U.S. patent application number 11/780979 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for breathable-waterproof footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Clotilde RUBAN.
Application Number | 20080016717 11/780979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37719294 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080016717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RUBAN; Clotilde |
January 24, 2008 |
BREATHABLE-WATERPROOF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An article of footwear including an outer sole on which an outer
upper is mounted, the upper including several pieces assembled
together by stitching. The pieces of the upper are made of
breathable-waterproof material, at least the visible assembly seams
of the upper being covered by a waterproofing strip arranged on the
outside of the upper. The upper includes a three-layered laminated
material including a breathable-waterproof membrane, sandwiched
between an inner lining fabric and an outer envelope fabric.
Inventors: |
RUBAN; Clotilde; (SEYNOD,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
37719294 |
Appl. No.: |
11/780979 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/21 ; 36/30R;
36/50.1; 36/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/022 20130101;
A43B 23/0295 20130101; A43B 7/125 20130101; A43B 23/025 20130101;
A43B 23/0255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/21 ; 36/30.R;
36/50.1; 36/54 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/28 20060101
A43B013/28; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12; A43B 23/26 20060101
A43B023/26; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 21, 2006 |
FR |
06.06705 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an outer sole; an outer upper
mounted upon the outer sole, the upper comprising: a plurality
pieces assembled by at least one stitched assembly seam, said at
least one stitched assembly seam including a visible stitched
assembly seam; the plurality of pieces comprising
breathable-waterproof material; at least the visible assembly seam
of the outer upper is covered by a waterproofing sealing strip
arranged outside the outer upper.
2. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
plurality of pieces of the upper comprises a three-layered
laminated material comprising a breathable-waterproof membrane
sandwiched between an inner lining fabric and an outer envelope
fabric.
3. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
plurality of pieces of the upper comprises a slightly extensible
material.
4. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
waterproofing sealing strip comprises at least one layer of
thermofusible adhesive and at least one layer of textile
material.
5. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: the
waterproofing sealing strip is extensible.
6. An article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein: each of
the plurality of pieces of the outer upper comprises a textile
material having interstices between fibers of the textile material;
thermofusible adhesive of the layer of thermofusible adhesive of
the waterproofing sealing strip is infused, at least partially, in
the interstices between the fibers of the textile material of the
outer upper.
7. An article of footwear shoe according to claim 1, wherein: the
outer upper is closed.
8. An article of footwear shoe according to claim 1, wherein: said
plurality of pieces of the outer upper includes a vamp; a
longitudinal opening extends adjacent said vamp; and a tongue is
positioned within said opening, said tongue being secured to an
inner side of said vamp.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
of French Patent Application No. 06.06705, filed on Jul. 21, 2006,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to the field of footwear, and more
particularly to sports shoes, particularly for walking, running,
that are breathable and waterproof.
[0004] 2. Description of Background and Other Information
[0005] In the context of the invention, the term waterproof refers
to a shoe which is waterproof or water-resistant, meaning a shoe in
which at least one functional layer of the upper acts at least as a
barrier to water or other liquid penetration. The term
breathable-waterproof, in this context, means that the shoe allows
water vapor to escape through the upper, i.e., from the foot out
(perspiration), while being impervious to water coming in from the
outside.
[0006] A shoe is conventionally made of an outer sole, which can be
flexible or rigid, on which an upper is mounted that covers the
user's foot.
[0007] The upper must form a three-dimensional envelope that is as
close to the shape of a user's foot as possible. This upper is most
of the time made of several pieces, which are cut out and assembled
to one another by means of seams, so as to form the
three-dimensional envelope. Generally, the shape of such pieces and
their constituent materials are dependent upon the position of the
pieces and their intended function. In the case of a sports shoe,
the upper can also include attached protective and/or shaping
elements such as a front end reinforcement, generally made of thick
leather (or similar material) or rubber, and a heel stiffener.
[0008] In most shoes, and particular sports shoes, the upper
includes inner and outer lateral quarters, which are separated by a
longitudinal opening and are adapted to be moved closer to one
another by means of a tightening mechanism, usually a lace
mechanism arranged along each of the edges of the opening.
