U.S. patent application number 14/135546 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for footwear with flexible outer sole attached to water resistant textile upper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Javier Solsona, Suzanne M. Solsona. Invention is credited to Javier Solsona, Suzanne M. Solsona.
Application Number | 20140215851 14/135546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258008 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140215851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solsona; Suzanne M. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
FOOTWEAR WITH FLEXIBLE OUTER SOLE ATTACHED TO WATER RESISTANT
TEXTILE UPPER
Abstract
A waterproof shoe comprises a collapsible waterproof textile
upper portion, bounded by an upper rim and a lower rim. The shoe
further comprises a single piece outer sole made of a water
resistant material, where the single piece outer sole is configured
to extend over a wearer's heel and toes. The single piece outer
sole further comprises a lip about an entirety of the opening,
wherein the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip
in a waterproof manner. The shoe comprises a first sealing
mechanism encompassing a cross-sectional portion of the upper
portion, and encased in the upper portion. A tightness of the first
sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism.
The shoe comprises a second sealing mechanism encompassing the
upper rim, and encased in the upper rim. A tightness of the second
sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Solsona; Suzanne M.; (San
Mateo, CA) ; Solsona; Javier; (San Mateo,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Solsona; Suzanne M.
Solsona; Javier |
San Mateo
San Mateo |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51258008 |
Appl. No.: |
14/135546 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61761701 |
Feb 7, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 1/003 20130101;
A43B 9/12 20130101; A43B 9/02 20130101; A43B 7/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/84 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20060101
A43B007/12 |
Claims
1. A waterproof shoe, comprising: a waterproof textile upper
portion delimiting a foot insertion region, wherein the upper
portion is bounded by (i) an upper rim that defines the foot
insertion region and (ii) a lower rim; a single piece outer sole
defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot,
made of a plastic or rubber material impermeable to water, wherein
the single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's
heel and over the wearer's toes, the single piece outer sole
further comprising a lip about an entirety of the opening, wherein
the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a
waterproof manner; a first sealing mechanism encompassing the
entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion, wherein
the first sealing mechanism is encased in the upper portion and
wherein a tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by
a first adjustment mechanism; and a second sealing mechanism
encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion,
wherein the second sealing mechanism is encased in the upper rim
and wherein a tightness of the second sealing mechanism is
adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism, wherein the waterproof
textile upper portion is configured to fully collapse into the
interior portion of the single piece outer sole when the waterproof
shoe is not being worn.
2. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the lower rim of the
upper portion is attached to the lip of the single piece outer sole
by sewing, gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any combination
thereof.
3. The waterproof shoe of claim 2 wherein the attachment of the
lower rim of the upper portion to the lip of the single piece outer
sole is further waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or
another adhesive waterproofing material.
4. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 further comprising an insole
within the interior portion of the single piece outer sole.
5. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 further comprising a textile pull
tab folded over and attached to the upper rim of the upper
portion.
6. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile
upper portion comprises a material having an outer surface and an
inner surface, wherein the outer surface is resistant to water and
wherein the inner surface is permeable to air and water vapor.
7. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile
upper portion comprises a multilayered textile.
8. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile
upper portion comprises a thermal layer.
9. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile
upper portion comprises a waterproofed seam.
10. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile
upper portion is made from denier coated nylon, silicone coated
nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier CORDURA.RTM. nylon,
urethane coated material, denier supplex CORDURA.RTM. nylon or
waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot lining.
11. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the single piece outer
sole is made from thermoplastic elastometer, thermoplastic rubber,
PLUSFOAM.TM., FUSIONFOAM.TM., HD PLUS.TM., FUSION HD.TM. or
ethylene vinyl acetate.
12. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the single piece outer
sole comprises an outer portion having a tread pattern.
13. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the hardness of the
outer sole is a predetermined hardness between Shore 45A and Shore
110A on the Shore durometer scale.
14. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the upper portion is
configured to conform to the wearer's leg by the first adjustment
mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism.
15. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing
mechanism is an elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is
the elasticity of the elastic cord.
16. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing
mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment mechanism is
the elasticity of the elastic cord.
17. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing
mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment
mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.
18. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing
mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the second adjustment
mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.
19. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing
mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism
is a cord locking mechanism.
20. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing
mechanism is a drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism
is a cord locking mechanism.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
No. 61/761,701 entitled "Waterproof Footwear with Flexible Outer
Sole Attached to Water-Impermeable Textile Upper," filed Feb. 7,
2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of waterproof
footwear, such as boots, designed for general use in rain or snow
or on wet ground and for outdoor activities such as trekking,
camping and water sports such as boating or kayaking
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is well-known that waterproof footwear in general,
particularly boot-type footwear, is manufactured for various uses
and out of various materials. Typically, waterproof boot-type
footwear is made by attaching a bulky, thick, solid, heavy,
inflexible, rubber outer sole to a similarly heavy and fairly rigid
rubber upper that does not fold or bend easily and that is fairly
open at the top. Most often, such footwear is made of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or natural rubber.
The construction of such boots often involves attaching the upper
to the outer sole with a cement lasting process or welting
process.
[0004] With this conventional construction, there are problems
linked to the fact that the uppers require that the boot-type
footwear be overly generic to each person's foot or leg. As a
result, the upper may be too small, thereby making it difficult to
put on and remove, or it may be too large, thereby making the boot
prone to falling off unintentionally.
[0005] The inflexible nature of most uppers in the available
footwear also means that the opening at the top of the upper is
large, thereby compromising the waterproofness of the boot by
allowing water to seep in at the top.
[0006] Pedrotti (E.P. Pat. No. 2410884 A1) teaches a type of
waterproof upper that is less rigid and more form fitting in that
it is made of textile or leather. However, the Pedrotti design
requires two separate components that are independent of one
another and each have their own lacing mechanisms.
[0007] The nature of the construction of common rubber waterproof
footwear means that it is often uncomfortable and sometimes even
bad for the health of the wearer's foot due to a lack of stability
or support of the foot. Further, the rigid, inflexible aspect of
the rubber outer sole of the footwear makes it difficult to walk in
and very heavy.
[0008] Further, present waterproof footwear typically is also bulky
and requires significant storage space.
[0009] Some of the waterproof footwear known in the art is made of
somewhat thinner, lighter or more flexible rubber. However the
outer sole as well as the upper in such footwear remains relatively
heavy and the upper is still rather generic in sizing. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,954, which has this drawback.
[0010] Jessiman and Wiener (U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,970 B2) teach a
type of waterproof breathable footwear. However, their method of
construction is complicated and involved and requires various
layers and compartments, adding to increased construction
costs.
[0011] Vitulli (U.S. Pat. No. 2008/0216361 A1) teaches a type of
light weight, non-slip boot. However, the footwear employs a
two-part process of construction combining EVA along with TPR, PU
or rubber, adding to increased construction costs. Further, in the
shoe claimed by Vitulli, the upper is rigid and does not lend
itself to customization to the wearer's particular foot.
[0012] Given the above background, what is needed in the art is
waterproof footwear that is protective of the foot, yet
lightweight, flexible (with respect to both the outer sole and the
upper), compactable (for minimal storage space), customizable to
the wearer's foot and/or leg and supportive of the wearer's foot
and simple to construct and use.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0013] In order to solve the above problems, a new article of
footwear has been devised that is fully waterproofed by, for
example, injection-molding a soft, flexible, light weight outer
sole from a material such as thermoplastic elastometer (TPE),
thermoplastic rubber (TPR), PLUSFOAM.TM., FUSIONFOAM.TM., HD
PLUS.TM., FUSION HD.TM. or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and
attaching it to an upper that is made from a textile resistant to
water or one that is both resistant to water and breathable.
[0014] In some embodiments, the waterproof shoe of the present
disclosure comprises a waterproof textile upper portion delimiting
a foot insertion region. The upper portion is bounded by an upper
rim that defines the foot insertion region and a lower rim. The
waterproof shoe also comprises a single piece outer sole defining
an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot. The
single piece outer sole is made of a plastic or rubber material
impermeable to water and is configured to extend over a wearer's
heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer sole
further comprises a lip about a portion of or the entirety of the
opening, where the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to
the lip in a waterproof manner. The waterproof shoe also comprises
a first sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of a
cross-sectional portion of the upper portion. The first sealing
mechanism is encased in the upper portion and a tightness of the
first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment
mechanism. The waterproof shoe further comprises a second sealing
mechanism encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper
portion. The second sealing mechanism is encased in the upper rim
and a tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a
second adjustment mechanism. The waterproof textile upper portion
is configured to fully collapse into the interior portion of the
single piece outer sole when the waterproof shoe is not being
worn.
[0015] In some embodiments, the textile upper portion is attached
to the single piece outer sole by sewing it to a protruding
portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and sealing the upper
portion and the outer sole with adhesive waterproof bonding to
ensure water impermeability. Alternatively, the upper portion is
glued to the protruding portion, or lip, of the outer sole.
