Waterproof upper part of shoe and method of making waterproof shoe and waterproof upper part thereof

Abstract

A waterproof upper component of a shoe and a method of making a waterproof shoe and a waterproof upper component thereof are described, the waterproof upper component comprising a layered waterproof material having at least three layers, the layered waterproof material comprising a waterproof layer positioned between and attached to a mesh layer and a fabric layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof upper component of a shoe, and a method of manufacturing a waterproof shoe and its waterproof upper component. Background Art

[0002] Certain methods of manufacturing waterproof shoes utilize a waterproof inner boot. The waterproof inner boot is shaped to fit inside the shoe such that a wearer's foot can be placed within the waterproof inner boot. When manufacturing a waterproof shoe, the waterproof inner boot is stitched to a non-waterproof upper component of the shoe, and then an outer sole is assembled. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a waterproof upper component of a shoe, and a method of manufacturing a waterproof shoe using the waterproof upper component such that a waterproof inner boot is not required.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a waterproof upper component for a shoe, the method comprising cutting a waterproof upper component from a laminated waterproof material having at least three layers, the laminated waterproof material including a waterproof layer positioned between and attached to a mesh layer and a fabric layer.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the mesh layer comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the knitted fabric includes nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the knitted fabric includes a non-wicking knitted fabric.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the fabric layer comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, cutting the waterproof upper component from the laminated waterproof material includes die-cutting the laminated waterproof material.

[0012] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a waterproof upper component for a shoe, the method comprising: providing a laminated material having the shape of an upper component of a shoe, the laminated material including a waterproof layer having two sides, wherein a first side of the waterproof layer is attached to a fabric layer, and a second side of the waterproof layer has an adhesive applied thereto; providing a mesh layer having the shape of an upper component of a shoe; and obtaining a waterproof upper component by attaching the mesh layer to the laminated material using the adhesive.

[0013] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

[0014] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the knitted fabric comprises a non-wicking knitted fabric.

[0016] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the fabric layer comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the mesh layer comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, and obtaining a waterproof upper component comprises thermally pressing the laminated material to the mesh layer.

[0020] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for making a waterproof shoe, the method comprising: providing a waterproof upper component comprising a waterproof layer positioned between and attached to a mesh layer and a fabric layer, the waterproof upper component comprising a first heel portion and a second heel portion; coupling a tongue to the waterproof upper component; coupling the first heel portion and the second heel portion of the waterproof upper component together; after coupling the first heel portion and the second heel portion together, coupling a collar lining to the waterproof upper component; after coupling the first heel portion and the second heel portion together, coupling a waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper component; and after coupling the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper component, coupling an outsole to at least one of the waterproof gasket and the waterproof upper component.

[0021] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the mesh layer of the waterproof upper component is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

[0022] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the mesh layer of the waterproof upper component comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

[0023] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the fabric layer of the waterproof upper component comprises a knitted fabric.

[0024] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

[0025] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the knitted fabric comprises a non-wicking knitted fabric.

[0026] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the fabric layer of the waterproof upper component comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method includes attaching decorative material to the mesh layer of the waterproof upper component before joining the first heel portion and the second heel portion together.

[0028] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the decorative material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric.

[0029] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the decorative material is attached to the mesh layer using an adhesive.

[0030] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, and attaching the decorative material to the mesh layer includes thermally pressing the decorative material to the mesh layer.

[0031] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the decorative material is attached to the mesh layer using stitching, and the method includes disposing a seam seal strip on the fabric layer of the waterproof upper component to cover the stitching on the inner side of the waterproof upper component.

[0032] In some embodiments of the third aspect, attaching the tongue to the waterproof upper component includes the use of stitching.

[0033] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method includes using a waterproof material to cover the stitching for attaching the tongue to the waterproof upper component, wherein the waterproof material is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper component.

[0034] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the waterproof material comprises a waterproof layer having two sides, wherein the first side of the waterproof layer is joined to the mesh layer, and the second side of the waterproof layer has an adhesive applied thereto.

