Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Footwear
The present invention is in the field of footwear. In particular, the present
invention
is in the field of waterproof, breathable footwear, providing an all around
water-
proof structure around the wearer's foot.
Waterproof shoes have been known for a long time. In recent years, waterproof
and breathable shoes have been developed that provide for an all-around water-
proof structure around the wearer's foot, but at the same time provide
breathabil-
ity, such that moisture and sweat from the wearer's foot can escape from the
in-
tenor of the shoe. Such shoes commonly have an arrangement of various water-
proof and breathable functional layers, also referred to as waterproof and
breath-
able membranes, extending around the inner space of the shoe. For example, a
lower functional layer underneath the wearer's foot may be combined with an up-
per functional layer on top and to the sides of the wearer's foot, with the
two func-
tional layers being joined along their periphery by a sewn seam. In this way,
a wa-
terproof and breathable bag around a wearer's foot may be provided. Previous
approaches for waterproof and breathable footwear have not been fully
satisfact-
ory in terms of user comfort.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide footwear that allows for an
improved
comfort to the wearer, while maintaining waterproofness and breathability.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention include footwear comprising an upper
assembly having an outer construction and a bootie, and a sole attached to the
upper assembly. The bootie is made with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the
waterproof, breathable laminate comprising a one-piece functional layer and at
least one textile layer. The bootie has elasticity in a circumferential
direction of the
bootie, the bootie is fixed in position in a toe region of the footwear and
fixed in
position in a heel region of the footwear, and the bootie is not attached to
the
outer construction on an upper side of a midfoot portion of the bootie.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention allow for an improved comfort for the
user when wearing the footwear. In particular, the provision of the bootie
with a
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one-piece functional layer and elasticity in the circumferential direction of
the
bootie, together with the freedom to move with respect to the outer
construction
on the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie, provides for an
optimized
compromise between a stable and non-disturbing feel of the footwear that also
provides a perceived high level of freedom to move within the footwear. The
fixing
of the bootie in position in the toe region and the heel region of the
footwear and
the elasticity in the circumferential direction of the bootie provide for a
well-
defined stance of the user within the footwear and for an overall stable feel
due to
the elastic tightening of the bootie around the wearer's foot. While the
attachment
in the front and the back of the shoe and the elasticity in the
circumferential direc-
tion of the bootie provide for support and a sense of stance safety to the
wearer,
the non-attachment to the outer construction on the upper side of the midfoot
por-
tion of the bootie provides for a high level of perceived freedom to move. It
has
been found that the potential for relative motion between the bootie and the
outer
construction on the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie leads to a
high
level of comfort and a feeling of not being confined by the footwear, while
not
compromising the wearer's feeling of stability. The described combination of
at-
tachment / non-attachment and the elasticity of the bootie provides for an
optim-
ized compromise between stability and freedom to move, thus increasing the
wearer's comfort. The bootie having a waterproof, breathable laminate with a
one-
piece functional layer enhances all of the described effects. The one-piece
nature
makes the elasticity of the bootie immediately present around the wearer's
foot,
making the bootie feel stable and comfortable to the user. Also, the one-piece
nature, leading to a bootie with at most one seam, leads to a very low or even
en-
tirely eliminated impairment of comfort, as will be described below.
The term bootie refers to a sock-like structure that encases the foot of the
wearer,
when inserted into the footwear. The bootie is generally arranged in the space
between the outer construction of the upper assembly and the sole, i.e. in the
in-
ner space of the shoe. The bootie may also extend out of the inner space of
the
shoe at the collar region of the upper assembly. In other words, the bootie
may
extend upwards from the outer construction of the upper assembly. The bootie
is
made with a waterproof, breathable laminate. In this way, the bootie provides
a
waterproof and breathable sock-like structure all around the wearer's foot,
with
the exception of at most one seam, as will be discussed below. This waterproof
and breathable bootie construction allows for the discharge of water vapor
from
the wearer's foot through the bootie and to the outside of the footwear via
the
outer construction and/or the sole.
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The waterproof, breathable laminate comprises a one-piece functional layer and
at least one textile layer. The one-piece functional layer and the at least
one tex-
tile layer may be substantially co-extensive. The term at least one textile
layer in-
tends to state that the one-piece functional layer may be provided with a
textile
layer on one side thereof or with a textile layer on each side thereof, i.e.
with two
textile layers. It is also possible that more than one textile layer is
provided on one
side or on both sides. In addition, each textile layer may be made up of
multiple
textile pieces. For example, the waterproof, breathable laminate may comprise
a
one-piece functional layer and one textile layer on one side of the functional
layer,
with the one textile layer being made up of multiple textile pieces that are
sewn
together. In other words, the one-piece functional layer may be provided with
one
or more textile layers that are made up from originally separate textile
pieces.
With the functional layer being a one-piece structure, the waterproof,
breathable
laminate is also considered a one-piece structure. This is irrespective of
whether
the textile layer is made of originally separate textile pieces or not. In
case the
textile layer is made of originally separate textile pieces, a one-piece
laminate
structure is present, at least at the point where the laminate is formed from
the
one-piece functional layer and the multiple textile pieces. Hence, the bootie
is
made from one continuous waterproof, breathable laminate and is also con-
sidered a one-piece structure. In particular, the bootie is made from a
continuous
waterproof, breathable laminate, which may be shaped to inherently have the
form of a bootie or which may be cut, folded and sewn or glued together to
form a
bootie.
An exemplary construction method for a bootie in accordance with the former
case is as follows. A textile layer may be formed from a plurality of textile
pieces.
The plurality of textile pieces may be sized and sewn together in such a way
that
a sock-like textile layer is formed. The sock-like textile layer may be placed
on a
last, and a functional layer may be stretched over the last and brought into
con-
tact with the sock-like textile layer. The functional layer is adhered to the
textile
layer and the waterproof, breathable laminate is thus formed. This waterproof,
breathable laminate has the inherent shape of a bootie. Both the waterproof,
breathable laminate and the bootie are considered seamless. The seams
between the originally separate textile pieces, if present, are considered to
be
seams of a precursor product and are not considered seams of the laminate of
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the bootie. It is also possible that one or more of the at least one textile
layer are
seamless as well.
In the alternative of the cut, folded and sewn/glued laminate forming the
bootie, a
substantially flat waterproof, breathable laminate is provided, for example
having
a one-piece functional layer and a textile layer on one side, potentially made
from
originally separate textile pieces. The laminate is cut in such a shape that,
upon
folding the laminate, a sock-like shape is formed. The edges of the laminate
are
then sewn or glued together, such that the sock-like shape is retained.
The waterproof, breathable laminate may be a two-layer laminate consisting of
the functional layer and a textile layer. The waterproof, breathable laminate
may
also be a three-layer laminate, with the functional layer being sandwiched
between a fist textile layer and a second textile layer on opposite sides of
the
functional layer. The waterproof, breathable laminate may also comprise one or
more further layers, such as an additional water-stopping layer, keeping water
off
the functional layer and thus ensuring breathability thereof. The term
functional
layer is a commonly used term in the art of footwear and refers to a layer
combin-
ing waterproof and breathable characteristics. Alternatively, a functional
layer is
also often referred to as a waterproof, breathable membrane.
