US20170027283A1 - Footwear assembly - Google Patents

Footwear assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20170027283A1
US20170027283A1 US15/222,694 US201615222694A US2017027283A1 US 20170027283 A1 US20170027283 A1 US 20170027283A1 US 201615222694 A US201615222694 A US 201615222694A US 2017027283 A1 US2017027283 A1 US 2017027283A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
layer
water vapor
elasticity
vapor permeable
footwear
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/222,694
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Guenter Kiederle
Andrea Giupponi
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.)
WL Gore and Associates GmbH
WL Gore and Associates SRL
Original Assignee
WL Gore and Associates GmbH
WL Gore and Associates SRL
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 WL Gore and Associates GmbH, WL Gore and Associates SRL filed Critical WL Gore and Associates GmbH
Publication of US20170027283A1 publication Critical patent/US20170027283A1/en
Assigned to W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES GMBH reassignment W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KIEDERLE, GUENTER
Assigned to W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATI S.R.L. reassignment W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATI S.R.L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GIUPPONI, ANDREA
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B23/0265—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions
    • A43B23/027—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions with a part of the upper particularly flexible, e.g. permitting articulation or torsion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
    • A43B23/07—Linings therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/08—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined ventilated
    • 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
    • A43B23/022—Plastics or artificial leather with waterproof breathable membranes
    • 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
    • A43B23/06—Waterproof legs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/12—Special watertight footwear
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/12—Special watertight footwear
    • A43B7/125—Special watertight footwear provided with a vapour permeable member, e.g. a membrane
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/12—Slide or glide fastenings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a footwear assembly for forming at least part of an upper assembly of footwear, as well as to an upper assembly of footwear comprising such footwear assembly. Moreover, the present invention relates to footwear comprising such footwear assembly.
  • Protective clothing articles are used for wear in outdoor conditions like wet conditions (such as rain, snow, wind, cold etc.), in outdoor activities (such as skiing, biking, hiking, etc.) and should protect the wearer by preventing leakage of water or other fluids into the article while keeping the wearer comfortable by allowing perspiration to evaporate from the wearer to the outside of the article. In addition, such an article should maintain the functional attributes of protection and comfort during ordinary use.
  • footwear In footwear, a particular requirement exists in that footwear should be easy to don (to put on), as well as it should be as easy to doff (or to take off) the footwear. Therefore, footwear should be designed such as to only loosely fit to the foot of a person when donning or doffing the footwear. Nevertheless, it is required that footwear fits the foot of a person after it has been donned and is subject to extended load during use. Usually, this contradicting requirement is solved by use of dedicated closing systems, particularly lacing systems. Velcro's and/or zippers are frequently used as well, either in addition or alternative to laces. There is particularly a problem with respect to children's footwear, since younger children typically are not able to handle more complicated procedures required to don or doff footwear, like putting on laces.
  • footwear which is flexible enough so it can be donned and/or doffed without the need to manipulate any laces or comparable systems, but still is flexible enough to fit the foot of a wearer during use.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a footwear assembly configured to form at least part of an upper assembly of footwear.
  • the footwear assembly defines an instep opening and comprises a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer having a first elasticity, and a collar layer attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer such as to define at least part of the instep opening, the collar layer having a second elasticity.
  • the instep opening is considered to be an opening of footwear configured for insertion of a foot when putting on (or donning) the footwear and/or when taking off (doffing) the footwear.
  • the wearer's foot has to be inserted through the instep opening when donning the footwear, and the wearer's foot has to be taken out again through the same instep opening when doffing the footwear.
  • a loose fit where the instep opening does not hinder the movement of the wearer's foot through the instep opening is required for donning or doffing the footwear.
  • a close fit around the ankle of the foot is desirable during use of the footwear when the footwear is subject to extended load and thus should closely fit the wearer's foot in the region around the ankle in order to guarantee stable support of the foot, comfort, and particularly avoid blisters.
  • the size of the instep opening is designed such as to be adjustable by use of lacing systems, zippers, Velcros, or the like
  • the present invention suggests a different approach based on providing elasticity or stretch ability of the footwear assembly in the portions comprising the instep opening and the regions adjacent to these portions, particularly the regions adjacent the ankle of the foot when the footwear is in use.
  • the footwear assembly is provided with suitable elasticity or stretchability in these portions, such as to allow the instep opening to adjust itself according to the different requirements when donning and/or doffing the footwear, on the one hand, and during use when the footwear assembly should fit to the wearer's foot in the regions adjacent the ankle of the foot, on the other hand.
  • the suggested configuration particularly allows to achieve the desired flexibility of the footwear assembly without having to apply large forces for donning and/or doffing, even though water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layers are used, which are known to have only limited elasticity properties or stretchability.
  • Using the structure suggested herein it is possible to achieve sufficiently good elasticity in the portions of the footwear assembly comprising the instep opening and being adjacent to the ankle of the foot in use, even when functional layer laminates with only limited elasticity properties or stretchability are used.
  • footwear designed according to the invention may be donned and doffed even by children without any aid.
