FOOTWEAR WITH FLEXIBLE OUTER SOLE ATTACHED TO WATER RESISTANT TEXTILE UPPER

Abstract

A waterproof shoe comprises a collapsible waterproof textile upper portion, bounded by an upper rim and a lower rim. The shoe further comprises a single piece outer sole made of a water resistant material, where the single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and toes. The single piece outer sole further comprises a lip about an entirety of the opening, wherein the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a waterproof manner. The shoe comprises a first sealing mechanism encompassing a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion, and encased in the upper portion. A tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism. The shoe comprises a second sealing mechanism encompassing the upper rim, and encased in the upper rim. A tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/761,701 entitled “Waterproof Footwear with Flexible Outer Sole Attached to Water-Impermeable Textile Upper,” filed Feb. 7, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of waterproof footwear, such as boots, designed for general use in rain or snow or on wet ground and for outdoor activities such as trekking, camping and water sports such as boating or kayaking

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that waterproof footwear in general, particularly boot-type footwear, is manufactured for various uses and out of various materials. Typically, waterproof boot-type footwear is made by attaching a bulky, thick, solid, heavy, inflexible, rubber outer sole to a similarly heavy and fairly rigid rubber upper that does not fold or bend easily and that is fairly open at the top. Most often, such footwear is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or natural rubber. The construction of such boots often involves attaching the upper to the outer sole with a cement lasting process or welting process.

With this conventional construction, there are problems linked to the fact that the uppers require that the boot-type footwear be overly generic to each person's foot or leg. As a result, the upper may be too small, thereby making it difficult to put on and remove, or it may be too large, thereby making the boot prone to falling off unintentionally.

The inflexible nature of most uppers in the available footwear also means that the opening at the top of the upper is large, thereby compromising the waterproofness of the boot by allowing water to seep in at the top.

Pedrotti (E.P. Pat. No. 2410884 A1) teaches a type of waterproof upper that is less rigid and more form fitting in that it is made of textile or leather. However, the Pedrotti design requires two separate components that are independent of one another and each have their own lacing mechanisms.

The nature of the construction of common rubber waterproof footwear means that it is often uncomfortable and sometimes even bad for the health of the wearer's foot due to a lack of stability or support of the foot. Further, the rigid, inflexible aspect of the rubber outer sole of the footwear makes it difficult to walk in and very heavy.

Further, present waterproof footwear typically is also bulky and requires significant storage space.

Some of the waterproof footwear known in the art is made of somewhat thinner, lighter or more flexible rubber. However the outer sole as well as the upper in such footwear remains relatively heavy and the upper is still rather generic in sizing. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,954, which has this drawback.

Jessiman and Wiener (U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,970 B2) teach a type of waterproof breathable footwear. However, their method of construction is complicated and involved and requires various layers and compartments, adding to increased construction costs.

Vitulli (U.S. Pat. No. 2008/0216361 A1) teaches a type of light weight, non-slip boot. However, the footwear employs a two-part process of construction combining EVA along with TPR, PU or rubber, adding to increased construction costs. Further, in the shoe claimed by Vitulli, the upper is rigid and does not lend itself to customization to the wearer's particular foot.

Given the above background, what is needed in the art is waterproof footwear that is protective of the foot, yet lightweight, flexible (with respect to both the outer sole and the upper), compactable (for minimal storage space), customizable to the wearer's foot and/or leg and supportive of the wearer's foot and simple to construct and use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problems, a new article of footwear has been devised that is fully waterproofed by, for example, injection-molding a soft, flexible, light weight outer sole from a material such as thermoplastic elastometer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), PLUSFOAM™, FUSIONFOAM™, HD PLUS™, FUSION HD™ or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and attaching it to an upper that is made from a textile resistant to water or one that is both resistant to water and breathable.

In some embodiments, the waterproof shoe of the present disclosure comprises a waterproof textile upper portion delimiting a foot insertion region. The upper portion is bounded by an upper rim that defines the foot insertion region and a lower rim. The waterproof shoe also comprises a single piece outer sole defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot. The single piece outer sole is made of a plastic or rubber material impermeable to water and is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer sole further comprises a lip about a portion of or the entirety of the opening, where the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a waterproof manner. The waterproof shoe also comprises a first sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion. The first sealing mechanism is encased in the upper portion and a tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism. The waterproof shoe further comprises a second sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion. The second sealing mechanism is encased in the upper rim and a tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism. The waterproof textile upper portion is configured to fully collapse into the interior portion of the single piece outer sole when the waterproof shoe is not being worn.