[0009] The typical construction of a so-called waterproof or
breathable-waterproof shoe is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,599,810.
[0010] Such a shoe includes an outer upper made of breathable
material, normally non-waterproof, such as leather or fabric, and
an inner liner arranged inside the outer upper, made of
breathable-waterproof material, generally including a
breathable-waterproof membrane, such as sold under the trade names
GoreTex.RTM., Sympatex.RTM., Event.RTM., etc.
[0011] The liner is made of several pieces stitched together, each
stitch being then covered by a sealing strip.
[0012] This construction is complicated and costly because it
requires an additional layer (liner) to be made, because the
breathable-waterproof material used for the liner is very
expensive, and because all the stitches must be waterproofed. The
material used for the liner is generally inextensible, which makes
it even more complicated and expensive to manufacture.
[0013] In addition, the material used for making the liner and the
sealing strip is relatively fragile, and it is important to not
damage it in order to have a truly waterproof construction. For
this reason, the liner is completely hidden inside the shoe.
[0014] In addition, the waterproof liner is in direct contact with
the foot, which can be uncomfortable as the material is generally
inextensible and causes a "dry touch" for the wearer, i.e., in
contrast to a soft or cozy sensation, contrary to traditional shoes
having foam liners that are softer or cozier to the touch.
[0015] Naturally, although comfort foams are generally provided,
they are arranged between the waterproof liner and the outer upper,
thus quite far from the foot. In addition, such comfort foams are
not protected from moisture and can become wet by water penetrating
through the non-waterproof outer-upper. If such foams become wet,
the comfort of the shoe is naturally affected, even if the user's
foot remains dry.
[0016] Finally, such waterproof liners do not typically extend up
to the upper end of the shoe, which can also be detrimental,
moisture and water penetrating inside the shoe through the upper,
non-waterproof edge of the shoe.
[0017] It is also known to waterproof leather shoes by applying a
sealant, such as oil, wax, rubber, or any other waterproof
material, in the outer upper of shoe. The drawback of such
waterproofing techniques is that they close the pores of the
leather, and therefore eliminate any breathability, causing
moisture from perspiration to condense around the foot. In
addition, these waterproofing techniques do not allow the holes
left by the stitching during assembly of the upper to be completely
closed.
[0018] Finally, the coating, depending upon its type, must be
reapplied more or less frequently.
[0019] There are also completely waterproof shoe constructions,
such as rubber boots, made of waterproof material, molded and
welded, but such boots do not allow any moisture to escape from
inside the boot, therefore causing such boots to be uncomfortable
and unpleasant to wear. In addition, such boots generally do not
include any means for tightening and cannot be used in sports such
as walking or running.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned
drawbacks.
[0021] The invention provides an improved waterproof construction
for an article of footwear, such as a shoe, and, more particularly,
a breathable-waterproof construction. The invention also optimizes
the construction of the article of footwear.
[0022] The improved and optimized footwear according to the
invention is of the type including an outer sole on which an outer
upper is mounted, the upper including several inlays assembled by
seams, the inlays of the upper being made of breathable-waterproof
material, and at least the visible assembly seams of the upper
being covered by a sealing strip arranged outside the upper.
[0023] With this construction, the boot is waterproofed from the
outside and therefore has low or no risk of water penetration. In
other words, the outer upper gets its primary function back, which
is to constitute a waterproof barrier to outside elements,
including water and moisture. In addition, optional comfort
elements provided inside the waterproof outer upper do not risk
becoming wet and damaged, which results in greater comfort for the
wearer. Furthermore, the construction of the upper, with
waterproofing from the outside, is much easier to carry out as it
does not require an additional liner to be made.
[0024] Finally, arranging a sealing strip outside of the upper
gives the boot assembly a very particular aesthetic appearance.