  • elasticity and stretchability are used equivalently referring to the ability of a material to elongate in response to a tensile force applied to it and to recover at least partly towards the original shape once the tensile force is no longer applied.
  • Footwear designed as suggested herein may still be provided with laces and/or zippers. However, it is no longer necessary to manipulate these for donning and/or doffing the footwear. Rather, laces and/or zippers may have mere aesthetic function.
  • Elasticity or stretchability of the functional layer as well as of the collar layer, and any other layer mentioned herein, may be measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2005), method A.
  • the test sample is subject to 5 consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subject to a constant tensioning force of 7.5 N, and the maximum elongation E of the test sample is measured. Otherwise, test conditions are as set out in DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015), method A.
  • a test sample is considered elastic in case it achieves a maximum elongation E compared to its original length of at least 6 mm at the end of the 5th test cycle. More preferably, a test sample may achieve a maximum elongation E of at least 8 mm, at the end of the 5th test cycle. Even more preferably, a test sample may achieve a maximum elongation E of at least 10 mm, at the end of the 5th test cycle. In all cases, the test sample is required to have at least 80% recovery, measured 30 min after release of the tensioning force. Recovery refers to the remaining elongation C according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015).
  • test sample When relaxing the tensioning force after the end of the 5th test cycle, the test sample recovers to a remaining elongation C according DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015).
  • a test sample has at least 80% recovery in case the remaining elongation C is at most equal to 20% of the maximum elongation measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015).
  • the maximum elongation E of a test sample at 7.5 N is 6 mm
  • a remaining elongation C ⁇ 1.2 mm is required.
  • a recovery of even 90% or more after 30 min may be achieved.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer is required to have a first elasticity in at least one direction, e.g. in machine direction. In such case, it will be advisable to orient the functional layer such that the elasticity direction is in the direction where most elongation is needed when donning or doffing the footwear.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer has a first elasticity in more than one direction (e.g. in machine direction and in transverse direction)
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may have the configuration of a quarter section of an upper assembly.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may have the configuration of a whole upper lining of an upper assembly or a bootie, except the portions around the instep opening formed by the collar layer.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may also include a shaft bottom layer, or the whole bootie, except the portions around the instep opening formed by the collar layer.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may further have the configuration of a tongue portion.
  • the collar layer is required to have a second elasticity in at least one direction, e.g. in machine direction. Again, it will be advisable to orient the collar layer such that its elasticity direction is in the direction where most elongation is needed when donning or doffing the footwear.
  • the collar layer may have a second elasticity in more than one direction (e.g. elasticity in machine direction and in transverse direction, or elasticity in weft direction and in warp direction of the knit or woven fabric from which the collar layer is made). In these cases it may be convenient to define the second elasticity with respect to the main direction of elasticity, i.e. to the direction in which the elasticity of the collar layer is largest.
  • first elasticity and the second elasticity may also be convenient to define the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the same direction.
  • the collar layer does not have to be waterproof. Neither does the collar layer have to be water vapor permeable. In most cases, the collar layer may be water vapor permeable, but not waterproof. This allows to make the collar layer from a highly elastic material, and particularly from a material having elasticity in more than one direction, e.g. in weft and warp direction. Combination of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer laminate with the collar layer allows to use a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer laminate of only limited elasticity, while still allowing sufficient donning/doffing capability, particularly donning/doffing without manipulating any laces, zippers, or the like, and without requiring much forces and skills, due to the elastic properties of the collar layer.
  • Most elastic functional layer laminates have elastic properties in only one direction. This limited elasticity of the waterproof and water vapor permeable functional layer may be compensated for by selection of a highly elastic collar layer material, particularly a material having elasticity in at least two directions, and appropriate arrangement of the collar layer around the instep opening where most stretchability is needed.
  • the donning and/or doffing characteristics of the footwear assembly will be determined mostly by the collar layer and the second elasticity thereof. Therefore, usually the second elasticity may be equal to, or larger, than a predetermined threshold. In embodiments, the second elasticity may be required to fulfil at least one of the above mentioned thresholds, when measured according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015).
  • the collar layer may have a second elasticity equal to, or larger, than the first elasticity. As mentioned before, when comparing the first elasticity and the second elasticity, it may be convenient to measure the first elasticity and the second elasticity in the same direction.
  • the collar layer may extend along at least 30% of circumference of the instep opening, in particular at least 60% of circumference of the instep opening; in particular at least 2 ⁇ 3 of the circumference of the instep opening.
  • the collar layer does not necessarily have to extend around a contiguous section of the circumference, but may extend around a number of circumference pieces, separated by non-elastic portions comprising a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer, or not.
  • the collar layer may extend between 30% and 60% of the circumference of the instep opening.
  • the collar layer may extend between 30% and 2 ⁇ 3 of the circumference of the instep opening (upper boundary not included), in particular between 60% and 2 ⁇ 3 of the circumference of the instep opening (upper boundary not included). In a number of particular embodiments, the collar layer may extend along 90% of the circumference of the instep opening, in some embodiments even along the full circumference of the instep opening.
