U.S. patent application number 13/522161 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-13 for upper structure for footwear and footwear comprising the same.
Invention is credited to Marc Peikert.
Application Number | 20120311892 13/522161 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44202834 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120311892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peikert; Marc |
December 13, 2012 |
Upper Structure For Footwear and Footwear Comprising The Same
Abstract
A present invention shaft arrangement for footwear comprises a
shaft bottom having a water vapor permeable installation sole and
having a shaft bottom functional layer laminate and a shaft region
having an outer material ply and having a shaft functional layer
laminate. The sole sided shaft end region is connected to the shaft
bottom, and the shaft bottom functional layer laminate has a
two-ply configuration.
Inventors: |
Peikert; Marc; (Bad Tolz,
DE) |
Family ID: |
44202834 |
Appl. No.: |
13/522161 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/051013 |
371 Date: |
August 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/30R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/022 20130101;
A43B 9/02 20130101; A43B 23/0235 20130101; A43B 7/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/30.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 29, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 006 150.6 |
Claims
1. Shaft arrangement for footwear including a shaft bottom having a
water vapor permeable installation sole and having a shaft bottom
functional layer laminate; a shaft region having an outer material
ply and having a shaft functional layer laminate; wherein the sole
sided shaft end region is connected to the shaft bottom; and
wherein the shaft bottom functional layer laminate has a two-ply
configuration.
2. Shaft arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the two-ply
shaft bottom functional layer laminate includes a shaft bottom
functional layer and a supporting textile ply.
3. Shaft arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the shaft bottom
functional layer is arranged between the supporting textile ply and
the water vapor permeable installation sole.
4. Shaft arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the shaft
functional layer laminate has a three-ply configuration.
5. Shaft arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the water vapor
permeable installation sole is stitched to the sole sided end
region of the shaft functional layer laminate, and/or wherein the
inner side of the sole sided end region of the outer material ply
is lasted onto the shaft bottom functional layer laminate.
6. Shaft arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the water vapor
permeable installation sole is arranged above the shaft bottom
functional layer laminate.
7. Shaft arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sole sided
end region of the shaft functional layer laminate is connected
waterproof to the shaft bottom functional layer laminate, and
wherein the installation sole is arranged underneath the shaft
bottom functional layer laminate.
8. Shaft arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the sole sided
end region of the outer material ply is stitched to the water vapor
permeable installation sole.
9. Shaft arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the inner side
of the sole sided end region of the outer material ply is lasted
onto the installation sole.
10. Footwear having at least one shaft arrangement according to
claim 1 and having a sole unit secured to the underside thereof and
having at least one throughhole opening or having porosities, which
sole unit is cemented or injected to the underside of the shaft
arrangement in particular.
Description
[0001] The following invention relates to a shaft arrangement for
footwear and also to footwear comprising such a shaft
arrangement.
[0002] Footwear having a waterproof and water vapor permeable shaft
and thereby able to give off perspiration moisture to the outside
despite waterproofness in the shaft region is known in the prior
art. In order that perspiration moisture can also escape to the
outside in the sole region, sole regions of footwear have also been
equipped with waterproof and water vapor permeable sole functional
layers. One example thereof, wherein not only the shaft bottom but
also the remaining shaft region are equipped with water vapor
permeable but waterproof functional layers and wherein the shaft
bottom is separate from the shaft region is known from DE 10 2008
029 296 A1.
[0003] Such footwear, then, can give rise to the problem that the
sole region, where the foot produces the most perspiration moisture
which has to be transported away, is a site where moisture is prone
to be left over, which causes a sensation of coldness and of
freezing in cold weather in particular. The moisture removal
potential in this region is limited in the case of conventional
breathable footwear.
[0004] The present invention therefore has for its object to
provide a shaft arrangement for footwear, and also footwear
comprising same, wherein the removal of moisture specifically in
the sole region is improved in order that any sensation of freezing
and coldness of the foot at this location may be avoided.
[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the
independent patent claims. Advantageous developments will be
apparent from the dependent claims.
[0006] A present invention shaft arrangement for footwear comprises
a shaft bottom having a water vapor permeable installation sole and
having a shaft bottom functional layer laminate and also a shaft
region having an outer material ply and having a shaft functional
layer laminate. The sole sided shaft end region is connected to the
perimetric edge of the shaft bottom. For this, there are a
plurality of design executions, which will be elucidated in what
follows.
[0007] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate and the shaft
functional layer laminate are preferably connected to each other
waterproof, for example by a continuous adhesive bond, in order
that a waterproof seal between the two functional layer laminates
may be formed. The region at which the two functional layer
laminates and the corresponding two functional layers are connected
together by means of a sealing adhesive to create a waterproof bond
is not water vapor permeable. Such a sealing adhesive for forming
the waterproof bond between the two functional layer laminates can
be any desired suitable waterproof adhesives.
[0008] The construction created by bonding the shaft functional
layer laminate to the shaft bottom functional layer laminate is
waterproof around the entire foot, and is water vapor permeable
except for the waterproof bonds formed by sealing adhesive.
