U.S. patent application number 11/426181 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for integrated footwear construction and related method of manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.. Invention is credited to William J.B. Brown, Chao Ming Chin, Stephen M. Palmer, Peter Ruston, Chen Ching Shan.
Application Number | 20060265908 11/426181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34109111 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060265908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palmer; Stephen M. ; et
al. |
November 30, 2006 |
INTEGRATED FOOTWEAR CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED METHOD OF
MANUFACTURE
Abstract
An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing
membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is
further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one
embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the
footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may
be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added
rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region
between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the
durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the
comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the
shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct
attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel
cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole
is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.
Inventors: |
Palmer; Stephen M.;
(Hampstead, GB) ; Chin; Chao Ming; (Taipei,
TW) ; Ruston; Peter; (Coloane, MO) ; Shan;
Chen Ching; (Taipei, TW) ; Brown; William J.B.;
(Rockford, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP
900 FIFTH THIRD CENTER
111 LYON STREET, N.W.
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503-2487
US
|
Assignee: |
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
9341 Courtland Drive, NE
Rockford
MI
|
Family ID: |
34109111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426181 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10996198 |
Nov 23, 2004 |
7076889 |
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11426181 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
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10848670 |
May 19, 2004 |
7096602 |
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10996198 |
Nov 23, 2004 |
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10725647 |
Dec 2, 2003 |
7010867 |
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11426181 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
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60551392 |
Mar 9, 2004 |
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60491491 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43B
9/00 20130101; A43B 13/12 20130101; A43B 9/18 20130101; B29D 35/122
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/029 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/20 20060101
A43B013/20 |
Claims
1. A footwear construction comprising: an upper including an upper
forefoot portion, an upper heel portion, an upper lower portion and
a peripheral allowance; an outsole including an outsole forefoot
portion, an outsole arch portion, and an outsole heel portion; a
first construction securing the peripheral allowance to the outsole
forefoot portion, the first construction terminating short of the
outsole heel portion and the upper heel portion at an end; a heel
cradle between the peripheral allowance and the outsole heel
portion, a portion of the heel cradle exposed and visible to a
viewer; and a flange extending upwardly from the outsole, the
flange including a forward part and a reward part, an end of the
first construction terminating adjacent the flange forward part,
and the exposed portion of the heel cradle terminating adjacent the
flange rearward part.
2.-19. (canceled)
20. The footwear construction of claim 1 wherein the first
construction is stitched substantially only to the upper forefoot
portion.
21. The footwear construction of claim 1 wherein the flange
conceals the end of the first construction.
22. The footwear construction of claim 1 wherein the flange extends
upwardly in the outsole arch portion, and wherein the first
construction terminates in the outsole arch portion.
23. The footwear construction of claim 1 wherein the heel cradle is
cemented to the peripheral allowance and cemented to the outsole
heel portion.
24. A footwear construction including a forefoot portion, an arch
portion, and a heel portion comprising: an upper defining an
interior and including a peripheral allowance; a first construction
secured to the peripheral allowance in at least one of the forefoot
portion and the arch portion, the first construction terminating
short of the heel portion at a terminating end; and an outsole
including a flange extending upwardly from the outsole and located
at least partially in the arch portion, the terminating end of the
first construction positioned adjacent the flange, whereby the
terminating end transitions cleanly to the flange.
25. The footwear construction of claim 24 comprising a heel cradle
joined with the outsole in substantially only at least one of the
heel portion and the arch portion.
26. The footwear construction of claim 25 wherein the heel cradle
is cemented to the peripheral allowance and the outsole in the heel
portion.
27. A footwear construction including a forefoot portion, an arch
portion and a heel portion comprising: an upper including a
peripheral allowance; a first construction secured to the
peripheral allowance in at least one of the forefoot portion and
the arch portion, the first construction terminating short of the
heel portion at a terminating end; a heel cradle joined with the
peripheral allowance in said heel portion; and an outsole joined
with said first construction in said forefoot portion, said outsole
joined with said heel cradle, said outsole including a flange that
visibly separates the first construction from the heel cradle in at
least the arch portion.
28. The footwear construction of claim 27 wherein said outsole
defines an upwardly extending flange and wherein the terminating
end is concealed behind said flange so that the end is unviewable.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/551,392, filed Mar. 9, 2003, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/725,647, filed
Dec. 2, 2003, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/491,491, filed Jul. 31, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear and, more
particularly, to a footwear construction and method for making the
same.
[0003] There is an ongoing effort in the footwear industry to
produce footwear that provides durability, a high level of comfort,
and a degree of waterproofing. Such footwear is targeted toward
individuals who stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces
(e.g., concrete floors), who must travel on foot for significant
distances or who must occasionally traverse wet or damp areas or
worksites.