  • the collar layer may be attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer by means of a seam.
  • the seam may have the configuration of an elastic seam.
  • the elastic seam may be formed by a thread having a third elasticity.
  • Elastic threads are widely used in the art for providing elastic seams. For example, threads comprising, or even made of, Lycra or Elasthan, are frequently used.
  • the elastic seam may be formed by a stitch pattern providing elastic characteristics, like a zig-zag stitch.
  • a zig zag stitch has elastic characteristics by itself such that in this case a thread made of non-elastic material may be used.
  • the elastic seam may extend along any portion where the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer and the collar layer abut each other. At least, the elastic seam may extend along at least 30% of the circumference of the instep opening. In a number of particular embodiments, the elastic seam may extend along 60%, along 2 ⁇ 3, or even along 90% of the circumference of the instep opening, in some embodiments even along the full circumference of the instep opening.
  • the elastic seam will extend at least along any contact region where the water vapor permeable functional layer and the collar layer are attached to each other around the instep opening.
  • the elastic seam may extend further than these contact regions, but this is not necessary.
  • the elastic seam may extend along only a part or parts of the contact region, in case the collar layer extends along more than 2 ⁇ 3 of the circumference of the instep opening.
  • the elastic seam should extend along at least 2 ⁇ 3 of the circumference of the instep opening in such embodiments. In case the collar layer extends along at least 60% of the circumference of the instep opening, it is possible that the elastic seam may extend along only a part or parts of the contact region.
  • the elastic seam should extend along at least 30% of the circumference of the instep opening in such embodiments. Even in case the collar layer extends along at least 30% of the circumference of the instep opening, it is possible that the elastic seam may extend along only a part or parts of the contact region. However, the elastic seam should extend along at least 30% of the circumference of the instep opening in such embodiments.
  • the direction in which the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured will correspond to the direction where most elongation is required when donning of doffing the footwear.
  • the direction where most elongation is required for donning or doffing the footwear is roughly in the horizontal direction, between the heel and the toe, and thus the first elasticity and the second elasticity may be measured in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.
  • the horizontal direction usually extends parallel to the plane of the tread of the shoe which contacts the ground in use.
  • Parallel as used herein may include an angular range of at most ⁇ 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, particularly at most ⁇ 15 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, particularly at most ⁇ 10 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.
  • the first elasticity and the second elasticity are measured in direction parallel the seam.
  • Parallel as used herein may include an angular range of at most ⁇ 25 degrees with respect to the seam, particularly at most ⁇ 15 degrees with respect to the seam, particularly at most ⁇ 10 degrees with respect to the seam.
  • the seam may be oriented parallel to the direction in which most elongation is required during donning or doffing.
  • a composite sample piece made of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer and the collar layer attached to each other by a seam may have a fourth elasticity.
  • the fourth elasticity may be equal to, or larger, than a predetermined threshold.
  • the fourth elasticity may be required to fulfil 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 larger, than the first elasticity.
  • the fourth elasticity may even be equal to, or larger than, the second elasticity.
  • the seam connecting the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer and the collar layer is sufficiently elastic to avoid compromising the elasticity of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer or the elasticity of the collar layer.
  • such elasticity can be provided by using an elastic seam configuration, e.g. a zig-zag stitch and/or using an elastic thread.
  • the fourth elasticity may measured in the same way as the first elasticity, i.e. according to DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015), method A.
  • the first functional layer and the collar layer cover half of the area of the test sample and are attached to each other along a linear seam extending in the longitudinal direction of the test sample.
  • test sample is subject to 5 consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subject to a constant tensioning force of 7.5 N, and the maximum elongation E of the test sample is measured.
  • a test sample is considered elastic in case it achieves a maximum elongation E of at least 6 mm at the end of the 5th test cycle. More preferably, a test sample may achieve a maximum elongation E of at least 8 mm, at the end of the 5th test cycle. Even more preferably, a test sample may achieve a maximum elongation E of at least 10 mm, at the end of the 5th test cycle.
  • the test sample is required to have at least 80% recovery, measured 30 min after the tensioning force has been released.
  • Recovery refers to the remaining elongation C according DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015). In particular embodiments, a recovery of even 90% or more after 30 min may be achieved.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may have the configuration of a laminate made up with a water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane and at least one textile layer attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane.
  • Such laminates are principally known in the art, e.g. from U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,011 which discloses a fabrics being stretchable in two dimensions.
  • the textile layer may have an elastic textile configuration, e.g may be made as a knit having an elastic knit pattern (like a tricot, warp knit, or similar knit pattern). In such case the textile need not necessarily include elastic threads to provide the desired elastic characteristics. However, in a number of configurations, it may be helpful if the textile layer comprises elastic filaments, e.g. made from elasthane, to further enhance the elasticity of the textile layer.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may include a water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane.
  • the membrane may be selected from polyurethane, polyester, polyether, polyamide, polyacrylate, copolyether ester and copolyether amides, as well as other suitable thermoplastic and elastomeric films.