[0009] In all embodiments, the shaft functional layer laminate can
be suitably connected to the outer material, for example stitched
thereto on an upper side.
[0010] According to the present invention, the shaft bottom
functional layer laminate has a two-ply configuration. Owing to the
two-ply shaft bottom functional layer laminate and owing to the
water vapor permeable installation sole in the shaft bottom,
perspiration moisture is simpler to transport outside from the
underside of the foot than is the case with conventional shaft
arrangements comprising a three-ply shaft bottom functional layer
laminate. An additional third layer of the shaft bottom functional
layer laminate is explicitly dispensed with here. This makes is
possible to save the costs for this third layer and, since the
barrier to be overcome by the water vapor is reduced by one layer,
the amount of perspiration moisture which can be transported away
can also be increased. The omitted layer can be more particularly a
woven lattice fabric or mesh.
[0011] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the
two-ply shaft bottom functional layer laminate includes a shaft
bottom functional layer or membrane and a supporting textile ply.
This supporting textile ply is configured to be water vapor
permeable but not waterproof. The shaft bottom functional layer or
membrane is configured to be waterproof and water vapor permeable,
for example in the course of processing or production.
[0012] This supporting textile ply is arranged either on the shaft
bottom inner side or on the shaft bottom outer side, depending on
the construction of the shaft arrangement. The supporting textile
ply is water vapor permeable and forms a protection for the shaft
bottom functional layer.
[0013] In either case, the shaft bottom functional layer is
arranged between the supporting textile ply and the water vapor
permeable installation sole.
[0014] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
the shaft functional layer laminate of the remaining shaft can have
a conventional three-ply configuration, but it is similarly
possible, as will be appreciated, for this shaft functional layer
laminate to likewise be given a two-ply construction in order that
the moisture removal potential may also be increased at the side
regions and at the upper side of the shaft arrangement.
[0015] In one design version of the shaft arrangement of the
present invention, the water vapor permeable installation sole,
which is often also known as insole, is arranged above the shaft
bottom functional layer laminate. Here the two-ply shaft bottom
functional layer laminate has a greater lateral extent than the
installation sole in order that said laminate may be cemented to
the sole sided end region of the shaft functional layer laminate
and to the outer material ply.
[0016] In this case, the supporting textile ply of the two-ply
shaft bottom functional layer laminate is arranged lowermost. The
foot comes into contact with the installation sole.
[0017] In this construction, the water vapor permeable installation
sole may be stitched, for example by means of a Strobel stitch or a
zigzag stitch, to the sole sided end region of the shaft functional
layer laminate, and additionally the end region of the outer
material ply may be lasted onto the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate.
[0018] In an alternative construction of the shaft arrangement,
often also referred to as bootie, the sole sided end region of the
shaft functional layer laminate is stitched, for example by means
of a zigzag stitch, to the perimetric edge of the shaft bottom
functional layer laminate. With this kind of construction, the
water vapor permeable installation sole is arranged underneath the
shaft bottom functional layer laminate.
[0019] The supporting textile ply of the two-ply shaft bottom
functional layer laminate is arranged uppermost and comes into
direct contact with the foot. The installation sole forms the
lowermost layer of the shaft bottom.
[0020] With this form of construction, then, there is a first
alternative in that the sole sided end region of the outer material
ply is stitched to the water vapor permeable installation sole.
[0021] In a construction alternative thereto, the sole sided end
region of the outer material ply is lasted onto the installation
sole.
[0022] In principle, the shaft arrangement of the present invention
is not restricted to certain design versions, but can find utility
in a multiplicity of design versions.
[0023] The present invention also provides footwear having at least
one shaft arrangement of the type described above, the underside of
which has a sole unit secured to it. The sole unit can be connected
to the shaft arrangement in any desired manner, preferably by
cementing or injecting the sole unit to the shaft arrangement. The
sole unit, to be able to ensure a sufficiently high removal of
moisture, has to be endowed with at least one throughhole opening
or with porosities which lead downwardly or laterally to the
outside.
Definitions and Test Methods
Footwear:
[0024] Foot covering having a closed upper portion (shaft
arrangement) which includes a foot slip-in opening and includes at
least one sole or sole unit.
Shaft Outer Material:
[0025] A material which forms the outside surface of the shaft and
thus of the shaft arrangement and consists for example of leather,
a textile, plastic or other known materials or combinations
thereof, or is constructed therewith, and generally consists of
water vapor permeable material. The sole side lower end of the
shaft outer material forms a region adjoining the upper edge of the
sole or sole unit or above a boundary plane between the shaft and
the sole or sole unit.
Installation Sole (Insole):
[0026] An installation sole is part of the shaft bottom. A sole
sided lower shaft end region is secured to the installation
sole.
Sole:
[0027] A shoe has at least one outsole, but can also have multiple
kinds of sole plies which are arranged on top of each other and
form a sole unit.
Outsole:
[0028] An outsole is that part of the sole region which touches the
floor/ground or makes the main contact with the floor/ground. An
outsole has at least one tread surface touching the floor.
Midsole:
[0029] When the outsole is not attached directly to the shaft
arrangement, a midsole can be inserted between the outsole and the
shaft arrangement. The midsole can for example serve cushioning
purposes, damping purposes or as filling material.