[0035] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, and using the waterproof material includes thermally pressing the waterproof material to the inner side of the waterproof upper component.

[0036] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method includes applying a seam seal strip to cover the stitching for attaching the tongue to the waterproof upper component, wherein the seam seal strip is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper component.

[0037] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method includes applying a front lining to the inner surface of the waterproof upper component.

[0038] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the front lining is applied before joining the first heel part and the second heel part together.

[0039] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the front lining comprises a mesh fabric, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the front lining does not extend to the bottom edge of the waterproof upper part, so that the bottom of the waterproof upper part can be joined to the waterproof gasket.

[0041] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the front lining is positioned at least 10 mm away from the bottom edge of the waterproof upper part.

[0042] In some embodiments of the third aspect, joining the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper part together occurs after joining the tongue to the waterproof upper part.

[0043] In some embodiments of the third aspect, joining the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper part together includes the use of stitching.

[0044] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method includes applying a seam seal tape to cover the stitch line used to join the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper part together, wherein the seam seal tape is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper part.

[0045] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the waterproof gasket comprises a non-woven material layer and a waterproof layer, the non-woven material layer facing the inside of the waterproof upper part; and joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper part includes joining the fabric layer of the waterproof upper part to the waterproof layer of the waterproof gasket.

[0046] In some embodiments of the third aspect, joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper part occurs after joining the throat lining to the waterproof upper part.

[0047] In some embodiments of the third aspect, joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper part includes the use of an adhesive.

[0048] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.

[0049] In some embodiments of the third aspect, joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper part includes the use of a lasting machine.

[0050] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a waterproof upper part of a shoe, which comprises a laminated waterproof material having at least three layers, the laminated waterproof material comprising a waterproof layer positioned between a mesh layer and a fabric layer and attached to the mesh layer and the fabric layer.

[0051] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

[0052] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the mesh layer comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

[0053] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

[0054] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the knitted fabric includes nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the knitted fabric includes a non-wicking knitted fabric.

[0056] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the fabric layer of the waterproof upper component comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the laminated waterproof material is laminated.

[0058] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the waterproof layer is attached to the mesh layer using an adhesive.

[0059] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 Illustrates the production of a waterproof upper component from a laminated waterproof material. Figure 1 The left side of shows a perspective view of the laminated waterproof material, and Figure 1 the right side of shows a top plan view of the waterproof upper component.

[0061] Figure 2 Illustrates the production of a waterproof upper component from a laminated material and a mesh layer. Figure 2 The upper left part of shows a top plan view of the laminated component. Figure 2 The upper right part of shows a cross-sectional view of the laminated component. Figure 2 The lower left part of shows a top plan view of the mesh layer, with a portion thereof shown in dashed lines. Figure 2 The lower right part of shows a cross-sectional view of the waterproof upper component produced from the laminated material and the mesh layer.

[0062] Figure 3 is a process flow diagram showing a method for making a waterproof shoe using the waterproof upper component.

[0063] Figure 4 Illustrates a first technique for attaching a decorative material to the waterproof upper component. Figure 4 The upper left part of shows a top plan view of the decorative material.Figure 4 The upper middle part of [Figure 0] shows a cross-sectional view of a decorative material with an adhesive applied thereto. Figure 4 The lower left part of [Figure 1] shows a top plan view of a waterproof upper part, with the parts blocked by the decorative material shown in dashed lines. Figure 4 The lower middle part of [Figure 2] shows a cross-sectional view of a waterproof upper part with a decorative material attached thereto. Figure 4 The right part of [Figure 3] shows a top plan view of a waterproof upper part with a decorative material attached thereto.

[0064] Figure 5 Figure 4 shows a second technique for attaching a decorative material to a waterproof upper part. Figure 5 The upper left part of [Figure 5] shows a top plan view of the decorative material. Figure 5 The lower left part of [Figure 6] shows a top plan view of the waterproof upper part. Figure 5 The upper right part of [Figure 7] shows a top plan view of a waterproof upper part with a decorative material attached thereto. Figure 5 The lower right part of [Figure 8] shows a cross-sectional view of a waterproof upper part with a decorative material attached thereto.

