US20010005945A1 - Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole - Google Patents

Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20010005945A1
US20010005945A1 US09/474,224 US47422499A US2001005945A1 US 20010005945 A1 US20010005945 A1 US 20010005945A1 US 47422499 A US47422499 A US 47422499A US 2001005945 A1 US2001005945 A1 US 2001005945A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shell
outsole
footwear
molded
web portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US09/474,224
Other versions
US6338205B2 (en
Inventor
David Mitchell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rocky Brands US LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/474,224 priority Critical patent/US6338205B2/en
Assigned to GEORGIA BOOT INC. reassignment GEORGIA BOOT INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MITCHELL, DAVID
Assigned to GEORGIA BOOT LLC reassignment GEORGIA BOOT LLC MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GEORGIA BOOT INC.
Publication of US20010005945A1 publication Critical patent/US20010005945A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6338205B2 publication Critical patent/US6338205B2/en
Assigned to GMAC COMMERCIAL FINANCE LLC reassignment GMAC COMMERCIAL FINANCE LLC SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GEORGIA BOOT LLC
Assigned to ROCKY BRANDS WHOLESALE LLC reassignment ROCKY BRANDS WHOLESALE LLC MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GEORGIA BOOT LLC
Assigned to LAMINAR DIRECT CAPITAL L.P. reassignment LAMINAR DIRECT CAPITAL L.P. SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: LIFESTYLE FOOTWEAR, INC., ROCKY BRANDS RETAIL LLC, ROCKY BRANDS WHOLESALE LLC, ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D35/00—Producing footwear
    • B29D35/02—Producing footwear made in one piece using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding or casting
    • B29D35/04—Producing footwear made in one piece using a moulding technique, e.g. by injection moulding or casting having multilayered parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
    • A43B23/0205—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
    • A43B23/0215—Plastics or artificial leather
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/02—Boots covering the lower leg
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/02—Boots covering the lower leg
    • A43B3/04—Boots covering the lower leg with rubber or elastic insertions or gussets

Definitions

  • This invention relates broadly to the field of footwear formed of a molded shell comprising an upper and insole. More particularly, this invention relates to such footwear in which the molded shell includes a molded web platform thereon for securing the outsole.
  • Footwear comprising a molded upper formed of material such as thermoplastic urethane has several advantages over footwear comprising a rubber upper.
  • molded uppers are, for example, more abrasion resistant than rubber uppers. Molded uppers are also more uniform in appearance than rubber uppers because they do not vary in texture or color as do rubber uppers.
  • the insole portion of the molded shell must often have a matching configuration to the outsole to which it is cemented in order to provide a close fit between the insole and the outsole. Because the insole may have a unique configuration, it is necessary that the outsole have a matching unique configuration. This means that if a variety of insoles are being produced, an equal variety of outsoles must be maintained. Furthermore, should it be desired to replace a worn outsole, it would be necessary to use a replacement outsole having a configuration that matches the insole. Here again, it would be necessary to maintain a wide variety of outsoles for replacement purposes. It would therefore be desirable to provide footwear having a molded shell which does not require an outsole of a particular matching configuration, either for original production or replacement.
  • Footwear having molded shells are often designed to be of waterproof construction. When, however, such a shell is secured to the outsole by stitching through the shell, the stitches may create holes in the shell through which water may seep. It would therefore be desirable to provide footwear having a molded shell which is secured to the outsole by stitching but which would not have holes in the shell through which water may enter and contact the wearer's foot. It would also desirable to provide footwear formed of a molded upper and an outsole in which a stitched web portion creates a fashionable European-style appearance.
  • the footwear of the present invention has a molded shell, the bottom portion of which is an insole, and an integrally molded web platform around the periphery of the bottom portion.
  • the outsole is first cemented to the bottom of the insole and to the bottom of the web platform and then the web platform is stitched to the outsole.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the molded shell comprising a web portion of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the web portion and the bottom of the molded shell which forms the insole;
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a boot formed of the molded shell comprising a web portion shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 There is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a molded shell 2 formed from suitable material such as thermoplastic urethane by a conventional molding process.
  • Shell 2 comprises an upper 4 and contiguous bottom portion 6 , which serves as an insole for fully enveloping the wearer's foot.
  • Upper 4 includes eyelets 5 for lacing 7 .
  • Shell 2 may include various embossed aesthetic designs 8 .
  • An integral web portion 10 is molded on shell 2 and extends around the periphery of shell 2 at the bottom portion thereof. Although shell 2 is shown as an upper for a boot, the present invention may also be used for a shoe.
  • Web portion 10 includes spaced indentations 12 throughout the top portions thereof for aesthetic purposes.
  • An outsole 15 having treads 14 thereon includes a heel portion 16 .
  • the outsole may be formed of rubber such as sold by Quabaug corporation under the registered trademark “Vibram”.
  • the bottom of web portion 10 and the bottom of insole 6 are cemented to the top of outsole 14 in conventional manner.
  • the web portion 10 is then stitched to the outsole 14 by stitches 16 (see FIG. 2).
  • the stitching may, for example, be of the type known as Goodyear stitching, and the width of the stitches 16 may be approximately six per inch. In this manner, the shell 2 and the integral web portion 10 thereon are firmly secured to the outsole 14 .
  • footwear comprising a molded shell for fully enveloping the wearer's foot and wherein an integral web portion is molded with the shell.
  • the bottom of the shell and the web portion is cemented to the outsole and then the web portion is stitched to the outsole.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