  • the waterproof, water vapor permeable membrane may be made of a fluoropolymer, particularly made of microporous expanded polyterafluorethylene (ePTFE).
  • ePTFE microporous expanded polyterafluorethylene
  • the microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390, to Gore.
  • Such membranes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are present in commercially available laminates from W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md., under the tradename GORE-TEX® fabric.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may be composed of a polyurethane coated microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane made substantially according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,041 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,214 assigned to W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc, in Elkton, Md.
  • the collar layer may be a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer as well, but this is not a requirement. Normally, the collar layer will not be a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer. Rather, the collar layer may have any desired configuration, given it provides for the required elasticity characteristics. In some embodiments, the collar layer may be waterproof.
  • the footwear assembly as described above may have the configuration of an upper lining.
  • the footwear assembly is attached to the inner side of an upper material from which an upper assembly of a footwear article is made.
  • the upper lining may have the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof sock.
  • Such a sock is also referred to in the art as a “bootie”.
  • a bootie comprises an upper lining surrounding the upper side of a person's foot as well as an upper bottom on which the sole of a person's foot rests. As such, the bootie is an independent lining structurally separate from an upper material or an assembly insole of the footwear article.
  • the bootie is inserted into the upper assembly such as to abut the inner side of the upper material and the upper side of an assembly insole.
  • the bootie may be fixed to the upper material and/or to the assembly insole, but otherwise is independent of the upper material and/or the assembly insole.
  • the footwear assembly may have the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof upper lining to be attached to an upper bottom.
  • the upper lining according to such configuration does not include an upper bottom, but only includes an upper lining surrounding the upper part of the foot.
  • the upper lining is to be closed on its bottom side by an upper bottom.
  • the upper bottom may be waterproof, if desired water vapor permeable and waterproof.
  • the upper lining may attached to upper bottom by lasting using a lasting glue.
  • upper lining may be attached to upper bottom by way of a strobel seam.
  • Upper lining may attached to upper bottom directly, or via an intermediate element, e.g. a sealing band or a netband. When a netband is used, a waterproof seal may be obtained by injection molding of plastics material, e.g. during assembly of a sole to the upper assembly.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may extend up to a height of at least 20% of the height of the footwear assembly. In some embodiments, the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may extend up to a height between 20% of the height of the footwear assembly and 65% of the height of the footwear assembly (upper boundary not included). Particularly, the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer to a height of at least 65% of the footwear assembly, more in particular 90% or even up to a height of at least 95% of the footwear assembly. Such configuration is particularly helpful in embodiments where the collar layer is not waterproof or where the collar layer is waterproof, but not breathable.
  • the collar layer may comprise elastic extensions on its side opposite the water vapor permeable functional layer. These extensions may be configured to be folded over and attached to an upper material layer, such as to form an elastic backing layer covering openable portions, tongue portions and/or gusset portions of the upper material layer. In such configurations, the collar layer may be folded over at the periphery of the instep opening such that the extensions extend from the instep opening downwards.
  • the downwards extending portions might be attached to the inner side of the upper material layer and thereby allow to cover any openable portions in the upper material layer by an elastic layer on the inner side. This is a particularly elegant design to cover openings or slits in the upper material, which would otherwise have to be covered by some flexible material.
  • gusset portions required laterally from a tongue in conventional footwear designs might be replaced completely by such folded over extensions of the elastic collar layer.
  • the slits in the upper material being created when the zipper is opened might be easily backed by the elastic material of the folded over extensions of the collar layer.
  • any of the embodiments of a footwear assembly described above may be used in the manufacturing of an upper assembly of footwear.
  • the upper assembly may comprise an upper material layer surrounding at least an upper portion of a foot, and the footwear assembly according to any of the previous embodiments.
  • the footwear assembly as described above may form an upper lining arranged on an inner side of the upper material layer, the upper lining being independent of the upper material to such extent that the upper lining at least in the region of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer and the elastic collar is able to adapt its shape independently of the upper material layer.
  • the upper material can be designed such as to only loosely fit to the foot, particularly in the regions adjacent to the instep opening and the regions around the ankle of the foot, without compromising comfort or stability of the foot in use. This allows a simple donning or doffing of the footwear, even in case upper materials with poor elasticity are used, without compromising stability and comfort to the person wearing the footwear.
  • the upper material layer and/or the upper lining layer may be configured to be attached to an upper bottom layer in such a way as to form a waterproof and water vapor permeable upper assembly.
  • the upper material layer may comprise at least one openable portion, tongue portion and/or gusset portion
  • the collar layer of the upper lining layer may comprises elastic extensions on its side opposite the water vapor permeable functional layer.
  • the extensions may be folded over and may be attached to the upper material layer on an inner side thereof.
  • the extensions of the collar layer may form an elastic backing layer covering the at least one openable portion, tongue portions and/or gusset portions of the upper material layer, as described in detail above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a footwear assembly having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie for a low cut shoe;