Alternatively, the upper portion is glued to the outer sole on a
protruding portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and then
further sealed with adhesive waterproof bonding. Alternatively the
upper portion is sewn and then glued to the outer sole on a
protruding portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and then
further sealed with adhesive bonding to make the shoe resistant to
water. In some embodiments, the lower rim of the upper portion is
attached to the lip of the single piece outer sole by sewing,
gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any combination thereof. In
some embodiments, the attachment of the lower rim of the upper
portion to the lip of the single piece outer sole is further
waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or another adhesive
waterproofing material.
[0016] In some embodiments, the waterproof shoe comprises an insole
within the interior portion of the single piece outer sole. In some
embodiments, the waterproof shoe comprises a textile pull tab
folded over and attached to the upper rim of the upper portion.
[0017] In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion
comprises a material having an outer surface and an inner surface,
where the outer surface is resistant to water and where the inner
surface is permeable to air and water vapor. In some embodiments,
the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a multilayered
textile. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion
comprises a thermal layer. In some embodiments, the waterproof
textile upper portion comprises one or more waterproofed seams. In
some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion is made from
denier coated nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable
nylon, denier CORDURA.RTM. nylon, urethane coated material, denier
supplex CORDURA.RTM. nylon or waterproof breathable fabric with a
tricot lining.
[0018] In some embodiments, the single piece outer sole is made
from thermoplastic elastometer, thermoplastic rubber, PLUSFOAM.TM.,
FUSIONFOAM.TM., HD PLUS.TM., FUSION HD.TM. or ethylene vinyl
acetate. In some embodiments, the single piece outer sole comprises
an outer portion having a tread pattern. In some embodiments, the
hardness of the outer sole is a predetermined hardness between
Shore 45A and Shore 110A on the Shore durometer scale. In some
embodiments, the upper portion is configured to conform to the
wearer's leg by the first adjustment mechanism and the second
adjustment mechanism.
[0019] In some embodiments, the upper is constructed using encased
elastic and cord locks or other similarly binding or tightening
mechanisms, thereby allowing the wearer to easily and quickly
tighten the upper at the ankle and/or top of the calf/bottom of the
knee so that water does not enter the shoe and so that it
effectively makes the footwear customizable to and supportive of an
individual's foot and/or leg. In some embodiments, the upper is
constructed in a manner that it is easily adapted to provide for an
independent lining if the wearer so desires to insert one.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an
elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity
of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the second sealing
mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment mechanism is
the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the first
sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first
adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some
embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring
cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking
mechanism. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is a
drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord
locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the second sealing
mechanism is a drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism
is a cord locking mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to
scale and disclose multiple embodiments of the disclosed footwear
by way of illustration only, as several fall within the claims
herein.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an outer sole of a
waterproof shoe with an exemplary "lip" or protruding portion of
the outer sole designed as a connection region for the upper
portion and further shows a toe portion of the outer sole that
extends over the wearer's toes in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the outer sole of a
waterproof shoe in which the heel portion extends over the wearer's
heel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 presents a side view of the outer sole of a
waterproof shoe illustrating where the outer sole and upper portion
are attached by way of sewing, in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an outer sole illustrating one
embodiment of the anti-slip tread of the outer sole of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 6 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising
a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single
piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a waterproof shoe comprising a
waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece
outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, showing seams of the upper portion sealed
with an adhesive tape, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 10 presents a perspective view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 12 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising
a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single
piece outer sole, demonstrating where the wearer's foot and leg are
positioned in the outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 13 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising
a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single
piece outer sole, demonstrating how the upper portion conforms to
the wearer's leg by means of tightening the system of elastics with
a cord lock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of a waterproof shoe
comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a
single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first and second
sealing mechanism and first and second adjustment mechanism for a
waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first and second
sealing mechanism and first and second adjustment mechanism for a
waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed state
of a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] In the description that follows, the terms "waterproof" and
"water resistant" are interchangeable and refer to an ability of an
article to substantially prevent liquid water from external sources
from entering the interior portion of the article. In some
embodiments, the extent a fabric is "waterproof" and/or "water
resistant" is measured by the amount of water, in mm, which can be
suspended above the fabric before water seeps through. In some
embodiments, a fabric is deemed to be "waterproof" (water
resistant) when the fabric withstands over 1,000 millimeters of
water (9.8 kPa) pressure without leaking In some embodiments, a
fabric is deemed "waterproof" (water resistant) when the fabric
withstands over 500 millimeters of water pressure without leaking,
over 750 millimeters of water pressure without leaking, over 1,000
millimeters of water pressure without leaking, over 1,250
millimeters of water pressure without leaking, or over 1,500
millimeters of water pressure without leaking
[0053] Further, as used herein, the term "breathable" means the
ability of an article to transport interior moisture vapor to the
external environment. In some embodiments, breathability or
moisture vapor transmission rate is measured by the rate at which
water vapor passes, in grams of water vapor per square meter of
fabric per 24 hour period (g/m.sup.2/d), often abbreviated to just
"g," In some embodiments, a fabric is deemed to be breathable when
it has a rating of 3,000 g or greater, 4,000 g or greater, 5,000 g
or greater, 8,000 g or greater, 10,000 g or greater, 15,000 g or
greater, 20,000 g or greater, or 30,000 g or greater.
