KR20170013837A - Footwear assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a footwear assembly (10) for forming at least part of an upper assembly of footwear. The footwear assembly (10) comprises: a water penetrating and water repellent functional layer (12) having a first elasticity, and defining an instep opening (8); and a colored layer (14) having a second elasticity, attached to the water penetrating and water repellent functional layer (12) to define at least part of the instep opening (8).

Description

Footwear Assembly {FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLY}

The present invention relates to footwear assemblies that form at least a portion of the upper assembly of footwear, as well as footwear assemblies including such footwear assemblies. The invention also relates to footwear comprising such a footwear assembly.

Protective garments are used to be worn during outdoor activities (skiing, cycling, hiking, etc.) in outdoor conditions (rain, snow, wind, cold, etc.) such as damp conditions and the sweat evaporates from the wearer to the outside of the article, It should protect the wearer by keeping water and other fluids from leaking to the article while keeping it comfortable. In addition, such articles must maintain the functional attributes of protection and comfort during routine use.

In the case where motion flexibility is very important, elastic or stretch fabric laminates having the above functional properties are required with a soft and elegant feel. Various attempts have been made to improve elastic, breathable laminate and composite fabrics. Although improvements have been made, many of these fabrics have obtained various waterproofness, breathability, elasticity, elasticity-restoration and comfort.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a composite material which achieves high waterproofness, breathability, elasticity, elasticity-restoration and comfort when used in various applications including footwear.

In footwear, there is a special requirement that footwear should not only wear off (wear), but also should take off (or detach) shoes. Therefore, the footwear should be designed to fit loosely on a person's foot only, for example, when wearing or removing footwear. Nonetheless, it is required that footwear fit the foot of a person after wearing the shoes and receive an extended load during use. In general, these contradictory requirements are solved by the use of dedicated closure systems, particularly strap adjustment systems. Needless to say, velcro and / or zippers are often used in addition to or in lieu of straps. Children are particularly problematic with children's footwear because they can not deal with the more complex procedures required to wear or remove footwear, such as tying strings. Zipper or Velcro is generally used in children's footwear as a substitute for string because it is easy to handle. However, none of these systems are really satisfactory. While there is a footwear design without any straps or zippers [eg, Chelsea boots], wearing or removing such footwear generally requires great skill and requires considerable force application. Therefore, such footwear designs are far from practical solutions for children.

Thus, there is a need for a footwear which is sufficiently flexible to be able to be worn / worn or removed without the need to manipulate any straps or similar systems, yet still has sufficient flexibility to fit the feet of the footwear in use.

The footwear disclosed herein provides a footwear assembly configured to form at least a portion of the upper assembly of the footwear. The footwear assembly includes a moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer having a first elasticity and a color layer adhered to the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer to define at least a portion of the foot opening, Elasticity.

As used herein, a foot opening is considered to be an opening of a footwear configured for insertion of a foot when wearing (or worn) footwear and / or when removing (removing) footwear. The wearer's foot must be inserted through the opening in the foot opening when the shoe is put on and the foot of the wearer must escape again through the same foot opening when removing the footwear. This requires a portion of the footwear assembly that defines the foot opening so that the size of the foot opening can be adjusted. A loose fit that does not interfere with the movement of the wearer ' s foot through the toe opening is required to wear or unload the footwear opening. A close fit is required around the ankle of the foot during use of the footwear when the footwear is subjected to an extended load, thereby ensuring stable support and comfort of the foot and, in particular, It should fit tightly with your feet. Conventionally, the size of the foot opening is made adjustable by the use of a string adjusting system, a zipper, a Velcro or the like, but the present invention is applicable to the parts including the foot opening and the area adjacent thereto, Thereby providing an elastic or stretchable ability of the footwear assembly in the region adjacent to the ankle of the foot. As provided herein, the footwear assembly is provided with appropriate elasticity or stretchability in these parts, such that when the footwear is worn and / or removed, and on the other hand the footwear assembly is placed in the area of the wearer's During use that must be met on the foot, the foot opening itself is adjusted according to different requirements. The proposed arrangement particularly achieves the flexibility of the desired footwear assembly, even when a moisture-permeable and water-resistant combinatorial functional layer known to have only limited elasticity or stretchability is used, without having to exert a great deal of effort to report and / or take off. Using the structures presented herein, even when a functional layer laminate with limited elasticity or stretchability is used, sufficient good elasticity can be achieved in the portion of the footwear assembly that includes the foot opening and is adjacent to the ankle of the foot during use. This allows the footwear to be put on or taken off without the need to apply great skill or great power, so that footwear designed according to the present invention can take off even a child without any help.

