U.S. patent application number 12/266286 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for golf shoe mesh upper with a moisture resistant guard.
Invention is credited to Marco Aurelio GROTT, Gerald KUHTZ, David ORTLEY.
Application Number | 20090119948 12/266286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40622354 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090119948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ORTLEY; David ; et
al. |
May 14, 2009 |
Golf Shoe Mesh Upper with a Moisture Resistant Guard
Abstract
An article of footwear including a sole having a ground engaging
surface; an upper having a toe region, heel region and a vamp
portion. The upper has a first layer which is water impermeable and
a second layer which is vapor and air permeable. The first layer
extends in an upward direction from the featherline of the sole to
a height on the upper which is at least 1.5 inches above the ground
engaging surface of the sole and is attached to the second layer at
height. The height at which the first layer extends and is attached
to the second layer can vary along the upper in a toe-to-heel
direction.
Inventors: |
ORTLEY; David; (Encintas,
CA) ; GROTT; Marco Aurelio; (San Marcos, CA) ;
KUHTZ; Gerald; (Encinitas, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX P.L.L.C.
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
40622354 |
Appl. No.: |
12/266286 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60986838 |
Nov 9, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/84 ; 36/114;
36/45; 36/67A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/125 20130101;
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43B 5/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/84 ; 36/114;
36/45; 36/67.A |
International
Class: |
A43B 1/00 20060101
A43B001/00; A43B 5/00 20060101 A43B005/00; A43B 23/00 20060101
A43B023/00; A43C 15/00 20060101 A43C015/00 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole; and an upper having
a toe region and heel region; wherein said upper has a first
portion which is water impermeable and a second portion which is
air permeable; wherein said first portion extends from said sole to
a point between 20% and 70% of the height of said upper in said toe
region.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said first portion
extends from said sole to a point between 20% and 70% the height of
said upper in said heel region.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said first portion
extends approximately 50% of the height of said upper in said toe
region.
4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said first portion
extends approximately 50% of the height of said upper in said heel
region.
5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said first portion
comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said second portion
comprises a mesh material.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein the first region
comprises a material which extends from a medial side of the upper,
under the foot, to a lateral side of the upper.
8. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole having a ground
engaging surface; an upper having a toe region, heel region and a
vamp portion; wherein said upper has a first layer which is water
impermeable and a second layer which is vapor and air permeable;
wherein said first layer extends from said sole to a height on said
upper which is at least 1.5 inches above said ground engaging
surface of said sole; and wherein said first layer is attached to
said second layer at said height.
9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein said second layer
extends from said height on said upper to said vamp portion.
10. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein said second layer
extends from said sole to said vamp portion.
11. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein said height in
which said first layer extends varies along said upper from said
toe region to said heel region.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein said height in
which said first layer extends along said upper is greater in said
toe region than in said heel region.
13. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein said first layer is
thermoplastic polyurethane.
14. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein said second layer
is a mesh material.
15. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole having a ground
engaging surface; an upper having a vamp region; wherein said upper
has an inner layer which is air permeable and an outer layer which
is water impermeable; wherein said inner layer has an internal
surface and an external surface; and wherein said outer layer
extends upward from said sole to a point on said upper that is at
20% to 70% of the height from said ground engaging surface to said
vamp region and is attached to said external surface of said inner
layer.
16. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein said outer layer
extends approximately 50% of the height from said ground engaging
surface to said vamp region.
17. The article of footwear of claim 14, further comprising: a
lining, wherein said lining is attached to said internal surface of
said inner layer.
18. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein said outer layer
of said upper is thermoplastic polyurethane.
19. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein said inner layer
of said upper is a mesh material.
20. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein said ground
engaging surface has at least one cleat.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Application No.
60/986,838, filed Nov. 9, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is related to footwear and more
particularly an article of athletic-type footwear for golf having
an upper which is waterproof in certain regions and breathable in
others.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] The need for providing an article of footwear that is
moisture-proof while retaining breathability is well known in the
field of sports. Particularly in golf, there is a need for a
lightweight breathable shoe that also provides protection from mud
and water.
[0006] Traditionally golf shoes are constructed from leather.