[0065] Figure 6 Figure 9 shows a top plan view of attaching a tongue to a waterproof upper part using a stitching pattern, where the waterproof property of the upper part is maintained by a waterproof material.

[0066] Figure 7 Figure 10 shows a top plan view of attaching a tongue to a waterproof upper part using a stitching pattern, where the waterproof property of the upper part is maintained by a seam seal tape.

[0067] Figure 8 Figure 11 includes a top plan view and a cross-sectional view of a waterproof upper part with a front lining attached thereto.

[0068] Figure 9 Figure 12 includes a perspective view and a cross-sectional view (taken along line A-A) of the joined heel parts of a waterproof upper part.

[0069] Figure 10 Figure 13 shows the connection of an edge lining to a waterproof upper part. Figure 10 The left side of [Figure 14] shows a front plan view of an edge lining connected to a waterproof upper part. Figure 10 The middle part of [Figure 15] shows a cross-sectional view (taken along line B-B) of the connection of an edge lining to a waterproof upper part. Figure 10 The right side of [Figure 16] shows a front perspective view of the connection of an edge lining to a waterproof upper part.

[0070] Figure 11 Figure 17 includes a bottom perspective view and a cross-sectional view (taken along line C-C) of a waterproof gasket connected to a waterproof upper part. Detailed Description

[0071] The present disclosure provides a waterproof upper component for a shoe and methods for making a waterproof shoe and its waterproof upper component. As used herein, the "upper component" of a shoe refers to the entire portion of the shoe above the insole and sole. The upper component can include various sub-components, including, for example, the toe box, the vamp, the tongue, the topline, the eyelets, the eyelet patches, the laces, the quarter, the heel counter, and the lining. The toe box is the material that forms the foremost part of the upper component of the shoe. The vamp is the front part of the upper component, starting behind the toe box and extending towards the rear of the upper component. The tongue generally refers to the portion of the upper component positioned between the lower part of the laces and the upper part of the instep. The topline is the upper edge of the upper component into which the foot is inserted. The eyelets are the holes through which the laces pass, and the eyelet patches are the reinforcements below the eyelets. The quarter is the rear part of the upper component that generally starts where the vamp ends and wraps around the back of the heel. The heel counter is the material that forms the rear part of the upper component and provides support and stiffness to the material around the heel to help maintain the shape of the upper component. Finally, the lining is a layer of material on the inner side of the upper component of the shoe that provides comfort to the wearer.

[0072] Waterproof upper component and method for manufacturing the same

[0073] The present disclosure provides a first method and a second method for making a waterproof upper component for a shoe.

[0074] In the first method of making the waterproof upper component 100, the waterproof upper component 100 is cut from a laminated waterproof material 105, as Figure 1 shown. Various cutting techniques can be used to cut the laminated waterproof material 105 into the structure of the planar waterproof upper component 100. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for cutting the laminated waterproof material 105 into the waterproof upper component 100. In some embodiments, the laminated waterproof material 105 can undergo die-cutting to produce the waterproof upper component 100.

[0075] As Figure 1 shown, the laminated waterproof material 105 can include at least a mesh layer 110, a waterproof layer 115, and a fabric layer 120. Although the laminated waterproof material 105 is shown as having three layers, the present disclosure contemplates the laminated waterproof material 105 as including at least Figure 1 the three layers shown.

[0076] The laminated waterproof material 105 can be configured such that the waterproof layer 115 is positioned between the mesh layer 110 and the fabric layer 120 and is directly or indirectly attached to each of the mesh layer 110 and the fabric layer 120 (i.e., the mesh layer 110 is directly or indirectly attached to the first side / surface of the waterproof layer 115, and the fabric layer 120 is directly or indirectly attached to the second side / surface of the waterproof layer 115). In some embodiments, the laminated waterproof material 105 can be a laminate, meaning that the mesh layer 110, the waterproof layer 115, and the fabric layer 120 are fused together due to the action of heat and pressure applied during the lamination process.