Throughout this disclosure, the terms elasticity and elasticity are used to refer equally to the ability of a material to at least partially restore its original shape, unless it is stretched in response to a tensile force applied to the material and the tensile force is no longer applied .

Footwear designed as provided herein may still be provided with straps and / or zippers. However, there is no longer a need to manipulate them to wear and / or take off shoes. Rather, the straps and / or zippers may have a simple aesthetic function.

The elasticity or stretchability of the color layer as well as the functional layer as well as any other layer referred to herein can be measured in accordance with DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2005) (Method A). The test can be carried out as described in Method A using the following types of test samples: test sample width = 25 mm, test length of test sample = 50 mm (test length is between the clamps on both sides Indicating the free length of the test sample), the total length of the test sample = 100-150 mm. The test sample is subjected to five consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subjected to a constant tensile force of 7.5 N and the maximum elongation (E) of the test sample is measured. In another manner, the test conditions are as described in DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015) (Method A). The test sample is resiliently considered to achieve a maximum elongation (E) of at least 6 mm compared to the original length at the end of five test cycles. More preferably, the test sample can achieve a maximum elongation (E) of at least 8 mm at the end of five test cycles. Even more preferably, the test sample can achieve a maximum elongation (E) of at least 10 mm at the end of five test cycles. In all cases, the test sample is required to have a recovery rate of at least 80% when measured after 30 minutes of release of the tensile force. The recovery rate refers to the residual elongation (C) according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). Upon relaxation of the tensile force after the end of 5 test cycles, the test sample is restored to the residual elongation (C) according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). The test sample has a recovery of at least 80% at 20% of maximum elongation when measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). For example, when the maximum elongation (E) of the test sample is 6 mm at 7.5 N, a residual elongation (C) of 1.2 mm or less is required. In certain embodiments, even after 30 minutes a recovery rate of at least 90% can be achieved.

The moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer is required to have a first elasticity in at least one direction, e.g., in the machine direction. In such a case, it may be desirable to orient the functional layer such that the elastic direction is in a direction in which most of the elongation is required when the footwear is put on or taken off. When the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer has a first elasticity in more than one direction (e.g., in the machine direction and in the transverse direction), with respect to the principal elastic direction, i.e., the elasticity of the moisture- Although it may be convenient to define the first elasticity in the direction, it is not always required. In certain embodiments, the breathable and waterproof functional layer may have the form of a quarter section of the upper assembly. In another embodiment, the moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer may have the form of a full upper lining of the upper assembly or booty, except for a portion around the foot opening formed by the color layer. In yet another embodiment, the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer may also comprise a shaft bottom layer, or an entire booty, except for the portion around the foot opening opening formed by the color layer. In certain embodiments, the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer may also have the form of a sulphate portion.

Also, the color layer is required to have a second elasticity in at least one direction, e.g. in the machine direction. Again, it may be desirable to orient the functional layer such that the direction of elasticity is in a direction where most of the elongation is required when the footwear is put on or taken off. Often, the color layer may have a second elasticity in more than one direction (e.g., elasticity in the machine and transverse directions, or elasticity in the warp and weft directions of the fabric or fabric in which the color layer is produced). In these cases, it may be convenient to define a second elasticity with respect to the principal elastic direction, i.e. the direction in which the elasticity of the color layer is the greatest.

Further, it may be convenient to define the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the same direction. For example, it may be convenient to define both the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the direction in which most of the stretch is required when wearing or removing footwear.

The color layer may not be waterproof. In addition, the color layer may not be moisture permeable. In most cases, the color layer can be moisture permeable and waterproof. This allows the production of a color layer with a highly elastic material, in particular more than one direction, such as a material having elasticity in the weft and warp directions. Moisture permeable and waterproof The combination of the functional layer laminate and the color layer is advantageous in that the elasticity of the color layer is sufficient to provide sufficient wear and tear strength without manipulating any strings or zippers, Permitting only a limited number of functional, moisture-permeable and water-resistant layers to be used, while still allowing wear / tear without work. Most elastic functional layers have elastic properties in only one direction. The limited elasticity of this breathable and waterproof functional layer is due to the choice of a highly elastic color layer material, in particular of a material having elasticity in at least two directions, and an appropriate arrangement of the color layer Can be compensated.