Today, the vast majority of golf shoes are made from waterproof
leather. However, there has been a shift away from traditional
leather golf shoes to more athletic-type shoes. The athletic-type
shoe has allowed for lightweight golf shoes.
[0007] An important characteristic of golf shoes is to resist or
prevent the foot of the golfer from being exposed to moisture.
Having a waterproof or water resistant shoe is extremely important
for golfers since it protects the wearer from the elements, such as
wet grass and mud. Many golf shoes are made to be entirely
waterproof or water resistant. While such shoes prevent moisture
from entering the shoe, they also keep heat and moisture in the
shoe. Thus many shoes designed to prevent moisture from entering
the footwear do not properly breathe and therefore may cause
discomfort due to heat.
[0008] In addition waterproof shoes are expensive to manufacture.
The material for waterproof shoes can be more expensive and
generally, there are increased production costs to ensure
water-tightness along the seams of where the waterproof material is
attached to the footwear.
[0009] In addition, sometimes moisture management and breathability
are at odds. Waterproof shoes are often made of a laminate which is
not air permeable, thus making the shoe uncomfortable to the
wearer.
[0010] Conventionally, a waterproof shoe is made by sewing a liner
made of a waterproof material to an additional inner liner.
Typically, the waterproof material is made into a sock-like
structure and is disposed towards the interior of the article of
footwear. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,335 to
Chen.
[0011] However, in sports such as golf, the footwear is generally
not completely immersed in water, when used under fair weather
conditions, but only exposed on a lower portion such that it is not
necessary for the entire upper to be made from waterproof or liquid
impermeable material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a mesh upper for an article
of footwear with a strategically positioned protective outer layer
for optimized breathability and moisture resistance.
[0013] Presented herein is an article of footwear having a sole and
an upper wherein the upper has a first portion extending from the
juncture of the sole and the upper (the featherline) to a midline
of the upper and a second portion extending from the midline to the
vamp portion of the upper. Alternatively, the first portion may be
extended above the midline in the toe region and/or heel
region.
[0014] The first portion is formed from a hydrophobic material or a
material which resists or eliminates the penetration of moisture
through the first portion. The second portion is formed of a vapor
and air permeable material.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
article of footwear has a sole and an upper with a first layer and
a second layer. The first layer extends in an upward direction from
the featherline of the sole to a point that is 20% to 70% of the
height of the upper. The second layer is attached to the first
layer and extends upwards from the place of attachment with the
first layer to a vamp or tongue portion. Alternatively, the second
layer may extend from the sole to the vamp or tongue portion.
[0016] The first layer is formed from a hydrophobic material or a
material which prevents or inhibits moisture from passing there
through and the second layer is made from an air permeable
material.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
article of footwear has a sole with a ground engaging surface and
an upper with an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer
layer is attached to an external surface of the inner layer. The
outer layer is attached to the external surface of the inner layer
at a height that is at least about 1.5 inches above the ground
engaging surface.
[0018] The inner layer is made from an air permeable material and
the outer layer is formed from a hydrophobic material or a material
which prevents or inhibits moisture from passing there through to
the inner layer.
[0019] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present
invention, as well as the structure and operation of the various
embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0021] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and
form part of the specification, illustrate an athletic shoe.
Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain
the principles of the athletic shoe described herein and thereby
enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the
athletic shoe.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side-view of an article of footwear of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded side-view of an article of footwear of
FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an alternative partial cross-sectional view of an
upper of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Preferred embodiments of an athletic shoe are described
below with reference to the figures where like reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the
figures, the left most digit of each reference number corresponds
to the figure in which the reference number is used. While specific
configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be
understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A
person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other
configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an athletic shoe 100. Shoe 100 is comprised of
sole 110 and an upper 120. An insole or removable sockliner is
typically included within the shoe, but is not shown in the
figures. The shoe is completed with a tongue portion 130 and
shoelaces 140. Tongue portion 130 and shoelaces 140, are optional
as would be known to one of skill in the art. For example, it is
possible to use any known closure system for a shoe without
departing from the invention
[0028] Sole 110 is generally comprised of outsole 112 and midsole
114. Outsole 112 is typically made of a wear-resistant rubber
material. In other embodiments, as would be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art, the ground engaging surface 118 of the
sole can include hard cleats made of rubber, removable metal
cleats, soft removable cleats or any other suitable ground engaging
element when shoe 100 is used as a golf shoe.