The functional layer may include or may be a breathable and waterproof mem-
brane. The membrane may be selected from polyurethane, polyester, polyether,
polyamide, polyacrylate, copolyether ester and copolyether amides, as well as
other suitable thermoplastic and elastomeric films. In a particular
embodiment, the
waterproof, breathable membrane may be made of a fluoropolymer, particularly
made of microporous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The micropor-
ous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is a membrane of expanded polytetra-
fluoroethylene as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,187,390, to Gore.
Such membranes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene are present in commer-
cially available laminates from W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md.,
under
the tradename GORE-TEX fabric. The breathable and waterproof functional
layer may be composed of a polyurethane coated microporous expanded polytet-
rafluoroethylene membrane made substantially according to the teachings of
U.S.
Pat. No. 4,194,041 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,214, assigned to W.L. Gore and As-
sociates, Inc, in Elkton, Md.
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The bootie is elastic in the circumferential direction thereof. In other
words, when
the wearer inserts a foot into the footwear, the bootie is able to stretch and
to ex-
pand elastically in order to make room for the foot of the wearer. In this
process,
the bootie conforms to the foot of the wearer, it is therefore also referred
to as a
5 conformable bootie. The bootie being elastic means that it exerts a force
against
the wearer's foot upon insertion thereof. In other words, the elasticity
builds up a
force that forces the bootie towards its shape before insertion of the
wearer's foot.
This force provides for a recovery of the bootie towards its previous shape
after
exertion of the wearer's foot. The elastic nature of the bootie may be
achieved in
io any suitable way. Particular examples of producing elastic laminates are
given in
WO 95/32093 Al, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its
entirety.
The bootie is elastic in a circumferential direction thereof. This expression
does
not require the bootie to be elastic in the circumferential direction along
its entire
length. The bootie is elastic along a substantial part of its length. In
particular, the
bootie may be elastic in the circumferential direction in the midfoot portion.
It is,
however, also possible that the bootie is elastic in the circumferential
direction
along its entire length.
The bootie is arranged underneath and towards the inside of the outer construc-
tion of the upper assembly. The term outer construction generally refers to
that
part of the shoe that is seen from the outside of the shoe on top of the sole.
It
also includes the non-visible extensions of these materials, e.g. a lasted
upper
material. The outer construction further includes additional structures above
and
to the sides of the foot, even if they are not visible from the outside, e.g.
a hidden
tongue.
The bootie is not attached to the outer construction on the upper side of the
mid-
foot portion of the bootie. In other words, the bootie is free of attachments
/ at-
tachment points with respect to the outer construction on the upper side of
the
midfoot portion. In yet other words, the bootie is free to move with respect
to the
outer construction on its upper side in the midfoot portion. In particular, it
is pos-
sible that the bootie is not attached to the midfoot portion of the outer
construc-
tion of the upper assembly.
The laminate is waterproof and breathable. Being made with the waterproof,
breathable laminate, the bootie is also waterproof and breathable. In case the
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bootie has a seam connecting the edges of the functional layer to yield the
sock-
like shape, the seam region is made waterproof. For example, a waterproof seam
tape may be arranged along the seam region. With the bootie being waterproof
and breathable, the footwear as a whole may also be referred to as a
waterproof,
breathable footwear. The bootie forms a waterproof bag around the wearer's
foot,
lending waterproofness to the footwear as a whole. The footwear is breathable,
because the outer construction has a breathable outer material and/or the sole
is
breathable. The sole may be made from a breathable material and/or may have a
breathable structure, as will be explained below.
The terms upper assembly and sole generally indicate structures that are manu-
factured separately or subsequently in accordance with traditional shoe
manufac-
turing, as described herein. However, with advances in shoe manufacturing, it
is
also possible that the upper assembly and the sole are formed as an integrated
structure. For example, the combination of the upper assembly and the sole may
be manufactured as a 3D knit or in accordance with another 3D manufacturing
process. Such integrated structures comprising both the upper assembly and the
sole are also encompassed by the footwear as claimed herein. It is also
possible
that the upper assembly comprises an integrated structure around the wearer's
foot, which has the breathable outer material and the insole made as one integ-
rated structure and into which the bootie is inserted.
According to a further embodiment, an air gap is present between the bootie
and
the outer construction on the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie.
The
air gap is present when no foot is inserted into the footwear. It is further
possible
that the air gap is also still present when a foot is inserted into the
footwear. The
air gap between the bootie and the outer construction allows for an expansion
of
the bootie on the upper side of the midfoot portion without any resistance by
an-
other material. In this way, the upper side of the midfoot portion of the
bootie is
particularly free to move, thus providing a lot of comfort and perceived
freedom to
move to the wearer.
According to a further embodiment, a compressible material layer is present
between the bootie and the outer construction on the upper side of the midfoot
portion of the bootie. A compressible material may also provide for freedom to
move, while at the same time providing a somewhat stronger frame of stability
for
the foot than an air gap. It is also possible to have both a compressible
material
and an air gap present between the bootie and the outer construction on the up-
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per side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. The compressible material may
be
either attached to the upper side of the bootie or to the outer construction.
How-
ever, the compressible material may not be attached to both the outer construc-
tion and the bootie, in order for the relative movement of the bootie with
respect
.. to the outer construction to not be compromised.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie and the outer construction are
jointly extendable on the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. As
dis-
cussed above, the circumferential elasticity of the bootie allows for an
expansion
.. thereof upon the insertion of the wearer's foot. With the bootie and the
outer con-
struction being jointly extendable, the two structures may jointly provide
support
for the wearer's foot. The potential for relative movement of the two
structures
with respect to each other is ensured due to the non-attachment on the upper
side of the midfoot portion.
According to a further embodiment, the midfoot portion extends along at least
80%, in particular along at least 90%, further in particular along 100%, of
the
length from a foot instep portion of the upper assembly corresponding to a
navic-
ular area of a foot forward to a ball portion of the upper assembly
corresponding
to metatarsal point 1 - phalanges joint of the foot. In other words, the upper
side
of the bootie is not attached to the outer construction - at least on the
upper side
of the bootie - along at least 80%, in particular along at least 90%, further
in par-
ticular along 100%, of the length from a foot instep portion of the upper
assembly
corresponding to a navicular area of a foot forward to a ball portion of the
upper
assembly corresponding to metatarsal point 1 - phalanges joint of the foot.
The
navicular area of the foot and the metatarsal point 1 - phalanges joint of the
foot
are well-defined anatomical portions of the human foot. They are in particular
well-defined for a given foot size, which allows for a derivation of the
correspond-
ing foot instep portion and the corresponding ball portion of the upper
assembly
for a given shoe size. It has been found that a high-level of perceived
freedom to
move and a high level of comfort can be achieved by allowing for relative move-
ment of the bootie with respect to the outer construction in a very large part
or the
entire portion of the upper side of the foot between the navicular area and
the
metatarsal point 1 - phalanges joint.
