Abstract:
Disclosed are a vamp construction and a method of vamp construction utilizing multiple layers in a multi-part vamp. This construction provides increased flexibility and comfort, more efficient material utilization, and aesthetic appeal. More specifically, the vamp includes a layer of vamp material, a layer of fabric, and a layer of elastic material.
Abstract:
A water resistant footwear having an upper made of a water vapor transpiring material resistant to water with a first extreme flap and at least a portion having a first thickness and provided with a second extreme flap. The first flap and the second flap have relative second thicknesses lower than the first thickness of the portion and are superimposed on each other with the interposition of a thermo-double-sided adhesive layer which can be activated by raising the temperature. The first flap and the second flap superimposed are fixed to each other by thermo-sealing. Furthermore, the footwear has an insole fixed to an edge of the upper and a waterproof sole obtained by direct injection molding on the upper and arranged so as to cover one face of the insole and seal it.
Abstract:
Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.
Abstract:
An improved method of manufacturing footwear includes lasting a lining and an upper material over a last board, such that the lining extends further over the last board and the upper material. Stitching and/or adhesive may be used to attach the lining and the upper material to one another. A gasket substantially covering the last board, the outside is then utilized. The gasket may include a web substrate and a thermoplastic adhesive. The lining may include one or two membranes that may be laminated between a tricot abrasion layer and a face fabric and/or insulation if required.
Abstract:
The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.
Abstract:
A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).
Abstract:
A midsole structure for shoes, including shoes with a vapor-permeable sole, designed for use in sports activities, comprising a monolithic plantar frame made of polymeric material, which comprises a reinforced rim with structural cross-members, which cooperate to delimit opening compartments that pass through the monolithic plantar frame in order to lead onto opposite faces thereof, at least one first vapor-permeable element, which covers at least the opening compartments, which open onto a first one of the faces, with which the first vapor-permeable element is associated, at least one second vapor-permeable element, which covers at least the opening compartments, which open onto the second one of the faces, with which the second vapor-permeable element is associated.
Abstract:
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) monofilament fibers and woven fabrics formed from the ePTFE fillers are provided, The ePTFE fibers have a substantially rectangular configuration, a density less than about 1.0 glee, and an aspect ratio greater than 15. Additionally, the ePTFE fibers are microporous and have a node and fibril structure. The ePTFE fiber may be woven into a fabric without first twisting the fiber. A polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the woven fabric to produce a laminated article. The ePTFE woven fabric simultaneously possesses high moisture vapor transmission (highly breathable) and high water entry pressure (water resistant). The woven fabric is quiet, soft, and drapable, making it especially suitable for use in garments, gloves and footwear applications. Treatments may be provided to the surface of the ePTFE fiber and/or the woven fabric to impart one or more desired functionality, such as, for example, oleophobicity).
Abstract:
Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a footwear assembly (10) for forming at least part of an upper assembly of footwear, the footwear assembly defining an instep opening (8) and comprising: a water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer (12) having a first elasticity, and a collar layer (14) attached to the water vapor permeable and waterproof functional layer (12) such as to define at least part of the instep opening (8), the collar layer (14) having a second elasticity.