Footwear including a molded shell for enveloping the wearer's foot and wherein an integral web portion is molded with the shell. The bottom of the shell and the web portion is cemented to the outsole and then the web portion is stitched to the outsole.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • This invention relates broadly to the field of footwear formed of a molded shell comprising an upper and insole. More particularly, this invention relates to such footwear in which the molded shell includes a molded web platform thereon for securing the outsole. [0002]
  • 2. State of the Art [0003]
  • Footwear comprising a molded upper formed of material such as thermoplastic urethane has several advantages over footwear comprising a rubber upper. Such molded uppers are, for example, more abrasion resistant than rubber uppers. Molded uppers are also more uniform in appearance than rubber uppers because they do not vary in texture or color as do rubber uppers. [0004]
  • There are, however, certain shortcomings associated with footwear having molded shells. For example, the insole portion of the molded shell must often have a matching configuration to the outsole to which it is cemented in order to provide a close fit between the insole and the outsole. Because the insole may have a unique configuration, it is necessary that the outsole have a matching unique configuration. This means that if a variety of insoles are being produced, an equal variety of outsoles must be maintained. Furthermore, should it be desired to replace a worn outsole, it would be necessary to use a replacement outsole having a configuration that matches the insole. Here again, it would be necessary to maintain a wide variety of outsoles for replacement purposes. It would therefore be desirable to provide footwear having a molded shell which does not require an outsole of a particular matching configuration, either for original production or replacement. [0005]
  • Footwear having molded shells are often designed to be of waterproof construction. When, however, such a shell is secured to the outsole by stitching through the shell, the stitches may create holes in the shell through which water may seep. It would therefore be desirable to provide footwear having a molded shell which is secured to the outsole by stitching but which would not have holes in the shell through which water may enter and contact the wearer's foot. It would also desirable to provide footwear formed of a molded upper and an outsole in which a stitched web portion creates a fashionable European-style appearance. [0006]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is therefore an object of the invention to provide footwear having a molded shell comprising an insole which does not require an outsole of the same configuration as the insole. [0007]
  • It is another object of the invention to provide footwear having a molded shell comprising an insole having a web portion which is stitched to the outsole, and wherein the shell does not include holes through which water may enter and contact the wearer. [0008]
  • It is a still further object of the invention to provide footwear having a molded shell comprising an insole having a web portion which is stitched to the outsole to create footwear of a fashionable European-style appearance. [0009]
  • In accordance with these objects, the footwear of the present invention has a molded shell, the bottom portion of which is an insole, and an integrally molded web platform around the periphery of the bottom portion. The outsole is first cemented to the bottom of the insole and to the bottom of the web platform and then the web platform is stitched to the outsole. With the provided arrangement, it is not necessary that the insole and the outsole have the same configuration since the stitching securing the web platform to the outsole conceals any spacing that may occur because the inner sole and outsole are not of matching configurations. The stitching also prevents separation of the inner and outsole soles. It is therefore unnecessary to maintain a wide variety of outsoles for the production or repair of the footwear. In addition, since it is the web platform which is stitched to the outsole and not the portion of the shell which surrounds the foot, any holes created by the stitching will occur in the web platform and not in the shell. Thus, there are no openings in the shell through which water may seep. Further, an aesthetically pleasing molded footwear having a stitched web portion is provided. [0010]
  • Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures. [0011]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the molded shell comprising a web portion of the present invention; [0012]
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the web portion and the bottom of the molded shell which forms the insole; and [0013]
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a boot formed of the molded shell comprising a web portion shown in FIG. 1. [0014]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • There is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a molded [0015] shell 2 formed from suitable material such as thermoplastic urethane by a conventional molding process. Shell 2 comprises an upper 4 and contiguous bottom portion 6, which serves as an insole for fully enveloping the wearer's foot. Upper 4 includes eyelets 5 for lacing 7. Shell 2 may include various embossed aesthetic designs 8. An integral web portion 10 is molded on shell 2 and extends around the periphery of shell 2 at the bottom portion thereof. Although shell 2 is shown as an upper for a boot, the present invention may also be used for a shoe. Web portion 10 includes spaced indentations 12 throughout the top portions thereof for aesthetic purposes. An outsole 15 having treads 14 thereon includes a heel portion 16. The outsole may be formed of rubber such as sold by Quabaug corporation under the registered trademark “Vibram”.
  • To produce the footwear of the present invention, the bottom of [0016] web portion 10 and the bottom of insole 6 are cemented to the top of outsole 14 in conventional manner. The web portion 10 is then stitched to the outsole 14 by stitches 16 (see FIG. 2). The stitching may, for example, be of the type known as Goodyear stitching, and the width of the stitches 16 may be approximately six per inch. In this manner, the shell 2 and the integral web portion 10 thereon are firmly secured to the outsole 14.
  • There has been described and illustrated herein footwear comprising a molded shell for fully enveloping the wearer's foot and wherein an integral web portion is molded with the shell. The bottom of the shell and the web portion is cemented to the outsole and then the web portion is stitched to the outsole. While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed. [0017]