Moreover, the strip protects the seams from abrasion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention will be better understood from the description
that follows, with reference to the annexed schematic drawings
showing several embodiments by way of non-limiting examples, in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a shoe according to the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 1a is a view similar to FIG. 1 according to an
alternative embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, schematic view along the line
II-II of the shoe of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of
the shoe of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the material of the upper;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, in partial perspective,
according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a shoe, in this case a sports shoe 1, made of
an outer upper 10, an outer sole 2, the upper 10 being capable of
being mounted on the outer sole 2 by any known technique, for
example by gluing, overmolding, or other technique. Although the
term "shoe" is used in describing the illustrated embodiments of
invention, the term is not intended to be limiting, i.e., the
invention encompassing footwear in general, including that which
include upper edges that lie beneath the ankle, those at the ankle,
and those that extend above the ankle.
[0034] The upper 10 of the shoe is substantially a flexible upper,
that is, formed of primary pieces of flexible material, or
relatively flexible materials, while including complementary rigid
or semi-rigid elements, particularly for shaping the shoe. Such
complementary materials particularly include a heel stiffener 11,
arranged inside the upper 10 and shown in broken lines in FIG. 1,
and a front end piece 12, arranged at the front end of the upper 10
and used for shaping the upper 10 in the toe area as well as for
protecting the upper. In the assembly shown, the end piece 12 is
molded in TPU, PU, PVC, textile or rubber, glued directly on the
upper before assembly on the sole 2.
[0035] Depending upon the embodiment and/or the type of shoe, such
an end piece 12 can be provided inside the shoe, in the same manner
as the heel stiffener, or can be omitted.
[0036] The assembly which comprises the upper 10, in the
illustrated embodiment, includes a vamp 13 made of several parts
13d, 13c assembled by a seam 16c, such as stitching, which cover
the entire front and rear of the wearer's foot. The vamp 13 can
also be made in one piece.
[0037] The upper also demarcates a horizontal opening 4 for
insertion of the foot inside the shoe, and a tightening zone 5 in
the area of the wearer's instep.
[0038] In the area of the instep, the vamp 13 or part of the vamp
13d can be a unitary piece, i.e., a single piece, or, as shown in
the illustrated embodiment, it can demarcate a longitudinal opening
14 inside of which a tongue 15 is positioned. In any case, the
assembly of the vamp 13 and tongue 15 (and therefore the upper 10)
is closed, and the tongue 15 can be connected to the vamp 13 by
more flexible flaps of material forming gussets.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the vamp 13 and the tongue 15
are made of breathable-waterproof material constituted of three
laminated layers, namely, from outside-in (see FIG. 5): [0040] a
first layer 13a made of extensible, polyester-, polyamide-based
repellent-treated material having a resistance to abrasion of 30
cycles minimum, according to the DIN/ISO 05470-2 standard; [0041] a
second layer 13b made of a breathable-waterproof membrane such as a
PU film, a membrane known by the trade names Gore.RTM.,
Sympatex.RTM., Event.RTM.; and [0042] a third layer 13c made of a
mesh of polyester or polyamide, this layer 13c being less
extensible than the layer 13a. This third layer can be omitted in
certain less stressed areas (for example the heel comfort zone); it
can also be associated with a comfort foam including (or not
including) 1 to 8 mm perforations and laminated at the same
time.
[0043] The three-layer assembly constitutes a slightly extensible
complex having an elongation rate comprised between 30% and 150%,
which enables the upper to properly adapt to the volume of the
foot.
[0044] The extensibility should not be too substantial so as not to
hinder the tightening of the shoe. Extensibility is however
substantial, as it allows a pattern-cutting requiring a minimum of
seams, and therefore a minimum of labor for waterproofing, while
providing the upper with a very aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0045] Good results can be achieved with a polyester-based complex
in which the various layers have the following compositions: [0046]
first polyester layer; [0047] second PU film layer (membrane);
[0048] third polyester "mono mesh" layer.
[0049] Even if the first layer 13a does not have a very strong
resistance to abrasion, for example 30 cycles, in accordance with
DIN/ISO 05470-2 standard, its combination with the third layer 13c,
which is less extensible, surprisingly provides the assembly with
resistance to abrasion on the order of 100 cycles, in accordance
with the DIN/ISO 05470-2 standard on the Martindale machine, and is
adequate for use in sports shoes.
[0050] Depending on the type of application of the shoe, different
abrasion resistance values, more or less substantial, can be
implemented.
[0051] The tongue 15 is made of the same material as the vamp 13
and is lined, as known, in its central area with foam cushioning or
equivalent.