[0029] Midsole 114 is typically made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate
(EVA) material or polyurethane foam. Alternatively, midsole 114 may
be made of a durable foam such that shoe 100 may be made without an
outsole.
[0030] The soles of shoes, including golf shoes, have developed
significantly in the past decade. With the use of mechanical
inserts, air bags, and other exotic materials such as gels and
honeycombs, it is sometimes difficult to specifically identify and
label specific portions of the shoe. For purposes of this
disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the sole, while typically having a foam midsole,
may have other components that make up the sole.
[0031] Upper 120, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes first portion
122 and a second portion 124. First portion 122 extends from at
least the featherline 116 of sole 110 in an upward direction to a
midline 126 and wraps around shoe 100 from medial side 150 to
lateral side 160. Midline or point 126 is located above featherline
116 at a height H. First portion 122 is attached to second portion
124 at midline 126 creating seam 127. Alternatively, lower portion
122 can be extended above midline 126 in toe or forefoot region 170
and/or extended above midline 126 in a heel or rearfoot region
180.
[0032] Typically, the height H must be far enough above the ground
so that, as a practical matter, the wearer will not be subject to
significant moisture while playing golf. Generally, the first
portion 122 will extend from sole 110 to a point between 20% and
70% the height of the upper in toe region 170. While the height and
moisture of the rough on golf courses vary, the top of the first
portion should extend at least about 1.5 inches above the ground
engaging surface of the sole when the shoe is resting on a flat
surface.
[0033] Further, height H in which first portion extends may vary
along upper 120 in a toe-to-heel direction. As such, seam 127
between the first lower portion and the remaining second portion
need not be a straight line. It may be contoured for ornamental
reasons as well as to avoid interference with the natural gait of
the wearer. Accordingly, first portion 120 may extend to a height H
in toe region 170 that is greater than a height H in heel region
180 or vice-a-versa.
[0034] First portion 122 is preferably formed of a synthetic
material that is liquid impermeable or hydrophobic to protect the
wearer's foot from exposure to water and other liquids. In the case
that first portion 122 is made from a synthetic material, the
material may be treated to make the material waterproof. For
example, the first portion or layer may be formed of thermoplastic
polyurethane. Alternatively, the first portion may be made from
polyurethane microfiber backed synthetic or any other suitable
materials known in the art that is water repellant, water resistant
or water proof.
[0035] First portion 122 made be pre-formed or premanufactured and
then attached to sole 110. First portion 122 is attached to sole
110 at featherline 116. First portion 122 can be attached by high
frequency welding, direct injection, cementing, stitching or
attached to midsole 114 by any other suitable attachment process
known to the art. In alternative embodiments, first portion or
layer 122 may be attached directly to an outsole if no midsole is
present.
[0036] The seam created at featherline 116 may be treated with a
seam sealant to make watertight. However, it may not required to
treat the seam at featherline 116 since the attachment process can
be one that guarantees that there is a water-lock between first
portion 122 and sole 110 at featherline 116.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross sectional view of upper 120.
First portion 122 is typically sewn to second portion 124 along
seam 127, which is generally located at height H to which first
portion 122 extends. Alternatively, the first portion or layer may
be attached via a radio frequency (RF) welding process or any other
suitable attachment method known to the art.
[0038] Second portion 124 is extends from seam 127 to tongue
portion 130 to complete formation of upper 120 to enclose the
wearer's foot. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art,
upper 120 can alternatively be made without tongue portion 130. In
this embodiment, second portion 124 would extend from seam 127 to a
vamp region to enclose the wearer's foot.
[0039] Second portion 124 is formed of a vapor and air permeable
material to allow for breathability to increase comfort for the
wearer. Preferably, second portion 124 is formed of a woven mesh
material. The preferred mesh size will be optimized for
breathability. Alternatively, second portion 124 may be made from a
breathable membrane, perforated leathers, synthetics, textiles or
any other suitable material known to the art that allows for
breathability.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, lining 128 may be used. Lining 128 is
typically attached to second portion 124 on inner surface 122a at
seam 127. Lining 128 may be sewn on, RF welded, or attached to
second portion 124 by any other suitable attachment process known
to the art.