[0004] Conventional footwear constructions, however, provide one of
durability, comfort, or waterproofing, but usually not all three
because the features required for these characteristics typically
negate one another. For example, one construction known for its
durability is a direct attach construction, which may be
incorporated into work or hiking boots. In such a construction, a
midsole, constructed of a soft, resilient material provides a
uniform-depth cushion along the entire length of the shoe between
the upper and the more rigid and durable outsole. This midsole is
constructed with a process in which the midsole is "direct
attached" to the upper, from heel to toe, in a mold. In other
words, the midsole material is injected into a mold adjacent the
upper and, as the material cures, it bonds to the exposed portion
of the upper along the entire length of the footwear. To complete
the footwear, an outsole is glued to the midsole opposite the
upper. This direct attach midsole is thus joined very securely to
the upper to provide a durable shoe.
[0005] Although this construction is durable and aesthetically
pleasing, it sometimes compromises the flexibility and comfort of
the shoe due to the bond between the midsole and the upper, as well
as the uniform depth, sheet-like construction of the midsole along
the entire length of the footwear. Moreover, because the midsole
and outsole are substantially uniform from heel to toe of the
footwear, there is little or no cushion variation provided for
different regions of the foot, which in turn may compromise the
comfort of the shoe. Finally, the midsole, by itself, has minimal
waterproofing capabilities.
[0006] Although different constructions exist that provide desired
durability, waterproofing characteristics, or comfort, there
remains an unmet need for an integrated footwear construction that
provides the best of all requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The aforementioned problems are overcome in the present
invention, which provides a footwear construction including a
membrane direct attached to an upper in the forefoot and the heel
regions of the footwear to provide a waterproof barrier. The
membrane includes an aesthetic bead in the forefoot region of the
footwear, but not in the heel region.
[0008] In another embodiment, the thickness of the membrane is
greater in the forefoot region than in the heel region. The
membrane bead may be disposed around a perimeter of the membrane in
the forefoot region adjacent the thicker portion of the
membrane.
[0009] In another embodiment, the footwear construction may include
a heel cradle to provide the desired amount of heel cushioning and
stability. The heel cradle may be secured to the membrane and/or
upper rearward of the thicker portion of the membrane.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a water impermeable liner is
secured or joined with the upper. This liner cooperates with the
membrane to provide an ever greater degree of waterproofing.
[0011] The footwear of the present invention is manufactured by:
direct attaching a membrane to an upper in the forefoot and heel
region, the membrane including a thicker portion and/or an
aesthetic bead in the forefoot region; joining the upper and/or
membrane to an outsole; and optionally, securing a heel cradle
between the upper and the outsole in the heel region.
[0012] The present invention provides a revolutionary footwear
construction with an unparalleled combination of durability and
comfort. The direct attached membrane makes the forefoot region of
the footwear durable and well-supported. The membrane also renders
the footwear substantially waterproof in regions and along seams
previously difficult to waterproof. In the heel region of the
footwear, the heel cradle provides extraordinary comfort by
absorbing and returning energy produced in every step, and by
offering a comfortable platform to stand on for long periods.
[0013] These and other objects, advantages and features of the
invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by
reference to the detailed description of the invention and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is side elevational view of an article of footwear
incorporating the integrated construction of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the footwear taken along line
2-2 of FIG 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the footwear;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the footwear taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the footwear taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 6 is perspective view of a membrane of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the membrane taken along line
7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the membrane taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the membrane taken along line
9-9 of FIG. 6; and
[0023] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a direct attach method of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] A shoe incorporating the integrated construction of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated 10.
For purposes of the disclosure, the present invention is described
in connection with a 3/4 height boot, however, the present
invention is well suited for use with other types of soled
footwear.
[0025] In general, the shoe 10 includes an upper 20 secured to an
outsole 40. A membrane 60 is direct attached to the upper 20. The
direct attach membrane shown includes a bead 62 that terminates
short of the heel region of the shoe. The heel region includes a
heel cradle 50 positioned between the upper 20 and the outsole 40.
Here, the upper and/or membrane may be secured to the heel cradle
and/or outsole with an adhesive or cement.
[0026] As used herein, the term "arch region" refers generally to
the portion of the shoe corresponding to the arch of the wearer's
foot; the term "forefoot region" refers generally to the portion of
the shoe forward of the arch region corresponding to the forefoot
(e.g., the ball and the toes) of a wearer's foot; and the term
"heel region" refers generally to that portion of the shoe rearward
of the arch region corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot.