The wearing and / or peeling properties of the footwear assembly are mainly determined by the color layer and its second elasticity. Thus, in general, the second elasticity may be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, the second elasticity may be required to satisfy at least one of the above-mentioned thresholds when measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015).

The color layer may have a second elasticity that is equal to or greater than the first elasticity, except where a highly elastic breathable and waterproof functional layer is used. As described above, it may be convenient to measure the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the same direction in comparison with the first elasticity and the second elasticity.

In order to provide a sufficient expansion of the footwell opening when wearing or removing footwear, the collar layer may be provided along at least 30% of the perimeter of the footwell opening, in particular along at least 60% of the perimeter of the footwell opening, / 3. ≪ / RTI > In any of these embodiments, the color layer does not necessarily extend around adjacent circumferential sections of the circumference, but may be formed around a plurality of circumferential pieces separated by a nonelastic portion, with or without moisture-impermeable and water- Can be extended. In many specific embodiments, the color layer may extend from 30% to 60% of the perimeter of the foot opening. In many specific embodiments, the color layer is between 30% and 2/3 of the perimeter of the toe arch opening (not including the upper limit), in particular between 60% and 2/3 of the perimeter of the toe arch opening ). ≪ / RTI > In many specific embodiments, the color layer may extend along the entire circumference of the toe opening, even in some embodiments along 90% of the perimeter of the toe opening.

In an embodiment, the color layer may be attached to the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer by a seam. The shim may have the form of an elastic core so as not to offset the elasticity of the color layer and / or the moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer. For example, the resilient shim may be formed by a thread having a third elasticity. Elastic yarns are widely used in the art to provide elastic shims. For example, yarns comprising Lycra or Elasthan, or even yarns made from like or elastane, are commonly used. Alternatively, or in addition to using an elastic seal, the resilient shim may be formed by a stitch pattern that provides elastic properties such as zigzag stitches. Zigzag stitches themselves have elastic properties so that yarns made of non-elastic materials can be used in this case. In most embodiments, the resilient shim may extend along any portion where the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer and the color layer abut each other. At least the resilient shim may extend along at least 30% of the perimeter of the footwell opening. In many specific embodiments, the resilient shim can extend along 60%, along 2/3, or even 90%, around the toe opening, and in some embodiments even over the entire circumference of the toe opening Can be extended.

As described above, it would generally be reasonable if the elastic seams extend at least along any contact area where the moisture-permeable functional layer and the color layer are attached to each other around the foot opening. The resilient shim can extend beyond these contact areas, but is not required. The resilient shim may extend along only a portion or portions of the contact region when the color layer extends along two thirds or more of the perimeter of the foot opening. However, the resilient shim must extend along at least two thirds of the perimeter of the foot opening in such an embodiment. It is possible that, if the color layer extends along at least 60% of the perimeter of the footwell opening, the elastic shim can extend along only a portion or portions of the contact area. However, the resilient shim must extend along at least 30% of the perimeter of the foot opening in such embodiments. It is possible that, if the layer of color extends along at least 30% of the perimeter of the eyelid opening, the resilient core can extend along only a portion or portions of the contact region. However, the resilient shim must extend along at least 30% of the perimeter of the foot opening in such embodiments.

As described above, it will generally be convenient to measure the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the same direction. Generally, the direction in which the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured corresponds to a direction in which most elongation is required when shoes are put on or taken off. In most footwear designs, the direction in which most of the stretch is required to put on or take off the footwear is generally horizontal between the heel and the toe, so that the first and second elasticities are measured in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction . The horizontal direction extends generally parallel to the tread plane of the shoe in contact with the ground in use. As used herein, parallelism may include an angular range of up to ± 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, in particular up to ± 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, in particular up to ± 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

It is conceivable that in the case where the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer and the color layer adhere to each other through the shim, the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured in a direction parallel to the core. As used herein, the parallelism may include angular ranges of up to ± 25 degrees with respect to the padding, in particular up to ± 15 degrees with respect to the padding, in particular up to ± 10 degrees with respect to the padding. The planting can be oriented parallel to the direction in which most of the elongation is required during dressing or taking off.

Particularly, a composite sample piece made of a moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer and a color layer adhered to each other by a shim can have a fourth elasticity. The fourth elasticity may be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. The fourth elasticity may be required to satisfy at least one of the above-mentioned thresholds when measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). The fourth elasticity may be equal to or greater than the first elasticity. The fourth elasticity may even be equal to or greater than the second elasticity. In this manner, the shim which combines the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer with the color layer is sufficiently elastic so as not to offset the elasticity of the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer or the elasticity of the color layer. As discussed above, such elasticity may be provided using an elastic core shape, e.g., zigzag stitches and / or using an elastic seal.