Bootie:
[0030] A bootie is a sock type inner liner of a shaft arrangement.
A bootie forms a bag type liner of the shaft arrangement, which
covers the interior of the footwear essentially completely.
Functional Layer:
[0031] Waterproof and/or water vapor permeable layer, for example
in the form of a membrane or of an appropriately treated or
finished material, for example a textile with plasma treatment. The
functional layer in the form of a shaft bottom functional layer can
form at least one ply of a shaft bottom of the shaft arrangement,
but can also be additionally provided as a shaft functional layer
at least partly lining the shaft. Not only the shaft functional
layer but also the shaft bottom functional layer can be part of a
multi ply, usually two, three or four ply, membrane laminate. The
shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer can
each be part of a functional layer bootie. When instead of a
functional layer bootie a shaft functional layer and a separate
shaft bottom functional layer are used, these are sealed off
waterproof relative to each other in the sole sided lower region of
the shaft arrangement for example. The shaft bottom functional
layer and the shaft functional layer can be formed from the same or
different material.
[0032] Suitable materials for the waterproof water vapor permeable
functional layer are in particular polyurethane, polypropylene and
polyester, including polyetherester and laminates thereof, as
described in the printed publications U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,418 and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,493,870. In one embodiment, the functional layer is
constructed using microporous expanded poly-tetrafluoroethylene
(ePTFE), as described for example in the printed publications U.S.
Pat. No. 3,953,566 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,390. In one embodiment,
the functional layer is constructed using expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene provided with hydrophilic impregnants
and/or hydrophilic layers; see for example the printed publication
U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,041. A microporous functional layer is a
functional layer whose average pore size is between about 0.2 .mu.m
and about 0.3 .mu.m.
Laminate:
[0033] A laminate is an assembly consisting of multiple plies
durably bonded to each other, generally by mutual adhering
together. In the case of a functional layer laminate, a waterproof
water vapor permeable functional layer is provided with at least
one textile ply. The at least one textile ply mainly serves to
protect the functional layer during the processing thereof. This is
referred to as a two-ply laminate. A three-ply laminate consists of
a waterproof water vapor permeable functional layer embedded
between two textile plies. The bonding between the functional layer
and the at least one textile ply is effected for example by means
of a continuous water vapor permeable layer of adhesive or by means
of a discontinuous layer of non water vapor permeable adhesive. In
one embodiment, adhesive in the form of a dot shaped pattern may be
applied between the functional layer and the textile ply or both of
the textile plies. The dot shaped or discontinuous application of
the adhesive is chosen because a uniform layer of an adhesive which
itself is non water vapor permeable would block the water vapor
permeability of the functional layer.
Barrier Ply:
[0034] A barrier ply serves as barrier against the penetration of
substances, particularly in the form of particles or foreign
bodies, for example small stones, through to a ply of material to
be protected, more particularly through to a mechanically sensitive
functional layer or functional layer membrane.
Reference Document:
[0035] European standard EN 344-1, specifically section 4.3.3
(penetration resistance)
Waterproof:
[0036] A functional layer/functional layer laminate/membrane
including if appropriate seams provided on the functional
layer/functional layer laminate/membrane is considered waterproof
when it warrants a water inlet pressure of at least 1*10.sup.4 Pa.
Preferably, the functional layer material warrants a water inlet
pressure of above 1*10.sup.5 Pa. The water inlet pressure is
measured by following a test method wherein distilled water at
20.+-.2.degree. C. is applied to a sample of 100 cm.sup.2 of the
functional layer with increasing pressure. The pressure increase of
the water is 60.+-.3 cm hydrohead per minute. The water inlet
pressure is then equal to the pressure at which water first appears
on the other side of the sample. Details of the procedure are
mandated in the ISO standard 0811 from 1981.
[0037] Whether a shoe is waterproof can be tested for example using
a centrifuge arrangement of the kind described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,329,807.
Water Vapor Permeable:
[0038] A functional layer/functional layer laminate is considered
water vapor permeable when it has a water vapor permeability number
Ret of below 150 m.sup.2*Pa*W-1. The water vapor permeability is
tested in accordance with the Hohenstein skin model. This test
method is described in DIN EN 31092 (02/94) and ISO 11092
(1993).
[0039] Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be more
particularly elucidated with reference to the accompanying
figures.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
first shoe according to a first illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
second shoe according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a sectional depiction of a portion of the shaft
bottom functional layer laminate of the shaft bottom of the shaft
arrangement from FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
third shoe according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
fourth shoe according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
fifth shoe according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
sixth shoe according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft
arrangement of the third shoe from FIG. 4 from below;
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft
arrangement of the third shoe from FIG. 4 from below;
[0049] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft
arrangement of the third shoe from FIG. 4 from below;
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft
arrangement of the third shoe from FIG. 4 from below; and
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of an exemplary suction
element from FIG. 4.
[0052] All shoes described hereinbelow as illustrative embodiments
have a sole unit and a shaft arrangement to be secured thereto. In
the illustrative embodiments described hereinbelow, the sole unit
is cemented to the shaft arrangement. It is similarly possible to
inject the sole unit to the shaft arrangement.