The forefoot region 42, arch region 43 and heel region 44 are
generally identified in FIG. 2, however, it is to be understood
that delineation of these regions may vary depending upon the
configuration of the footwear.
[0027] The upper 20 is generally conventional and will not be
described in detail. Suffice it to say that the upper 20 includes
vamp 22, quarters 24 and backstay 26. With reference to FIG. 3, the
upper 20 includes a lower portion that transitions to an allowance
23, also referred to as a peripheral allowance, which is folded
inward toward the center of the footwear. This peripheral
allowance, and in some cases, the lower portion of the upper, is
direct attached to the membrane 60, as described in detail below.
The peripheral allowances may be secured to the insole 70, or
optionally strobel stitched to an insole and/or fabric sock liner
(not shown). The upper 20 may be manufactured from leather, canvas,
nylon, or other suitable materials and may include a liner (not
shown) or other conventional accessories.
[0028] A water impermeable liner 72 is optionally secured to an
interior of the upper 20. This liner, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-5,
extends downward, toward the inwardly folded peripheral allowance
23. In one embodiment, the liner terminates a pre-selected distance
above the fold of the upper that forms the peripheral allowance. In
another embodiment, the liner extends upwardly to the uppermost
portion of the shoe 10. The liner may be constructed of any
material, but preferably is constructed from a water impermeable
fabric or material. Suitable materials include the material sold
under the trademark GORE-TEX, which is commercially available form
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Newark, Del., and the material
sold under the trademark SYMPATEX, which is commercially available
from SympaTex Technologies GmbH, Wupperstal, Germany. The liner ay
additionally or alternatively be constructed from a continuous
layer of waterproof thermoplastic or adhesive, which coats the
interior of the upper.
[0029] In the region defined between opposing edges of the
peripheral allowance, a filler 74 may be disposed. This filler may
be constructed from a conventional cushioning material, such as
polyurethane.
[0030] The outsole 40 is manufactured from a relatively hard rubber
or other sufficiently durable and wear-resistant material. The
bottom 46 includes an outer surface 48 that forms the wearing
surface of the outsole 40 and is contoured to the desired heel and
tread pattern. The outer surface 48 may be textured to improve the
traction and aesthetic appeal of the shoe. Optionally, the upper
surface 47 of the outsole may he textured as desired. As shown in
FIG. 3, the outsole 40 may include a wall 42 disposed in the arch
region 43. This wall may be substituted with a rounded barrier or
eliminated altogether. It also may be disposed in the forefoot
region 42 and/or the heel region 44 as desired. The wall may extend
partially or completely across the outsole, and optionally
terminate at the flange 49, which extends upwardly in at least the
arch region, and optionally in the heel region. The outsole 40 is
secured to the membrane 60 and the heel cradle 50 with cement or
adhesives, or as desired, direct attached to these components.
[0031] As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the membrane 60 is direct attached
to the peripheral allowance 23, and where included, the filler 74
along a substantial portion of the length of the footwear. In such
a direct attach construction, the material from which the membrane
is constructed bonds directly to the peripheral allowance, the
filler, and a lower portion of the upper. The membrane includes a
plate 63, which extends along the length of the footwear, and a
bead 62, which terminates forward of the heel region 44 without
extending into the heel region. However, in some applications, the
bead may extend into at least the arch region. The bead may be
secured to the upper 20 substantially only in the forefoot region
42, and may extend upwardly and around the lower periphery of the
upper in the forefoot.
[0032] For a clean appearance in the finished footwear, the ends of
the bead 62 and for the bead flange 64 are disposed behind the
flange 49 of the outsole 40. In this configuration, the ends of
these components are concealed from sight. As desired, the bead 62
and bead flange 64 may extend to the wall or barrier 42 of the
outsole. The membrane and its components may be manufactured from
polyvinyl chloride, hard durable rubber, or other materials as
desired.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 6-9, the membrane 60 will be
described in more detail. The membrane includes a plate 63, having
first 64 and second 69 sides. As shown, the first side 65 is formed
against and/or bonds to the upper 20 and filler 74 when the
membrane is direct attached to these components. The plate 63 is
relatively planar on its upper surface, i.e. the first side, and
substantially covers the opening defined between opposing
peripheral allowances 23 to effectively seal with a waterproof
barrier the lower portion of the upper 20. In the forefoot region
42 of the footwear, a first flange 66 extends upwardly adjacent the
upper 20, and is secured to the upper there by direct attachment.
Also in the forefoot region, the membrane includes a bead 62. The
bead extends downwardly from the insole plate a pre-selected
distance. At the lowermost portion of the bead, a second flange 64,
also referred to as a bead flange, extends outwardly around a
perimeter of the footwear in at least one of the forefoot region
and the arch region. As desired, the bead and flanges may exist
anywhere forward of the heel region.