[0052] Because this material is very flexible and thin, the edges
of the tongue 15 are sufficiently flexible to constitute gussets.
The gussets can also be constituted of appropriate inlays made of
an identical or different material.
[0053] As mentioned above, the assembly of the vamp 13 and tongue
15 can be made as a unitary piece.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue 15 is assembled to
the upper by means of turned under seams 15a that can be made
impervious, as known, by sealing strips (not visible in the
drawing) arranged therein. Such turned under seams 15a are
considered to be invisible, not apparent when the shoe is worn.
Keepers 25 adapted to receive a tightening lace 26 are fixed by
stitching and/or gluing on the vamp 13 along the edges of the
opening 14. These keepers 25, constituted by folded straps, are
fixed by stitching and/or gluing on the vamp 13, and the assembly
is reinforced by means of a strip 30 made of waterproof material,
such as PU/PVC or polyester, fixed by gluing. The method for fixing
these keepers 25 can be such as disclosed in the commonly owned
patent document FR 2 865 616 and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2005/0166426, the disclosure of the latter of which
is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the shoe in the heel area,
that is, in a zone where comfort elements are arranged.
[0056] In this case, a lining 19 is fixed to the vamp 13 in the
area of the vamp's upper end, by means of a turned-under seam 19a.
This seam 19a, of the invisible type, is made waterproof in a known
manner by a sealing strip 19b arranged on the inside. The lining 19
extends to the area of the insole 3 and is assembled to the insole
at the same time as the vamp 13 by a seam, such as stitching 3a,
locally or over the entire upper.
[0057] One comfort foam 20, or a plurality/several comfort foams
20, is/are sandwiched between the lining and the vamp 13 at
appropriate locations, where comfort is desired.
[0058] Depending upon the type of shoe, the lining 19 can be
provided over the entire surface of the vamp 13, or over part of
it, or the liming can even be completely omitted. In such case, the
turned-under seam 19a is hidden, that is, invisible, and does not
need to be protected by an outer sealing strip.
[0059] Furthermore, the turned-under seam is in a zone that is less
exposed to moisture, and the inner sealing strip could, in some
cases, even be omitted.
[0060] The upper 10 also includes, in its lower portion, a
quasi-peripheral reinforcement 16, which extends from one end to
the other end of the toe cap 12 by extending around the rear of the
shoe.
[0061] This reinforcement 16 extends down to the bottom of the
upper in the so-called lasting-allowance area.
[0062] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the reinforcement 16 is fixed
to the insole, referred to as the Strobel 3, at the same time as
the upper 10 by means of a common seam/stitching 3a.
[0063] The outer sole 2 is then fixed to the assembly by any known
means, for example, by gluing.
[0064] Depending upon the type of shoe, the insole 3 could be more
rigid than a Strobel sole, the upper being then assembled to the
insole by gluing.
[0065] The reinforcement 16 is made of waterproof and
abrasion-proof material, in any case more resistant than the
material of the upper 10. It can be made, for example, of a
laminated PU layer/non-woven layer such as PU/PVC, non-woven
polyester.
[0066] The reinforcement 16 is fixed to the upper 10 by a seam 17.
In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement 16 includes two
lateral portions 16a and a rear portion 16b, assembled together by
a visible seam 16c after being superimposed. The seam 16c also
assembles the front 13d and rear 13e portions of the vamp 13.
[0067] According to the invention, each of the seams 16c, 17 is
covered by a sealing strip 18. In order to optimize the
waterproofness, the reinforcements 16 could also be assembled to
the vamp 13 by means of ultrasonic welding, or by means of other
type of welding, or by means of gluing.
[0068] The sealing strip can be, for example, that which is sold
under the trade name Capri de Framis.RTM. and constituted of a
layer of polyurethane glue 18a or any other thermofusible adhesive
material, and of a textile layer 18b made of abrasion-resistant and
extensible material.
[0069] Depending upon the embodiment, the textile layer can include
polyamide and spandex, while the strip 18 is made of 62.3%
polyurethane, 27.3% polyamide, and 10.4% spandex.