  • FIG. 2 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a footwear assembly having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie for a mid cut shoe;
  • FIG. 3 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a footwear assembly having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie for a high cut shoe;
  • FIG. 4 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a footwear assembly having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie for a mid cut shoe with an upper material layer attached to the footwear assembly;
  • FIG. 5 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of the footwear assembly of FIG. 4 in a view from the from tip of the footwear;
  • FIG. 6 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a mid cut footwear comprising the footwear assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a completed state.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show highly simplified and schematic views of a footwear assembly 10 having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie.
  • FIG. 1 shows a bootie for a low cut shoe.
  • FIG. 2 shows a bootie for a mid cut shoe, and
  • FIG. 3 shows a bootie for a high cut shoe. The following considerations relate to all embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , unless explicit reference is taken to only one of the Figs.
  • the footwear assembly 10 (bootie) comprises a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer laminate 12 , as described above, and a collar layer 14 .
  • the collar layer 14 is attached to the functional layer laminate 12 such as to form an upper portion of the footwear assembly 10 and surrounding an instep opening 8 .
  • the collar layer 14 is attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer laminate 12 by an elastic seam 18 .
  • the collar layer 14 is made from an elastic fabric having elasticity in two dimensions, namely the warp and weft directions of the fabric.
  • the collar layer 14 is made from a fabric having required elastic characteristics to allow easy donning and doffing, particularly applying only moderate forces and not requiring to open any laces or zippers. However, the collar layer 14 is not waterproof.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 is a laminate formed by a water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane and a textile layer attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional membrane may be made from expanded PTFE which is attached to a supporting textile layer according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,011.
  • the microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390, to Gore.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may be composed of a polyurethane coated microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane made substantially according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,041 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,214 assigned to W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc, in Elkton, Md.
  • the membrane may also be made of polyurethane (PU), polyether ester (PES), polyethylene or combinations of these materials.
  • WVP Water Vapor Permeability
  • a 20 ⁇ 20 cm or ⁇ 100 mm sample of functional layer or functional layer laminate is placed onto a container containing water and covered with a membrane. Then a cup containing potassium acetate and being covered by the same membrane is placed on the sample. Water vapor passes through the functional layer into the cup, whose weight increase is then determined. The functional layer is considered water vapor permeable or breathable if the WVP is greater than or equal to 0.01 g/(Pa*m 2 *h).
  • a smaller sample may be used for the measurement using a smaller cup containing half the amount of potassium acetate specified in the Norm, i.e. 50 g instead of 100 g and mixed with 15.6 g of water.
  • the applied area in the calculation needs to be adjusted, accordingly.
  • a functional layer may be considered waterproof in case a 100 cm 2 sample of the material under investigation is able to withstand a water ingress pressure of at least 0.05 bar. Particularly, the material may even withstand a water pressure of at least 1 bar.
  • the method for carrying out this test is described in the ISO Standard No. 811 (1981) (EN 20811 (1992)). The measurement is carried out by exposing a 100 cm 2 sample of the material under investigation to a rising water pressure. For this purpose, distilled water having a temperature of 20 ⁇ 2° C. is used. The rise in the water pressure is 60 ⁇ 3 cm H 2 O/min.
  • the water ingress pressure of the sample under investigation is that pressure at which water passes through the opposite side of the sample under investigation. If a 100 cm 2 sample cannot be obtained, a smaller sample may be used for the measurement. There is a linear correlation between sample size and water ingress pressure, so that the water ingress pressure may be calculated for a 100 cm 2 sample.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof membrane is attached to a textile layer in such a way that the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 has the configuration of an elastic laminate having at least one direction of elasticity, usually in the machine direction.
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer may have elasticity in two directions, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,011, for example.
  • the textile layer may have an elastic textile configuration, e.g may be made as a knit having an elastic knit pattern (like a tricot, warp knit, or similar knit pattern). In such case the textile need not necessarily include elastic threads to provide the desired elastic characteristics.
  • the textile layer comprises elastic filaments, e.g. made from elasthane to further enhance the elasticity of the textile layer.
  • the main direction of elasticity of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 is indicated by the arrow A.
  • the main direction of elasticity of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 is directed in the direction where the most elongation and flexibility is required when donning or doffing a footwear article with the footwear assembly 12 having the configuration of a bootie. Tests have shown that such direction of most elongation and flexibility is the direction from the heel to the toe of the bootie for all bootie configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 .
  • the main direction of elasticity of the functional layer laminate 12 and the main direction of elasticity of the collar layer 14 are directed parallel to the direction A in which most flexibility and elongation is required for donning and doffing.
  • the elastic seam 18 connecting the functional layer laminate 12 with the collar layer 14 is directed parallel to such direction A in which most flexibility and elongation is required for donning and doffing.
  • the elastic seam 18 has the configuration of a zig zag stitch which provided for elasticity irrespective of whether an elastic thread is used to carry out the stitches.