[0054] Further, as used herein, the term "textile" means a sheet
composed of natural or synthetic fibers, filaments or yarns.
Non-limiting examples of textile include woven or non-woven sheets
made by weaving, hydroentangling, meltblowing or meltspinning
fibers, filaments or yarns. In some embodiments, the textile is a
synthetic material. In some embodiments, the textile is an
elastomer, shellac, cellulose, BAKELITE, NYLON, polystyrene,
polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyacrylonitrile.
[0055] The present disclosure relates to a type of waterproof
footwear with an outer sole that is flexible, light weight and soft
and attached to a water resistant upper designed for general use in
rain or snow or on wet ground for outdoor activities including
trekking, camping and general on-water sports such as boating or
kayaking The footwear disclosed has a means of protecting the foot
with a soft, flexible, light-weight outer sole extending over the
toes and up the heel of the foot. The footwear has an attached
upper that is water resistant and designed with elements allowing
for custom fit to wearer's individual ankle, foot or leg by means
of elastic, elastic with cord lock, hook and loop fastener (such as
VELCRO.TM.) or other similar fixtures or closures.
[0056] The components of the present disclosure eliminate, or at
least reduce, the drawbacks of the kind encountered when using
conventional waterproof footwear in ways that include the
following: the footwear is light weight, the footwear is easy to
walk in, the footwear provides protection from the elements and is
durable, the outer sole of the footwear provides extra protection
and support in the ankle and toe regions, the footwear is easy to
put on, the footwear is easy to remove even after use in the
outdoors in rain or snow, the footwear is simply constructed and
easy to use, and the footwear folds up in a compactable manner
thereby requiring minimal storage space.
[0057] The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a waterproof
shoe with a light weight and flexible outer sole attached to a
water resistant and customizable textile upper portion that
eliminates the above mentioned drawbacks of the footwear currently
produced and sold in the market.
[0058] Advantageously, the disclosed footware is cost competitive
with respect to conventional shoes, water resistant, light weight,
easy to walk in, and durable. The disclosed footwear, in
particular, has soft, light weight and flexible outer sole, to
facilitate proper muscle use and development of the foot and leg.
The disclosed waterproof footwear provides support and stability to
the foot and leg while preventing water ingress as well as, in the
case of the waterproof and breathable upper, allowing for excess
humidity and vapor from the inside to escape. The disclosed
waterproof shoe is compactable, thereby being easily portable and
requiring minimal storage space.
[0059] The disclosed waterproof footwear (e.g., shoe) comprises: a
waterproof textile upper portion delimiting a foot insertion
region. The upper portion is bounded by an upper rim that defines
the foot insertion region and a lower rim. The waterproof shoe also
comprises a single piece outer sole defining an interior portion
with an opening for receiving a foot. The single piece outer sole
is made of a plastic or rubber material resistant to water. The
single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's
heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer sole
further comprises a lip about a substantial portion or an entirety
of the opening. The lower rim of the upper portion is attached to
the lip in a waterproof manner. The waterproof shoe also comprises
a first sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of a
cross-sectional portion of the upper portion. The first sealing
mechanism is encased in the upper portion. A tightness of the first
sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism.
The waterproof shoe further comprises a second sealing mechanism
encompassing a portion of (less than all) or the entirety of the
upper rim of the upper portion. The second sealing mechanism is
encased in the upper rim. A tightness of the second sealing
mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism. The
waterproof textile upper portion is configured to fully collapse
into the interior portion of the single piece outer sole when the
waterproof shoe is not being worn.