[0053] All depictions hereinbelow are schematic and not necessarily
realistic in respect of dimensions and scale.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
first shoe 2 according to a first illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0055] The first shoe 2 comprises a sole unit 4 and a shaft
arrangement 22, which are still to be connected to each other.
[0056] The shaft arrangement 22 comprises a shaft bottom 34 and a
shaft region 23 which is connected thereto at the former's
perimetric edge and of which there is shown in FIG. 1 a left hand
side and a right hand side shaft section which are mirror
symmetrical to each other. The upper section of shaft region 23 is
not shown in this and in the following figures, for simplicity.
[0057] The shaft region 23 includes a water vapor permeable outer
material ply 24 and a shaft functional layer laminate 26 which
comprises--from out to in--a netband or mesh 28, a shaft functional
layer or a shaft membrane 30 and a shaft liner 32.
[0058] The sole sided lower end region of the outer material ply 24
is curved inwardly relative to the essentially vertical section and
secured by means of lasting adhesive 44 to the multi-ply shaft
bottom 34.
[0059] The multi-ply shaft bottom 34 comprises--from up to down--an
installation sole or insole 36 and a shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 arranged thereunder and having a shaft bottom
functional layer 40 and a lowermost supporting textile ply 42.
Additionally, the installation sole 36 is connected at its
perimetric edge via a stitch 46, for example a Strobel stitch or a
zigzag stitch, to the sole sided end region of the shaft functional
layer laminate 38.
[0060] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 is thus
configured as a two-ply laminate. As is readily apparent from FIG.
1, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 has a larger
lateral extent than the installation sole 36 in order that the
latter may be connected, for example by cementing, waterproof to
the sole sided end region of the shaft functional layer laminate 26
and to the outer material ply 24.
[0061] The sole sided lower end region of the outer material ply 24
is lasted with its upper side by means of a lasting cement 44 to
the underside of the perimetric edge of the shaft bottom functional
layer laminate 38.
[0062] The sole sided lower end region of the shaft functional
layer laminate 26 is raised away from the sole sided lower end
region of the outer material ply 24. This creates an interspace in
the end section of the shaft region 23 between the shaft functional
layer laminate 26 and the outer material ply 24, which widens
toward the end section of the shaft region 23.
[0063] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 extends
somewhat into this interspace. That part of the interspace which is
not occupied by the end region of the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 is typically filled by air or by water vapor or a
mixture thereof.
[0064] Furthermore, the underside of the sole sided end region of
the shaft functional layer laminate 26 is connected by means of a
sealing adhesive 48 waterproof to the upper side of the perimetric
edge of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38, enclosing
the stitching 46 or excluding the stitching (46), leading to a
all-over waterproof and--when using not just waterproof but also
water vapor permeable functional layers 26, 38--to an all-over
water vapor permeable shaft arrangement.
[0065] This sealing adhesive 48 penetrates through the netband 28,
thus sealing the two functional layers off relative to each other,
and serves to secure and seal the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 to the shaft functional layer laminate 26, so that no
additional adhesive is required for this.
[0066] The sole unit 4 is prefabricated and is secured to the sole
sided lower end region of the outer material ply 24 by means of a
sole adhesive applied at least to the upper side of the perimetric
edge zone of sole unit 4. In the present illustrative embodiment, a
first sole adhesive layer 20 is applied to the upper side of the
perimetric edge zone of sole unit 4 and a second sole adhesive
layer 50 is applied to the sole sided lower end region of the outer
material ply 24.
[0067] The sole unit 4 comprises a sole ply 6 which forms the
surrounding outer region thereof and which on its upper side
extends somewhat upwardly in the outward direction in order to
accommodate the curved region of the outer material ply 24, and has
a central cutout in which are arranged--in the upward direction--a
supporting bar ply 8, a barrier ply 16 and above the barrier ply 16
a comfort ply 10 with comfort bars.
[0068] The adhesive layer 20, as is readily apparent in FIG. 1,
extends over the upper sides of the sole ply 6 and also over the
upper sides of the comfort bars of the comfort ply 10. It is merely
that region of the right hand side section of sole ply 6 which is
below the right hand side end of the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38, and also the adjoining comfort bar of the comfort bar
ply 10, which can be configured without adhesive ply 20.
[0069] FIG. 1 depicts three supporting bars of the supporting bar
ply 8 and three comfort bars of the comfort ply 10, which are
configured somewhat wider than the supporting bars arranged
thereunder. The comfort ply 10 further comprises narrower comfort
bar sections which commence on the inner side of sole ply 6.
[0070] The lower surface of sole ply 6 and of supporting bar ply 8
is configured as running or tread surface 14. Between the
supporting bars of the supporting bar ply 8 there are configured
cutouts or sole ply throughhole openings 12 in order that water
vapor permeability and/or air permeability may be provided to the
sole ply 6 with supporting bars 8.
[0071] The sole ply 6 can be in one piece, as shown in the figure,
or in two or more pieces, for example in different colors.
[0072] The sole ply throughhole openings 12 are made as large as
possible in order that a correspondingly high water vapor
permeability may be provided to the sole ply 6 with supporting bars
8 and hence to the sole unit 4.
[0073] The sole unit 4 is horizontally traversed by a barrier ply
16 as mechanical protection for the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 against damage by foreign bodies, for example small
stones, which work their way into the sole ply throughhole openings
12. This barrier ply 16 extends somewhat into the sole ply 6 and
thus is anchored in the latter and durably connected thereto. This
barrier ply 16 in one embodiment is constructed using a thermally
consolidated fibrous material, so that it can additionally also be
configured as stabilizing material for the sole unit 4.
[0074] The supporting bar ply 8 and the comfort ply 10 may be made
of a different material than the sole ply 6, as indicated by the
different hatchings, in order to achieve a weight reduction for the
sole unit 4, improved walking comfort in respect of underfoot
cushioning, or both. Alternatively, the supporting bar ply 8, the
comfort ply 10 and the sole ply 6 may also be made of the same
material.
[0075] More particularly, a material may be chosen for the
supporting bar ply 8 and the comfort ply 10 that is softer than the
material of the sole ply 6. When good underfoot cushioning is to be
achieved, EVA is an example of a suitable material for the
supporting bar ply 8 and/or the comfort ply 10. When a weight
reduction is to be achieved with regard to the sole ply material, a
foamed plastic having a correspondingly low specific weight is
suitable. When both improved underfoot cushioning and weight
reduction are to be achieved in respect of the sole ply material,
foamed EVA is suitable for example. However, there are many further
material variants which can be used.
[0076] Underneath the barrier ply 16 there is optionally situated a
decorative ply 18 which is visible from below and imparts an
attractive appearance to the sole unit.
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
second shoe 52 according to a second illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0078] Like the first shoe 2, the second shoe 52 likewise comprises
a sole unit 54 and a shaft arrangement 70, which are still to be
connected to each other. The shaft arrangement 70 is constructed
according to the bootie principle, and comprises a shaft bottom 80
and a shaft region 71 which is connected thereto at the former's
perimetric edge and of which there are shown in FIG. 2 a left hand
side and a right hand side shaft section which are mirror
symmetrical to each other.
[0079] The shaft region 71 includes a water vapor permeable outer
material ply 72 and a three-ply shaft functional layer laminate 74,
which comprises an inner shaft liner 78, an outer shaft functional
layer or membrane 76 and a woven lattice fabric or mesh 75.
[0080] The outer material ply 72 of the shaft region 71 extends
somewhat further in the direction of shaft bottom 80 than the shaft
functional layer laminate 74 does. The shaft functional layer
laminate 74 is connected by means of stitching, which may be more
particularly executed as a zigzag stitch, to a shaft bottom
functional layer laminate 84 of the shaft bottom 80, and the
stitching 90 is sealed off waterproof toward the outside using a
seam sealing tape 92.
[0081] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84, like the
shaft functional layer laminate 74, has a two-ply construction with
an inner supporting textile ply 88 and an outer shaft bottom
function or membrane 86. The functional layers 76 and 86 and also
the textile plies 78 and 88 of the shaft functional layer laminate
74 and of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84 are
stitched to each other such that the textile plies 78 and 88 and
also the functional layers 76 and 86 are each contiguous to each
other.
[0082] The depiction as per FIG. 2 shows a separation between the
outer surface of the shaft functional layer 76 and the inner
surface of the outer material ply 72, but in practice these
surfaces can also be directly next to each other.
[0083] Enclosed by the outer material ply 72 of the shaft region 71
and stitched to the sole sided end region of the outer material ply
72 is an installation sole or insole 82 which is arranged
underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84 and has a
somewhat smaller areal extent compared therewith. The stitching 94
between the sole sided end region of the outer material ply 72 and
the perimetric edge region of the installation sole 82 can be
executed more particularly as a Strobel stitch or as a zigzag
stitch.
[0084] Like the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2, the sole unit 54
of the second shoe 52 is also prefabricated and is secured to the
sole sided lower end region of the outer material ply 72 and
additionally to the sole sided lower margin region of the
installation sole 82 by means of a sole adhesive applied at least
to the upper side of the perimetric edge zone of sole unit 54.
[0085] In the present illustrative embodiment, a first sole
adhesive layer 68 is applied to the upper side of the perimetric
edge zone of the sole unit 54 and a second sole adhesive layer 96
is applied to the sole sided lower end region of the outer material
ply 24 and to the sole sided lower margin region of the
installation sole 82.
[0086] The sole unit 54, like the sole unit 4, comprises a sole ply
56 which forms the surrounding outer region of the sole unit 54 and
which is provided with a central cutout in which there are
arranged--from bottom to top--a supporting bar ply 58 with three
supporting bars exemplarily depicted in FIG. 2 and a barrier ply
64. The barrier ply 64 traverses the sole unit 4 horizontally and
extends with its perimetric edge region as far as into the upper
end of the sole ply 56. It is thus reliably connected to the sole
ply 56. The supporting bars extend from the barrier ply 64 to the
plane of the underside of the sole ply 56, and the lower surface of
the sole ply 56 and of the supporting bars 58 forms the running or
tread surface 62. Unlike the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2, no
additional comfort ply is provided in the case of sole unit 54, but
could be added if required.