The fourth elasticity can be measured in the same manner as the first elasticity, i.e. according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2005) (Method A). The test samples for measuring the fourth elasticity have the same overall dimensions: width = 25 mm, test length = 50 mm, total length of sample = 100-150 mm. The first functional layer and the color layer are attached to each other along a linear shim extending over the longitudinal direction of the test sample to cover half the area of the test sample.

Alternatively, the test conditions are applied as described above with respect to the first elasticity. The test sample is subjected to five consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subjected to a constant tensile force of 7.5 N and the maximum elongation (E) of the test sample is measured. The test sample is considered to be elastic when achieving a maximum elongation (E) of at least 6 mm at the end of five test cycles. More preferably, the test sample can achieve a maximum elongation (E) of at least 8 mm at the end of five test cycles. Even more preferably, the test sample can achieve a maximum elongation (E) of at least 10 mm at the end of five test cycles. The test sample is required to have a recovery of at least 80% when measured after 30 minutes of release of the tensile force. The recovery rate refers to the residual elongation (C) according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). In certain embodiments, even after 30 minutes a recovery rate of at least 90% can be achieved.

The moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer may have the form of a laminate composed of a breathable and waterproof membrane and at least one textile layer attached to the breathable and waterproof membrane. Such a laminate is known in the art from U.S. Patent No. 5,804,011, which discloses a fabric that can be stretched, for example, in two dimensions. The textile layer may have an elastic textile construction and may be manufactured, for example, as a knit with an elastic knit pattern (tricot, warp knit, or similar knit pattern, etc.). In such cases, the textile need not necessarily include an elastic seal to provide the desired elastic properties. However, in many configurations, a textile layer may be helpful if it comprises, for example, elastic filaments made of elastane to further strengthen the elasticity of the textile layer.

The moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer may comprise a moisture-permeable and water-resistant membrane. The membrane can be selected from polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylates, copolyetheresters and copolyetheramides, as well as other suitable thermoplastic and elastomeric films. In an embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof, breathable membrane can be made of a fluoropolymer, and in particular can be made of microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught by Gore in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390. Such expanded fluorotetrafluoroethylene is available from W.L., et al., Elkton, Maryland, USA. Available from Gore and Associates, Inc. under the trade name GORE-TEX® fabric. The moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer is made from a polyurethane-coated, water-swellable, substantially water-swellable, polyurethane-coated < RTI ID = 0.0 > And may comprise microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes.

The color layer may be a moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer, but is not required. In general, the color layer is not a moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer. Rather, the color layer can have any desired shape given that it provides the necessary elastic properties. In some embodiments, the color layer may be waterproof.

In some embodiments, the footwear assembly described above may have the form of an upper lining. As an upper lining, the footwear assembly is attached to the inner surface of the upper material from which the upper assembly of the footwear article is made. In some embodiments, the upper lining may be in the form of a breathable and waterproof sock. Such socks are also referred to in the art as "booties ". The booties include not only an upper lining surrounding the upper surface of the human foot, but also an upper floor on which the sole of the human foot is seated. Thus, the booty is an independent lining structurally separated from the insole of the upper material or the footwear item assembly. In the footwear manufacturing process, the booty is inserted into the upper assembly such that the inner surface of the upper member and the upper surface of the assembly insole abut. The booty may be secured to the upper material and / or the assembly insole, but is otherwise independent of the upper material and / or the assembly insole.

In some embodiments, the footwear assembly may have the form of a breathable and waterproof combined upper lining attached to the bottom of the upper. Unlike booty, other top lining to such a form does not include the bottom of the upper but includes only the upper lining surrounding the top of the foot. In the course of manufacturing footwear, the upper lining shall be closed by the floor of the upper in its bottom surface. The upper floor can be waterproof if it desires to have moisture permeability and waterproofness. For example, the upper lining can be attached to the bottom of the upper by rubbing with a latex bonding agent. Alternatively, the upper lining can be attached to the bottom of the upper by a strobel seam. The top lining can be attached directly to the bottom of the upper, or through an intermediate element, such as a sealing band or net band. When a net band is used, for example, a waterproof seal can be obtained by injection molding of plastic material during assembly of the sole to the upper assembly.

