Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
H8326164CA
STRETCHABLE WATERPROOF LINER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[00011 This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
No. 63/104,583, filed on October 23, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby
incoporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to articles of footwear, in
particular waterproof articles
of footwear having an improved fit and a waterproof liner which provides for
secure
engagement of a user's foot within the footwear and reduction of slipping or
sliding of a user's
foot during use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Waterproof footwear is widely used and highly desirable in
various sectors of the
footwear industry. Common scenarios in which such waterproof footwear may be
necessary
include fishing and wading, hiking, hunting, camping, snow sports and winter
activities,
construction, surveying, or plumbing work. In addition, waterproof footwear
may be desirable
for daily use in urban or suburban environments in order to provide
versatility and protection
to the user throughout daily and seasonal weather changes. Some common types
of waterproof
footwear include galoshes, wellington boots, rubber boots, waders, and certain
types of hiking,
fishing, or work boots.
[0004] In many cases, waterproof footwear may be formed of a material
that is relatively
stiff of that does not flex and bend easily, such as rubber or polyvinyl
chloride ("PVC").
Further, it is desirable in many waterproof shoes to avoid the inclusion of
laces or a tongue
structure, as such components may introduce additional gaps, opening, and
seams which can
act as entry points for water.
[0005] However, many such waterproof shoes formed of a stiff material
and lacking a
lacing or tongue component lack the ability to adjust fit in order to conform
and fit snugly to a
user's foot. Accordingly, many waterproof shoes may only be able to achieve a
loose fit which
allows for sliding and slipping of a user's foot during walking and other
activities. This may
be a particular problem for users that have narrower heels or ankles. Such
sliding of the foot
may cause discomfort or blistering, as well as providing poor balance and easy
of movement.
Other deficiencies not noted here also exist.
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BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A waterproof article of footwear of the present technology is
adapted to provide an
improved and versatile fit that minimizes movement of a user's foot within the
footwear.
Waterproof footwear according to the present technology includes a waterproof
liner which in
some aspects is configured to secure a user's foot within the footwear and
provide a snug fit.
[0007] In some aspects, the present technology provides a liner for an
article of footwear
comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to receive a user's foot,
and having a sole
portion configured to underlie a user's foot and an upper portion configured
to overly a user's
foot, further including a first waterproof material and a second stretchable
waterproof material,
wherein the second stretchable waterproof material is provided in a region of
the upper portion
running from a midfoot region to a collar region and the remainder of the
fabric body is formed
of the first waterproof material.
[0008] Further, the present technology includes an article of footwear
comprising an upper
defining a cavity adapted to receive the foot of a user, wherein the upper is
attached to an
outsole, and a liner comprising a fabric body defining a cavity adapted to
receive a user's foot,
and having a sole portion configured to underlie a user's foot and lie
substantially parallel to
the outsole and an upper portion configured to overly a user's foot and to fit
beneath the upper,
further including a first waterproof material and a second stretchable
waterproof material,
wherein the second stretchable waterproof material is provided in a region of
the upper portion
running from a midfoot region to a collar region and the remainder of the
fabric body is formed
of the first waterproof material.
[0009]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Fig. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a waterproof article
of footwear
according to aspects of the present technology.
[0011] Fig. 2A is a cut-away side view of a portion of the waterproof
article of footwear
containing a stretchable waterproof liner according to aspects of the present
technology.
[0012] Fig. 2B is a diagrammatic side view of a waterproof article of
footwear containing
a stretchable waterproof liner according to aspects of the present technology.
[0013] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of a waterproof
stretchable liner according
to aspects of the present technology.
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[0014] Fig. 3B is a diagrammatic view of portions of a waterproof
stretchable liner
according to aspects of the present technology.
[0015] Fig. 4A is a diagrammatic side view of a waterproof article of
footwear and
stretchable liner according to an embodiment of the present technology.
[0016] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of a liner according
to an embodiment of
the present technology.
[0017] Fig. 5A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt
according to an
embodiment of the present technology.
[0018] Fig. 5B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of
the footwear and
the belt shown in Fig. 5A.
[0019] Fig. 6A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt
according to an
embodiment of the present technology.
[0020] Fig. 6B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of
the footwear and
the belt shown in Fig. 6A.
[0021] Fig. 7A is a diagrammatic front view of footwear and a belt
according to an
embodiment of the present technology.
[0022] Fig. 7B is another diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of
the footwear and
the belt shown in Fig. 7A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In describing aspects of the present technology, specific
terminology will be used
for the sake of clarity. However, the technology is not intended to be limited
to any specific
terms used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes
all technical
equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar
purpose.
[0024] As used in the present application, "length" means the longest
dimension of any
object or shape. As used in the present application, "width" means the
shortest dimension of
any object or shape existing in the same plane or surface as the length.
"Thickness" means the
remaining dimension of a three-dimensional object which is not the length or
the width.
[0025] As used in the present application, "medial" means at, towards,
near, or relating to
the midline of the human body, i.e. as applied to a shoe as it would be
oriented when it is
situated on the foot of a wearer. As used in the present application,
"lateral" means at, towards,
near, or relating to the edge of an object, particularly an edge or end which
is away from or
opposite the midline (medial region) of the human body. When the terms
"medial" and "lateral"
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are applied to a shoe or other wearable object, they describe portions of the
object as they would
be oriented when worn by a wearer.
[0026] As used in the present application, "stretchable" or "stretchy"
means capable of
elastic deformation in at least one dimension. Specifically, a "stretchable"
or "stretchy"
material is capable of stretching or expansion to at least 105%, or more
preferably 110%, of
the original length, width, or thickness of the material upon application of
force and capable of
returning to the original length, width, or thickness, respectively, once such
force is removed.
A "stretchable" waterproof material is capable of such stretching without
degradation of its
waterproof properties. As used in the present application, "stretchable
waterproof liner" or
"stretchable liner" means a waterproof liner or a liner comprising one or more
portions of
stretchable material.
[0027] The technology disclosed herein includes, in general, waterproof
footwear adapted
to provide a tighter and more versatile fit around the differently sized and
shaped feet of various
different users. The footwear of the present technology may include various
stretchable
components configured to tightly secure and conform to a user's foot. In some
aspects of the
present technology, a waterproof liner containing one or more stretchable
portions is provided
for use in the waterproof footwear.
Waterproof Footwear
[0028] For example, as shown in Figure 1, a waterproof article of
footwear 100 may include
all standard aspects of normal footwear, including but not limited to an
outsole 102, an upper
104 attached to outsole 102 so that upper 104 and outsole 102 define a cavity
106 adapted to
receive a user's foot, toe 108, midfoot 110, ankle 111, and heel 112 regions,
as well a collar
114. In some aspects, when waterproof footwear is formed as a boot, footwear
100 may also
be provided with a shaft 116. In some embodiments, waterproof footwear 100 may
lack a
tongue or lacing component. Further, in some aspects, upper 104 and/or outsole
102 of
waterproof footwear 100 may comprise rubber, PVC, waterproof leather,
polyurethane,
thermoplastic polyurethane ("TRY), ethylene-vinyl acetate ("EVA"), or similar
suitable
materials.
[0029] As shown in Figures 2A-B, in an embodiment, waterproof footwear
100 may be
provided with a stretchable waterproof liner 200 which may be formed as a
fabric liner defining
a cavity 202 adapted to receive a user's foot. Further, waterproof liner 200
may be shaped and
sized to fit within cavity 106 defined by upper 104 and outsole 102 of
footwear 100.
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Accordingly, the liner 200 may have a sole portion 204 configured to underlie
the foot of the
user and to lie flush with and parallel to the outsole 102 of footwear. The
liner may further
comprise an upper portion 206 configured to overlie the foot of a user and to
fit beneath upper
104. In some aspects liner 200 may be attached to upper 104 and/or to outsole
102 of footwear
100 at one or more locations, by stitching, adhesive, welding, or fasteners.
In an exemplary
embodiment, liner 200 may be attached to upper 104 at least in a collar region
114 (FIG. 1) of
footwear 100 by stitching.
[0030] In alternative embodiments, waterproof footwear 100 may be
provided with
alternative or additional stretchable components aside from or in addition to
liner 200. For
example, footwear 100 may be provided with one or more straps disposed within
cavity 106 in
an ankle 111 or midfoot region 110 and configured to overly a user's foot when
the user's foot
is disposed within cavity 106. Straps may comprise one or more stretchable
portions adapted
to apply pressure to a user's foot in order to secure the user's foot within
cavity 106 and
minimize slipping and movement.
Waterproof Liner
[0031] In some aspects, as shown in Figures 3A-B, waterproof liner 200
may be formed
from one or more panels 208 of fabric, which cooperate and fit together to
form a continuous
fabric body. In some embodiments, at least one panel 208 may be formed of a
stretchable
material to form a stretchable panel 210 while the remainder of the panels may
be formed of a
non-stretchable or less stretchable material to form a non-stretchable panel
212. According to
the present technology liner 200 includes at least one non-stretchable panel
212. Including only
stretchable panels 210 and no non-stretchable panels 212, may lead to the
liner excessively
clinging and suctioning to a user's foot, which may hinder easy removal of
foot from footwear
100. In an embodiment, all of panels 208 forming liner 200 are waterproof.
Accordingly, in an
embodiment, both the stretchable and non-stretchable or less stretchable
materials are
waterproof.
[0032] Suitable stretchable materials according to the present
technology may be lycra,
spandex, polyester, nylon, or the like. Suitable non-stretchable materials may
include neoprene,
polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), expanded PTFE, polyurethane, polyester,
wool, cotton,
nylon, or the like. Materials of adjacent panels should have similar
thicknesses, such as within
1 mm of each other, more preferably within about 0.5 mm of each other, or most
preferably
within 0.2 mm of each other.
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[0033] Adjacent panels 210, 212 may be joined to one another by
stitching, for example by
a zigzag stitch, a lightning stitch, a triple stitch, an overlook stitch, or
other suitable stretch
stitches. If appropriate stitching is not used, for example, if a straight
stitch is used, seams may
break, leak, or stretching of stretchable panels may be inhibited. Further,
seams may be
reinforced against tension and pressure and sealed against water by taping or
application of
adhesive.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A-B, waterproof
liner 200 may
be formed of multiple panels, including panels in a heel region 214, lateral
and medial panels
216, and a longitudinal panel 218 running from a midfoot portion of liner 200
longitudinally
to a collar region of liner 200. In such an embodiment, all panels 208 are
formed of waterproof
material. In a preferred embodiment, longitudinal panel 218 may be formed of
stretchable
material 210, while the remainder of the panels 208 may be formed of non-
stretchable or less
stretchable material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, both
longitudinal panel 218 and
the remaining panels 208 comprise polyester.
[0035] Provision of longitudinal stretchable panel 218 running from a
midfoot region to a
collar region, as shown in Figure 3A is advantageous in that this panel may
allow for stretching
and expansion of a collar and ankle region of the liner, during insertion of a
user's foot into a
boot or other waterproof footwear 100. If sufficient space is not provided in
the shaft 116 of a
boot or the collar 114 of other footwear, a user will have difficulty or will
be unable to insert
their foot into the footwear due to protrusion of the heel of the foot.
However, if too much
space is provided in the shaft or collar region, then the user's foot may slip
and slide within the
footwear once inserted.
[0036] Accordingly, a tongue and lacing mechanism, a zipper, a gore, or
other similar
adjustment mechanism is often provided in order to allow for expansion of the
shaft and collar
regions during insertion of the foot into the footwear and to subsequently
allow for tightening
once the foot is inserted. However, in waterproof footwear, such conventional
mechanisms
may be disadvantageous because they may introduce additional perforations,
seams, or holes
in the upper of the footwear which can allow for entry of water and leaking.
Alternatively or
additionally, these mechanisms may be more complex to produce, requiring more
components
or pieces, or may be aesthetically undesirable. In particular with respect to
a conventional gore,
expansion seam, or insert of stretchable material into an upper, these
mechanisms may be
disadvantageous in that they relax once a user's foot is disposed within the
footwear and thus
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do not provide continuous pressure or tension around a user's foot. Therefore,
undesirable
sliding of the foot may occur within the footwear. Accordingly, an embodiment
containing
longitudinal stretchable panel 218 or other stretchable components as
described herein may
simultaneously allow for expansion upon insertion of a user's foot while also
providing
constant tension or pressure against a user's foot in order to ensure a secure
fit once the foot is
inserted.
[0037] While inclusion of longitudinal stretchable panel 218 is
particularly preferred,
provision of one or more stretchable panels 210 in other regions of liner 200
is also
contemplated. For example, as shown in Figures 4A-B, a stretchable panel 210
may be
provided in an ankle region of liner 200. In some embodiments, stretchable
panel 210 may be
configured to be smaller or tighter than surrounding regions of liner 200 when
not stretched or
expanded. Accordingly, stretchable panel 210 may expand or stretch to provide
sufficient room
for insertion of a user's heel past the ankle region of liner 200, but may
subsequently return to
its original tightened state to secure a user's ankle in place in footwear
100.
[0038] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A-B, liner 200 may be
formed of
woven materials, such as knits. In particular, polyester or TPU stretchable
knits are preferred.
Such stretchable knitted materials may be designed to be tighter in some areas
and looser in
others, by adjusting density of fibers, type of fibers, or orientation of
fibers. In a preferred
embodiment, liner 200 comprises a stretchable knit material designed to form a
band 210 in an
ankle region which is tighter than liner 200 in adjacent regions. Band 210 is
configured to
maintain tension across a user's foot once the foot is disposed within
footwear 100 in order to
reduce slipping and sliding.
[0039] In alternative embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A-B, 6A-B, and
7A-B,
waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with alternative or additional
stretchable
components instead of or in addition to liner 200. For example, footwear 100
may be provided
with one or more straps disposed within cavity 106 in an ankle or midfoot
region and
configured to overly a user's foot when the user's foot is disposed within
cavity 106. Straps
may comprise one or more stretchable portions adapted to apply pressure to a
user's foot in
order to secure the user's foot within cavity 106 and minimize slipping and
movement.
100401 In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A-B, footwear 100 may be
provided with
belt 300 running from a medial to a lateral edge of footwear 100 in an ankle
region 111. In an
embodiment, belt 300 may comprise a grid 302 composed of multiple stretchable
straps 304.
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Stretchable straps may be formed of stretchable material such as PTFE,
expanded PTFE, lycra,
spandex, polyester. Belt 300 is provided in cavity 106 of footwear 100, and
underlies upper
104. In some embodiments, belt 300 may overlie a liner, such that belt 300 is
sandwiched
between liner and upper 104. In some aspects, liner may be a waterproof liner.
Belt 300 may
be secured to liner, outsole 102, and/or upper 104 at medial and lateral edges
of footwear 100
at attachment points 306. Attachment points may comprise stitching, adhesive,
grommets, or
other fasteners.
[0041] Accordingly, belt 300 may be configured to fit tightly across a
user's ankle when
the foot is inserted into footwear 100, in order to minimize slipping and
movement of the foot.
However, the stretchable nature of straps 304 allows for expansion and
stretching of belt 300
while the foot is inserted into footwear 100.
[0042] In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A-B, belt 300 may
alternatively be formed
of a non-stretchable mesh or fabric 308 disposed in a central region, between
stretchable straps
304 disposed in medial and lateral regions. In such an embodiment, stretchable
straps 304 are
adapted to remain in tension when a user's foot is disposed within cavity 106
of footwear,
thereby holding a user's foot in place and preventing slipping. Mesh 308 is
simultaneously
adapted to provide pressure across a larger region of the users foot in order
to avoid discomfort
or pressure points. In some embodiments, a porous mesh may also be used in
order to provide
breathability.
[0043] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A-B, belt may
comprise a four-
way stretchable material 310 in a central region and a two-way stretchable
material 312 in
medial and lateral regions. Two-way stretchable 312 material may be capable of
stretching and
expansion in medial and lateral directions, while four-way 310 stretchable
material may be
capable of stretching and expansion in medial and lateral directions, as well
as in a toe-collar
direction and a collar-toe direction. In such an embodiment, two-way
stretchable material 312
are adapted to remain in tension when a user's foot is disposed within cavity
106 of footwear,
thereby holding a user's foot in place and preventing slipping. At the same
time, four-way
stretchable material 310 is adapted to stretch adequately in a toe-collar and
collar-toe direction
so as to prevent pinching or undesirable excessive inhibition of movement when
a user kneels
or bends.
Waterproof Footwear Including Stretchable Liner
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[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, waterproof footwear 100 lacking a
tongue or lacing
component is provided. Such waterproof footwear 100 may be provided with a
stretchable
waterproof liner 200 which may be formed as a fabric liner defining a cavity
202 adapted to
receive a user's foot. Further, waterproof liner 200 may be shaped and sized
to fit within the
cavity 106 defined by upper 104 and outsole 102 of footwear 100. Accordingly,
the liner 200
may have a sole portion 204 configured to underlie the foot of the user and to
lie flush with and
parallel to the outsole 102 of footwear 100. The liner 200 may further
comprise an upper
portion 206 configured to overlie the foot of a user and to fit beneath upper
104.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, upper portion 206 is provided with a
longitudinal
stretchable panel 218 running from a midfoot region to a collar region, in
order to allow for
stretching and expansion of a collar and ankle region of the liner 200, during
insertion of a
user's foot into a boot or other waterproof footwear 100. If sufficient space
is not provided in
the shaft 116 of a boot or the collar of other footwear 100, a user will have
difficulty or will be
unable to insert their foot into the footwear due to protrusion of the heel of
the foot. However,
if too much space is provided in the shaft or collar region, then the user's
foot may slip and
slide within the footwear once inserted. Accordingly, an embodiment containing
longitudinal
stretchable panel 218 may simultaneously allow for expansion upon insertion of
a user's foot
while also providing a secure fit once the foot is inserted.
[0046] Further, in some aspects, liner 200 is configured to be smaller
than cavity 106,
particularly in a shaft 116 and/or ankle 111 region. According to the present
technology, excess
space may be provided in cavity 106 formed by upper 104 such that there is
sufficient space
for a user to insert their foot. However, such excess space would also allow
for slipping of a
user's foot once it is inserted. Accordingly, stretchable liner 200 is
provided and configured to
be smaller than cavity 106, so as to fit tightly against and over a user's
foot, particularly in the
shaft 116, collar 114, and/or ankle 111 region, once the user's foot is
inserted in order to
minimize sliding. When a user inserts their foot into footwear 100 provided
with liner 200,
liner 200 may expand to the full size and width of cavity 106 of upper 104,
before contracting
to its original size once the foot is inserted.
Footwear Including Stretchable Liner And/Or Stretchable Components
[0047] In addition to the waterproof embodiments described herein, liner
200 and other
stretchable components described herein may be used in conjunction with non-
waterproof or
only partially waterproof embodiments. For example, liner 200 and belt 300 may
be formed of
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non-waterproof material and may be used in entirely or partially non-
waterproof footwear. In
particular, liner 200 and belt 300 may be useful in non-waterproof footwear
which lack a tongue
or lacing element. A tongue or lacing component may be less desirable even in
non-waterproof
footwear due to expense of manufacturing and extra components needed for
production, and/or
also may not be preferred due to aesthetic reasons. Accordingly, non-
waterproof footwear may
be provided with liner 200 and/or belt 300 in order to provide a secure and
versatile fit which
minimizes sliding of a user's foot in a shoe lacking a tongue and/or lacing
element.
[0048]
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular
embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely
illustrative of the
principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that
numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that
other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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