[0070] Other materials can be selected for the strip, particularly
as a function of the type or types of material of the upper.
[0071] The width of the strip is 12 mm, but can be between 5 mm and
20 mm. Such a strip 18 is waterproof and also very extensible. Its
elongation rate is on the order of 200% in the illustrated
embodiment, and could advantageously be between 30% and 300%.
[0072] The extensibility of the strip 18 enables the latter to
deform and to easily adapt to the outline of the seams 16c, 17,
which are not completely rectilinear.
[0073] In addition, its width ensures that the strip indeed covers
all of the seams, even if its direction slightly differs from that
of the seams.
[0074] The sealing strip 18 offers numerous advantages: [0075]
first, it waterproofs the upper from the outside, which guarantees
against any risk of water penetration, for example, through the
seams or through the thickness of the material; [0076] it protects
the seams against abrasion; [0077] it provides a very innovative
and aesthetically attractive appearance.
[0078] With respect to aesthetics, one can select a sealing strip
having a color that contrasts with or is similar to that of the
upper material.
[0079] Finally, the layer of thermofusible adhesive creeps and,
thereby, becomes at least partially infused into the interstices
between the fibers of the textile material of the upper and
contributes to in-depth waterproofing.
[0080] The sealing strip 18 can also be used beyond the seams for
an optimum aesthetic appearance. Thus, in the illustrated
embodiment, the sealing strip forms a downwardly-open V in the heel
area, only one branch of which covers the seam 16c between the two
reinforcement portions 16.
[0081] The pattern cutting of the vamp 13 and reinforcements 16
must also be designed so that the assembly seams are as flat as
possible, and in any case, without any substantial change in the
curvature so as not to hinder the positioning of the sealing strips
and for a better appearance.
[0082] The upper construction according to the invention in which a
breathable-waterproof laminated material is positioned outside the
upper is totally contrary to preconceived ideas about having the
waterproof envelope in the foot area and brings numerous advantages
in terms of aesthetics, lightness, and efficiency.
[0083] Waterproofing the outside of the shoe is indeed much more
efficient.
[0084] In order to increase waterproofness, one can also provide
for: [0085] applying waterproof TPU glue over all the base seams 3a
of the upper (upper/sole assembly); [0086] applying waterproof TPU
glue inside the seams 17, which are waterproofed by the strip 18 on
the upper.
[0087] In addition, the aspect of comfort is completely dissociated
from the aspect of waterproofness, and comfort is increased.
Finally, the construction makes it possible to lighten the
structure, and especially to eliminate the additional waterproofing
liner, and to facilitate the manufacture insofar as the seams to
waterproof are considerably reduced due to the use of elastic
materials.
[0088] Finally, the construction is waterproof up to the top of the
shoe, contrary to the presently known types of constructions.
[0089] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1a, and for
which similar or identical elements are designated by the same
reference numerals, the tongue 15 extends forwardly to the area of
the toe cap 12 and is connected on both sides to the vamp 13 by
means of two longitudinal seams 17a, which are waterproofed from
the outside by a strip 18.
[0090] In this embodiment, the seams 17a can be of the same type as
the seams 17 shown in FIG. 2.
[0091] In this case, the tongue 15 has a pattern-cutting adapted to
making gussets in the lacing zone 15.
[0092] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment in which similar or
identical elements are designated by the same reference
numerals.
[0093] In this case, the only difference with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 to 3 is that the vamp 13 stops in the area of its junction
(seam 17) with the reinforcement 16.
[0094] In other words, the vamp 13 does not extend down to the
insole 3.
[0095] The advantage of this construction is that the shoe is made
lighter. Furthermore, it can be more comfortable since it does not
have any excess thickness.
[0096] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the assembly seams 27
between the vamp 13 and the reinforcement 16. In this case, the
seam 27 is a zigzag seam. Such a seam is advantageous in case an
elastic material is used and it also makes it possible to connect
the fabrics/inlays 13/16 arranged end-to-end, resulting in a
quasi-to-total lack of excess thickness, and therefore in increased
comfort.
[0097] The present invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments hereinabove described by way of non-limiting examples,
but encompasses all the similar or equivalent embodiments.
* * * * *