[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a single piece outer sole
of a waterproof shoe. This exemplary outer sole is shown with an
example of a "lip" or protruding portion 1 of the outer sole
designed as a connection region for the textile upper portion. FIG.
1 further shows an example of a toe portion 2 of the outer sole
that extends higher than most outer soles of waterproof footwear of
a similar nature. Toe portion 2 extends over the toes of a person
wearing the shoe.
[0061] One embodiment of the outer sole as demonstrated in FIG. 1
is injection molded to maintain the integrity of the outer sole and
its water impermeability. In some embodiments, the material for the
outer sole is PU8400, which is a polyurethane resin. In some
embodiments, the durometer (hardness) of the TPE material is a
predetermined value between Shore 45A to Shore 110A. In some
embodiments the outer sole is made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR),
PLUSFOAM.TM., FUSIONFOAM.TM., HD PLUS.TM., FUSION HD.TM. or
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
[0062] The outer sole is unique in that it is much simpler as well
as much lighter and more flexible than conventional outer soles
used in waterproof boot-type footwear.
[0063] The outer sole of the present disclosure is further unique
in that it extends farther up the foot than most outer soles of
waterproof footwear, thereby providing more support at the ankle
and providing more protection for the wearer's toes, as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the single piece outer
sole as shown in FIG. 1, in which the heel portion 3 of the outer
sole extends higher than most conventional heels in outer soles of
waterproof footwear of a similar nature. The heel portion 3 of the
outer sole extends up past the heel of a foot inserted in the outer
sole.
[0065] The outer sole of the present disclosure is further unique
in that it is designed with a lip 1 that protrudes from the top of
the outer sole for the purpose of attaching with the textile upper
portion of a waterproof shoe. The aim and function of this
protruding lip 1 is to aid in the waterproofing of the footwear by
providing a surface to attach the textile upper portion. This
addresses a common problem in waterproof footwear which is that the
connection region between the textile upper portion and the outer
sole can be a source of leakage.
[0066] FIG. 3 presents a side view of the outer sole as shown in
FIG. 1 illustrating how the outer sole and upper are attached by
way of sewing stitches 4 in some embodiments. FIG. 3 further shows
the holes for the stitches 4 according to some embodiments. The
lower rim of the textile upper portion is attached to the lip at
the top of the outer sole by sewing and/or glue and/or sealing tape
or similar adhesive bonding substance by means of heat or other
process to maintain the outer sole's integrity and water
impermeability.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an outer sole and indicates one
embodiment of the anti-slip tread 5 of the outer sole. The tread 5
of the footwear in FIG. 4 is designed so that the footwear does not
slip on wet surfaces.
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the single piece outer sole as
shown in FIG. 1, attached to an example of a textile upper portion
where the textile upper portion is customizable by way of an
encased elastic 6 and a cord lock at the top of the upper as well
as by way of an encased elastic 7 and a cord lock at the front of
the foot and an encased elastic 8 and cord lock around the back of
the ankle.
[0069] The upper, in some embodiments, is made from a waterproof
textile such as the waterproof fabrics made by CORDURA.RTM.. In
some embodiments, the upper is made from a textile that is
multilayered, such as two or three-ply. In some embodiments, the
textile used for the upper is breathable and in some embodiments,
the textile upper is made from a non-breathable textile. In some
embodiments the textile upper has a thermal coating. In some
embodiments, the textile of the upper is denier coated nylon,
silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier
CORDURA.RTM. nylon, urethane coated material, denier supplex
CORDURA.RTM. nylon or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot
lining.
[0070] In the present disclosure, the textile upper portion has
unique design features which allow the wearer to customize the fit
of the upper to assist in the proper support and stability of the
wearer's foot and to promote the proper use of the foot muscles as
shown in FIG. 5. The design features of the textile upper portion,
such as encased elastic 7 and 8 around the ankle and encased
elastic 6 at the top and secured with cord locks further, allow for
customization to the wearer's leg to provide optimal protection
against water ingress. The features as shown in FIG. 5 also allow
the wearer to easily put on and remove the footwear. The textile
upper portion of the invention disclosed has design features that
incorporate tightening mechanisms and closures such as cord locks,
snaps, hook and loop closures, laces, elastic or a combination
thereof.
[0071] In some embodiments, the disclosed textile upper portion is
one layer. In some embodiments, the disclosed textile upper portion
it is constructed in such a manner that a liner (to, for example,
provide further warmth or comfort) is attached to the textile upper
portion or simply inserted in the footwear.