In some embodiments, the textile upper portion is attached to the single piece outer sole by sewing it to a protruding portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and sealing the upper portion and the outer sole with adhesive waterproof bonding to ensure water impermeability. Alternatively, the upper portion is glued to the protruding portion, or lip, of the outer sole. Alternatively, the upper portion is glued to the outer sole on a protruding portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and then further sealed with adhesive waterproof bonding. Alternatively the upper portion is sewn and then glued to the outer sole on a protruding portion, or lip, of the top of the outer sole and then further sealed with adhesive bonding to make the shoe resistant to water. In some embodiments, the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip of the single piece outer sole by sewing, gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the attachment of the lower rim of the upper portion to the lip of the single piece outer sole is further waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or another adhesive waterproofing material.

In some embodiments, the waterproof shoe comprises an insole within the interior portion of the single piece outer sole. In some embodiments, the waterproof shoe comprises a textile pull tab folded over and attached to the upper rim of the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a material having an outer surface and an inner surface, where the outer surface is resistant to water and where the inner surface is permeable to air and water vapor. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a multilayered textile. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a thermal layer. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion comprises one or more waterproofed seams. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion is made from denier coated nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier CORDURA® nylon, urethane coated material, denier supplex CORDURA® nylon or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot lining.

In some embodiments, the single piece outer sole is made from thermoplastic elastometer, thermoplastic rubber, PLUSFOAM™, FUSIONFOAM™, HD PLUS™, FUSION HD™ or ethylene vinyl acetate. In some embodiments, the single piece outer sole comprises an outer portion having a tread pattern. In some embodiments, the hardness of the outer sole is a predetermined hardness between Shore 45A and Shore 110A on the Shore durometer scale. In some embodiments, the upper portion is configured to conform to the wearer's leg by the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism.

In some embodiments, the upper is constructed using encased elastic and cord locks or other similarly binding or tightening mechanisms, thereby allowing the wearer to easily and quickly tighten the upper at the ankle and/or top of the calf/bottom of the knee so that water does not enter the shoe and so that it effectively makes the footwear customizable to and supportive of an individual's foot and/or leg. In some embodiments, the upper is constructed in a manner that it is easily adapted to provide for an independent lining if the wearer so desires to insert one.

In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and disclose multiple embodiments of the disclosed footwear by way of illustration only, as several fall within the claims herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an outer sole of a waterproof shoe with an exemplary “lip” or protruding portion of the outer sole designed as a connection region for the upper portion and further shows a toe portion of the outer sole that extends over the wearer's toes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the outer sole of a waterproof shoe in which the heel portion extends over the wearer's heel, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents a side view of the outer sole of a waterproof shoe illustrating where the outer sole and upper portion are attached by way of sewing, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an outer sole illustrating one embodiment of the anti-slip tread of the outer sole of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, showing seams of the upper portion sealed with an adhesive tape, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 presents a perspective view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, demonstrating where the wearer's foot and leg are positioned in the outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 presents a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, demonstrating how the upper portion conforms to the wearer's leg by means of tightening the system of elastics with a cord lock, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of a waterproof shoe comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first and second sealing mechanism and first and second adjustment mechanism for a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first and second sealing mechanism and first and second adjustment mechanism for a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed state of a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, the terms “waterproof” and “water resistant” are interchangeable and refer to an ability of an article to substantially prevent liquid water from external sources from entering the interior portion of the article. In some embodiments, the extent a fabric is “waterproof” and/or “water resistant” is measured by the amount of water, in mm, which can be suspended above the fabric before water seeps through. In some embodiments, a fabric is deemed to be “waterproof” (water resistant) when the fabric withstands over 1,000 millimeters of water (9.8 kPa) pressure without leaking In some embodiments, a fabric is deemed “waterproof” (water resistant) when the fabric withstands over 500 millimeters of water pressure without leaking, over 750 millimeters of water pressure without leaking, over 1,000 millimeters of water pressure without leaking, over 1,250 millimeters of water pressure without leaking, or over 1,500 millimeters of water pressure without leaking

Further, as used herein, the term “breathable” means the ability of an article to transport interior moisture vapor to the external environment. In some embodiments, breathability or moisture vapor transmission rate is measured by the rate at which water vapor passes, in grams of water vapor per square meter of fabric per 24 hour period (g/m²/d), often abbreviated to just “g,” In some embodiments, a fabric is deemed to be breathable when it has a rating of 3,000 g or greater, 4,000 g or greater, 5,000 g or greater, 8,000 g or greater, 10,000 g or greater, 15,000 g or greater, 20,000 g or greater, or 30,000 g or greater.