  • the low cut bootie 10 shown in FIG. 1 there is a difference between the low cut bootie 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the mid cut bootie 10 shown in FIG. 2 , and the high cut bootie 10 shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the height where the most elongation and flexibility is required when donning or doffing.
  • the most flexibility is required at a height substantially equal to the height of the instep opening 8 , as the bootie only extends up to a height slightly below the ankle of the foot and roughly up to the height of the instep of the foot.
  • the mid cut bootie 10 shown in FIG. 2 the most flexibility for donning and doffing is required at a height roughly equal to the height of the instep of the foot.
  • the bootie extends up to a height slightly above the ankle of the foot, and hence the height of maximum elongation and flexibility is at some distance below the height of the instep opening 8 .
  • the bootie extends up to a height well above the ankle of the foot.
  • the height of maximum elongation for donning and doffing is only slightly above the ankle of the foot, and thus is substantially lower than the height of the instep opening 8 .
  • the functional layer laminate 12 extends up to such a height that the elastic seam 18 connecting the functional layer laminate 12 and the collar layer 14 is roughly in the same height as the height of maximum elongation when donning or doffing a footwear including the respective bootie 10 .
  • Such configuration allows to optimally use the elasticity provided by the collar layer 14 to provide flexibility for donning and doffing, and fit the foot in the region around the ankle, when the footwear is used. It is however important in such configuration that the seam 18 provides sufficient elasticity to avoid losing the additional elasticity provided by the collar layer 14 .
  • the configuration of the height of the elastic seam 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 allows the waterproof functional layer laminate 12 to extend up to a height as far as possible, thereby ensuring maximum waterproofness of the footwear.
  • the functional layer laminate may extend almost up the maximum height of the bootie (e.g. the functional layer laminate may extend up to 90%, or even up to 95%, of the height of the bootie below the instep opening 8 ).
  • the functional layer laminate may extend up to about 70% to 90%, in most cases up to about 75 to 85%, of the height of the bootie 10 at the instep opening 8 .
  • the functional layer laminate 12 always may extend up to a height roughly comparable to the instep of the foot.
  • the collar layer 14 in order to allow easy donning and doffing it is advisable to allow the collar layer 14 to extend at a substantial vertical portion below the instep opening 8 , down to a height slightly above the ankle of the foot where the maximum elongation during donning and doffing will be required (see the constriction in the bootie cross section visible in FIG. 3 ).
  • the functional layer laminate will extend into much less height when expressed in relative terms with respect to the height of the instep opening, roughly up to a height of 60% to 80%, particularly up to a height of 65% to 75% of the height of the instep opening. However, such height is still well above the ankle and thus provides for sufficient waterproofness.
  • the footwear assembly 10 forms an upper lining bootie to be attached to the inner side of an upper material 30 (see FIGS. 4-6 ) of an upper assembly.
  • the upper lining bootie 10 has a sock shape configuration formed by two of the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layers 12 and an upper bottom functional layer 22 .
  • the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer 12 forms one of two upper side parts 12 of the bootie 10 .
  • Both upper side parts 12 , 12 are connected with each other by a longitudinally extending seam 13 which is sealed by a seam tape (not shown).
  • the upper bottom layer functional layer 22 is connected to each of the two water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layers 12 , 12 also by way of seams which are sealed by respective seam tapes (not shown).
  • a tongue portion 16 formed by the collar layer 14 is also connected to the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer laminate 12 by way of an elastic seam 20 .
  • the tongue portion 16 comprises an extension portion 26 which is folded over at the instep opening 8 such that the folded over section 26 may be connected to the inner side of an upper material 30 , and thus forms a water gusset portion (see particularly FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
  • the material of the collar layer 14 is highly elastic, such water gusset portions 26 allow a foldfree fit of the tongue portion 26 to the foot at each time, including donning and doffing. Conventional water gussets, which would lead to folds, are completely superfluous. This increases comfort.
  • FIG. 4 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of a mid cut footwear assembly having the configuration of a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer bootie 10 for a mid cut shoe with an upper material layer 30 attached to the footwear assembly.
  • FIG. 5 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of the footwear assembly of FIG. 4 in a view from the toe portion of the footwear.
  • FIG. 6 shows a highly simplified and schematic view of the mid cut footwear comprising the footwear assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a completed state.
  • the upper material layer 30 is attached to the footwear assembly 10 in the region of the instep opening 8 .
  • the collar layer 14 comprises elastic extensions 24 , 26 , 28 on its side opposite the water proof and water vapor permeable functional layer 12 .
  • These extensions 24 , 26 , 28 are be configured to be folded over and attached to the upper material layer 30 on an inner side thereof.
  • the extensions 24 , 26 , 28 form a backing layer covering openable portions (like the zipper portion 32 of the upper material 30 visible in FIG. 6 ), tongue portions and/or water gusset portions of the upper material layer 30 .
  • the collar layer 14 may be folded over at the periphery of the instep opening 8 such that the extensions 24 , 26 , 28 extend from the instep opening 8 downwards.
  • the extensions may be arranged between the upper material and the footwear assembly.
  • the downwards extending portions 24 , 26 , 28 are attached to the inner side of the upper material layer 30 and thereby allow to cover any openable portions in the upper material layer 30 by an elastic layer on the inner side.
  • This is a particularly elegant design to cover openings or slits in the upper material 30 , which would otherwise have to be covered by some flexible material.
  • water gusset portions required laterally from a tongue in conventional footwear designs might be replaced completely by such folded over extensions 24 , 26 of the elastic collar layer.
  • the slits in the upper material being created when the zipper 32 is opened might be easily backed by the elastic material of the folded over extensions 28 of the collar layer 14 .

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US15/222,694 2015-07-28 2016-07-28 Footwear assembly Abandoned US20170027283A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2015/067262 WO2017016593A1 (en) 2015-07-28 2015-07-28 Footwear assembly

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2015/067262 Continuation WO2017016593A1 (en) 2015-07-28 2015-07-28 Footwear assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20170027283A1 true US20170027283A1 (en) 2017-02-02

Family

ID=53758221

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/222,694 Abandoned US20170027283A1 (en) 2015-07-28 2016-07-28 Footwear assembly

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20170027283A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP3123885A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2017035471A (ja)
KR (1) KR20170013837A (ja)
CN (1) CN106388132A (ja)
CA (1) CA2937001C (ja)
WO (1) WO2017016593A1 (ja)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190059503A1 (en) * 2017-08-23 2019-02-28 Drysteppers, LLC Overshoes and methods for manufacturing overshoes
US20210251339A1 (en) * 2018-09-28 2021-08-19 Mizuno Corporation Shoes
USD980589S1 (en) * 2020-12-18 2023-03-14 Peter Charles Whittington Convertible shoe

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA3069808A1 (en) * 2017-07-17 2019-01-24 W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATI, S.r.l. Footwear

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2314098A (en) * 1941-04-26 1943-03-16 Mary C Mcdonald Method of making shoes
US2771691A (en) * 1954-09-22 1956-11-27 J W Landenberger & Co Cushioned foot protector
US3562818A (en) * 1969-01-24 1971-02-16 Clarence G Burton Footsock
US4967494A (en) * 1988-01-15 1990-11-06 Cabela's, Inc. Waterproof insulated sock with foot conforming capability
US5325541A (en) * 1993-01-29 1994-07-05 Gates-Mills, Inc. Waterproof oversock
US5394624A (en) * 1992-04-13 1995-03-07 Siepser; Steven B. Disposable surgical foot covering
US5526584A (en) * 1992-10-21 1996-06-18 Bleimhofer; Walter Sock-like shoe insert
US5636382A (en) * 1994-11-15 1997-06-10 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Protective systems for sensitive skin
US5970629A (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-10-26 Montrail, Inc. Footwear and composite liner for use in such footwear
US6880173B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2005-04-19 Solomon Green Waterproof boot liner
US7730555B2 (en) * 2003-12-06 2010-06-08 Texplorer Gmbh Protective clothing for the lower part of the leg
US20150230542A1 (en) * 2014-02-14 2015-08-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Gmbh Conformable Booties, Shoe Inserts, and Footwear Assemblies Made Therewith, and Waterproof Breathable Socks

