U.S. patent number RE34,890 [Application Number 08/126,123] was granted by the patent office on 1995-04-04 for waterproof shoe construction.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Guillaume Sacre.
United States Patent |
RE34,890 |
Sacre |
April 4, 1995 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Waterproof shoe construction
Abstract
An inner liner is provided for a shoe that makes the shoe
waterproof and at the same time allows the foot to breathe. To
accomplish this purpose, such a liner is constructed of a material
that is impervious to water but is pervious to perspiration vapors.
The liner comprises a sock-like configuration shaped to fit within
a shoe upper and attached to the top and bottom portions of the
upper, such liner having fold portions similar to fold portions at
the front of the shoe to allow expansion and contraction thereof
when the shoe is placed on the foot and removed. The liner may also
employ a novel seam in joined portions thereof, and its particular
structure allows it to be combined with all conventional types of
shoe constructions.
Inventors: |
Sacre; Guillaume (West Linn,
OR) |
Assignee: |
Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
(N/A)
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Family
ID: |
27494625 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/126,123 |
Filed: |
September 23, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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646828 |
Jan 25, 1991 |
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290485 |
Aug 6, 1981 |
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Reissue of: |
553097 |
Nov 18, 1983 |
04599810 |
Jul 15, 1986 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/55; 36/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
7/125 (20130101); A43B 23/07 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
7/12 (20060101); A43B 7/00 (20060101); A43B
23/07 (20060101); A43B 23/00 (20060101); A43B
023/07 () |
Field of
Search: |
;36/55,93,83,4
;2/87,82,239 ;264/127 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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80710 |
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Nov 1982 |
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EP |
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690392 |
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Sep 1930 |
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FR |
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1228239 |
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Aug 1960 |
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FR |
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2116790 |
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Jul 1972 |
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FR |
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787148 |
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Nov 1951 |
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DE |
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20586 |
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Jan 1961 |
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DE |
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1096324 |
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Jan 1961 |
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DE |
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1850326 |
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Dec 1961 |
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DE |
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1924306 |
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Dec 1961 |
|
DE |
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1248006 |
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Aug 1967 |
|
DE |
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2123316 |
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Dec 1971 |
|
DE |
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2551233 |
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May 1976 |
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DE |
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2711579 |
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Apr 1978 |
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DE |
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2737756 |
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Mar 1979 |
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DE |
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2854464 |
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Jul 1980 |
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DE |
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149459 |
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Jul 1981 |
|
DE |
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158462 |
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Jan 1983 |
|
DE |
|
167792 |
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Nov 1975 |
|
IT |
|
70430 |
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May 1945 |
|
NO |
|
1358373 |
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Jun 1974 |
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GB |
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Other References
Gore Hot Air Machine Manual, 1980. .
"Gore-Tex Waterproof Breathable Laminates", Journal of Coated
Fabrics, vol. 6 (Jul. 1976). .
Purchase Order of Early Winters, Ltd. to Danner Boot Co., Jun. 20,
1980. .
Recreational Equipment, Inc. Catalogue, p. 28, Spring, 1980. .
Danner Shoe Mfg. Co. Shipping Invoice, Oct. 14, 1980. .
Danner Shoe Mfg. Co. Shipping Invoice, Aug. 28, 1980. .
Golke and Tanner, Gore-Tex Waterproof Breathable Laminates, 6 J.
Coated Fabrics 28-37 (Jul. 1976). .
Harold Rose, Fusible Interlinings--Origins and Technology; 1-10
(Highgate Publications). .
P. Sroka and K. Stukenbrock, Hanbuch der Textilen Fixiereinlagen,
Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 6 (1980) (Sinus Publishers) (with
translation). .
F. J. Fleissner, Der Weg zum Chefmodelleur, (1955)
(Schuhindustrie-Verlag Seiler & Co.) (with translation). .
Romika Order Book 1970/71 Fall/Winter, 1, 2, 72 (with translation).
.
Romika Order Book 1972/73 Fall/Winter, 1, 2, 25 (with translation).
.
Drawing of Nov. 30, 1989 (with translation). .
Gore-Tex Fabric.TM. Newsletter, Fall, 1980. .