Further, as used herein, the term “textile” means a sheet composed of natural or synthetic fibers, filaments or yarns. Non-limiting examples of textile include woven or non-woven sheets made by weaving, hydroentangling, meltblowing or meltspinning fibers, filaments or yarns. In some embodiments, the textile is a synthetic material. In some embodiments, the textile is an elastomer, shellac, cellulose, BAKELITE, NYLON, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyacrylonitrile.

The present disclosure relates to a type of waterproof footwear with an outer sole that is flexible, light weight and soft and attached to a water resistant upper designed for general use in rain or snow or on wet ground for outdoor activities including trekking, camping and general on-water sports such as boating or kayaking The footwear disclosed has a means of protecting the foot with a soft, flexible, light-weight outer sole extending over the toes and up the heel of the foot. The footwear has an attached upper that is water resistant and designed with elements allowing for custom fit to wearer's individual ankle, foot or leg by means of elastic, elastic with cord lock, hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO™) or other similar fixtures or closures.

The components of the present disclosure eliminate, or at least reduce, the drawbacks of the kind encountered when using conventional waterproof footwear in ways that include the following: the footwear is light weight, the footwear is easy to walk in, the footwear provides protection from the elements and is durable, the outer sole of the footwear provides extra protection and support in the ankle and toe regions, the footwear is easy to put on, the footwear is easy to remove even after use in the outdoors in rain or snow, the footwear is simply constructed and easy to use, and the footwear folds up in a compactable manner thereby requiring minimal storage space.

The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a waterproof shoe with a light weight and flexible outer sole attached to a water resistant and customizable textile upper portion that eliminates the above mentioned drawbacks of the footwear currently produced and sold in the market.

Advantageously, the disclosed footware is cost competitive with respect to conventional shoes, water resistant, light weight, easy to walk in, and durable. The disclosed footwear, in particular, has soft, light weight and flexible outer sole, to facilitate proper muscle use and development of the foot and leg. The disclosed waterproof footwear provides support and stability to the foot and leg while preventing water ingress as well as, in the case of the waterproof and breathable upper, allowing for excess humidity and vapor from the inside to escape. The disclosed waterproof shoe is compactable, thereby being easily portable and requiring minimal storage space.

The disclosed waterproof footwear (e.g., shoe) comprises: a waterproof textile upper portion delimiting a foot insertion region. The upper portion is bounded by an upper rim that defines the foot insertion region and a lower rim. The waterproof shoe also comprises a single piece outer sole defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot. The single piece outer sole is made of a plastic or rubber material resistant to water. The single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer sole further comprises a lip about a substantial portion or an entirety of the opening. The lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a waterproof manner. The waterproof shoe also comprises a first sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion. The first sealing mechanism is encased in the upper portion. A tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism. The waterproof shoe further comprises a second sealing mechanism encompassing a portion of (less than all) or the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion. The second sealing mechanism is encased in the upper rim. A tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism. The waterproof textile upper portion is configured to fully collapse into the interior portion of the single piece outer sole when the waterproof shoe is not being worn.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a single piece outer sole of a waterproof shoe. This exemplary outer sole is shown with an example of a “lip” or protruding portion 1 of the outer sole designed as a connection region for the textile upper portion. FIG. 1 further shows an example of a toe portion 2 of the outer sole that extends higher than most outer soles of waterproof footwear of a similar nature. Toe portion 2 extends over the toes of a person wearing the shoe.

One embodiment of the outer sole as demonstrated in FIG. 1 is injection molded to maintain the integrity of the outer sole and its water impermeability. In some embodiments, the material for the outer sole is PU8400, which is a polyurethane resin. In some embodiments, the durometer (hardness) of the TPE material is a predetermined value between Shore 45A to Shore 110A. In some embodiments the outer sole is made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), PLUSFOAM™, FUSIONFOAM™, HD PLUS™, FUSION HD™ or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

The outer sole is unique in that it is much simpler as well as much lighter and more flexible than conventional outer soles used in waterproof boot-type footwear.

The outer sole of the present disclosure is further unique in that it extends farther up the foot than most outer soles of waterproof footwear, thereby providing more support at the ankle and providing more protection for the wearer's toes, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the single piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, in which the heel portion 3 of the outer sole extends higher than most conventional heels in outer soles of waterproof footwear of a similar nature. The heel portion 3 of the outer sole extends up past the heel of a foot inserted in the outer sole.

The outer sole of the present disclosure is further unique in that it is designed with a lip 1 that protrudes from the top of the outer sole for the purpose of attaching with the textile upper portion of a waterproof shoe. The aim and function of this protruding lip 1 is to aid in the waterproofing of the footwear by providing a surface to attach the textile upper portion. This addresses a common problem in waterproof footwear which is that the connection region between the textile upper portion and the outer sole can be a source of leakage.

FIG. 3 presents a side view of the outer sole as shown in FIG. 1 illustrating how the outer sole and upper are attached by way of sewing stitches 4 in some embodiments. FIG. 3 further shows the holes for the stitches 4 according to some embodiments. The lower rim of the textile upper portion is attached to the lip at the top of the outer sole by sewing and/or glue and/or sealing tape or similar adhesive bonding substance by means of heat or other process to maintain the outer sole's integrity and water impermeability.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an outer sole and indicates one embodiment of the anti-slip tread 5 of the outer sole. The tread 5 of the footwear in FIG. 4 is designed so that the footwear does not slip on wet surfaces.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the single piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, attached to an example of a textile upper portion where the textile upper portion is customizable by way of an encased elastic 6 and a cord lock at the top of the upper as well as by way of an encased elastic 7 and a cord lock at the front of the foot and an encased elastic 8 and cord lock around the back of the ankle.

The upper, in some embodiments, is made from a waterproof textile such as the waterproof fabrics made by CORDURA®. In some embodiments, the upper is made from a textile that is multilayered, such as two or three-ply. In some embodiments, the textile used for the upper is breathable and in some embodiments, the textile upper is made from a non-breathable textile. In some embodiments the textile upper has a thermal coating. In some embodiments, the textile of the upper is denier coated nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier CORDURA® nylon, urethane coated material, denier supplex CORDURA® nylon or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot lining.

In the present disclosure, the textile upper portion has unique design features which allow the wearer to customize the fit of the upper to assist in the proper support and stability of the wearer's foot and to promote the proper use of the foot muscles as shown in FIG. 5. The design features of the textile upper portion, such as encased elastic 7 and 8 around the ankle and encased elastic 6 at the top and secured with cord locks further, allow for customization to the wearer's leg to provide optimal protection against water ingress. The features as shown in FIG. 5 also allow the wearer to easily put on and remove the footwear. The textile upper portion of the invention disclosed has design features that incorporate tightening mechanisms and closures such as cord locks, snaps, hook and loop closures, laces, elastic or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the disclosed textile upper portion is one layer. In some embodiments, the disclosed textile upper portion it is constructed in such a manner that a liner (to, for example, provide further warmth or comfort) is attached to the textile upper portion or simply inserted in the footwear.

FIG. 6 presents a side view the single piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper portion as shown in FIG. 5 where the upper is customizable by way of encased elastic exiting through an eyelet or grommet 9 at the top of the textile upper portion as well as by way of encased elastic exiting through an eyelet or grommet at the front of the foot and fastened with a cord lock 10.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a rear view of the single piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper portion as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 shows where the encased elastic 8 is situated in relation to the heel 3 of the outer sole for customization and support.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of the single piece outer sole as shown in FIG. 1 attached to the upper as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 demonstrates that in some embodiments, a system of interlocking elastics 11 are encased and provide support and stabilization to the foot and customization of the textile upper portion. In some embodiments, the system of interlocking elastics comprises additional cord locks at the rear or the side of the textile upper portion.

FIG. 9 presents an exemplary side view of the outer sole shown in FIG. 1, attached to the textile upper portion as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, all seams of the upper are sealed with a heat-bonded adhesive tape or by other means to waterproof the sewing seams 12. FIG. 9 further demonstrates that, in some embodiments, the connection between the textile upper portion and the outer sole is waterproofed with heat bonded adhesive tape 13 or by other means.

In some embodiments, all sewing seams in the textile upper portion of the invention disclosed are waterproofed using heat bonded sealing tape or other similar waterproofing adhesives or bonds to ensure water impermeability as shown in FIG. 9. Possible sealing tapes include Bemis Associates Heat Seal Thermoplastic Film Tapes which consist of a heat activated thermoplastic film comprised of polyurethane, NYLON, polyester, polyolefin or vinyl, which, when applied to seams of textile or fabric, prevent water from leaking through. In some embodiments, such tapes are applied using hot air, laser or ultrasonic taping machinery. In some embodiments, the seams in the upper are waterproofed using a liquid polyurethane adhesive that has waterproofing qualities, in the nature of Seam Grip Seam Sealer and OUTDOOR REPAIR®, which is a flexible liquid urethane sealer.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a further embodiment of a waterproof shoe in accordance with the present disclosure in which the front part of the textile upper portion is tightened at the ankle with encased elastic 15 and has a cord lock. FIG. 10 further shows encased elastic 14 at the top of the upper without a cord lock. In some embodiments, one or more sealing mechanisms embedded in the textile upper portion do not have a cord lock or another adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, a sealing mechanism embedded in the textile upper portion is self-adjusting (e.g., a tight elastic cord able to expand or contract). FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an article of footwear as shown by embodiments presented in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 presents a side view of the outer sole as shown in FIG. 1, attached to a textile upper portion as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 demonstrates where the wearer's foot and leg 16 are positioned in the outer sole and textile upper portion before adjusting one or more sealing mechanisms embedded in the textile upper portion.

FIG. 13 presents the side view of the wearer's leg as shown in FIG. 12, demonstrating how the textile upper conforms to the wearer's leg by means of tightening a system of sealing and adjusting mechanisms, such as elastics with cord locks.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a waterproof shoe 100 comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. The waterproof shoe 100 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a waterproof textile upper portion 102 delimiting a foot insertion region 120. The upper portion 102 is bounded by an upper rim 106 that defines the foot insertion region 120 and a lower rim 110. FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary sizes for elements such as the foot insertion region 120, upper rim 106 and lower rim 110, however these elements are variable in size and shape.

The waterproof shoe 100 further comprises a single piece outer sole 104 defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot. The single piece outer sole 104 is made of a plastic or rubber material impermeable to water. In some embodiments, the outer sole as demonstrated in FIG. 14 is injection molded to maintain the integrity of the outer sole and its water impermeability. In some embodiments, the material for the outer sole is PU8400, which is a polyurethane resin. In some embodiments, the durometer (hardness) of the TPE material is a predetermined value between Shore 45A to Shore 110A. In some embodiments the outer sole is made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), PLUSFOAM™, FUSIONFOAM™, HD PLUS™, FUSION HD™ or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

The single piece outer sole 104 is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and over the wearer's toes. The single piece outer sole has a lip 108 about a portion or the entirety of the opening. The lower rim 110 of the textile upper portion 102 is attached to the lip 108 in a waterproof manner. In some embodiments, the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip of the single piece outer sole by sewing, gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the attachment of the lower rim of the upper portion to the lip of the single piece outer sole is further waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or another adhesive waterproofing material.

The textile upper portion 102, in some embodiments, is made from a waterproof textile such as the waterproof fabrics made by CORDURA®. In some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 is made from a textile that is multilayered, such as two or three-ply. In some embodiments, the textile used for the upper portion 102 is breathable and in some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 is made from a non-breathable textile. In some embodiments the textile upper portion 102 has a thermal coating. In some embodiments, the textile of the upper portion 102 is denier coated nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier CORDURA® NYLON, urethane coated material, denier supplex CORDURA® NYLON or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot lining.

FIG. 14 further illustrates a first sealing mechanism 116, encompassing the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102. The first sealing mechanism 116 is encased in the upper portion 102 (e.g., encased in the textile of the upper portion 102). A tightness of the first sealing mechanism 116 is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118). In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 14 further illustrates a second sealing mechanism 112, encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion 102. The second sealing mechanism 112 is encased in the upper rim 106. A tightness of the second sealing mechanism 112 is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 114). In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism comprises eyeholes 122 to allow an embedded cord to exit the textile of the upper rim 106 of the textile upper portion 102. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the second sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first side view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 comprises logos, drawings or patterns for fashion. In some embodiments, the textile upper portion 102 comprises a reflective coating or reflective shapes or images to make the textile visible in low light conditions.