[0041] Lining 128 may be made from an anti-wicking material or any
other suitable material that is lightweight, comfortable and
breathable. Also, lining 128 may be made from any conventional
lining material known in the art. The material for lining 128 also
be chosen to optimize other properties such as abrasion resistance,
tear strength, or stitch tear resistance, for example. In
alternative embodiments, lining 128 may not be used as would be
know to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, upper
120 can have a first layer and a second layer instead of first
portion 122 and second portion 124. In this embodiment, the first
layer is akin to first portion 122 and extends from sole 110 to a
point at least 1.5 inches above ground engaging surface 118 of sole
110, where it is attached to the second layer along seam 127. The
second layer, instead of extending from seam 127, spans the full
height of upper 120 extending from sole 110 to tongue portion 130
or a vamp region.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows an alternative partial cross-sectional view of
upper 220 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. Upper 220 has outer layer 222 and inner layer
224.
[0044] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, inner layer 224 is
extends from the featherline 216 of a sole (not shown) to a tongue
or vamp portion (not shown) to encompass the wearer's foot like a
conventional upper and outer layer 222 is disposed on a lower
portion of the inner layer 224 of upper 220.
[0045] Inner layer 224 has an inner surface 224a and an outer
surface 224b. Inner layer 224 is attached to the midsole (not
shown) at featherline 216. In an alternative embodiment, inner
layer 224 may be attached directly to the outsole if no midsole is
present as would be know to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0046] Inner layer 224 is formed from a vapor and air permeable
material. In the preferred embodiment, inner layer 224 is a woven
mesh material. Alternatively, inner layer 224 may be made from any
other suitable material known to the art that provides
breathability.
[0047] Outer layer 222 is attached to sole 210 (not shown) along
lower edge 224d at featherline 216 and extends in an upward
direction to seam 227. In this embodiment outer layer 222 is
preformed and then attached to sole 210. Outer layer 222 is
attached to sole 210 via a cementing procedure. Alternatively,
outer layer 222 may be attached to sole 210 through a lamination
process or any other suitable attachment process known to one of
ordinary skill in the art that would provide for a water-lock at
seam 227.
[0048] Seam 227 is located at a height H. Height H should be at
least 1.5'' above the ground engaging surface of a sole (not
shown). Seam 227 need not be at a constant height along upper 220
in a toe-to-heel direction. Seam 227 may vary in height along upper
220 in a toe-to-heel direct so that inner layer 224 is not subject
to significant moisture.
[0049] Outer layer 222 has an inner surface 222a, an outer surface
222b, upper edge 222c and a lower edge 222d. Outer layer 222 is
disposed such that its inner surface 222a is adjacent to outer
surface 224b of inner layer 224 and is attached to inner layer 224
along upper edge 222c at seam 227.
[0050] Outer layer 222 may be sewn on to inner layer 224 or
attached by the use of any other suitable attachment means know in
the art. The seam between outer layer 222 and inner layer 224 may
be treated with a sealant to make water-tight. However, it may not
be necessary to treat seam 227 to make a water-lock if the chosen
attachment process makes a watertight bond at seam 227.
[0051] Outer layer 222 is formed of a synthetic hydrophobic
material or a liquid impermeable material, such as thermoplastic
polyurethane. Alternatively, outer layer 222 may be made of
polyurethane, non-woven microfibers or any other suitable material
that would prevent liquid from penetrating the upper that would be
know to one skilled in the art.
[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, as can
be appreciated by one skilled in the art, lining 128 may used.
Lining 128 is attached to the inner surface 224a of the inner layer
224. Lining may be sewn on, cemented, or attached using any other
suitable means known to one skilled in the art.
[0053] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example,
the material forming the first or lower portion of the upper may
extend completely under the foot. This single piece of water proof
or hydrophobic material may extend from approximately the middle of
the upper on the medial side of the footwear, under the foot, and
up to the middle of the upper on the lateral side of the footwear.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that
various changes in form and detail can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus,
the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents. All patents and publications discussed herein
are incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.
* * * * *