[0087] The optional decorative ply 66 to be provided, which is
present underneath the barrier ply 64, corresponds to the
decorative ply 18 of the first sole unit 4.
[0088] Both in the case of the shaft arrangement 22 of the first
shoe 2 in FIG. 1 and in the case of the shaft arrangement 70 of the
second shoe 52 in FIG. 2, the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 or, respectively, 84 has a two-layered configuration
and comprises only one shaft bottom functional layer 40 or,
respectively, 86 and a supporting textile ply 42 or, respectively,
88, but not a further layer. In the present embodiments of FIGS. 1
and 2, the netband or net material, often also referred to as a
mesh, is omitted.
[0089] It is specifically at the shaft bottom 34 or, respectively,
80 that the generation of perspiration produced by the sole of the
foot and to be transported away is greatest. In addition,
underneath the shaft bottom 34 or, respectively 80, there are the
largest openings in the form of cutouts 12 and 60, respectively, so
that the potential for removal of moisture is greatest at this
place.
[0090] The inventors of the present subject matter have found that
an additional third layer of the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 or, respectively, 84 can be dispensed with here and
that the shaft functional layer laminate 38 or, respectively, 84
can be given a two-ply configuration in this region, as a result of
which it is possible to save the costs for a third layer and by
omitting this third layer the amount of perspiration which can be
transported away is also increased. Omitting the third layer of the
shaft bottom functional layer laminate removes a water vapor
barrier to be overcome by the moisture.
[0091] Surprisingly, a waterproof connection is possible
nonetheless, even though no additional ply, for example the
netband, is any longer present.
[0092] In the shaft arrangement 22 of the first shoe 2 as per
[0093] FIG. 1, this two-layer shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 is arranged directly above the cutout 12, providing for
particularly effective removal of moisture out of the interior of
the shaft arrangement 22, and in the shaft arrangement 70 of the
second shoe 52 as per FIG. 2 the two-layer shaft bottom functional
layer laminate 84 has additionally arranged underneath it the
installation sole 82 through which the moisture additionally has to
pass.
[0094] FIG. 3 shows an isolated sectional depiction of a portion of
the two-ply shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 of the shaft
bottom 34 of the shaft arrangement 22 from FIG. 1.
[0095] Readily apparent are the lowermost supporting textile ply 42
and the by comparison somewhat thinner shaft bottom functional
layer 40 which forms the actual membrane.
[0096] FIG. 4 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
third shoe 98 according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0097] The third shoe 98 comprises a sole unit 4, which is
identical to the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2 from FIG. 1, and a
shaft arrangement 100, which coincides with the shaft arrangement
22 of the first shoe 2, although in contradistinction thereto a
suction element 102 is provided as an additional element.
[0098] Elements of the third shoe 98 which coincide with the
elements of the first shoe 2 are marked using the same reference
symbols.
[0099] The suction tape 102 extends from the interspace between the
outer netband 28 of the shaft functional layer laminate 26 and the
inner side of the outer material ply 24 onto the outer side of the
shaft arrangement 100 underneath the supporting textile ply 42. The
suction element 102 includes a moisture-absorbing material, for
example cotton, and is capable of attracting water in liquid form
and also water vapor and transporting them to the outside.
[0100] The suction element 102 depicted exemplarily in FIG. 4
extends from the interspace between the shaft functional layer
laminate 26 and the outer material ply in the lowermost section of
the still vertical section of the shaft region 23 as far as a
region approximately central underneath the supporting textile ply
42. Along the way, the suction element 106 can rest with its region
within the interspace between the shaft functional layer laminate
26 and the outer material ply 24 on the inner side of the outer
material ply 24, have a curved trajectory like the outer material
ply 24, and extend through the lasting cement 44 as far as the
region centrally underneath the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38. The suction element can rest with its section
underneath the shaft bottom functional laminate 38 directly on the
supporting textile ply 42 of the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 and be cemented thereto, and it can also be cemented
with its interspace sided section to the shaft functional layer
laminate 26 or to the outer material ply 24. For this, the suction
element 102 can be endowed with an appropriate adhesive at its
upper side.
[0101] The inventors of the present subject matter have found that
moisture regularly collects in the interspace in the end section of
the shaft region 23 between the shaft functional layer laminate 26
and the outer material ply 24, resulting, the waterproofness of the
functional layer laminate notwithstanding, in a sensation of
coldness at the foot within the shaft arrangement 100, impairing
the moisture transport from in to out and thus adversely affecting
the breathability of the shaft arrangement 100 in this region and
possibly leading to moisture stains on the outer material 24.
[0102] The suction element 102 sucks up such moisture and
transports it to outside the shaft arrangement 100, specifically
according to FIG. 4 into the suction element 102 region which is
outside the shaft arrangement 100 and underneath the shaft bottom
functional layer laminate 38. From there, the moisture can be
further transported away downwardly through the cutouts 12.
[0103] This prevents any sensation of coldness at the foot in the
end region of the shaft functional layer laminate 26, ensures
breathability to the shaft arrangement 100 in this region and
prevents the appearance of moisture stains on the outer material
24.