According to a further embodiment, the midfoot portion extends along at least
80%, in particular at least along at least 90%, further in particular along
100%, of
the length from an upper tongue portion of the outer construction forward to a
toe
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box area of the outer construction. In other words, the bootie is not attached
to
the outer construction - at least on the upper side of the bootie - along at
least
80%, in particular along at least 90%, further in particular along 100%, of
the
length from an upper tongue portion of the outer construction forward to a toe
box
area. In this way, the attachment-free portion of the upper side of the bootie
may
be maximized in terms of the underlying shoe construction. In particular, the
area
between the upper tongue portion, where an attachment of the bootie to a
collar
region of the outer construction may be present, to the toe box area, where a
fur-
ther attachment between the bootie and the remaining shoe construction takes
place, can be kept free of attachment points, thus maximising the freedom to
move on the upper side of the bootie in the midfoot portion for the given shoe
construction. In footwear technology, the toe box area is a well-defined
portion of
the shoe, where the toe portion of the foot is embedded into the particular
foot-
wear construction.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie is not attached to the outer con-
struction around at least 50%, in particular around at least 60%, further in
particu-
lar around at least 65%, of the circumference of the bootie in the midfoot
portion.
In other words, at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, further in
particular at
least 65%, of the circumference of the bootie are not attached to the outer
con-
struction. In yet other words, at least 50%, in particular at least 60%,
further in
particular at least 65%, of the circumference of the bootie are free to move
within
the footwear, with the free portion of the circumference forming an upper part
of
the bootie. The given values relate to all cross-sections along the midfoot
portion
of the bootie. In this way, a large un-attached area of the bootie is provided
in the
midfoot portion, such that the freedom to move is felt particularly well by
the
wearer. In particular, the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie,
i.e. the
un-attached part of the midfoot portion of the bootie, may have an extension
of
between 50% and 90%, in particular of between 60% and 85%, further in particu-
lar of between 65% and 85%, of a midfoot circumference of the bootie. Accord-
ingly, a small portion, in particular between 10% and 15%, of the midfoot
circum-
ference of the bootie may be used for attachments. This small portion of
attach-
ment is provided on the lower side of the midfoot portion of the bootie, i.e.
to-
wards the sole or insole. It is stressed that the bootie may also be non-
attached
around its entire circumference in the midfoot portion.
According to a further embodiment, the one-piece functional layer is seamless
on
the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. A one-piece functional
layer
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may be entirely seamless, as has been described above will be described
further
below, or may be made from one single piece of functional layer / laminate,
which
is brought into a bootie form by sewing / glueing its edges together. In both
cases,
the bootie is considered a one-piece bootie, irrespective of the number of
textile
pieces used for forming a textile layer, as has been described above. In the
former case, the bootie is considered seamless. In the latter case, the bootie
is
considered to have a seam. This seam may be arranged in such a way that the
upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie is free of said seam, i.e.
seamless.
In a simplified illustrative example, a one-piece bootie with one seam can be
visu-
alized as a particular cut of a laminate, wrapped around a last and sewn
together
at its edges. The cut of the laminate has such a shape that it fully covers
the last.
While the resulting seam may have various partial seams for adapting the lamin-
ate to the complex shape of a human foot, it is still considered a single seam
holding the edges of the one-piece functional layer / laminate together. The
water-
proof nature of the bootie may be ensured by using a waterproof seam tape
along said described seam. The feature of the one-piece functional layer being
seamless on the upper side of the midfoot portion of the bootie means that
said
described seam, if present, does not extend in the region of the upper side of
the
midfoot portion of the bootie. Rather, the bootie is arranged such that the
seam, if
present, extends along the lower side of the bootie in the midfoot portion. In
a
particular embodiment, the one-piece functional layer is seamless on the whole
upper side of the bootie. Further, it is explicitly pointed out that, with the
one-piece
functional layer being seamless on the upper side of the midfoot portion of
the
bootie, the whole bootie, including all its layers, may be seamless on the
upper
side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. With no seams being present on the
up-
per side of the midfoot portion of the bootie, the upper portion of the foot
does not
rub against any seams, adding to the perceived comfort for the user.
According to a further embodiment, the one-piece functional layer is a
seamless,
one-piece functional layer. As described above, with the functional layer
being a
seamless, one-piece functional layer, the bootie is also considered a
seamless,
one-piece bootie, irrespective of the number of textile pieces used for making
the
waterproof, breathable laminate. In particular, the functional layer may be
inher-
ently shaped in the form of a bootie, e.g. by expanding the same over a last
and
a textile layer, thus having no seams. In other words, the functional layer /
lamin-
ate may be manufactured to have the shape of a bootie, i.e. to have a sock-
like
shape, without the need for attaching different parts of the functional layer
/ lam-
inate to each other. In particular, there is no need for sewing or glueing
edges of
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the functional layer / laminate together in this case. Such bootie-shaped
water-
proof and breathable functional layer constructions are per se known, e.g.
from
WO 2015/123482 Al, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
In particular, it is known how the functional layer can be transformed from a
plane
5 layer into a bootie-shaped structure. For the details of said
manufacturing pro-
cess, reference is made to WO 2015/123482 Al. The provision of the seamless
one-piece functional layer, and thus of the seamless, one-piece bootie,
provides
for a particularly high level of comfort to the wearer, because no seams
interfere
with the all-around feeling of stability, conformity and freedom to move.
According to a further embodiment, the upper assembly comprises an assembly
insole and the bootie is attached to at least one of the outer construction
and the
assembly insole in the toe area and to at least one of the outer construction
and
the assembly insole in the heel area. The assembly insole is arranged below
the
bootie. The outer construction may be attached to the assembly insole in an
outer
circumferential portion of the assembly insole, e.g. an upper material of the
outer
construction may be lasted onto the assembly insole. The assembly insole may
be breathable for water vapor to be discharged through the assembly insole and
on to the sole of the footwear. However, it is also possible that the assembly
in-
sole is not made from a breathable material. In both the toe area and the heel
area of the footwear, the bootie may be attached to one of the outer
construction
and the assembly insole or to both the outer construction and the assembly in-
sole.
.. According to a further embodiment, the bootie is not attached to the
assembly in-
sole on a lower side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. In this way, the
bootie is
entirely un-attached in its midfoot portion. In this way, the freedom to move
with
respect to the surrounding shoe construction is maximized for the wearer's
foot in
the midfoot portion. The feeling of stability, provided by the elastic bootie,
is
3o paired with a maximum flexibility for the midfoot portion of the foot.
It is pointed out that it is also possible that the bootie is attached to the
assembly
insole on the lower side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. In particular,
the
bootie may be attached to the assembly insole around at most 50%, in
particular
around at most 40%, further in particular around at most 30%, further in
particular
around at most 20%, further in particular around at most 10%, of the midfoot
cir-
cumference of the bootie. With the given values, a desired compromise between
stability and flexibility can be achieved, while allowing for a well-defined
positional
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arrangement of the bootie within the footwear by providing some form of attach-
ment in the midfoot portion. Again, the given values relate to all cross-
sections of
the midfoot portion of the bootie.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie forms an outermost lower part of
the upper assembly towards the sole of the footwear and the bootie is attached
to
at least one of the outer construction of the upper assembly and the sole in
the
toe area and to at least one of the outer construction of the upper assembly
and
the sole in the heel area. The bootie forming the outermost lower part of the
up-
io per
assembly means that no separate assembly insole is provided underneath the
bootie. In particular, the lower portion of the bootie may assume the function
of an
assembly insole, providing stability of the upper assembly during production
and
providing a well-defined lower part of the upper assembly for attachment to
the
sole. In this case, the sole may be direcly attached to the bootie. It is
pointed out
that, both in the toe area and the heel area, the bootie may be attached to
one of
the outer construction and the sole or to both of these structures.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie is not attached to the sole on a
lower side of the midfoot portion of the bootie. In this way, maximum freedom
to
move and flexibility is provided for the bootie in the midfoot portion of the
foot-
wear. It is pointed out that the bootie may also be attached to the lower side
of
the midfoot portion of the bootie. In particular, the sole may be attached to
the
lower side of the bootie along the same portions of the bootie circumference
as
described above with respect to the assembly insole. In the particular case of
an
injected sole, the sole may be directly injected on and formed onto the bootie
and
the outer construction of the upper assembly. In that process, the sole may
form a
strong attachment to the bootie, while the attachment area can be closely con-
trolled in the manufacturing process and can be kept small for a large degree
of
freedom to move for the bootie.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie is attached to the outer
construc-
tion of the upper assembly in a collar region of the footwear. In particular,
the
bootie may be attached to the outer construction around a shoe instep portion,
i.e. around the opening through which the wearer inserts his/her foot. In this
way,
a third attachment region besides the toe region and the heel region is
provided,
such that the bootie is strongly fixed in position with respect to the
remainer of the
footwear, while maintaining freedom to move in the midfoot portion, as is
highly
desirable for user comfort, as discussed above.
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12
According to a further embodiment, the bootie has a midfoot circumference in
the
midfoot portion that is between 60% and 99%, in particular between 70% and
95%, further in particular between 80% and 90% of a foot circumference in the
midfoot portion. In this way, the bootie expands upon foot insertion and
provides a
pleasant feel of stability and comfort due to its elasticity, i.e. due to its
pressure
exertion on the foot. With the given midfoot circumference values of the
bootie, a
particularly pleasant compromise between the comfortable and stable fit of
slight
back pressure and sufficient freedom to move without feeling constrained by
the
io back
pressure can be achieved. The foot circumference is the circumference of a
typical foot for the given shoe size. The typical foot is a non-deformed foot,
i.e. a
foot without abnormal deformations. The foot circumference may thus be defined
in accordance with the anatomical properties of a foot, i.e. in accordance
with the
properties as given in medicine text book. It is also possible to define the
foot cir-
cumference as a mean or medium value for a relevant set of measured feet cir-
cumferences.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie has elasticity in a longitudinal
dir-
ection of the bootie. In this way, the bootie has elasticity both in the
circumferen-
tial direction of the bootie and the longitudinal direction of the bootie,
thus provid-
ing the feeling of stability and comfort to the wearer in an enhanced manner.
When having longitudinal elasticity in addition to circumferential elasticity,
the
bootie is also said to have biaxial elasticity.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie has a longitudinal elasticity of
at
most 15 N/cm, in particular of at most 5 N/cm, at 10% elongation in the
longitud-
inal direction of the bootie. The elasticity is measured as the force that is
required
to keep the sample at 10% elongation, with the cm value referring to the width
of
the test sample of the bootie. The elasticity is measured in accordance with
DIN
EN 14704-1, in the version of July 2005. The given values have been found to
provide a bootie with a particularly comfortable fit, applying some force onto
the
foot for a stable and comfortable fit, while avoiding a constrained feeling of
the
foot due to too much pressure. In a particular embodiment, the bootie has a
lon-
gitudinal elasticity of at least 0.5 N/cm at 10% elongation in the
longitudinal direc-
tion of the bootie. In this way, a minimum amount of pressure for stability
and a
conformable fit may be achieved. The elasticity of the bootie may for example
be
regulated by using textiles for the at least one textile layer that have the
desired
retractive force.
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According to a further embodiment, the bootie has a circumferential elasticity
of at
most 15 N/cm, in particular of at most 5 N/cm, at 30% elongation in the
circumfer-
ential direction of the bootie. The elongation in the circumferential
direction is
defined in terms of a bootie sample, e.g. of the bootie material when the
bootie is
cut open. In other words, the elongation value is not defined for the bootie,
as in-
serted into the footwear described herein, because an extension thereof in the
circumferential direction would require stretching two layers of the bootie at
the
same time. The given elasticity values have been found to provide a very
comfort-
able compromise between circumferential pressure on the foot, conveying stabil-
ity and a comfortable fit, while keeping the elastic pressure at values that
are not
perceived as disturbing. In particular, the bootie may have a circumferential
elasti-
city of at least 0.5 N/cm at 30% elongation in the circumferential direction
of the
bootie. In this way, a comfortable minimum back pressure onto the wearer's
foot
may be achieved. The elasticity of the bootie may for example be regulated by
using textiles for the at least one textile layer that have the desired
retractive
force.
According to a further embodiment, the bootie has an elastic recovery of at
least
75% in at least one of the longitudinal direction of the bootie and the
circumferen-
tial direction of the bootie. In particular, the bootie has an elastic
recovery of at
least 75% in both the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction
of the
bootie. The elastic recovery may again be measured according to DIN EN 14704-
1, in the version of July 2005. With such elastic recovery, the comfortable
fit of the
bootie and, thus, of the footwear may be upheld over an extended period of
time.
The bootie may return nearly or entirely to its original shape after use, such
that
the wearer experiences the same or nearly the same comfortable fit, when using
the footwear the next time.
According to a further embodiment, the one-piece functional layer comprises at
least one of ePTFE (expended polytetrafluoroethylene), PU (polyurethane), PP
(polypropylene), PES (polyester) and high density PE (high density
polyethylene).
All of the given materials are suitable for forming a waterproof and
breathable
functional layer and for achieving the elasticity described herein before. In
a par-
ticular embodiment, the functional layer is an ePTFE membrane. It is also pos-
sible that the waterproof, breathable laminate has layers of different ones of
the
mentioned materials. For example, the waterproof, breathable laminate may have
an ePTFE layer as well as a PU layer, with the PU layer keeping water from the
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ePTFE layer and thus ensuring that the breathability of the ePTFE layer is not
compromised by water.
According to a further embodiment, the at least one textile layer is one of
knitted,
woven or non-woven textile. In particular, each of the at least one textile
layer
may be one of knitted, woven or non-woven textile. Knitted, woven or non-woven
textiles are particularly suitable for the bootie of the footwear described
herein,
because these materials may be manufactured in a particularly beneficial
elastic /
stretchable manner. In this way, they are able to effectively contribute to
the
io elasticity
of the bootie. In these and other kinds of textiles that may be used, the
fibers may be elastic, such as those made from polyamide, e.g. nylon, or poly-
urethane, e.g. elastance or spandex, sold inter alia under the trade mark
Lycra, or
rubber. It is not required that all fibers are elastic to make the textile
stretchable. It
is possible to use yarns made of different fibers, e.g. 20% polyurethane and
80%
polyamide. Stretchable textiles may also be provided by providing suitable
fiber
structures, e.g. in a knit, or by texturing, e.g. crimping, the fibers in the
textile.
According to a further embodiment, the outer construction comprises a
breathable
outer material. In a particular embodiment, the outer construction may
essentially
consist of a breathable outer material. In this way, the bootie and the
breathable
outer material may provide for a water vapor discharge path to the outside
envir-
onment with a very low number of layers. In this way, the water vapor
discharge
may be achieved in a particularly efficient manner.
According to a further embodiment, the sole has water vapor discharge holes to-
wards a lateral side of the sole and/or towards the bottom surface of the
sole,
with water vapor from the foot being discharged through the bootie through a
sole
interior and through the water vapor discharge holes to an outside environment
of
the footwear. In this way, water vapor discharge may be achieved though the
sole, providing a short and effective water vapor discharge path from the
under-
side of the foot to the outside environment of the footwear. The sole as a
whole
can thus be seen as a breathable sole, irrespective of whether or not the sole
is
manufactured from breathable material. The water vapor discharge through the
sole may be in addition to the water vapor discharge through the outer
construc-
tion of the upper assembly, in particular in addition to the water vapor
discharge
through a breathable outer material of the upper assembly.
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Exemplary embodiments of the invention further include a bootie for use in
foot-
wear, as described in any of the embodiments above, wherein the bootie is made
with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate
com-
prising a one-piece functional layer and at least one textile layer, and
wherein the
5 bootie has elasticity in circumferential direction of the bootie. The
modifications,
additional features, and effects, described above with respect to the
footwear, ap-
ply to the bootie for use in said footwear in analogous manner.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention further include a method for producing
io .. footwear comprising an upper assembly having an outer construction and a
sole,
the method comprising the steps of providing a bootie made with a waterproof,
breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate comprising a one-
piece
functional layer and at least one textile layer, wherein the bootie has
elasticity in a
circumferential direction of the bootie; and arranging the bootie in an inner
space
15 .. of the upper assembly and the sole, with the bootie being fixed in
position in a toe
region of the footwear and fixed in position in a heel region of the footwear
and
with the bootie not being attached to the outer construction on an upper side
a
midfoot portion of the bootie. The modifications, additional features and
effects,
described above with respect to the footwear, apply to the method for
producing
footwear in an analogous manner. The term inner space of the upper assembly
and the sole indicates the space of the footwear that is intended for
receiving the
foot. It is denoted the inner space of the upper assembly and the sole,
because
both the upper assembly and the sole are arranged around this space. It is,
how-
ever, possible that the upper assembly encases this whole space, with the sole
being separated from this space by a portion of the upper assembly, such as an
assembly insole. Such a construction is encompassed by the term inner space of
the upper assembly and the sole. The term arranging the bootie in the inner
space of the upper assembly and the sole encompasses both an insertion of the
bootie into said inner space and a creation of the outer structure of the
footwear
around the bootie.
According to a further embodiment, the one-piece functional layer is a
seamless,
one-piece functional layer, with the step of providing the bootie comprising
the
step of expanding the seamless, one-piece functional layer over a last.
Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with respect to
the
accompanying figures, wherein:
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Fig. 1 shows footwear in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the inven-
tion, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;
Fig. 2 shows the footwear of Fig. 1, depicted in a transverse sectional view;
Fig. 3 shows footwear in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;
Fig. 4 shows the footwear of Fig. 3, depicted in a transverse sectional view;
Fig. 5 shows the anatomy of human feet in a top view;
Fig. 6 shows footwear in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the
invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;
Fig. 7 shows footwear in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of
the invention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view;
Fig. 8 shows exemplary embodiments of waterproof, breathable laminates, to be
used in footwear in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, in
cross-sectional views.
Fig. 1 shows footwear 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the in-
vention, depicted in a longitudinal sectional view, with the cross-sectional
plane of
Fig. 1 running substantially through the center of the footwear 2. In the
exemplary
embodiment of Fig. 1, the footwear 2 is a boot, also referred to as a boot-
type
shoe, whose upper assembly extends upwards over the wearer's ankle. The de-
picted boot-type shoe is exemplary in nature, and other types of footwear /
shoes,
in particular low shoes, may be constructed in an analogous manner.
The shoe 2 comprises an upper assembly 4 and a sole 6. The shoe is of a lasted
construction. The upper assembly 4 comprises a breathable outer material 40,
such as leather, suede, textile or any other suitable material, and an
assembly in-
sole 44. The breathable outer material 40 is perimetrically lasted onto the as-
sembly insole 44 from the bottom. In particular, the breathable outer material
40 is
glued onto the bottom of the assembly insole 44 arround its perimeter with a
last-
ing glue.
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The upper assembly 4 further comprises a tongue 42. In the exemplary embodi-
ment of Fig. 1, the tongue 42 is an originally separate structure from the
breath-
able outer material 40 and is attached thereto, e.g. via sewing or gluing. It
is also
possible that the tongue 42 and the breathable outer material 44 are
integrally
formed from a continuous piece of material. The breathable outer material 40
and
the tongue 42 form an outer construction of the footwear 2. In general, the
outer
construction of the footwear 2 may be a single integrated structure, such as a
three-dimensional knit, or may be assembled from various originally separate
pieces of a breathable material, as is for example common in leather shoes /
io boots.
In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the sole 6 is a solid structure of a
non-
breathable material, e.g. a solid plastic structure. In the exemplary
embodiment of
Fig. 1, the sole 6 is injected onto the lower side of the upper assembly 4,
forming
a strong bond to the lasted portion of the outer material 40 and to the
assembly
insole 44 in the process of injection. The sole 6 may also be glued to the
lower
portion of the upper assembly 4. It is further possible that the sole 6 is
made from
inherently breathable materials, such as leather, and/or that the sole has a
struc-
ture that allows for breathability through the sole, as will be described
below.
The upper assembly 4 further includes a bootie 50. The bootie 50 is a sock-
like
structure that is inserted into the space between the outer construction of
the up-
per assembly, comprising the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42,
and the assembly insole 44. Being arranged in the interior space of the upper
as-
sembly 4, the bootie 50 may also be referred to as a shoe insert. In the
exemplary
embodiment of Fig. 1, the upper end of the bootie 50 is at the same height as
the
upper end of the outer material 40. It is also possible that the upper end of
the
bootie 50 ends below the upper end of the outer material 40 or extends above
the
upper end of the outer material 40.
The bootie 50 is made with a waterproof, breathable laminate. In particular,
the
exemplary bootie 50 of Fig. 1 is a waterproof, breathable laminate, shaped
into
the sock-like form. The waterproof, breathable laminate comprises a one-piece,
seamless functional layer, which is manufactured by stretching the functional
layer over a shoe last. In addition, the waterproof, breathable laminate
comprises
two textile layers arranged on opposite sides of the functional layer and
adhered
to the functional layer. Accordingly, the bootie 50 is made with a three-
layered wa-
terproof, breathable laminate.
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The footwear 2 has a forefoot portion 90, a midfoot portion 92, and a rearfoot
por-
tion 94. The forefoot portion 90, the midfoot portion 92, and the rearfoot
portion
94 are separated by dashed lines in Fig. 1. The forefoot portion 90 may also
be
referred to as a toe region of the footwear. The rearfoot portion 94 comprises
a
heel region 96 and collar region 98. Given the fairly low construction of the
boot 2
of Fig. 1, the rearfoot portion 94 consists of the heel region 96 and the
collar re-
gion 98 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. However, it is also possible
that
further regions are interposed between the heel region 96 and the collar
region
98 in other constructions.
The bootie 50 is attached to the breathable outer material 40, to the tongue
42,
and to the assembly insole 44 in the forefoot portion / toe region 90, in the
heel
region 96, and the collar region 98. In particular, the bootie 50 is fixed in
positon
by various glue portions, as will be described below. The bootie 50 is
attached to
the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42 in the collar region 98 via
a
first glue portion 70, which surrounds the circumference of the bootie 50. The
bootie 50 is attached to the outer material 40 in the heel region 96 via a
second
glue portion 72. The second glue portion 72 extends around a part of the
circum-
ference of the bootie 50, e.g. in a substantially semi-circular manner. The
bootie
50 is attached to the assembly insole 44 in the heel region 96 via a third
glue por-
tion 74. The third glue portion 74 has an extension corresponding
substantially to
the stance area of the heel of the wearer's foot. The bootie 50 is further
attached
to the assembly insole 44 in the forefoot portion / toe region 90 via a forth
glue
portion 76. Further, the bootie 50 is attached to the breathable outer
material 40
in the forefoot portion / toe region 90 via a fifth glue portion 78. The forth
glue por-
tion 76 and the fifth glue portion 78 extend substantially across the entire
width of
the upper assembly 4 in the forefoot portion 90. It is understood that the
arrange-
ment of the glue portions is exemplary in nature and that the positional
fixation of
the bootie in the toe region, the heel region, and the collar region may be
achieved via other glue arrangements as well.
The bootie 50 is free of attachments to the remainder of the upper assembly 4
in
the midfoot portion 92. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1,
the
bootie 50 is neither attached to the outer construction, comprising the
breathable
outer material 40 and the tongue 42, nor to the assembly insole 44 in the
midfoot
portion 92. In this way, the bootie 50 is free to move with respect to the
surround-
ing elements of the upper assembly in the midfoot portion 92. A complete
freedom
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of relative motion is established in the midfoot portion, which provides a
comfort-
able fit to the user. In particular, the bootie 50 is not attached to the
remainder of
the upper assembly 4 in the midfoot portion corresponding to the region
between
an upper tongue portion and the beginning of the toe box area of the upper as-
sembly 4.
In the midfoot portion 92, the bootie has a smaller circumference than the
wearer's foot. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 as follows. The outer
construction of the
upper assembly 4, comprising the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue
42, is depicted to roughly correspond to the shape and size of the wearer's
foot.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, an air gap 52 is present above an upper side of the
bootie 50 in the midfoot portion 92. This air gap 52 illustrates that the
circumfer-
ence of the bootie 50 is smaller than the circumference of the wearer's foot,
which
roughly corresponds to the extension of the outer construction.
The bootie 50 is elastic in a circumferential direction, at least in the
midfoot por-
tion 92. In this way, the bootie 50 is able to expand upon the insertion of
the
wearer's foot. This elastic expansion of the bootie 50 pushes the upper side
of
the bootie towards the breathable outer material 40 and the tongue 42 in the
mid-
foot portion 92, thus shrinking or eliminating the air gap 52 when the
wearer's foot
is inserted. The air may escape through the breathable outer material 40 or
through the tongue 42. When expanding, the bootie exerts a force onto the
wearer's foot due to its elasticity. In this way, the wearer experiences a
stable and
comfortable fit in the midfoot portion 92, while the potential for relative
motion with
respect to the surrounding part of the upper assembly 4 ensures freedom to
move
and increases the experienced comfort level to the wearer.
In a particular example of a footwear of shoe size 43, the bootie may have a
cir-
cumference of between 200 mm and 225 mm in all cross-sections along the mid-
foot portion. This bootie may have a circumferential elasticity of about 5
N/cm at
30% elongation in the midfoot portion. The bootie may or may not have longitud-
inal elasticity in the midfoot portion. For example, the bootie may have a
longitud-
inal elasticity of about 5 N/cm at 10% elongation in the midfoot portion.
Fig. 2 shows the footwear 2 of Fig. 1 in a transverse sectional view. In
particular,
Fig. 2 shows the footwear 2 of Fig. 1 along the cross-sectional plane
indicated by
A-A in Fig. 1. The cross-sectional plane of Fig. 2 cuts through the midfoot
portion
92 roughly in the middle thereof.
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As described above, the bootie 50 is completely un-attached in the midfoot por-
tion 92. This is further illustrate in Fig. 2, where no glue portions or other
attach-
ment means are shown between the bootie 50 and the surrounding shoe struc-
5 ture,
namely the assembly insole 44, the breathable outer material 40 and the
tongue 42. Also, the air gap 52 is again illustrated in Fig. 2. In particular,
the air
gap 52 is depicted to have about 20% of the height of the space between the as-
sembly insole 44 and the tongue 42 in the center of the shoe. While it is
pointed
out that the Figs. are not to scale, but aim at conveying illustrative
examples, the
io air gap 52
may have a height of between 1% and 20% of the distance between
the assembly insole 44 and the tongue 42. As described above, in addition to /
as
an alternative to the air gap 52, a compressible material may be provided
between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40 / tongue 42.
15 Fig. 3
shows footwear 2 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The footwear 2 of Fig. 3 has similarities with the footwear 2
of Figs.
1 and 2. For those features / elements that are not described with respect to
Fig.
3, reference is made to the description of the footwear of Figs. 1 and 2
above.
zo The
footwear 2 of Fig. 3 also has an upper assembly 4 and a sole 6. The con-
struction of the upper assembly 4 of Fig. 3 differs from the upper assembly 4
of
Fig. 1 in that it does not have an assembly insole. In other words, the upper
as-
sembly 4 of Fig. 3 is free of an assembly insole, i.e. free of a dedicated
structural
element that is arranged underneath the wearer's foot and that forms the pivot
during manufacture of the upper assembly. Rather, the lower portion of the
bootie
50 assumes the function of the pivot during manufacture of the upper assembly.
In other words, while not being a dedicated assembly insole, the lower portion
of
the bootie 50 of Fig. 3 has assembly insole functionality.
With the upper assembly 4 of Fig. 3 not having an assembly insole, the breath-
able outer material 40 is lasted onto the lower side of the bootie 50. In
particular,
the third glue portion 74, which is arranged in the heel region 96, provides
for an
attachment between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40. Analog-
ously, the fourth glue portion 76, which is arranged in the toe region 90,
provides
for an attachment between the bootie 50 and the breathable outer material 40.
As
compared to the footwear of Fig. 1, the third glue portion 74 has a shorter
longit-
udinal extension along the bootie 50. The lasted portions of the breathable
outer
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material 40 have a greater longitudinal extension in the Fig. 3 embodiment, as
compared to Fig. 1.
Similar to the Fig. 1 embodiment, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of Fig. 3 is
also an
injected sole. However, in the absence of an assembly insole, the sole 6 of
Fig. 3
is injected onto the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and
directly
onto the underside of the bootie 50. When being injected, in particular when
be-
ing injection molded, the material of the sole 6 reaches the bootie 50 and
forms
an adhesive bond therewith. The material of the sole 6 also enters into the
space
io between
lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and the bootie 50 ad-
jacent to the third and fourth glue portions 74, 76. Also, the material of the
sole at-
taches to the underside of the lasted portions of the breathable outer
material 40.
In this way, the injected sole material provides for a strong adhesive bond
between the sole 6, the breathable outer material 40 and the bootie 50. The
bootie 50 is thus attached to the sole 6 along its entire underside in the
midfoot
portion 92. In particular, the bootie 50 is attached to the sole 6 along its
entire un-
derside between the third and fourth glue portions 74, 76. It is, however,
pointed
out that this is not necessarily the case for all longitudinal cross-sections
through
the footwear 2. It will be shown with respect to Fig. 4 that the attachment
between
the underside of the bootie 50 and the sole 6 is confined to a comparably
narrow
attachment region.
Fig. 4 shows the footwear 2 of Fig. 3 in a transverse sectional view. In
particular,
Fig. 4 shows the footwear 2 of Fig. 3 along the cross-sectional plane
indicated by
A-A in Fig. 3. The cross-sectional plane of Fig. 4 cuts through the midfoot
portion
92 roughly in the middle thereof.
As described above, the sole 6 of the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4 is
attached to the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40 and to the
un-
derside of the bootie 50. In the midfoot cross-section depicted in Fig. 4, the
sole is
attached to the underside of the bootie 50 in a center portion thereof. The
term
center portion refers to a region around the center of the bootie a transverse
dir-
ection. The attachment between the sole 6 and the underside of the bootie 50
may be the same or similar in all transverse cross-sections in the midfoot
area. In
this way, the attachment between the sole 6 and the bootie 50 is confined to a
comparably small area. While providing some degree of stability for the
overall
footwear construction, the attachment area is kept small, leading to a highly
flex-
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ible arrangement of the bootie 50 within the footwear 2 and to a high level of
per-
ceived freedom to move for the wearer.
It is pointed out that the attachment area between the sole 6 and the bootie
50
may be adapted according to the requirements of a particular application. It
is for
example also possible that the sole 6 is attached to the bootie 50 across the
en-
tire width between the lasted portions of the breathable outer material 40.
The at-
tachment area can be controlled well during manufacture. A protective layer
may
be arranged on the bootie in those portions that are not supposed to be
reached
io by sole material. This protective layer may be pulled out from the
underside of the
bootie 50 along its side portions, after the sole 6 has been injected.
Fig. 5 depicts the anatomy of the bones of human feet in a top view. In
particular,
Fig. 5 depicts the bones of a right foot 100 and a left foot 102, including
the ex-
tensions of the right and left feet around the bones, indicated by respective
cir-
cumferential lines. The representation of the feet 100, 102 of Fig. 5 is a
standard
representation of human feet, as provided in a medicine textbook.
In both the right foot 100 and the left foot 102, the navicular bone is
provided with
reference numeral 104. The outline of the navicular bone can be referred to as
the navicular area 104 of the foot. Further, in both the right foot 100 and
the left
foot 102, the metatarsal 1 bone is provided with reference numeral 108. The
front
of each metatarsal 1 bone 108 ends in the phalanges joint. This front end is
indic-
ated with reference numeral 106 and is referred to herein as metatarsal point
1 -
phalanges joint.
As described above, it has been found that relative freedom to move between a
bootie and an outer construction on the upper side of the midfoot portion
provides
for a high level of comfort to the wearer of a shoe. It has further been found
that
3o providing this freedom to move along at least 80%, in particular along
at least
90%, more in particular along 100%, of the length between the navicular area
104
and the metatarsal point 1 - phalanges joint 106 provides for a particularly
high
level of comfort to the wearer. Measured from the front-most portion of the
navicu-
lar area 104 to the front-most portion of the metatarsal point 1 - phalanges
joint
106, this length corresponds to about 40% of the length of the human foot.
Fig. 6 shows footwear 2 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The footwear 2 of Fig. 6 is a variation of the footwear 2 of
Figs. 1
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and 2. In particular, while the upper assembly 4 of the footwear 2 of Fig. 6
is the
same as the upper assembly 4 of Figs. 1 and 2, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of
Fig. 6 is a variation of the sole 6 of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 6 shows a cross-
sectional
view analogous to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2.
The sole 6 of the footwear 2 of Fig. 6 is a breathable sole. In particular,
the sole 6
is of a breathable structure. The sole 6 has a circumferential portion 60 and
stabil-
izing bars 62. The stabilizing bars 62 and the circumferential portion 60 may
be
integrally molded from a plastics material. While the stabilizing bars 62 are
depic-
io ted as longitudinal bars in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 6, the
stabilizing bars
62 may be arranged in different directions. In particular, the stabilizing
bars 62
may form a stabilization grid within the circumferential portion 60. The
stabilizing
bars 62 / the stabilization grid may extend over one or more portions of the
sole 6,
e.g. over a forefoot portion of the sole 6 and/or over a heel portion of the
sole 6.
In between the stabilizing bars 62 / stabilizing grid, there are provided
water vapor
discharge holes 66. The water vapor discharge holes 66 are comparably large in
diameter and thus allow for the discharge of large amounts of water vapor
through the sole 6. The water vapor discharge holes 66 extend substantially
ver-
tically though the sole 6. Above the water vapor discharge holes 66, there is
provided a barrier material 64. In particular, the barrier material is
provided
between the circumferential portion 60 of the sole 6, below the assembly
insole
44, and above the stabilizing bars 62. The barrier material is breathable,
i.e. water
vapor permeable, and protects the upper assembly 4 thereabove from foreign ob-
jects that may penetrate through the water vapor discharge holes 66.
The footwear 2 of Fig. 6 allows for water vapor discharge through the
breathable
outer material 40 as well as through the sole 6. Water vapor can travel from
the
underside of the wearer's foot through the bootie 50, through the assembly
insole
44, through the barrier material 64, and through the water vapor discharge
holes
66 to an outside environment of the shoe. With the bootie being made with a
breathable, waterproof laminate, the wearer's foot is protected from water,
also
from water entering through the water vapor discharge holes 66.
Fig. 7 shows footwear 2 in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of
the invention. The footwear 2 of Fig. 7 is a variation of the footwear 2 of
Figs. 1
and 2. In particular, while the upper assembly 4 of the footwear 2 of Fig. 7
is the
same as the upper assembly 4 of Figs. 1 and 2, the sole 6 of the footwear 2 of
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Fig. 7 is a variation of the sole 6 of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 7 shows a cross-
sectional
view analogous to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2.
The sole 6 of the footwear 2 of Fig. 7 is a breathable sole, as is the sole 6
of the
footwear 2 of Fig. 6. While the sole 6 of Fig. 6 relies on water vapor
discharge to-
wards the bottom of the sole, the sole 6 of Fig. 7 relies on water vapor
discharge
towards the lateral sides of the sole. The bottom surface of the sole 6 of
Fig. 7 is
free of water vapor discharge holes. However, it is also possible that the
sole of
footwear in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention has water
io vapor discharge holes towards the bottom and towards the side.
The sole 6 of Fig. 7 has a structure or material for allowing air flow through
it,
generally indicated with reference numeral 68. The structure or material 68
may
be any suitable structure or material that allows for air flow theretrough
and, thus,
allows for the transport of water vapor, coming from the inside of the shoe,
to-
wards the lateral sides and out of the shoe. The structure or material 68 may
for
example be a channel structure or a spacer fabric or a granulate fill or any
other
suitable structure or material. The sole 6 further comprises a plurality of
water va-
por discharge holes 66. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, two of the
plurality of
zo water vapor discharge holes 66 are shown. It is understood that a
suitable num-
ber of water vapor discharge holes 66 may be arranged around the periphery of
the sole 6.
The water vapor discharge holes 66 are provided from the structure or material
68
towards the lateral sides of the sole 6. In particular, the water vapor
discharge
holes 66 are substantially horizontal in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 7.
Fur-
ther, the water vapor discharge holes 66 are substantially circular in cross-
section
in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 7. However, the water vapor discharge
holes
may have any suitable cross-section.
The footwear 2 of Fig. 7 also allows for water vapor discharge through the
breath-
able outer material 40 as well as through the sole 6. Water vapor can travel
from
the underside of the wearer's foot through the bootie 50, through the assembly
in-
sole 44, into and through the structure or material 68, and through the water
va-
por discharge holes 66 to an outside environment of the shoe. Due to the
straight
air flow path between the left and right sides of the sole 6, an efficient
water va-
por discharge through the sole 6 may be achieved. With the bootie being made
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with a breathable, waterproof laminate, the wearer's foot is protected from
water,
also from water entering through the water vapor discharge holes 66.
Fig. 8 shows exemplary embodiments of laminates that may be used for the
5 bootie 50 for exemplary embodiments of the invention. Fig. 8A shows a
water-
proof, breathable three-layer laminate 51. The three-layer laminate 51 has a
func-
tional layer 54, which is an ePTFE membrane in the exemplary embodiment of
Fig. 8A, a first textile layer 56, and a second textile layer 58. The first
and second
textile layers 56, 58 are knitted layers in the exemplary embodiment of Fig.
8A.
Fig. 8B shows a waterproof, breathable two-layer laminate 51. The two-layer
lam-
inate 51 has a functional layer 54, which is an ePTFE membrane in the
exemplary
embodiment of Fig. 8B, and a textile layer 56, which is a knitted layer in the
exem-
plary embodiment of Fig. 8B. The laminate 51 can be used in any orientation
for
the bootie 50, i.e. the two-layer laminate 51 can be used with the functional
layer
54 facing the wearer's foot and with the textile layer 56 facing the wearer's
foot.
Test methods and definitions
A functional layer and a laminate are considered to have waterproof
characterist-
ics in case the requirements specified in DIN EN 343 (2010) are met, i.e. a
test of
the liquid water resistance with respect to hydrostatic water pressure
according to
EN 20 811 (1992) yields a liquid water resistance Wp of 8000 Pa, or more.
Water vapor permeability, as used herein concerning the functional layer and
the
laminate comprising the functional layer, is tested and defined in EN ISO
15496,
also known as the "Cup Test". A 20 x 20cm or 0 100mm sample of the waterproof,
breathable laminate is placed onto a container containing water and covered
with
a membrane. Then a cup containing potassium acetate and being covered by the
same membrane is placed on the sample. Water vapor passes through the lamin-
ate into the cup, whose weight increase is then determined. The laminate is
con-
sidered water vapor permeable or breathable if the water vapor permeability is
greater than or equal to 0,01 g/(Pa*m2*h). If the required size of the sample
can-
not be obtained, a smaller sample may be used for the measurement using a
smaller cup containing half the amount of potassium acetate specified in the
Norm, i.e. 50g instead of 100g and mixed with 15,6g of water. The terms water
vapor permeability and breathability are used interchangeably herein.
Accordingly,
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the waterproof, breathable laminate may also be referred to as waterproof,
water
vapor permeable laminate.
The waterproofness of footwear may be determined by use of the Centrifuge test
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,807, and incorporated by reference herein in
its
entirety. The centrifuge tests may be carried out for 30 minutes. The footwear
art-
icle is considered to be waterproof if no leakage is seen after 30 minutes.
The breathability of footwear may be assessed in accordance with the determina-
tion of the Whole Boot Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate Test in accordance
with
the Department of Defense Army Combat Boot Temperate Weather Specifica-
tions. The specifications are as follows:
Whole boot breathability
The boot breathability test shall be designed to indicate the Moisture Vapor
Trans-
mission Rate (MVTR) through the test sample by means of a difference in con-
centration of moisture vapor between the interior and the exterior
environment.
Apparatus
a. The external test environment control system shall be capable of
maintaining
23 ( 1) C and 50% 2% relative humidity throughout the test duration.
b. The weight scale shall be capable of determining the weight of test samples
filled with water to an accuracy of ( 0.01) gram.
c. The water holding bag shall be flexible so that it can be inserted into the
test
sample and conform to the interior contours; it must be thin enough so that
folds
do not create air gaps; it must have much higher MVTR than the footwear
product
to be tested; and it must be waterproof so that only moisture vapor contacts
the
interior of the footwear product rather than liquid water.
d. The internal heater for the test sample shall be capable of controlling the
tem-
perature of the liquid water uniformly in the test sample to 35 ( 1) C.
e. The sealing method around the collar of the test sample shall be impervious
to
both liquid water and water vapor.
Procedure
a. Place sample in test environment and condition for at least 12 hours.
b. The heating device is inserted into the water holding bag and the complete
as-
sembly is then placed into the test sample opening and filled with water to a
height of 5cm measured from inside sole.
c. Seal opening around the collar with plastic wrap around the top of the
footwear
and tape over using packaging tape.
d. Heat water in test sample to 35 C.
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e. Weigh test sample and record as Wi.
f. Hold temperature in test sample after weighing for a minimum of 4 hours.
g. After a minimum of 4 hours, reweigh test sample. Record weight as Wf and
test
duration as Td.
h. Calculate MVTR of the test sample in grams/hour from the equation below:
MVTR = (Wi ¨ Wf)/Td.
This test is in accordance with ASTM D8041 (2016).
For example, for a low ankle shoe of European shoe size 42, the footwear may
be considered breathable if above calculated value is above 1.5 grams/hour.
For
larger / smaller shoe sizes, said limit value may be extrapolated in
accordance
with the increased / decreased surface area of the shoe.
The waterproofness and the breathability of the bootie as a whole may also be
determined by use of the Centrifuge test and the Whole Boot Moisture Vapor
Transmission Rate Test, respectively, as laid out above.
The elasticity of the laminate and of the bootie may be measured according to
DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2005), method A. The test may be carried out as set out
therein, while using test samples of the following configuration: Test sample
width
= 25 mm, test sample testing length = 50 mm (testing length referred in DIN EN
as gauge length, the length of the sample between the tensile machine clamps),
whole length of test sample = 100 - 150 mm. The test sample is subject to 3 to
5
consecutive test cycles. In each test cycle, the test sample is subject to a
con-
stant extension of 30% of said gauge length, in samples cut circumferentially
and
10% of said gauge length in samples cut longitudinally to the formed bootie,
and
the maximum force of the last cycle is measured. The extension and retraction
rate of the sample should be set to 250 mm/min. The specimen length is meas-
ured after final cycle finishes by laying it on a flat surface and measuring
the
length between applied reference markers within the gauge length with a calib-
rated ruler. The elastic recovery expressed in % is calculated through
subtracting
the final length between applied reference markers from the original length
between said reference markers, dividing then by the original length between
said
reference markers, and finally multiplying the result by 100. Otherwise, test
condi-
tions are as set out in DIN EN 14704-1 (July 2015), method A. Elasticity is
defined
as a property of material in which the material extends at the application of
a
force or extension and recovers towards its original length after removing the
ap-
plied force or extension. The elasticity of the specimen is therefore
determined via
measuring the force recorded during applied extension (or vice versa) and the
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ability of the material to recover towards its original length after said
applied force
or extension has been removed.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodi-
ments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
may
be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without depart-
ing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be
made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without
departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
in-
vention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the
inven-
tion will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