FIG. 16 illustrates a second side view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion 102 comprises a material having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is resistant to water and the inner surface is permeable to air and water vapor. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion 102 comprises a multilayered textile. In some embodiments, the waterproof textile upper portion 102 comprises a thermal layer. In some embodiments, one or more seams of the waterproof textile upper portion 102 are waterproofed (e.g., by adhesive tape, glue or bonding).

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a front view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of a tread pattern 124 on an outer portion of the single piece outer sole 104. FIG. 17 also illustrates a frontal view of the first sealing mechanism 116 and an exemplary first adjustment mechanism 118.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a rear view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of a tread pattern 124 on an outer portion of the single piece outer sole 104. FIG. 18 also illustrates a rear view of the first sealing mechanism 116. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism 116 is situated closer to the heel of the outer sole 104, and in some embodiments the first sealing mechanism 116 is situated further from the heel of the outer sole 104.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. The top view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of the foot insertion region 120.

FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom view of the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 20 also illustrates that in some embodiments, the outer sole 104 comprises a tread pattern 124 to provide better grip on slippery or wet surfaces.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of another waterproof shoe 200 comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. The waterproof shoe 200 shown in FIG. 21 comprises a waterproof textile upper portion 102 delimiting a foot insertion region 120. The upper portion 102 is bounded by an upper rim 106 that defines the foot insertion region 120 and a lower rim 110. FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary sizes for elements such as the foot insertion region 120, upper rim 106 and lower rim 110, however these elements are variable in size and shape.

The waterproof shoe 200 further comprises a single piece outer sole 104 defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot and comprising the same properties as outer sole 104 described with respect to FIG. 14.

FIG. 21 further illustrates a first sealing mechanism 202, encompassing a portion or the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102. The first sealing mechanism 202 is encased in the upper portion 102 (e.g., encased in the textile of the upper portion 102). A tightness of the first sealing mechanism 202 is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118). In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the first sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

The exemplary first sealing mechanism 202 consists of an additional third sealing mechanism 204. In some embodiments, third sealing mechanism 204 is an elastic cord embedded in the textile upper portion 102 that retracts the first sealing mechanism down toward the heel of the outer sole 104. This use of the third sealing mechanism 204 provides for a “dip” or groove in the path of the first sealing mechanism 202 encircling a cross-section of upper portion 102. This is useful to prevent the first sealing mechanism from rubbing against the wearer's ankle, and to provide a more comfortable fit for some wearers of waterproof shoe 200. In some embodiments, waterproof shoe 200 has more than one sealing mechanism to adjust the path of first sealing mechanism 202.

FIG. 21 further illustrates a second sealing mechanism 112, encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion 102, and comprising the same properties as second sealing mechanism 112 described with respect to FIG. 14

FIG. 22 illustrates a first side view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates the use of third sealing mechanism 204.

FIG. 23 illustrates a second side view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates the use of a fourth sealing mechanism 206.

FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 24 shows the front view of first sealing mechanism 202 for waterproof shoe 200.

FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 25 shows the rear view of first sealing mechanism 202 for waterproof shoe 200.

FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion that is attached to a single piece outer sole, in accordance with some embodiments. The top view of the waterproof shoe 100 allows visibility of the foot insertion region 120.