Gore-Tex.TM. Fabric Newletter, Fall, 1981..
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Primary Examiner: Meyers; Steven N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morgan & Finnegan
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/646,828,
filed on Jan. 25, 1991, now abandoned, .Iaddend. .[.This
application.]. .Iadd.which .Iaddend.is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 290,485, filed 8/6/81 now abandoned.
Claims
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A shoe construction comprising:
(a) a sole;
(b) an integral upper having a bottom portion secured to said sole,
panel portions extending upwardly from said bottom portion, a
tongue and gussets connecting said tongue to said panel portions,
said upper including a top opening arranged to receive a foot and
defined by the edges remote from said sole of said panel portions,
tongue and gussets; and
(c) a .Iadd.separate .Iaddend.sock-like liner .Iadd.being a
laminate of at least three layers, the outer layer thereof formed
of porous, abrasion-resistant material, an intermediate layer being
formed of sheeting of an effectively continuous layer of
thermoplastic resin material which is impervious to water but
pervious to perspiration vapor and an inner layer formed of porous,
abrasion-resistant material .Iaddend.disposed .Iadd.as an insert
.Iaddend.in said upper, said liner .[.being formed of material
which is impervious of water, but pervious to perspiration vapor.].
.Iadd.forming a complete enclosure except for an open top thereof
.Iaddend.and .Iadd.said sock liner having a front tongue and
gussets portion to conform with said tongue and gussets, said liner
.Iaddend.being secured to said upper only proximate the top opening
thereof .Iadd.and thereby rendering the shoe waterproof to its
wearer to the top opening.Iaddend..
2. The shoe construction of claim 1 wherein said liner includes
toe, heel, side .[.tongue, gusset.]. and bottom portions .[.and is
open at the top.]., the bottom portion of said liner being
adhesively fixed to said sole. .[.
3. The shoe construction of claim 2 wherein said bottom portion has
a longitudinal opening and is adhesively fixed to adjacent sides of
said sole..]. .[.4. The shoe construction of claim 2 wherein said
bottom portion is fully closed..]. .[.5. The shoe construction of
claim 1 wherein said liner comprises a first layer of material
which is impervious to water but pervious to perspiration vapors,
and a second layer of porous protective material affixed to at
least one side of said first layer..].
The shoe construction of claim .[.5.]. .Iadd.1 .Iaddend.wherein
said .[.second.]. .Iadd.intermediate .Iaddend.layer is disposed on
the side of said .[.first.]. .Iadd.outer .Iaddend.layer adjacent
said upper .[.and is formed of a thermoplastic resin material.].
and wherein said liner includes a seam comprising overlapping
portions thereof and stitching holding said overlapping portions
together, a tape on said .[.second.]. .Iadd.intermediate
.Iaddend.layer over said stitching, and an adhesive backing on said
tape of thermoplastic resin material, said seam being waterproofed
at said stitching by heat melting thermoplastic portions of
said liner and tape and forming a waterproof seal. .[.7. The shoe
construction of claim 1 wherein said liner comprises a first layer
of material which is impervious to water but pervious to
perspiration vapors, and a second layer of porous protective
material affixed to the side of said first layer adjacent the
foot..]. .[.8. The shoe construction of claim 1 wherein said liner
comprises a laminated structure including a first layer of material
which is impervious to water but pervious to perspiration vapors
disposed between second and third layers of porous protective
material..]. .[.9. A shoe construction comprising:
(a) a sole;
(b) an integral upper having a bottom portion secured to said sole,
panel portions extending upwardly from said bottom portion, a
tongue and gussets connecting said tongue to said panel portions,
said upper including a top opening arranged to receive a foot and
defined by the edges remote from said sole of said panel portions,
tongue and gussets;
(c) a sock-like liner open at the top and including toe, heel,
side, tongue, gusset and bottom portions, said liner being disposed
in said upper and being secured to said upper only proximate the
top opening thereof and to said sole; and
(d) said liner comprising laminated first and second layers, said
first layer being a material which is impervious to water but
pervious to perspiration vapor and said second layer being a
porous, protective
material..]. .Iadd.10. The shoe construction of claim 1 wherein
said liner is secured to said upper by stitching. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The shoe construction of claim 1 wherein said
thermoplastic resin comprises
microporous polytetrafluoroethylene. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. The shoe