[0104] As a result of that region of the right hand side section of
the sole ply 6 which is under the right hand side end of the shaft
bottom functional layer laminate 38 and of the adjoining comfort
bar of the comfort bar ply 10 being configured without adhesive ply
20 it is possible to achieve better removal of moisture from the
suction element 102 through the cutout 12 in the downward
direction.
[0105] FIG. 5 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
fourth shoe 104 according to a further illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0106] This fourth shoe 104 is composed of the shaft arrangement
100 of the third shoe 98 and of the sole unit 54 of the second shoe
70, and like elements are each marked by like reference
numerals.
[0107] The configuration, position and function of the suction
element 102 is coincident with the suction element 102 of the third
shoe 98.
[0108] In the case of the fourth shoe 104, moisture is transported
out of the interspace between the shaft functional layer laminate
26 and the outer material ply 24 outwardly, in particular in a
region underneath the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38,
and from there through the cutouts 60 further in the outward
direction.
[0109] To produce the shaft arrangement 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the suction element 102 is cemented from below, by means of an
adhesive not shown here, onto the shaft bottom functional layer
laminate 38 and onto the inner side of the shaft functional layer
laminate 26 before the sole sided end regions of the outer material
ply 24 are lasted together with the shaft bottom functional layer
38.
[0110] The lasting adhesive does not lead to impairment of the
suction function of the suction element 102.
[0111] FIG. 6 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
fifth shoe 106 according to a further illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0112] The fifth shoe 106 is composed of the sole unit 54 of the
second shoe 52 and of a shaft arrangement 108 which is produced
like the shaft arrangement 70 of the second shoe 52 according to
the bootie principle.
[0113] The shaft arrangement 108 corresponds to the shaft
arrangement 70 of the second shoe 52 from FIG. 2, the shaft
functional layer laminate 116 having a three-ply construction and
including from out to in a netband 118, a shaft functional layer or
membrane 120 and a shaft liner 122.
[0114] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128 has a
three-ply construction in the entire region of the shaft bottom 124
featuring from bottom to top the netband 118, a shaft bottom
functional layer or membrane 130 and a supporting textile ply 132.
The netband or mesh 118 is partly covered in the figure.
[0115] There, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128 is
cemented by means of a water vapor permeable layer of adhesive 134
to the upper side of the installation sole 126. The layer of
adhesive extends from the left hand side end region to the right
hand side end region of the installation sole 126. The layer of
adhesive 134 penetrates through the net material 118 through to the
shaft bottom functional layer 130, and the layer of adhesive 134 is
configured as a continuous layer of a water vapor permeable
adhesive or as a punctiform layer of a water vapor impermeable
adhesive in order that breathability may be ensured here. The layer
of adhesive is intended to prevent any friction between the
installation sole 126 and the shaft bottom functional layer 130.
The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128, the textile ply 132
of which comes into contact with the foot, is reliably fixed with
respect to the installation sole 126.
[0116] A suction element 144 is accommodated in the interspace
between the three-ply functional layer laminates and the
installation sole 126 or the outer material ply 114.
[0117] The suction element 144 is preferably made of a cotton
material and extends from the lower end section of the right hand
side shaft region 112 as far as a region situated somewhat further
to the right of the middle of the installation sole 126 into the
interspace between the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128
and the installation sole 126.
[0118] This suction element 144 transports moisture which collects
in the interspace between the outer material ply 114 and the shaft
functional layer laminate 116 into a region underneath the shaft
bottom functional layer laminate 128 and from there through the
permeable installation sole 126 and the barrier ply 64 to an outer
side of the shoe, providing the advantages described above.
[0119] The positioning of the suction element 144 in FIG. 6 is
exemplary in nature in that it is similarly possible for a further
suction element 144 to also be provided mirror-symmetrically to the
suction element 144 on the left hand lower side of the shaft
arrangement 108.
[0120] FIG. 7 shows a sectional depiction of a forefoot region of a
sixth shoe 146 according to a further illustrative embodiment of
the invention.
[0121] The sixth shoe 146 is constructed from the sole unit 54 of
the second shoe 52 and a shaft arrangement 147.
[0122] The shaft arrangement 147 comprises a shaft bottom 160 and a
shaft region 148 which is connected thereto at the former's
perimetric edge and of which there is shown in FIG. 7 a left hand
side and a right hand side shaft section which are mirror
symmetrical to each other.
[0123] The outer material ply 150 of the shaft region 148 is at the
lower end curved inward and cemented to the installation sole 162
by means of lasting adhesive 176.
[0124] The shaft arrangement 147 is made in the manner of a bootie,
i.e., the lower ends of the shaft functional layer 153 are
stitched, for example by means of a zigzag stitch, to the
perimetric edges of the shaft bottom functional layer 164. In
addition, this transitional region is sealed off waterproof toward
the outside using a seam sealing tape 174. In the illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 6, these seams are situated in the curved
transitional region between the vertical shaft region 148 and the
horizontal shaft bottom 160.