Claims (5)

I claim:
1. A shell formed of moldable material for enveloping a wearer's foot, said shell having an upper and contiguous bottom portion which forms an insole and an integral molded web portion extending around the periphery of the shell at the bottom portion thereof.
2. A shell according to
claim 1
, wherein said shell and web portion are formed of thermoplastic urethane.
3. Improved footwear comprising:
a) a shell formed of moldable material for enveloping a wearer's foot, said shell having an upper and contiguous bottom portion which forms an insole and an integral molded web portion extending around the periphery of the shell at the bottom portion thereof, and
b) an outsole which is secured to the shell and web portion by cement and to the web portion by stitching.
4. Improved footwear according to
claim 3
, wherein said shell and web portions are formed of thermoplastic urethane.
5. Improved footwear according to
claim 3
, wherein said outsole includes a heel.
US09/474,224 1999-12-29 1999-12-29 Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole Expired - Lifetime US6338205B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/474,224 US6338205B2 (en) 1999-12-29 1999-12-29 Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/474,224 US6338205B2 (en) 1999-12-29 1999-12-29 Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010005945A1 true US20010005945A1 (en) 2001-07-05
US6338205B2 US6338205B2 (en) 2002-01-15

Family

ID=23882672

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/474,224 Expired - Lifetime US6338205B2 (en) 1999-12-29 1999-12-29 Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US6338205B2 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050126038A1 (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-16 K-Swiss Inc. Method for forming footwear structures using thermoforming
US20080166524A1 (en) * 2007-01-02 2008-07-10 Polyworks, Inc. Thermoformed cushioning material and method of making
US20100223818A1 (en) * 2009-03-05 2010-09-09 Freakwear, LLC Shoe Cover
USD773157S1 (en) * 2015-11-10 2016-12-06 Yves Saint Laurent Boot
USD950922S1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-05-10 Target Brands, Inc. Footwear
USD950920S1 (en) * 2020-10-09 2022-05-10 Target Brands, Inc. Footwear
USD1030263S1 (en) * 2022-12-02 2024-06-11 CHLOE Société par Actions Simplifiée Half-boot

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2882315Y (en) * 2005-07-01 2007-03-28 中山市联凯鞋业有限公司 Water-proof shoes having TPU polyurethane shoe hull
US20090094865A1 (en) * 2007-10-10 2009-04-16 Eddie Chen Welted waterproof foot covering