construction of claim 11 wherein said microporous
polytetrafluoroethylene
is provided as a sheeting. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The shoe
construction of claim 2, wherein said thermoplastic resin comprises
microporous polytetrafluoroethylene. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. The shoe
construction of claim 6, wherein said thermoplastic resin comprises
microporous polytetrafluoroethylene. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. A shoe
construction comprising:
(a) a sole;
(b) an integral upper having a bottom portion secured to said sole,
panel portions extending upwardly from said bottom portion, a
tongue and gussets connecting said tongue to said panel portions,
said upper including a top opening arranged to receive a foot and
defined by the edges remote from said sole of said panel portions
tongue and gussets: and
(c) a separate sock-like liner being a laminate of at least three
layers, the outer layer thereof formed of porous,
abrasion-resistant material, an intermediate layer being formed of
a sheeting of an effectively continuous layer of thermoplastic
resin material of microporous polytetrafluoroethylene which is
impervious to water but pervious to perspiration vapor and an inner
layer formed of porous, abrasion-resistant material disposed as an
insert in said upper, said liner forming a complete enclosure
except for an open top thereof and said sock-like liner having a
front tongue and gussets, said liner being secured by stitching to
said upper proximate to the top opening thereof rendering the shoe
waterproof to its wearer to the top opening, said liner further
including toe, heel, side and bottom portions and in which said
bottom liner portion is adhesively fixed to said sole, said liner
including a seam with overlapping portions thereof and stitching
holding said overlapping portions together, a tape on said
intermediate layer over said stitching, and an adhesive backing on
said tape of thermoplastic resin material, said seam being
waterproofed at said stitching by heat melting thermoplastic
portions of said liner and tape forming a waterproof seal.
.Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful improvements in shoe
constructions and is particularly concerned with a waterproof shoe
construction.
It is well known that leather shoes without special treatment allow
penetration of outside moisture into the interior of the shoe and
thus the feet will eventually get wet. This is because of the
porous nature of leather and also because of stitching through the
leather layers to accomplish the form fitting shoe construction.
Leather shoes have heretofore been waterproofed by applications of
oil, wax, latex or rubber or other waterproofing substances and
while such waterproofing techniques close the pores of the leather,
they cannot completely close the stitching holes resulting from the
attachment of the sole and upper portions. Furthermore, the
waterproofing treatment of the shoe does not allow the foot to
breathe whereby perspiration vapors condense and moisture gathers
around the foot. Other types of shoes have been provided that are
completely waterproof, such as rubber or plastic shoes, but here
again the feet cannot breathe and such shoes are generally
uncomfortable and unhealthy in their use. Also, this latter type of
shoe is not repairable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention and forming a primary objective
thereof, a shoe construction is provided that is impervious to
water but pervious to perspiration vapors whereby to provide a
waterproof construction but one which allows the foot to
breathe.
A more particular object of the invention is to provide a shoe
construction having an inner liner with a novel construction to
provide such waterproof and ventilating capabilities and also to
make a waterproof shoe that is repairable.
A further object is to provide a liner of the type described which
has a novel shape whereby to be secured within a shoe and to
provide front expansion similar to that of the tongue portion of
the shoe for insertion and removal of the foot.
Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe liner of the
type described which is light in weight, comfortable to the foot,
and rugged in use. The liner, due to its waterproofing
characteristics allows other portions of the shoe to be constructed
of lightweight material, thus reducing the over-all weight of the
shoe.
A further object is to provide a shoe liner of the type described
having a novel seam connection which, upon the application of heat,
seals overlapping layers together in a waterproof connection. If
stitching is used in such seam, the seam connection also
waterproofs the area around the stitching.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a waterproof
shoe liner that is adaptable for use with substantially all
existing types of shoe constructions. Furthermore the liner allows
the shoe to be re-soled by a repairman without damaging the
waterproof liner.
In carrying out the objectives of the invention, the shoe of the
invention has an inner liner, with a specific construction adapting
it to fit the inner contour of the shoe. It has fold portions
corresponding to the front tongue fold portions of a shoe to allow
expansion and contraction for inserting and removing the shoe on
the foot and for lacing it in place. The liner is made from a
material which is impervious to water but which is pervious to
perspiration vapors. It is sock-like in its shape and may include
either a complete enclosure with a full bottom wall or it may
include only a partial bottom wall with waterproof sealing
engagement on the sole. Seams on the liner are waterproofed by heat
treating the material of the liner and/or an adhesively backed
tape, or by other methods such as electro die heat sealing.
The invention will be better understood and additional objects and
advantages will become apparent from the following description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe construction of the type
with which the present invention may be combined;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liner of the instant invention
shown apart from the shoe;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line
3--3 of FIG. 1 and showing the liner in the shoe;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views showing the
formation of a seam in the liner of FIG. 2, such views being taken
on the line 4--4 of FIG. 2 and comprising respectively an initial
lay-up of the seam in its construction and the finished seam;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line
6--6 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7--7 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing
a modified form of the liner of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified shoe
construction utilizing the present invention; and
FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are fragmentary sectional views taken
similar to FIG. 9 and showing application of the present invention
to various types of conventional shoe constructions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With particular reference to the drawings, and first to FIGS. 1, 3,
6 and 7, the present invention is designed for use with shoe
constructions having a foot receiving portion 10, referred to as
the upper, an outsole 12, a midsole 14, and an insole 16. Although
shoe constructions may vary, the midsole 14 is shown herein as
adhesively secured to the outsole 12, and the upper 10 is secured
to the midsole 14 by an outside stitchdown 18. The shoe of FIG. 1
has conventional front lacing 20 engageable in eyelets 22. The shoe
also has a tongue portion 24 secured at the sides to the shoe and
provided with fold portions 24a which allow for expansion and
contraction of the shoe upper for insertion and removal of the foot
and for lacing the shoe on the foot. A top connecting strip piece
or cap 26 is doubled over the top of the upper and secured in place
by stitching 26a. The shoe may have side cutout portions covered
with a lightweight flexible material 28 such as fabric, thin
leather, etc. secured to main leather portions of the shoe and
provided for the purpose of reducing the weight of the shoe. The
shoe may also have suitable conventional lining and padding 30.
The waterproofing structure of the invention is designed to be
combined with the shoe just described or various other types of
shoe to be described hereinafter, and serves not only to provide
water protection for the foot but also to allow the foot to
breathe. Such invention comprises a sock-like liner 32. FIG. 2,
having an open top 34 and in the embodiment of FIG. 2 having a full
bottom wall 36 forming a complete enclosure except for the top. The
liner is made to conform to the shape and size of the interior of
the shoe and includes a front tongue portion 38 having fold
portions 38e. The fold portions 38a of the liner conform in shape
to the fold portions 26a of the shoe and thus all of such fold
portions expand and contract together for insertion and removal of
the foot.
With the liner 32 mounted in the shoe, FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the bottom
wall 36 thereof seats on the midsole 14 and is adhesively secured
thereto. The thickness of the shoe layers, particularly the liner
32, in the section views of FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, is exaggerated for
illustration purposes. The insole 16 is supported on the bottom
wall 36 of the liner 32 and is adhesively secured thereto. The
upper end 34 of the liner, as best seen in FIG. 6, is secured to
the top trim piece 26 by the stitching 26a. The only points of
attachment of the liner to the shoe comprise its stitched
connection to the top trim piece 26, which is above desired
waterproofing portions of the shoe, and to the midsole 14 which
comprises an adhesive, non-stitched connection. It is to be
understood that the liner 32 need not be stitched at the top to the
upper as shown but could as well be adhesively secured in place or
suspended in the shoe by other means.
The liner 32 in its over-all construction provides the
waterproofing of the shoe and is shown in enlarged section in FIGS.
4 and 5. It comprises a novel combination of layers and their
construction, comprising an inner or first layer of material 46 and
exterior layers 48 and 50 all secured together in laminated form by
a waterproof thermoplastic resin adhesive. Layer 46 is constructed
of a material which is impervious to water but pervious to
perspiration vapors. This layer thus provides the waterproofing but
at the same time allows the foot to breathe. A representative
product having the features described for such material is a
product identified on the market by the trademark GORE-TEX
manufactured by W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc. This product
comprises a very thin sheeting of thermoplastic resin substance
that in its manufacture has the characteristic that is porous to
the extent that it is impervious to water but pervious to vapors
such as perspiration vapors. It has a melting point of 400.degree.
C.
.Iadd.The very thin sheeting of thermoplastic resin substance of
the product identified by the trademark GORE-TEX is a microporous
polymeric film of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Gohlke and
Tanner, GORE-TEX.RTM. Waterproof Breathable Laminates, J. Coated
Fabrics, Vol. 6, 28 (July 1976)..Iaddend.Layers 48 and 50 comprise
protective layers of abrasion resistant, rugged and porous
material. Also, the material from which these exterior layers is
constructed, at least the outer layer 48, namely, the layer which
is next to the shoe upper 10, is also a thermoplastic resin
substance. Layers 48 and 50 may thus simply comprise a woven or
other porous type plastic structure having the above
characteristics. The inside layer 50 must also, of course, have a
surface texture which does not cause foot discomfort. A
representative product for the layer 48 is a product identified on
the market as Nexis manufactured by Burlington Corporation. It has
a melting point of 225.degree. C. The layer 50 is a product
identified on the market as Cambrella, manufactured by Faxtex
Corporation. It has a melting point of 250.degree. C. This
particular combination of materials or equivalent materials provide
a liner of the desired characteristics and furthermore are
adaptable to the formation of seams which in a best mode of
manufacture may be required, as will now be detailed.
Such a seam is designated by the numeral 52 in FIG. 2 and has a
particular structure that provides a strong and waterproof
connection. The construction of the seam 52 is illustrated in
detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. As noted above, the thickness of the
layers 46, 48 and 50 in these views, as well as other layers to be
described, are greatly exaggerated for purposes of clarity. The
actual thickness of the liner wall will for example be around one
thirty-seconds of an inch thick or less and not materially thicker
at the seam 52.
With reference first to FIG. 4, which shows the initial lay-up of
the seam in its construction, end portions 32a of the liner which
are to be secured together are laid in overlapping relation and
stitched together by stitching 54. The seam is covered with tape 55
having a main body portion 56 of tough high tensile strength
material such as Nylon and having a melting point of at least
250.degree. C. A layer 57 of material which is impervious to water
but pervious to perspiration is laminated to main body portion 56
by a suitable thermoplastic resin adhesive. Layer 57 may comprises
Gore-Tex similar to layer 46 in the liner 32, it being desired that
it have a higher melting point than layer 48. The layer 57 has an
adhesive coating 58 on its exposed surface, such adhesive
comprising a thermoplastic resin adhesive. It is desired that this
adhesive coating as well as the adhesive used in the lamination of
the layers 46, 48 and 50 and layers 56 and 57 comprise a
thermoplastic resin adhesive have a melting point of 225.degree. C.
or slightly less.
With the tape laid over the overlapped portions 32a of the liner,
heat and pressure are then applied to the seam with the heat being
applied on the tape side. The heat applied is preselected whereby
to soften the layers 48 as well as the adhesive between the layers
46, 48 and 50 and the tape adhesive 58 but not to soften layers 46,
50, 56 and 57. Thus, a temperature in the range above 225.degree.
C. but below 250.degree. C. is used. A representative pressure is
120 psi. By such process, a solid structural waterproof weld 60,
FIG. 5, is provided into and including at least a portion of the
depth into waterproof layers 46, namely, a penetrating distance
shown by arrows 62 in FIG. 5. More particularly, the tape 55,
particularly its Gore-Tex layer 57, is welded to both layers 48,
and the layers 48 are welded to their respective waterproofing
layers 46. By such structure, the stitching 54 is completely
covered by waterproofing material and the end edges of the outside
end portions 32a are sealed. In a broad sense selected materials
for the layers of the liner as well as adhesive layers are used
with selected heat and pressure values related to the melting point
of such materials whereby such layers and adhesive form a weld from
the layer 57 in the tape down to and including layers 46 on both
overlapping ends 32a.
It is to be understood that the seams 52 may be formed without
stitching 54 if desired such as by electro-die sealing and
adhesives. It is also to be understood that other or differently
placed seams may be required in the liner such as seams up the back
and/or front.
With reference to FIG. 8, a somewhat modified form of liner 32' is
provided. The shoe structure 10 is identical to that shown in FIGS.
1, 3, 6 and 7 but the liner 32' of the invention is modified to the
extend that the bottom wall 36' does not extend the full width and
length of the liner but instead has inturned flange portions 64 at
the sides and around the front and rear. The bottom wall of this
embodiment thus has an opening 66. In this embodiment, the flange
portions 64 are permanently attached as by adhesive to the midsole
14 and to an insole 16. The numeral 67 designates a shank of
conventional use and construction. These shanks may be located in
the shoe as required.
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment 10" of shoe construction also
utilizing the present principle. Such structure uses the waterproof
liner of the invention which may comprise the full bottom liner
structure 32 as in FIG. 2, as shown, or it could as well comprise
the open bottom liner 32' as in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a
lining 30 is disposed between the present liner 32 and the upper
10" and is turned inwardly a short distance across the sole. Lining
30 may also be turned outwardly as in FIG. 3, if desired. Also in
the embodiment of FIG. 9, an additional midsole 68 may be provided
under the lining 30 and insert 32.
Another feature of the present invention is that the insert
structure can be combined with various other types of shoe
structures in common use. One such structure is shown in FIG. 10
and is known in the trade as the Norwegian welt. Such structure
employs an upper 70 and outsole 72, one or more midsoles 74, a
lower insole 76 having an outer downturned lip 78, and an insole
80. In this structure, the upper 70 is stitched to the lip 78 of
the insole 76 by stitching 82, and also has an outside stitchdown
84. A liner 32' with the open bottom is readily applicable to this
conventional structure by fitting it within the shoe and securing
it as in FIG. 8. A filler 86 may be used under the insole 76 if
desired.
FIG. 11 also shows a Norwegian welt construction and is identical
to FIG. 10 except that such construction is used in combination
with the insert 32 of the invention having the full bottom wall 36.
Such full bottom liner can be used with an upper insole.
FIG. 12 shows a liner 32' of the invention combined with another
conventional shoe construction which is known in the trade as the
Little Way construction. The upper 90 of this shoe is turned in at
the bottom and secured by an inside stitchdown 92 to a midsole 94
secured to an outsole 96. The liner 32' is supported on and secured
to a lower insole 98 secured in place by the stitching 92. Liner 32
supports an upper insole 100.
FIG. 13 shows a liner 32' of the invention in combination with yet
another conventional structure known in the trade as the Goodyear
welt. In such structure, a horizontal stitching 104 secures the
upper 106 to a strip 108 of welting and to a downturned lip 110 on
a lower insole 112. The welting strip 108 is also secured by an
outside stitchdown 114 to a midsole 116 in turn secured to outsole
118. Liner 32' seats on lower insole 112 and supports an upper
insole 120.
FIG. 14 shows an injected molded welt wherein the upper 122 of
leather is injection molded to the outsole 124 to provide a
waterproof connection. The liner 32' of the invention is supported
on the bottom of the shoe. Outsole 124 is suitably contoured at 126
for the intended purpose. An insole 128 is supported on the liner
32.
It will be seen by the above description that the present shoe
liner has the distinct advantage of being capable of being combined
with most conventional type shoe constructions and furthermore is
readily applied to the shoe in its construction and readily
replaceable if necessary. In addition to providing water protection
from the outside but allowing vapor escape from the inside, the
structure with the woven layers 48 and 50 is comfortable to the
feet. Such liner furthermore is inexpensive to manufacture and thus
does not add materially to the cost of the shoe. In addition the
liner is light in weight and allows, such as by lightweight panels
28, the over-all weight of the shoe to be reduced. The shoe soles
in these repairable type constructions are repairable without
damaging the liner from the outside.
It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herein shown
and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and
that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts
may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my
invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims. For example, the
liner may be installed in the shoe during the construction of the
shoe or else it can be installed after the shoe is completed. In
this latter instance, the liner is installed in a completed shoe by
suitable attachment at the top connecting strip and by adhesively
securing it to the sole, as by a heating process.
* * * * *