[0072] FIG. 6 presents a side view the single piece outer sole as
shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper portion as shown in
FIG. 5 where the upper is customizable by way of encased elastic
exiting through an eyelet or grommet 9 at the top of the textile
upper portion as well as by way of encased elastic exiting through
an eyelet or grommet at the front of the foot and fastened with a
cord lock 10.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows an example of a rear view of the single piece
outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper
portion as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 shows where the encased
elastic 8 is situated in relation to the heel 3 of the outer sole
for customization and support.
[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of the single
piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1 attached to the upper as shown
in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 demonstrates that in some embodiments, a system
of interlocking elastics 11 are encased and provide support and
stabilization to the foot and customization of the textile upper
portion. In some embodiments, the system of interlocking elastics
comprises additional cord locks at the rear or the side of the
textile upper portion.
[0075] FIG. 9 presents an exemplary side view of the outer sole
shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper portion as shown in
FIG. 5. FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, all seams of the
upper are sealed with a heat-bonded adhesive tape or by other means
to waterproof the sewing seams 12. FIG. 9 further demonstrates
that, in some embodiments, the connection between the textile upper
portion and the outer sole is waterproofed with heat bonded
adhesive tape 13 or by other means.
[0076] In some embodiments, all sewing seams in the textile upper
portion of the invention disclosed are waterproofed using heat
bonded sealing tape or other similar waterproofing adhesives or
bonds to ensure water impermeability as shown in FIG. 9. Possible
sealing tapes include Bemis Associates Heat Seal Thermoplastic Film
Tapes which consist of a heat activated thermoplastic film
comprised of polyurethane, NYLON, polyester, polyolefin or vinyl,
which, when applied to seams of textile or fabric, prevent water
from leaking through. In some embodiments, such tapes are applied
using hot air, laser or ultrasonic taping machinery. In some
embodiments, the seams in the upper are waterproofed using a liquid
polyurethane adhesive that has waterproofing qualities, in the
nature of Seam Grip Seam Sealer and OUTDOOR REPAIR.RTM., which is a
flexible liquid urethane sealer.
[0077] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a further embodiment
of a waterproof shoe in accordance with the present disclosure in
which the front part of the textile upper portion is tightened at
the ankle with encased elastic 15 and has a cord lock. FIG. 10
further shows encased elastic 14 at the top of the upper without a
cord lock. In some embodiments, one or more sealing mechanisms
embedded in the textile upper portion do not have a cord lock or
another adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, a sealing
mechanism embedded in the textile upper portion is self-adjusting
(e.g., a tight elastic cord able to expand or contract). FIG. 11
illustrates a side view of an article of footwear as shown by
embodiments presented in FIG. 10.
[0078] FIG. 12 presents a side view of the outer sole as shown in
FIG. 1, attached to a textile upper portion as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 12 demonstrates where the wearer's foot and leg 16 are
positioned in the outer sole and textile upper portion before
adjusting one or more sealing mechanisms embedded in the textile
upper portion.
[0079] FIG. 13 presents the side view of the wearer's leg as shown
in FIG. 12, demonstrating how the textile upper conforms to the
wearer's leg by means of tightening a system of sealing and
adjusting mechanisms, such as elastics with cord locks.
[0080] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe
100 comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is
attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some
embodiments. The waterproof shoe 100 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a
waterproof textile upper portion 102 delimiting a foot insertion
region 120. The upper portion 102 is bounded by an upper rim 106
that defines the foot insertion region 120 and a lower rim 110.
FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary sizes for elements such as the foot
insertion region 120, upper rim 106 and lower rim 110, however
these elements are variable in size and shape.
[0081] The waterproof shoe 100 further comprises a single piece
outer sole 104 defining an interior portion with an opening for
receiving a foot. The single piece outer sole 104 is made of a
plastic or rubber material impermeable to water. In some
embodiments, the outer sole as demonstrated in FIG. 14 is injection
molded to maintain the integrity of the outer sole and its water
impermeability. In some embodiments, the material for the outer
sole is PU8400, which is a polyurethane resin. In some embodiments,
the durometer (hardness) of the TPE material is a predetermined
value between Shore 45A to Shore 110A. In some embodiments the
outer sole is made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), PLUSFOAM.TM.,
FUSIONFOAM.TM., HD PLUS.TM., FUSION HD.TM. or ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA).
[0082] The single piece outer sole 104 is configured to extend over
a wearer's heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer
sole has a lip 108 about a portion or the entirety of the opening.
