Water barrier for footwear

Abstract

A footwear construction including a barrier element that restricts the transfer of water into the footwear. The footwear can include an upper joined with a sole, with at least one of the upper and sole defining a channel that allows air to circulate to the upper. The barrier element can be located in the channel, and can include a phase change material that swells to close the channel when subjected to water. The barrier element can act as a valve to restrict the flow of water into the upper through the channel when subjected to water. The barrier element can be water absorbing polymer included in a non-woven sheet. When dry, the barrier element can allow air to pass through the channel and circulate to an interior of the upper. The barrier element can be wetted and dried repeatedly, yet still function to restrict water flow into the footwear.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear for outdoor use.[0002]Outdoor footwear products are typically designed to provide, among other things, comfort in a variety of environmental conditions. For example, most outdoor footwear is designed to keep feet dry when exposed to wet or damp conditions, such as that encountered when a wearer traverses water, or engages in activity in rain or snow. If not addressed, such conditions can quickly saturate the footwear with water, possibly causing discomfort, blisters, and bacteria growth if not controlled.[0003]Many manufacturers waterproof outdoor footwear to prevent water from entering the footwear and causing the above issues. While this technique works in some cases, it can create additional issues. For example, if the wearer steps in water deeper than the height of the footwear, water will fill the waterproof footwear. Water also may enter waterproof footwear by running ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In one embodiment, the footwear includes a barrier element that restricts the transfer of water into the footwear. The footwear can include a channel leading from an exterior of the footwear to an interior of the footwear. When contacted with water or other liquid, the barrier element can close at least a portion of the channel to restrict the flow of water or other liquid from the exterior of the footwear to the interior of the footwear, thereby providing a water barrier.

[0011]In yet a further embodiment, a secondary element including a base and a mesh screen can be included in the channel between the barrier element and the exterior of the footwear. The screen can prevent dirt or debris from clogging the exit of the channel to the environment.

[0013]In another further embodiment, the footwear can include a sealing element joined with a barrier element. The sealing element can be located adjacent a portion of the channel, for example, a hole in the sole, that is in fluid communication with the interior of the footwear. The sealing element can be aligned with the hole so that it closes the hole when the barrier element expands, thereby restricting water from flowing into the hole and further into the footwear interior.

[0014]The footwear construction herein provides improved ventilation in dry environments, and also provides a substantial barrier to water infiltration in wet environments. The barrier element can be included in channels that provide air flow to the interior of the footwear. The barrier element, when dry, can facilitate the exchange of air between the interior of the upper and the exterior of the footwear via the channels. This provides a somewhat open and breathable structure for the footwear. The barrier element, when wet, can expand in dimension and / or swell to close the channels leading from the footwear exterior to the interior. Optionally, the barrier element can undergo a physical transformation to restrict water from passing through the barrier element. In turn, this can restrict the passage of water into the upper.

Problems solved by technology

If not addressed, such conditions can quickly saturate the footwear with water, possibly causing discomfort, blisters, and bacteria growth if not controlled.

While this technique works in some cases, it can create additional issues.

After water enters waterproof footwear, the waterproofing features typically prevent water from exiting the footwear and drying out, thereby increasing discomfort for the wearer.

Further, the waterproofing features of most waterproof footwear significantly reduce air circulation.

In such cases, waterproof footwear can cause excessive perspiration, and can actually contribute to wetness or perspiration build-up within the footwear.

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