[0125] Both the shaft functional layer 152 and the shaft bottom
functional layer 164 have a three-ply construction with an outer
netband 154, with a shaft functional layer/shaft bottom functional
layer or shaft membrane/shaft bottom membrane 156/166 and with an
inwardly disposed textile ply or shaft liner 158/supporting textile
ply 168.
[0126] As with the first shoe 2, an interspace also develops in
this sixth shoe 146 between the end region of the outer material
ply 150 and the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 164 or the
shaft functional layer laminate 152. This interspace increases in
size toward the end of the outer material ply 150, and the
installation sole 162 projects into this space. That part of the
interspace which is not occupied by this installation sole 162 is
typically filled by air or water vapor or a mixture thereof.
[0127] As in the case of the third shoe 98 in FIG. 4, this sixth
shoe 146 is also provided with a suction element 180 which extends
from the interspace between the shaft functional layer laminate 152
and the outer material ply 150 underneath the sealing cementation
174 via the cementation 176 to the outer side of the shaft
arrangement 146 underneath the installation sole 162.
[0128] The interspace sided end of the suction element 180 extends
here from the still vertical lower section of the shaft region, via
the sealing cementation 174, makes a curve and rests against the
underside of the installation sole 162. The outside region of the
suction element 180 can be cemented to the underside of the
installation sole 162 by means of a layer of adhesive for
example.
[0129] The suction element 180 is embedded in the sealing adhesive
without the suction effect being significantly impaired.
[0130] This suction element 180 transports moisture out of the
interspace toward the outside. From the underside of the
installation sole 162, this moisture can be further removed through
the cutouts 60 in the sole unit 54.
[0131] The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 164 is connected
to the installation sole 162 by means of a water vapor permeable
layer of adhesive 170. The layer of adhesive 170, which can be made
continuously or punctiform, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
7 covers a large portion of the surface of the installation sole
162, penetrates through the net material 154 as far as the shaft
bottom functional layer 166, and is made water vapor permeable in
order that breathability may be ensured here. Thus, reliable
fixation of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 164 with
respect to the installation sole 162 is achieved here.
[0132] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the shaft arrangement 100
from below.
[0133] The outer material 24 end region which forms the lower
perimetric edge of the shaft arrangement 100 and is lasted to the
underside of the installation sole 42 is readily apparent. Likewise
apparent are the ends of the suction elements which are embodied as
suction tapes 184 and which transport moisture out of the
interspace between the shaft functional layer laminate and the
outer material ply to the outside.
[0134] The present illustrative embodiment shows eight ends of
suction tapes 184 of low width, distributed along the perimetric
edge of the outer material ply 24. Such an arrangement of a
plurality of suction tapes 184 along the overall perimeter of the
outer material ply 24 makes it possible to ensure a reliable
removal of moisture out of the interspace between the shaft
functional layer and the outer material ply in all circumferential
regions of the shaft arrangement.
[0135] It will be appreciated that such an arrangement of suction
tapes 184 can also find utility in all other above-described kinds
of shaft arrangements.
[0136] FIG. 9 shows a view of an alternative illustrative
embodiment of the shaft arrangement 100 of the third shoe 98 from
below.
[0137] Here, only one suction tape 186 is provided in a forefoot
region of the shaft arrangement 100, and it extends somewhat as far
as underneath the installation sole 42. This suction tape 186
transports moisture out of the interspace between the outer
material ply and the shaft functional layer laminate toward the
outside, and one such suction tape 186 is already enough to achieve
significant removal of moisture.
[0138] FIG. 10 shows a view of an alternative illustrative
embodiment of the shaft arrangement 100 of the third shoe 98 from
below.
[0139] Here, instead of suction tapes of relatively low width, a
sheetlike suction element 188 which surrounds half a side is
provided to transport in the entire forefoot region and also in a
middle region of the shoe, moisture out of the interspace between
the outer material ply and the shaft functional layer laminate to
the underside of the installation sole 42, from where the moisture
can leave the shoe in the downward direction.
[0140] FIG. 11 shows a view of an illustrative embodiment of the
shaft arrangement 100 of the third shoe 98 from below.
[0141] Here a total of four suction tapes 190 are provided, which
extend in the shoe transverse direction across the entire underside
of the installation sole 42 and the left hand side and right hand
side ends of which extend into the interspaces between the outer
material ply and the shaft functional layer laminate, respectively.
In the present illustrative embodiment, the four suction tapes 190
are arranged approximately equidistantly along the length of the
shaft arrangement 100.
[0142] Such an arrangement of suction tapes can likewise provide a
reliable removal of moisture out of the interspace between the
outer material ply and the shaft functional layer laminate.
[0143] FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of a present invention
suction element 102 according to an illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
[0144] The suction element 102 comprises a layer 192 of a
liquid-absorbing material which ensures liquid transfer from the
interspace to the outside and which can be of cotton material for
example. This suction layer is provided on the upper side with an
adhesive material 194, by means of which the suction element 102
can be cemented for example to the underside of the installation
sole 42 and the inner side of the shaft functional layer laminate.
This adhesive need not be provided on the entire upper side of the
suction layer 192; it suffices for this adhesive to be provided
regionally.
* * * * *