The lower rim 110 of the textile upper portion 102 is attached to
the lip 108 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the lower
rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip of the single piece
outer sole by sewing, gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the attachment of the
lower rim of the upper portion to the lip of the single piece outer
sole is further waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or
another adhesive waterproofing material.
[0083] The textile upper portion 102, in some embodiments, is made
from a waterproof textile such as the waterproof fabrics made by
CORDURA.RTM.. In some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 is
made from a textile that is multilayered, such as two or three-ply.
In some embodiments, the textile used for the upper portion 102 is
breathable and in some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102
is made from a non-breathable textile. In some embodiments the
textile upper portion 102 has a thermal coating. In some
embodiments, the textile of the upper portion 102 is denier coated
nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier
CORDURA.RTM. NYLON, urethane coated material, denier supplex
CORDURA.RTM. NYLON or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot
lining.
[0084] FIG. 14 further illustrates a first sealing mechanism 116,
encompassing the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper
portion 102. The first sealing mechanism 116 is encased in the
upper portion 102 (e.g., encased in the textile of the upper
portion 102). A tightness of the first sealing mechanism 116 is
adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118).
In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic cord
and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic
cord. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an
elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a
cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the first sealing
mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism
is a cord locking mechanism.
[0085] FIG. 14 further illustrates a second sealing mechanism 112,
encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion
102. The second sealing mechanism 112 is encased in the upper rim
106. A tightness of the second sealing mechanism 112 is adjustable
by a second adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 114). In some
embodiments, the second sealing mechanism comprises eyeholes 122 to
allow an embedded cord to exit the textile of the upper rim 106 of
the textile upper portion 102. In some embodiments, the second
sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment
mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some
embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring
cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking
mechanism. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is a
drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord
locking mechanism.
[0086] FIG. 15 illustrates a first side view of the waterproof shoe
100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102
that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance
with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the textile upper
portion 102 comprises logos, drawings or patterns for fashion. In
some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 comprises a
reflective coating or reflective shapes or images to make the
textile visible in low light conditions.
[0087] FIG. 16 illustrates a second side view of the waterproof
shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion
102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in
accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
waterproof textile upper portion 102 comprises a material having an
outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is resistant
to water and the inner surface is permeable to air and water vapor.
In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion 102
comprises a multilayered textile. In some embodiments, the
waterproof textile upper portion 102 comprises a thermal layer. In
some embodiments, one or more seams of the waterproof textile upper
portion 102 are waterproofed (e.g., by adhesive tape, glue or
bonding).
[0088] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the waterproof shoe 100
in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. In some embodiments, a front view of the
waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of a tread pattern 124 on an
outer portion of the single piece outer sole 104. FIG. 17 also
illustrates a frontal view of the first sealing mechanism 116 and
an exemplary first adjustment mechanism 118.
[0089] FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of the waterproof shoe 100
in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. In some embodiments, a rear view of the
waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of a tread pattern 124 on an
outer portion of the single piece outer sole 104. FIG. 18 also
illustrates a rear view of the first sealing mechanism 116. In some
embodiments, the first sealing mechanism 116 is situated closer to
the heel of the outer sole 104, and in some embodiments the first
sealing mechanism 116 is situated further from the heel of the
outer sole 104.
[0090] FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of the waterproof shoe 100 in
FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is
attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some
embodiments. The top view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows
visibility of the foot insertion region 120.
[0091] FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of the waterproof shoe 100
in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. FIG. 20 also illustrates that in some
embodiments, the outer sole 104 comprises a tread pattern 124 to
provide better grip on slippery or wet surfaces.
[0092] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of another waterproof
shoe 200 comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is
attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some
embodiments. The waterproof shoe 200 shown in FIG. 21 comprises a
waterproof textile upper portion 102 delimiting a foot insertion
region 120. The upper portion 102 is bounded by an upper rim 106
that defines the foot insertion region 120 and a lower rim 110.
FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary sizes for elements such as the foot
insertion region 120, upper rim 106 and lower rim 110, however
these elements are variable in size and shape.
[0093] The waterproof shoe 200 further comprises a single piece
outer sole 104 defining an interior portion with an opening for
receiving a foot and comprising the same properties as outer sole
104 described with respect to FIG. 14.