[0034] The plate 63 in the region of the footwear where the bead 62
exists may be of equal or greater thickness than the region of the
footwear where there is no bead. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 8-9, the first thickness 68 of the membrane 60 in the forefoot
region 42 is greater than the second thickness 67 of the membrane
60 in the arch 43 and heel region 44. In an alternative embodiment,
the plate 63 is of a substantially equal thickness throughout the
length, and the bead is a downward extension of the first flange 66
to the bead flange 64. As desired, the membrane and all of the
flanges, the bead, and the plate may be a single, unitary, integral
component.
[0035] The membrane 60 and waterproof liner 72, which is secured
within or to the upper 20, may cooperate to render the interior of
the upper substantially waterproof.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2-3 the insole 70 extends along the entire
length of the shoe, and may be constructed of any conventional
cushioning material. In the heel region 44 and, optionally, the
arch region 43, the insole is secured via conventional means, for
example, adhesives, cement, stitching or the like to the interior
side of the peripheral allowance 23 of the upper. Optionally, a
shank 86 of steel, plastic or other material is secured to the
bottom of the insole 70 in the arch region 43 of the shoe. The
shank may be secured to other components of the shoe as desired,
and may overlap with the other regions, for example, the forefoot
region 47 and heel region 44.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the shoe includes a heel
cradle 50 that snugly fits in or adjacent the outsole 40. The heel
cradle 50 is preferably cup-shaped to cradle the heel of the wearer
and extend upwardly around at least a portion of the wearer's heel.
As shown, the heel cradle 50 is positioned substantially only in
the heel region 44 and terminates at or slightly within the arch
region 43. As desired, the cradle may terminate short of the arch
region or may extend beyond the arch region into the forefoot
region 42. This heel cradle is secured with adhesives or cement
directly to the upper 20. In the embodiments shown, the cradle is
adhered to the peripheral allowance 23 of the upper 20 and
optionally, a portion in the undersurface of the insole 70. The
heel cradle is preferably made from a low density cushioning
material. In one embodiment, the heel cradle 50 is constructed from
an ethylvinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The rigidity and the flexibility
of the EVA foam can be varied from application to application as
desired.
[0038] In the fully assembled footwear shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,
the outsole 40 is secured in the forefoot region to the membrane
60, and to at least the heel cradle 50 in the heel region 44. This
securement may be provided by cement, adhesives or other
conventional attachment means. When assembled, the rearmost portion
of the bead 62, including the bead flange 64 is adjacent the wall
42 of the outsole, however these components may also abut against
the wall as desired. In constructions where the outsole does not
include a wall, the heel cradle 50 may extend forward to abut or
join with the thicker portion of the membrane, or the membrane 60
may extend rearward to, abut against, or join with the heel cradle.
The shank 86 and exposed portion of the underside of the insole 70
may or may not be secured to the outsole 40 as desired.
Manufacture and Assembly
[0039] Manufacture of the shoe 10 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 3-6 and 100, The upper 20 is manufactured using
generally conventional techniques and apparatus. The desired upper
material (not shown) is cut to form the upper. Although not shown,
the upper may include multiple elements, such as a vamp, quarters
and a back stay. If included, these pieces of the upper are fitted
and sewn together. The water impermeable liner 72 is secured within
the upper via adhesives or stitching that does not deteriorate the
water impermeability of the liner in the desired areas. This liner
is fitted to the upper so that in the finished footwear, it extends
downward a sufficient distance so that the later-added membrane
terminates above the lowermost portion of the liner.
[0040] The insole 70 is fitted on a last 100, and the fitted upper
20 is stretched over the insole and the last. The peripheral
allowance 23 is secured with a cement, adhesive or other attachment
means to the underside of the insole 70. The peripheral allowance
23 may be temporarily tacked or stapled to the last to hold the
allowance in place. The filler 74 may further be cut and trimmed to
fit within the void defined between opposing sides of the
peripheral allowance 23. This filler may be cemented or adhered
within this void to the underside of the insole 70 and the edge of
the peripheral allowance 23 as desired.