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2339524A (en) * 1941-11-25 1944-01-18 United Shoe Machinery Corp Shoe welting and process of manufacturing the same
FR1484462A (en) * 1965-06-25 1967-09-15
US3597862A (en) * 1968-08-01 1971-08-10 Raimund W Vogel Ski boot
ATA361481A (en) * 1980-08-20 1984-10-15 Lederer Josef MOUNTAIN SHOE
US4599810A (en) * 1981-08-06 1986-07-15 W. L. Gore & Associates Waterproof shoe construction
US5038500A (en) * 1988-11-08 1991-08-13 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Boot having gritted outsole
US5144759A (en) * 1989-02-27 1992-09-08 Mascotte Lawrence L Shoe-covering members
US5802740A (en) * 1995-05-01 1998-09-08 Merk, Sr.; Erik E. Insulated and waterproof shoe
US5743027A (en) * 1995-11-29 1998-04-28 Barma; Tarachand S. Rubber footwear and method of making same
US5768801A (en) * 1996-02-08 1998-06-23 Meldisco H.C., Inc. Welt shoe comfort system

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050126038A1 (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-16 K-Swiss Inc. Method for forming footwear structures using thermoforming
US7178267B2 (en) 2003-12-12 2007-02-20 Polyworks, Inc. Method for forming footwear structures using thermoforming
US20080166524A1 (en) * 2007-01-02 2008-07-10 Polyworks, Inc. Thermoformed cushioning material and method of making
US20100223818A1 (en) * 2009-03-05 2010-09-09 Freakwear, LLC Shoe Cover
US8671588B2 (en) * 2009-03-05 2014-03-18 Freakwear, LLC Shoe cover
USD773157S1 (en) * 2015-11-10 2016-12-06 Yves Saint Laurent Boot
USD950920S1 (en) * 2020-10-09 2022-05-10 Target Brands, Inc. Footwear
USD950922S1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-05-10 Target Brands, Inc. Footwear
USD1030263S1 (en) * 2022-12-02 2024-06-11 CHLOE Société par Actions Simplifiée Half-boot

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6338205B2 (en) 2002-01-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2066194B1 (en) Shoe construction with double upper
EP0479183B1 (en) Waterproof and transpiring outsole
US5678329A (en) Athletic shoe with midsole side support
US5083385A (en) Footwear having interchangeable uppers
US7140129B2 (en) Article of footwear with perforated covering and removable components
CA2569894C (en) Footwear with multi-piece midsole
US20080189984A1 (en) Convertible Sandal
US20030079374A1 (en) Footwear construction and method for manufacturing same
US8181363B2 (en) Modular shoe system
US7836609B2 (en) Method and apparatus for a shoe with improved construction
EP2043472B1 (en) Shoe construction with double tongue
EP0329391A3 (en) Shoe with form fitting sole
WO1997046127A1 (en) Shoe having perforated shoe upper with outwardly protruding outsole and method of making the same
US6018891A (en) Shoe construction
US6338205B2 (en) Footwear with molded web platform for attaching outsole
US6029301A (en) Method for construction of footwear
US6757990B2 (en) Footwear with integrated stitchdown/athletic bottom construction
JPS5928903A (en) Shoes equipped with freely detachable heels and insole system of shoes
US6718657B2 (en) Shoe with ergonomic foot pad
US2900743A (en) Blank for a shoe
US20040200095A1 (en) Boot construction with multipart vamp
KR20080090758A (en) Shoes with arch support
USD488617S1 (en) Portion of a slipper
US6978560B2 (en) Shoe having an upper with a welt-like fold line
CA2299791A1 (en) Shoe construction with steel toe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GEORGIA BOOT INC., TENNESSEE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MITCHELL, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:010509/0824

Effective date: 19991210

AS Assignment

Owner name: GEORGIA BOOT LLC, TENNESSEE

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:GEORGIA BOOT INC.;REEL/FRAME:011369/0112

Effective date: 20000324

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

CC Certificate of correction
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: GMAC COMMERCIAL FINANCE LLC, NEW YORK

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GEORGIA BOOT LLC;REEL/FRAME:015642/0331

Effective date: 20050106

AS Assignment

Owner name: ROCKY BRANDS WHOLESALE LLC, OHIO

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:GEORGIA BOOT LLC;REEL/FRAME:018767/0499

Effective date: 20061227

AS Assignment

Owner name: LAMINAR DIRECT CAPITAL L.P., TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:ROCKY BRANDS, INC.;LIFESTYLE FOOTWEAR, INC.;ROCKY BRANDS WHOLESALE LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019550/0902

Effective date: 20070525

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

AS Assignment

Owner name: ROCKY BRANDS, INC., OHIO

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GMAC COMMERCIAL FINANCE LLC;REEL/FRAME:055541/0659

Effective date: 20210301