In certain embodiments of the footwear assembly, the breathable and waterproof functional layer may extend to a height of at least 20% of the height of the footwear assembly. In some embodiments, the breathable and waterproof functional layer may extend to a height between 20% of the height of the footwear assembly and 65% of the height of the footwear assembly (not including the upper limit). In particular, the breathable and waterproof functional layer extends to a height of at least 65% of the footwear assembly, more specifically 90%, or even at least 95% of the height of the footwear assembly. Such a configuration is particularly helpful in embodiments where the color layer is not waterproof or the color layer is waterproof but not breathable. In the case of a non-emissive color layer, the waterproofing and waterproofing functional layer is extended to a higher height, resulting in better waterproofness of the footwear article. In the case of a waterproof but non-breathable color layer, the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer is extended to a higher height so that the moisture permeability of the footwear article is better.

In certain embodiments of footwear assemblies, the color layer may include an elastic extension on the side opposite the moisture permeable functional layer. These extensions may be configured to be attached to the upper material layer by being bent to form an openable portion, a sulcus portion, and / or a gusset portion of the upper material layer. In such an arrangement, the collar layer may be folded around the toe opening so that the extension extends downward from the toe opening. The downward extension is attached to the inner surface of the upper layer of material, thereby covering any openable portion of the upper layer of material with an elastic layer on the inner surface. This is a particularly elegant design that covers the opening or slit of the upper material, which must be covered in some other way by some flexible material. In one example, a portion of the gusset that is required laterally from the sulcus in a conventional footwear design can be completely replaced by such a bent extension of the elastic collar layer. The same applies to any portion of the sheathing material layer in which the zipper is provided. The slits of the upper material produced when the zipper is opened can be easily reinforced by the elastic material of the bent extensions of the color layer.

Any of the embodiments of the footwear assembly described above may be used in the manufacture of the upper assembly of footwear. The upper assembly may include at least a layer of an upper material surrounding the upper portion of the foot and a footwear assembly according to any of the embodiments previously. The footwear assembly described above may form an upper lining disposed on the inner surface of the upper layer of material, wherein the upper lining comprises at least a moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer, and the upper lining in the region of the elastic collar, It is independent of the upper material so that it can take its shape. Therefore, the upper material can be designed to loosely fit on the foot only in the area adjacent to the foot opening and in the area around the ankle of the foot, without offsetting the comfort or stability of the foot in use. This makes it easy to put on or take off the footwear without offsetting the stability and comfort to the person wearing the footwear, even when the upper elastic material is used.

The upper material layer and / or the upper lining layer may be configured to adhere to the upper layer of the upper to form a waterproof and breathable upper assembly.

In an embodiment, the upper layer of material may comprise at least one openable portion, a sulcus portion and / or a gusset portion, and the color layer of the upper lining may include an elastic extension opposite the moisture permeable functional layer. The extension can be folded and attached to the top material layer at its inner surface. Thereby, the extension of the color layer can form an elastic stiffening layer covering at least one openable portion, the sulcus portion and / or the gusset portion of the sheath material layer, as described in detail above.

The invention will be described in more detail below by way of example embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the drawing:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly having the construction of a breathable and waterproof functional layer booty for shoes with low heading;
Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly having the construction of a breathable and waterproof functional layer booty for shoes with medium midsole;
Figure 3 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly having the construction of a breathable and waterproof functional layer booty for high-heeled shoes;
Figure 4 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly having the construction of a moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer booty for shoes with medium midsole, wherein a layer of top material is attached to the footwear assembly;
Figure 5 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the footwear assembly of Figure 4 in view of the tip of the footwear;
Fig. 6 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the footwear which is in the middle of the center, including the footwear assemblies of Figs. 4 and 5. Fig.

1 to 3 show a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly 10 having the construction of a breathable and waterproof functional layer booties. Figure 1 shows a booty for shoes with low heading. Fig. 2 shows a booty for shoes with medium midsole, and Fig. 3 shows booties for shoes with high midsole. The following considerations relate to all embodiments shown in Figures 1-3 unless explicitly referenced in only one of the figures.

The footwear assembly 10 (booty) comprises a moisture-impermeable and waterproof functional layer laminate 12 and a color layer 14 as described above. The color layer 14 is attached to the functional layer laminate 12 to form an upper portion of the footwear assembly 10 and to surround the toe opening 8. The color layer 14 is attached to the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer laminate 12 by the elastic padding 18. The color layer 14 is made of two sizes, i.e. an elastic fabric having elasticity in the warp and weft directions of the fabric. The collar layer 14 is fabricated with a fabric that has the required elastic properties to facilitate filing and removal, in particular by applying only moderate forces and without the need to open any straps or zippers. However, the color layer 14 is not waterproof.

The moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 is a laminate formed by a moisture permeable and waterproof membrane and a textile layer attached to the moisture permeable and waterproof membrane. The moisture permeable and waterproof functional membrane can be made of expanded PTFE that is attached to the textile layer for support according to the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 5,804,011. The microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught by Gore in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390. The moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer is available from W.L. Porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane substantially prepared according to the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 4,194,041 and U.S. Patent No. 4,942,214, assigned to Gore and Associates, Inc. . Membranes may also be made of polyurethane (PU), polyetherester (PES), polyethylene, or a combination of these materials.

The moisture vapor permeability (WVP) used herein with respect to the functional layer can be tested as defined in EN ISO 15496 (2004), also known as "cup test ". A 20 x 20 cm or a 100 mm sample of the functional layer or functional layer laminate is placed on a container containing water and covered with a membrane. A cup is then placed on the sample that has received potassium acetate and is coated with the same membrane. Water vapor passes through the functional layer into the cup, at which time the weight gain is measured. The functional layer is considered to have moisture permeability or breathability when the WVP is at least 0.01 g / (Pa * m2 * h). If the required sample size can not be obtained, a smaller sample is used for the measurement and mixed with 15.6 g of water using a smaller cup containing 50 g instead of half the amount of potassium acetate specified as the standard, i.e. 100 g . If a smaller cup is used, the area applied to the calculation must be adjusted accordingly.

The functional layer can be considered waterproof if a 100 cm < 2 > sample of the material under study can withstand an incoming water pressure of at least 0.05 bar. In particular, the material can withstand even a water pressure of at least 1 bar. The manner of performing this test is described in ISO Standard 811 (1981) [EN 20811 (1992)]. The measurement is performed by exposing a 100 cm < 2 > sample of the material under study to the wash water pressure. For this purpose, distilled water having a temperature of 20 +/- 2 DEG C is used. The water pressure increase rate is 60 ± 3 ㎝ H ₂ O / min. The entering water pressure of the sample under study is the pressure at which water passes through the opposite side of the sample under study. If a 100 cm2 sample can not be obtained, a smaller sample can be used for the measurement. Since there is a linear correlation between sample size and inlet water pressure, the inlet water pressure can be calculated for a 100 cm2 sample.

The breathable and waterproof membrane is attached to the textile layer such that the breathable and waterproof functional layer 12 has an elastic laminate construction that generally has at least one elastic direction in the machine direction. In some configurations, the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer may have elasticity in two directions, as shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,804,011. To impart elastic properties to the laminate, the textile layer may have an elastic textile construction and may be made, for example, as a knit with an elastic knit pattern (tricot, warp knit, or similar knit pattern, etc.). In such cases, the textile need not necessarily include an elastic seal to provide the desired elastic properties. However, in many configurations, a textile layer may be helpful if it comprises, for example, elastic filaments made of elastane to further strengthen the elasticity of the textile layer. In Figs. 1 to 3, the main elastic direction of the moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer is indicated by an arrow A. The main elastic direction of the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 is oriented in a direction in which most elongation and flexibility are required when wearing or removing a footwear article having a footwear assembly 12 in the form of a booty. According to tests, the direction of most of such elongation and flexibility is the direction from Bootie's heel to toe portion for all Booty shapes shown in FIGS. 1-3.

1 to 3, the main elastic direction of the functional layer laminate 12 and the main elastic direction of the color layer 14 are oriented in the direction A in which most of the flexibility and elongation are required to take off, As shown in FIG. The elastic padding 18 connecting the functional layer laminate 12 with the collar layer 14 is also oriented parallel to such direction A in which most flexibility and elongation are required to remove the filaments. The elastic padding 18 has the configuration of a zigzag stitch provided for elasticity, irrespective of whether or not the elastic thread is used to perform the stitch.

With respect to the height at which most extensibility and flexibility are required when putting on or taking off, the booty 10 with low head shown in Fig. 1, the booty 10 with middle head shown in Fig. 2, There is a difference between the booties 10 having a high heading. 1), most of the flexibility is at a level substantially equal to the height of the toe opening 8 when the booty extends only slightly below the ankle of the foot and only approximately to the height of the foot of the foot Is required. In addition, in the case of the booty 10 having the middle part shown in Fig. 2, most of the flexibility for taking off the wearer is required at about the same height as the foot height of the foot. However, in this configuration, the booty extends up to a height slightly above the ankle of the foot, so that the maximum elongation and the height of the flexibility are a little distance below the height of the foot opening 8. In the case of the high booty 10 shown in FIG. 3, the booty extends from the ankle of the foot to a height that is very high. In this configuration, the height of the maximum elongation for stripping is only slightly above the ankle of the foot and is therefore substantially lower than the height of the forearm opening 8. In all of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, the functional layer laminate 12 is such that the elastic padding 18 connecting the functional layer laminate 12 and the color layer 14 comprises a respective booty 10 And extends to such a height that it is about the same height as the maximum extension height when the footwear is put on or taken off. Such a configuration provides flexibility to take off and to use the elasticity provided by the color layer 14 to fit the feet in the area around the ankle when footwear is used. However, in such an arrangement, it is important that the padding 18 provides sufficient resilience to prevent the additional elasticity provided by the color layer 14 from being lost.

The shape of the height of the elastic padding 18 as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 ensures that the waterproof functional layer laminate 12 is extended as far as possible to a maximum height so as to ensure the maximum waterproofness of the footwear. This applies even to the low booty of Figure 1, because in this form the functional layer laminate can extend almost up to the maximum height of the booty (e. G., The functional layer laminate, Up to 90%, or even up to 95% of the height. 2, the functional layer laminate extends from about 70% to 90% of the height of the booty 10 in the boot opening 8, in most cases up to about 75% to 85% . However, at an absolute height, the height is still higher than or equal to the low booty 10, and in some instances the functional layer laminate 12 may extend up to approximately the same height as the foot of the foot. With regard to the high booty 10 shown in Fig. 3, the collar layer 14 has to have a maximum elongation at the substantial vertical portion below the toe arch opening 8, (See the booty cross-sectional configuration shown in Fig. 3). Thus, the functional layer laminate can be extended to a much lower height when expressed in relative terms relative to the height of the foot opening and to a height of approximately 60% to 80% of the height of the foot opening, in particular up to 65% to 75% . However, such height is still above the ankle and thus provides sufficient water resistance.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the footwear assembly 10 forms a top lining boot that is attached to the inner surface of the upper material 30 (see Figures 4-6) of the upper assembly. The upper lining boot 10 has a sock-like configuration formed by two layers of the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer 12 and the upper floor functional layer 22. 5, the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer 12 forms one of the two upper side portions 12 of the booty 10. Both of the upper side portions 12, 12 are joined to each other by a longitudinally extending padding 13 which is sealed by a padding tape (not shown). The upper floor functional layer 22 is also bonded to each of the two moisture-permeable and water-resistant combinatorial functional layers 12, 12 by a shim sealed by a respective shim tape (not shown).

Also, in Figures 1 and 2, the sulphide portion 16 formed by the color layer 14 is identified. The sulphide portion 16 is bonded to the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer laminate 12 by the elastic padding 20. 4 to 6, the sulphide portion 16 includes an extension 26 that is folded at the toe opening 8 so that the folded section 26 is in contact with the upper member 30 To form a water gusset portion (in particular, see Figures 4 and 5). Since the material of the color layer 14 has a high degree of elasticity, such water gusset portion 26 always allows a foldfree fit of the sulphide portion 26 to the feet, including wearing out. A conventional water gusset portion that causes folding is completely unnecessary. This increases comfort.

Figure 4 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a footwear assembly having a midsole having the construction of a moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer booty 10 for shoes with medium midsole in which a layer of top material 30 is attached to the footwear assembly . Figure 5 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the footwear assembly of Figure 4 in view from the toe portion of the footwear. Fig. 6 shows a highly simplified schematic view of the footwear which is in the middle of the center, including the footwear assemblies of Figs. 4 and 5. Fig.

As can be seen in Figs. 4-6, the upper material layer 30 is attached to the footwear assembly 10 in the region of the toe opening 8. Thus, it is particularly beneficial when the color layer 14 comprises elastic extensions 24, 26, 28 on the side facing the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer 12. These extensions 24, 26, 28 are configured to be folded and attached to the sheath material layer 30 at the inner surface thereof. 6) of the upper layer 30 (such as the zipper portion 32 of the upper material 30 shown in Fig. 6), the sulphide portion and / or the water- Thereby forming a reinforcing layer covering the portion. The collar layer 14 can be folded around the toe opening 8 so that the extensions 24, 26 and 28 extend downwardly from the toe opening 8. The extension may be disposed between the upper member and the footwear assembly. The downward extensions 24, 26, 28 are attached to the inner surface of the topsheet material layer 30 so as to be able to cover any openable area in the topsheet material layer 30 by an elastic layer on the inner surface do. This is a particularly elegant design that covers the opening or slit of the upper material 30, which must be covered in some other way by some flexible material. For example, in a conventional footwear design, the portion of the water gusset required laterally from the sulphate can be completely replaced by the curved extensions 24, 26 of the elastic collar layer. The same applies to any portion of the upper material layer on which the zipper 32 is provided. The slits of the upper material produced when the zipper 32 is opened can be easily reinforced by the elastic material of the bent extensions 28 of the color layer 14. [