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE392582B (sv) 1970-05-21 1977-04-04 Gore & Ass Forfarande vid framstellning av ett porost material, genom expandering och streckning av en tetrafluoretenpolymer framstelld i ett pastabildande strengsprutningsforfarande
US4194041A (en) 1978-06-29 1980-03-18 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Waterproof laminate
US4550446A (en) * 1982-03-31 1985-11-05 Jack Herman Insert type footwear
US4942214A (en) 1988-06-29 1990-07-17 W. L. Gore & Assoc. Inc. Flexible breathable polyurethane coatings and films, and the prepolymers from which they are made
DE9113139U1 (ja) * 1991-10-22 1993-02-18 W.L. Gore & Associates Gmbh, 8011 Putzbrunn, De
US5529830A (en) 1994-05-25 1996-06-25 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Two-way stretchable fabric laminate and articles made from it
US6935053B2 (en) * 2003-01-16 2005-08-30 Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Waterproof footwear and methods for making the same
US9021723B2 (en) * 2011-07-08 2015-05-05 Greg Meyer Waterproof breathable boot
DE102011086742B4 (de) * 2011-11-21 2019-12-19 Adidas Ag Schuh und Verfahren zur Herstellung zumindest eines Teilbereichs eines Schafts eines Schuhs
WO2013126314A2 (en) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Nike International Ltd. Footwear uppers with knitted tongue elements
US20130232818A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Strobel Footwear Construction
US20130232825A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Stretchable Insole
US20130291293A1 (en) * 2012-05-04 2013-11-07 Alexander W. Jessiman Integrated Stretch Padded Laminate and Footwear
EP2742820B1 (en) * 2012-12-14 2015-03-18 W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH Monofilament footwear lining
US9687040B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-06-27 W. L. Gore & Associates Gmbh Footwear with air permeable layer and air permeable portion in a lower peripheral area of the upper arrangement
JP5749774B2 (ja) * 2013-09-30 2015-07-15 美津濃株式会社 シューズ

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2314098A (en) * 1941-04-26 1943-03-16 Mary C Mcdonald Method of making shoes
US2771691A (en) * 1954-09-22 1956-11-27 J W Landenberger & Co Cushioned foot protector
US3562818A (en) * 1969-01-24 1971-02-16 Clarence G Burton Footsock
US4967494A (en) * 1988-01-15 1990-11-06 Cabela's, Inc. Waterproof insulated sock with foot conforming capability
US5394624A (en) * 1992-04-13 1995-03-07 Siepser; Steven B. Disposable surgical foot covering
US5526584A (en) * 1992-10-21 1996-06-18 Bleimhofer; Walter Sock-like shoe insert
US5325541A (en) * 1993-01-29 1994-07-05 Gates-Mills, Inc. Waterproof oversock
US5636382A (en) * 1994-11-15 1997-06-10 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Protective systems for sensitive skin
US5970629A (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-10-26 Montrail, Inc. Footwear and composite liner for use in such footwear
US6880173B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2005-04-19 Solomon Green Waterproof boot liner
US7730555B2 (en) * 2003-12-06 2010-06-08 Texplorer Gmbh Protective clothing for the lower part of the leg
US20150230542A1 (en) * 2014-02-14 2015-08-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Gmbh Conformable Booties, Shoe Inserts, and Footwear Assemblies Made Therewith, and Waterproof Breathable Socks

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190059503A1 (en) * 2017-08-23 2019-02-28 Drysteppers, LLC Overshoes and methods for manufacturing overshoes
US20210251339A1 (en) * 2018-09-28 2021-08-19 Mizuno Corporation Shoes
USD980589S1 (en) * 2020-12-18 2023-03-14 Peter Charles Whittington Convertible shoe

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2937001C (en) 2019-12-03
JP2017035471A (ja) 2017-02-16
CN106388132A (zh) 2017-02-15
CA2937001A1 (en) 2017-01-28
KR20170013837A (ko) 2017-02-07
WO2017016593A1 (en) 2017-02-02
EP3123885A1 (en) 2017-02-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20200146390A1 (en) Footwear
TWI689265B (zh) 具有多層之鞋類物件，用於鞋類物件之固定系統及製作方法
TWI724318B (zh) 編織組件及由一編織組件形成之物品
US20170027283A1 (en) Footwear assembly
US20130291293A1 (en) Integrated Stretch Padded Laminate and Footwear
US20190261731A1 (en) Booties and footwear assemblies comprising seamless extensible film, and methods therefor
CN111938263A (zh) 无鞋带的鞋
US11737518B2 (en) Article with at least two layers
CN106170221B (zh) 顺应性无缝内靴和鞋类组件，及其方法和鞋楦
FR1578531A (fr) Perfectionnements aux matériaux constitutifs de la partie supérieure des chasussures
US20140215851A1 (en) Footwear with flexible outer sole attached to water resistant textile upper
KR101100087B1 (ko) 통기성을 갖는 탄성밴드를 구비한 덧버선
US20200068995A1 (en) Shoe upper
US20190350305A1 (en) Watersport boot
NO178322B (no) Stövel, særlig for båt- eller vintersport
JP3211094U (ja) 靴下シューズ
KR20120113536A (ko) 지퍼달린 신발
KR102619373B1 (ko) 신발 커버를 갖는 우비

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATI S.R.L., ITALY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GIUPPONI, ANDREA;REEL/FRAME:045424/0380

Effective date: 20160905

Owner name: W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIEDERLE, GUENTER;REEL/FRAME:045424/0202

Effective date: 20160831

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION