Soft shell boots and waterproof/breathable moisture transfer composites and liner for in-line skates, ice-skates, hockey skates, snowboard boots, alpine boots, hiking boots and the like

Abstract

The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 11 / 583,881, filed Oct. 20, 2001, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 730,941, filed Oct. 28, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to composite materials, removable insert liners and completed product constructions with a non-removable liner used in a variety of applications. For example, the liner of the present invention may be employed in a variety of applications including in-line, ice or hockey skates (shell and soft boot) and the like. This liner system composite may be utilized for all weather boots and alpine and hiking applications. The liner is breathable, transfers moisture and waterproof to increase comfort for the skater. The liner may contain thermal fibers, thermal PCM encapsulated molecules or fibers and / or a silica, acrylic, polyester fiber based polymers micro-spheres or the like containing air, polymers or liquid fibers that aid in co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]An object of the present invention is to provide a lining system employing a cooler, warmer, drier and more breathable liner that meets the needs of each individual skater. Accordingly, the liner of the present invention can be accommodated to the needs of skaters of various skill categories by permitting the inner liner material, which is against the foot, to vary in fiber content and construction.

Problems solved by technology

The inner liners have been leather, nylon, or polyester blends which extremely limited the ability to breathe or wick moisture away from a skater's body.

These materials have prevented the foot from breathing adequately.

As a result, the lining becomes saturated with sweat which adversely affects the skater's comfort and performance level.

This problem is even worse with the aggressive hockey skaters whose needs for proper ventilation are even greater.

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