[0077] As used herein, "mesh fabric" refers to an interwoven material made of a network of threads and / or wires. The mesh layer 105 should not be construed in a limiting manner. Instead, it is contemplated that the mesh layer 105 can include one or more separate mesh layers and can include one or more types of mesh fabric.

[0078] For example, the mesh layer 105 can comprise a polyester mesh fabric made using polyester fibers. Polyester mesh fabrics typically come in a range of colors and offer a relatively high level of breathability and moisture absorption. Polyester mesh fabrics are typically but not exclusively used in the manufacture of sports shoes.

[0079] For another example, the mesh layer 105 can comprise a nylon mesh fabric made using synthetic polyamide fibers. Nylon mesh fabrics are known to have a soft touch, high tensile strength, and dust resistance, making them suitable for use in sports shoes as well as other types of shoes.

[0080] As another example, the mesh layer 105 can comprise a power mesh fabric. Typically, power mesh fabrics are made using a blend of nylon and spandex (i.e., synthetic polyether-polyurea copolymer).

[0081] As another example, the mesh layer 105 can comprise an air mesh fabric. Air mesh fabrics (sometimes referred to as 3D mesh fabrics or spacer knitwear) are multi-layer mesh fabrics that can be made using polyester, nylon, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The mesh layer 105 can be a non-capillary mesh fabric or can comprise a non-capillary mesh fabric. As used herein, "non-capillary mesh fabric" refers to a mesh fabric in which its first end can be placed within 10 mm of water and the water absorption height does not exceed 10 mm after 6 hours.

[0083] In some embodiments, the mesh layer 105 can be pretreated with a waterproofing agent. Waterproofing agents for manufacturing shoes are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Illustrative examples of waterproofing agents that can be used to pretreat the mesh layer 105 include but are not limited to C0- and C6-based fluorocarbon waterproofing agent compositions.

[0084] The waterproof layer 115 can be made of any material that can be used in the shoe manufacturing process and provides waterproofness to the upper part of the resulting shoe, or otherwise includes any material that can be used in the shoe manufacturing process and provides waterproofness to the upper part of the resulting shoe. For example, the waterproof layer 115 can be or include the following: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0085] The fabric layer 120 is not to be construed in a limiting manner. Instead, it is contemplated that the fabric layer 120 can include one or more separate fabric layers and can include one or more types of textiles. In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can be a nylon warp knitted fabric or include a nylon warp knitted fabric.

[0086] The fabric layer 120 can include knitted fabrics and / or woven fabrics. Knitting involves bending a material into yarns (i.e., coils of thread) and arranging multiple yarns adjacent to each other to form a fabric. The process of forming the coils of thread that make up the yarn can be carried out horizontally or vertically. Knitting across the width is called weft knitting, and knitting along the length is called warp knitting. A non-limiting list of knitted fabrics includes those made using nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination of any two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can include a warp knitted fabric, a knitted fabric knitted tightly and inelastically.

[0087] Weaving involves interlacing two or more sets of vertical yarns having warp and weft fabrics at a 90-degree angle. The longitudinal yarns are called warp yarns, and the transverse yarns are called weft yarns.

[0088] In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can include a knitted fabric or be a knitted fabric.

[0089] In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can include a non-core-absorbing knitted or woven fabric. In this context, a "non-core-absorbing" knitted or woven fabric is a knitted or woven fabric in which its first end can be placed within 10 mm of water and the water absorption height does not exceed 10 mm after 6 hours.

[0090] In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can be leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof, or include leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

[0091] Refer to Figure 2, A second method of manufacturing a waterproof upper component 100 includes producing the waterproof upper component 100 from a laminated material 200 and a mesh layer 110. Various cutting techniques can be used to cut both the laminated material 200 and the mesh layer 110 individually into the shape of the planar waterproof upper component 100. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for cutting the laminated material 200 and the mesh layer 110 into the shape of the upper component. In some embodiments, the laminated material 200 and / or the mesh layer 110 can be produced by die cutting.