[0094] FIG. 21 further illustrates a first sealing mechanism 202,
encompassing a portion or the entirety of a cross-sectional portion
of the upper portion 102. The first sealing mechanism 202 is
encased in the upper portion 102 (e.g., encased in the textile of
the upper portion 102). A tightness of the first sealing mechanism
202 is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock
118). In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an
elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity
of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the first sealing
mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment
mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the
first sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first
adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.
[0095] The exemplary first sealing mechanism 202 consists of an
additional third sealing mechanism 204. In some embodiments, third
sealing mechanism 204 is an elastic cord embedded in the textile
upper portion 102 that retracts the first sealing mechanism down
toward the heel of the outer sole 104. This use of the third
sealing mechanism 204 provides for a "dip" or groove in the path of
the first sealing mechanism 202 encircling a cross-section of upper
portion 102. This is useful to prevent the first sealing mechanism
from rubbing against the wearer's ankle, and to provide a more
comfortable fit for some wearers of waterproof shoe 200. In some
embodiments, waterproof shoe 200 has more than one sealing
mechanism to adjust the path of first sealing mechanism 202.
[0096] FIG. 21 further illustrates a second sealing mechanism 112,
encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion
102, and comprising the same properties as second sealing mechanism
112 described with respect to FIG. 14
[0097] FIG. 22 illustrates a first side view of the waterproof shoe
200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102
that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance
with some embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates the use of third sealing
mechanism 204.
[0098] FIG. 23 illustrates a second side view of the waterproof
shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion
102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in
accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates the use of a
fourth sealing mechanism 206.
[0099] FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of the waterproof shoe 200
in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. FIG. 24 shows the front view of first sealing
mechanism 202 for waterproof shoe 200.
[0100] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of the waterproof shoe 200
in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. FIG. 25 shows the rear view of first sealing
mechanism 202 for waterproof shoe 200.
[0101] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the waterproof shoe 200 in
FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is
attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some
embodiments. The top view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows
visibility of the foot insertion region 120.
[0102] FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of the waterproof shoe 200
in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that
is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with
some embodiments. FIG. 27 also illustrates that in some
embodiments, the outer sole 104 comprises a tread pattern 124 to
provide better grip on slippery or wet surfaces.
[0103] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first sealing
mechanism 116 and second sealing mechanism 112 and first adjustment
mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118) and second adjustment mechanism
(e.g., cord lock 114) for the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, in
accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of the first sealing mechanism 116 that encompasses the
entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102, and
further illustrates that the first sealing mechanism 116 is encased
in the upper portion 102. In this example, the first sealing
mechanism 116 is an elastic cord, and the first adjustment
mechanism is cord lock 118. FIG. 28 also illustrates that the
second sealing mechanism 112 encompasses the entirety of the upper
rim 106 of the upper portion 102, and that the second sealing
mechanism 112 is encased in the upper portion 102. In this example,
the second sealing mechanism 112 is an elastic cord, and the second
adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118.
[0104] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first sealing
mechanism 202 and second sealing mechanism 112 and first adjustment
mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118) and second adjustment mechanism
(e.g., cord lock 114) for the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, in
accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 29 illustrates that the
first sealing mechanism 202 encompasses the entirety of a
cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102, and that the
first sealing mechanism 202 is encased in the upper portion 102. In
this example, the first sealing mechanism 202 is an elastic cord,
and the first adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118. In this
exemplary figure, first sealing mechanism 204 is connected with
third sealing mechanism 204 (and connected on the other side of
shoe 200 with another similar sealing mechanism). FIG. 29 also
illustrates that the second sealing mechanism 112 encompasses the
entirety of the upper rim 106 of the upper portion 102, and that
the second sealing mechanism 112 is encased in the upper portion
102. In this example, the second sealing mechanism 112 is an
elastic cord, and the second adjustment mechanism is cord lock
118.
[0105] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed state
of a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 30
illustrates that the textile upper portion 102 collapses into the
interior portion of the single piece outer sole 104. Cord lock 114
illustrates an element from the top of the waterproof shoe in its
former upright position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14-FIG. 29). A
unique feature of the textile upper portion combined with the
single piece outer sole is that the waterproof footwear is easily
folded or collapsed and is therefore very compact for storage or
portability.
[0106] A type of waterproof footwear has been disclosed in which
the problems noted in the present well-known boot-type waterproof
footwear have been eliminated.
[0107] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous
modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of
the appended claims.
[0108] The present invention as described herein refers to a
preferred embodiment. It should be noted that, while the principle
of the invention remains the same, the details of construction and
the embodiments may widely vary with respect to what has been
described and illustrated purely by way of example, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *