane),
• troisième couche polyester "mono mesh".

Good results have been obtained with a polyester-based complex in which the different layers have the following compositions:

• first polyester layer,
• second layer PU film (membrane),
• third polyester layer "mono mesh".

It should be noted that even if the first layer 13a does not have a very high resistance to abrasion, for example 30 cycles according to DIN / ISO 05470-2, its combination with the third layer 13c, less extensible, surprisingly gives the assembly an abrasion resistance, of the order of 100 cycles according to DIN / ISO 05470-2 on a Martindale machine, very appreciable, and sufficient for use for sports shoes .

Of course, depending on the type of application of the shoe, different abrasion resistance values, larger or smaller, may be sought.

The tongue 15 is made of the same material as the slap 13 and is further doubled, in a manner known per se in its central zone by foam padding or the like (not shown in the drawing).

This material is very flexible and thin, the edges of the tongue 15 are flexible enough to form bellows. The bellows can also be made by appropriate inserts of the same or different material.

Of course, as previously indicated, the slap assembly 13 + tongue 15 may be made in one piece.

In the case shown, the tongue 15 is assembled to the rod by seams 15a turned upside down which can be sealed in a manner known per se by sealing tapes arranged inside (not shown in the drawing). Such seams 15a joined returned are considered as not apparent. Passers 25 for receiving a tightening lace 26 are fixed by stitching and / or gluing on the slug 13 along the edges of the opening 14. These loops 25, constituted by folded straps, are fixed by stitching and / or gluing on the slap 13 and the assembly is reinforced by a strip 3 of waterproof material, such as PU / PVC or polyester, fixed by gluing. The method of attachment of these loops 25 may be as described in the patent application FR 2 865 616 in the name of the plaintiff.

Figure 3 shows a section of the shoe at the heel, that is to say in an area where are arranged comfort elements.

In this case a liner 19 is fixed to the slug 13 at the upper end thereof by an inverted joint seam 19a. This seam 19a, also not visible, is sealed in a manner known per se by a sealing strip 19b disposed on the inside. The liner 19 extends to the level of the first mounting 3 and is assembled therewith the slap 13 by the seam 3a locally or over the entire rod.

One (or more) comfort foam 20 is interposed between the liner and the slap 13 at the appropriate locations where comfort is desired.

Depending on the type of shoe lining 19 may be provided on the entire surface of the slap 13, or part of it only, or even be removed altogether. Note that in this case the reverse joint seam 19a is hidden, that is to say, not apparent, and does not need to be protected by an external sealing tape.

Moreover, it is in a zone that is less exposed to moisture and, depending on the case, it is also possible to eliminate the internal sealing tape.

The rod 10 also has in its lower part a quasi-peripheral reinforcement 16 which extends from one end to the other end of the nozzle 12 around the rear of the shoe.

This reinforcement 16 extends to the bottom of the rod in the so-called mounting socket area.

In the example of FIG. 2, the reinforcement 16 is attached to the so-called Strobel 3 mounting first, at the same time as the rod 10 by a common seam 3a.

The outer sole 2 is then fixed to the assembly in any known manner and for example by gluing.

Depending on the type of shoe the first mounting 3 could be more rigid than a sole Strobel, the assembly of the rod to the first mounting is then performed by gluing.

The reinforcement 16 is made of a waterproof and abrasion resistant material and in any case stronger than the material of the rod 10, and is for example made of a laminate PU layer / non-woven layer such as PU / PVC, no woven polyester.

The reinforcement 16 is fixed to the rod 10 by a seam 17. In the example shown, the reinforcement 16 has two lateral portions 16a and a rear portion 16b, assembled together by an apparent seam 16c after superposition. The seam 16c also realizes the assembly of the front 13d and 13th rear parts of the vamp 13.

According to the invention, each of the seams 16c, 17 are covered by a sealing tape 18. In order to optimize the sealing, the reinforcements 16 could also be assembled to the plate 13 by a welded ultrasonic type connection, or any other method of welding, collage.

The sealing tape is for example a tape sold under the trade name Capri de Framis and consists of a layer of glue 18a polyurethane or other hot melt adhesive material, and a textile layer 18b of abrasion-resistant material and expandable.

According to the exemplary embodiment the textile layer comprises polyamide and elastane and the composition of the tape 18 is 62.3% polyurethane, 27.3% polyamide, 10.4% elastane.

Of course, other materials may be chosen for the ribbon, in particular depending on the material or materials of the rod.

The ribbon has a width of 12mm, and can be between 5mm and 20mm. Such a tape 18 is waterproof and also very extensible. Its elongation rate is in the example represented of the order of 200% and may advantageously be between 30% and 300%.

The extensibility of the ribbon 18 allows it to deform and easily adapt to the contour of seams 16c, 17 which are not completely straight.

Its width also ensures that the ribbon covers all seams even if its direction differs a little from that of the seams.

• tout d'abord une étanchéisation de la tige depuis l'extérieur, ce qui garantit contre tout risque de pénétration de l'eau par exemple par les coutures ou l'épaisseur du matériau,
• une protection des coutures contre l'abrasion,
• un aspect visuel très novateur et esthétique.

The sealing tape 18 has many advantages:

• first of all a sealing of the rod from the outside, which guarantees against any risk of penetration of the water for example by the seams or the thickness of the material,
• protection of the seams against abrasion,
• a very innovative and aesthetic visual aspect.

With regard to the aesthetics, it is possible to choose a sealing tape in a contrasting color or on the contrary similar to that of the material of the rod.

Finally, the hot-melt adhesive layer at least partially flows between the interstices inside the fibers of the textile materials of the rod and also contributes to tightness at the core.

The sealing tape 18 can also be used beyond the seams for optimum aesthetic appearance. Thus, in the example shown, the sealing strip forms a V open at the bottom at the heel, which in fact only covers the seam 16c between the two reinforcing portions 16 by a branch.

The pattern of the slap 13 and reinforcements 16 must also be designed so that the assembly seams are as flat as possible and in any case without great change in curvature so as not to hinder the placement of the ribbons. sealing and for a better aesthetic.

The rod construction according to the invention consisting in putting a breathable-lined laminate material outside the rod totally goes against the conventional wisdom of having the waterproof envelope at the foot and provides many advantages in terms of term of aesthetics, lightness and efficiency.

The tightness achieved at the outside of the shoe is indeed much more effective.

• la possibilité de mettre de la colle TPU étanche sur les coutures 3a de base de tige (assemblage tige/semelle),
• la possibilité de mettre de la colle TPU étanche à l'intérieur des coutures 17 étanchées par le ruban 18 sur la tige.

In order to reinforce the tightness, it is also possible to provide:

• the possibility of putting waterproof TPU glue on the staple seam seams 3a (rod / sole assembly),
• the possibility of putting waterproof TPU glue inside the seams 17 sealed by the ribbon 18 on the rod.

In addition, the comfort aspect is totally dissociated from the waterproof appearance and the comfort is also more effective. Finally, the construction makes it possible to lighten the structure and in particular to eliminate the additional sealing liner, as well as to facilitate manufacture since the seams to be sealed are in fact quite small because of the use of elastic materials.

Finally the construction is waterproof to the top of the shoe, unlike the constructions known until now.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1a and for which the similar or identical elements are designated by the same references, the tongue 15 extends forward to the level of the front end piece 12 and is connected each side of the slap 13 by two longitudinal seams 17a sealed from the outside by a ribbon 18.

In this embodiment the seams 17a may be of the same type as the seams 17 shown in FIG.

In this case the tongue 15 has a pattern adapted to the production of bellows in the lacing zone 5.

FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment in which similar or identical elements are designated by the same references.

In this case, the only difference with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 is that the slap 13 stops at its junction (seam 17) with the reinforcement 16.

In other words, the slap 13 does not extend down to the first mounting 3.

This construction is interesting to give more lightness to the shoe. In addition, it can be more comfortable because not having extra thickness.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the joining seams 27 between the slap 13 and the reinforcement 16. In this case, the stitch 27 is of zig zag type. Such stitching is advantageous in the case of elastic material and also allows to connect the fabrics / pieces 13/16 arranged end to end. This also results in an almost total absence of extra thickness and therefore increased comfort.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting examples but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims (7)

Shoe of the type comprising an outer sole (2) on which is mounted an outer rod (10), the upper having several inserts (13, 16) assembled by stitching,
characterized in that the yokes (13, 16) of the upper are of a breathable material and in that at least the visible joint seams (16c, 17) of the upper are covered by a sealing tape (18) disposed outside the rod. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod comprises a laminated material (13) having three layers comprising a breathable membrane (13b), interposed between an inner lining fabric (13c) and an outer shell fabric (13a). ). Shoe according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the rod is slightly extensible. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sealing tape (18) comprises at least one layer of hot melt adhesive (18a) and at least one layer of textile material (18b). Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that sealing tape (18) is extensible. Shoe according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the hot melt adhesive layer (18) at least partially flows between the interstices inside the fibers of the textile material of the rod. Shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that outer shaft (10) is closed.

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