Claims (26)

A footwear assembly (10) that forms at least a portion of an upper assembly of footwear, wherein the footwear assembly (10) defines a foot opening (8)
- a moisture-permeable and water-resistant combinable functional layer (12) having a first elasticity, and
A color layer (14) adhered to the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer (12) to define at least a part of the opening (8)
Wherein the collar layer (14) has a second elasticity. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the collar layer (14) has elastic properties in more than one direction. 3. The assembly of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second elasticity is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. 4. A footwear assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second elasticity is greater than or equal to the first elasticity. 5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collar layer (14) is arranged along at least 30% of the toe opening (8), in particular along at least 60% of the toe opening (8) 8). ≪ / RTI > 6. A footwear assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the collar layer (14) is attached to the moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer (12) by an elastic shim (18). 7. The footwear assembly of claim 6, wherein the resilient shim (18) is formed by a thread having a third resiliency. The footwear assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein the resilient shim (18) is formed by a stitch pattern that provides elastic properties. A device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the elastic padding (18) is arranged along at least 30% of the perimeter of the stepped opening (8), in particular along at least 60% In particular at least two-thirds of the perimeter of the footwell opening (8). 10. A footwear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured in the same direction. 11. Footwear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction. 12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer (12) and the color layer (14) are attached to each other through a padding (18) and the first and second elasticities are parallel A footwear assembly as measured in one direction. 13. A composite sample piece according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composite sample piece composed of the moisture-permeable and water-resistant functional layer (12) and the color layer (14) adhered to each other by the padding (18) And the fourth elasticity is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. 14. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the moisture-permeable and water-resistant combinable functional layer (12) comprises a laminate of a moisture permeable and waterproof membrane and a textile layer adhered to the moisture permeable and waterproof membrane The footwear assembly comprising: 15. The footwear assembly of claim 14, wherein the textile layer has a resilient textile shape. 15. A footwear assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the textile layer comprises elastic filaments. 17. Footwear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moisture-permeable and waterproof functional layer comprises a moisture-permeable and water-resistant film made of a fluoropolymer, in particular ePTFE. 18. A footwear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar layer (14) is breathable but not waterproof. 19. A footwear assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, having the form of an upper lining. 20. A footwear assembly according to claim 19 having the form of a breathable and waterproof sock. 19. The footwear assembly of claim 18, wherein the footwear assembly is in the form of a moisture-permeable and waterproof upper lining adhered to the bottom of the waterproof upper. 22. The footwear assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the moisture permeable and waterproof functional layer (12) is at least 20% higher in height than the footwear assembly (10) Of the footwear assembly (10) to a height of at least 95% of the footwear assembly (10). 23. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the collar layer (14) comprises elastic extensions (24, 26, 28) on the side facing the moisture-permeable functional layer (12) 24, 26 and 28 are configured to be folded and adhered to the sheath material layer 30 to form a reinforcing layer covering the openable portion 32, the sulcus portion and / or the gusset portion of the sheath material layer 30 Footwear assemblies. An upper assembly of footwear,
An upper material layer 30 surrounding at least the upper portion of the foot, and
- a footwear assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
, Wherein the footwear assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23 forms an upper lining disposed on the inner surface of the upper layer of material (30) Wherein the upper member is independent of the upper member (30) to such an extent that it can assume its shape regardless of the upper member layer (30) in the region of the functional layer (12) and the resilient collar (14). 25. The upper assembly of Claim 24, wherein the upper material layer (30) and / or the upper lining layer are configured to adhere to the upper floor layer in a manner that forms a waterproof and breathable upper assembly. A method as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the upper layer of material (30) comprises at least one openable portion (32), a sulcus portion and / or a gusset portion, 26,28 are folded and attached to the layer of goosene material 30 so that the layers of the goosene material layer 30 are covered by a layer of elastomeric material 24, (32), a sulcus portion and / or a gusset portion of the at least one openable portion (30).

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