[0041] With the upper 20 secured to the insole 70 as desired and
stretched over a last 100, these components are prepared for a
direct attach molding operation, which is shown in FIG. 10. The
last 100 is lowered against the membrane mold 120, which includes
side molds 112 and a bottom mold 114. Only one side mold 112 is
shown in FIG. 10, however, it is noted that a corresponding side
mold opposing the depicted side mold is included. Each side mold
112 wraps around the sides of the lasted upper 20, and mate with
one another at the front and rear of the shoe. The side molds 112
and bottom mold 114 cooperate to define a membrane cavity 130 of
varying thickness but running along the length of the footwear as
shown. This cavity 130 is greater in depth in the forefoot region
than in the heel region. Moreover, the cavity in the forefoot
portion further defines corresponding bead 162 and bead flange 164
voids that, when filled with material, form the bead and bead
flange of the completed membrane.
[0042] It is noted here that the varying depth and deletion of the
bead features in the heel region and/or arch region may be
accomplished using a mold insert 140 with the mold 120. As shown,
the insert 140 rests in the membrane cavity 130, and thereby
occupies the space that would otherwise be filled by material when
that material is injected into the cavity. The insert 140 further
extends upwardly to cover the bead 162 and bead flange 164 voids so
that material cannot enter those voids and form corresponding
features in the direct attach process. The insert is generally the
same shape as the heel and/or arch region of the footwear, and of a
depth that is a pre-selected amount less than the depth of the
membrane cavity. The insert may also include bead and flange
features (not shown) so that these features can more securely
interfit with the corresponding features of the side molds.
[0043] The side mold 112 includes a cavity side wall 115 which
generally forms a side wall of the finished membrane. The bottom
mold 120 may include a base wall 122, which generally forms the
bottom of the finished membrane. The base mold, or the insert 140
when included, may also include a membrane terminating wall 124.
The molds may be modified to form any portion or combination of
side walls, bottom walls or other walls as desired. Optionally, the
thicker region of the membrane cavity 130 in some applications may
extend rearward, into the arch region of the footwear, short of the
heel region. In which case, the terminating wall may be positioned
further rearward.
[0044] With the components of the mold 120, i.e., the side molds
112 and the bottom mold 114, positioned to form the membrane cavity
130, the appropriate volume of material to form the membrane 60 is
injected or poured through port 150 into the cavity 130.
Preferably, the mold 110 holds the upper 20 firmly enough to
prevent material from exiting the mold 110 from the top of the
cavity 130. As the material 131 is introduced into the cavity 133,
it substantially fills the cavity 130 until the entire membrane 60
is formed.
[0045] The midsole material 131 is allowed to sufficiently cure and
direct attach the membrane 60 to the upper 20, filler 74, and/or
insole 70. The side molds 110 are moved away from the footwear in
the direction of the arrows 111. The last 100 is moved upward in
the direction indicated with the vertical arrow 101. Any excess
flashing resulting from the direct attach process may be trimmed
from the membrane. With the flashing trimmed from the membrane 60,
the membrane is readied for securing the outsole 40 to it.
Optionally, a shank 86 may be secured to the undersurface of the
filler 74.
[0046] The outsole 40 is injection molded or pour molded from a
hard, durable rubber using conventional molding apparatus. Its
construction may be completed before any other components of the
footwear are assembled as desired. The tread pattern 48 on the
lower surface 46, the upwardly extending flanges 48, and the wall
42 of the outsole are formed during the molding operation as
integral parts of the outsole 40. With the outsole manufactured,
the heel cradle 50 is secured to the outsole 40 in the heel region
44. In those applications where a large heel cradle is used, the
cradle may also be secured to the arch region and possibly extend
into the forefoot region 42 as desired. These components may be
secured together with cement, adhesive or other attachment
means.
[0047] In another step, the outsole 40 is secured with cement or
adhesives to the membrane 60 along the entire length of the
membrane. Preferably, the terminating end of the beaded region of
the membrane aligns with the wall 42 of the outsole 40 so that it
is disposed adjacent and/or abuts the wall. In one embodiment, the
outsole is secured to the remainder of the footwear so that the
flange 48 conceals the terminating end of the bead 62 and bead
flange 64 and provides a clean appearance. In the heel region 44,
the heel cradle is adhered or cemented to the peripheral allowance
23 of the upper, and where exposed, the undersurface of the insole
70. In the arch region, the outsole is secured to the other
components of the shoe as desired.
[0048] With the outsole 40 secured to the membrane 60 and heel
cradle 50/upper 20, the shoe 10 may be removed from the last. A
number of conventional finishing operations may then be performed
on the shoe 10. For example, the edges of the membrane 60, the
membrane bead 62, and bead flange 64, and the outsole 40 are
trimmed and shaped; and the upper 20 is cleaned, polished and
treated as appropriate and necessary.
[0049] The above descriptions are those of the preferred
embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can
be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of
the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be
interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law
including the doctrine of equivalents. Any references to claim
elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a,"
"an," "the" or "the," is not to be construed as limiting the
element to the singular.
* * * * *