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom view of the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, comprising a waterproof textile upper portion 102 that is attached to a single piece outer sole 104, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 27 also illustrates that in some embodiments, the outer sole 104 comprises a tread pattern 124 to provide better grip on slippery or wet surfaces.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a first sealing mechanism 116 and second sealing mechanism 112 and first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118) and second adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 114) for the waterproof shoe 100 in FIG. 14, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the first sealing mechanism 116 that encompasses the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102, and further illustrates that the first sealing mechanism 116 is encased in the upper portion 102. In this example, the first sealing mechanism 116 is an elastic cord, and the first adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118. FIG. 28 also illustrates that the second sealing mechanism 112 encompasses the entirety of the upper rim 106 of the upper portion 102, and that the second sealing mechanism 112 is encased in the upper portion 102. In this example, the second sealing mechanism 112 is an elastic cord, and the second adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first sealing mechanism 202 and second sealing mechanism 112 and first adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 118) and second adjustment mechanism (e.g., cord lock 114) for the waterproof shoe 200 in FIG. 21, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 29 illustrates that the first sealing mechanism 202 encompasses the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion 102, and that the first sealing mechanism 202 is encased in the upper portion 102. In this example, the first sealing mechanism 202 is an elastic cord, and the first adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118. In this exemplary figure, first sealing mechanism 204 is connected with third sealing mechanism 204 (and connected on the other side of shoe 200 with another similar sealing mechanism). FIG. 29 also illustrates that the second sealing mechanism 112 encompasses the entirety of the upper rim 106 of the upper portion 102, and that the second sealing mechanism 112 is encased in the upper portion 102. In this example, the second sealing mechanism 112 is an elastic cord, and the second adjustment mechanism is cord lock 118.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed state of a waterproof shoe, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 30 illustrates that the textile upper portion 102 collapses into the interior portion of the single piece outer sole 104. Cord lock 114 illustrates an element from the top of the waterproof shoe in its former upright position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14-FIG. 29). A unique feature of the textile upper portion combined with the single piece outer sole is that the waterproof footwear is easily folded or collapsed and is therefore very compact for storage or portability.

A type of waterproof footwear has been disclosed in which the problems noted in the present well-known boot-type waterproof footwear have been eliminated.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention as described herein refers to a preferred embodiment. It should be noted that, while the principle of the invention remains the same, the details of construction and the embodiments may widely vary with respect to what has been described and illustrated purely by way of example, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof shoe, comprising:

a waterproof textile upper portion delimiting a foot insertion region, wherein the upper portion is bounded by (i) an upper rim that defines the foot insertion region and (ii) a lower rim;

a single piece outer sole defining an interior portion with an opening for receiving a foot, made of a plastic or rubber material impermeable to water, wherein the single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and over the wearer's toes, the single piece outer sole further comprising a lip about an entirety of the opening, wherein the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a waterproof manner;

a first sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion, wherein the first sealing mechanism is encased in the upper portion and wherein a tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism; and

a second sealing mechanism encompassing the entirety of the upper rim of the upper portion, wherein the second sealing mechanism is encased in the upper rim and wherein a tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism, wherein the waterproof textile upper portion is configured to fully collapse into the interior portion of the single piece outer sole when the waterproof shoe is not being worn.

2. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip of the single piece outer sole by sewing, gluing, adhesive waterproof bonding or any combination thereof.

3. The waterproof shoe of claim 2 wherein the attachment of the lower rim of the upper portion to the lip of the single piece outer sole is further waterproofed with heat bonded sealing tape or another adhesive waterproofing material.

4. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 further comprising an insole within the interior portion of the single piece outer sole.

5. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 further comprising a textile pull tab folded over and attached to the upper rim of the upper portion.

6. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a material having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface is resistant to water and wherein the inner surface is permeable to air and water vapor.

7. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a multilayered textile.

8. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a thermal layer.

9. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile upper portion comprises a waterproofed seam.

10. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the waterproof textile upper portion is made from denier coated nylon, silicone coated nylon, water-proof breathable nylon, denier CORDURA® nylon, urethane coated material, denier supplex CORDURA® nylon or waterproof breathable fabric with a tricot lining.

11. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the single piece outer sole is made from thermoplastic elastometer, thermoplastic rubber, PLUSFOAM™, FUSIONFOAM™, HD PLUS™, FUSION HD™ or ethylene vinyl acetate.

12. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the single piece outer sole comprises an outer portion having a tread pattern.

13. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the hardness of the outer sole is a predetermined hardness between Shore 45A and Shore 110A on the Shore durometer scale.

14. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the upper portion is configured to conform to the wearer's leg by the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism.

15. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the first adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord.

16. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing mechanism is an elastic cord and the second adjustment mechanism is the elasticity of the elastic cord.

17. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

18. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing mechanism is an elastic drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

19. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the first sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the first adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.

20. The waterproof shoe of claim 1 wherein the second sealing mechanism is a drawstring cord and the second adjustment mechanism is a cord locking mechanism.