[0092] The laminated material 200 includes at least a waterproof layer 115 and a fabric layer 120.

[0093] The waterproof layer 115 includes two faces / surfaces. The first face of the waterproof layer 115 can be attached to the fabric layer 120 directly or indirectly. The fabric layer 120 can be attached to the first face of the waterproof layer 115 in various ways. In some embodiments, the fabric layer 120 can be laminated to the first face of the waterproof layer 115. In other words, the fabric layer 120 can be fused to the first face of the waterproof layer 115 due to the heat and pressure applied during the lamination process.

[0094] The second face 220 of the waterproof layer can have an adhesive 205 applied thereto. The adhesive 205 can be any adhesive capable of adhering to the second face of the waterproof layer 115 and the mesh layer 110. In some embodiments, the adhesive 205 can be a heat-activated adhesive.

[0095] After obtaining or providing the laminated material 200 and the mesh layer 110 each in the shape of an upper component of a shoe, the waterproof upper component 100 can be obtained by attaching the mesh layer 110 to the laminated material 200, and more specifically to the waterproof layer 115 of the laminated material 200, using the adhesive 205. In embodiments where the adhesive 205 is a heat-activated adhesive, the waterproof upper component 100 can be obtained by thermally pressing the laminated material 200 against the mesh layer 110 such that the heat-activated adhesive becomes thermally active and adheres to both the mesh layer 110 and the waterproof layer 115.

[0096] Method for manufacturing a waterproof shoe

[0097] The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a waterproof shoe using the waterproof upper component 100. Figure 3 An example method is provided starting from providing or obtaining a waterproof upper component 100 (step 305).

[0098] The method includes attaching a tongue to the waterproof upper component 100 (step 310). The following is based on Figure 6 and Figure 7Examples are described in detail of how a tongue can be coupled to a waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method can include coupling one or more decorative materials to the waterproof upper member 100 (step 315). The decorative materials can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 at any time before the heel portions of the waterproof member 100 are joined together. Examples are described below in accordance with Figure 4 and Figure 5 of how decorative materials can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0100] The method can include applying a front lining to the waterproof upper member 100 (step 320). The front lining can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 at any time before the heel portions of the waterproof member 100 are joined together. Examples are described below in accordance with Figure 8 of how a front lining can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0101] The method can include joining the heel portions of the waterproof upper member 100 together (step 325). Examples are described below in accordance with Figure 9 of how the heel portions can be joined together while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0102] The method can include, after joining the heel portions together, joining the topline linings of the waterproof upper member 100 together (step 325). Examples are described below in accordance with Figure 10 of how the topline linings can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0103] The method can include coupling a waterproof gasket to the waterproof upper member 100 (step 335). Examples are described below in accordance with Figure 11 of how the waterproof gasket can be coupled to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0104] The method can include coupling an outsole to at least one of the waterproof gasket and the waterproof upper member 100 (step 340). Details are provided below of how the outsole can be coupled to the waterproof gasket and / or the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100 and the waterproof gasket.

[0105] Attaching decorative material to the waterproof upper component

[0106] Referring toFigure 4 After providing or obtaining the waterproof upper component 100, one or more pieces of decorative material 400 can be applied to the waterproof upper component 100. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular material, shape, and / or size of the decorative material 400. Any decorative material known or yet to be discovered by those skilled in the art is within the scope of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, example decorative materials include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric, printing (including 3D printing), micro-injection (such as micro-injection of polyvinyl chloride, rubber, or polyurethane), thermal cutting, and stitching.

[0107] To maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper component 100, in some embodiments, an adhesive 405 can be used to apply the decorative material 400 to the waterproof upper component 100. For example, the decorative material 400 can have a first side / surface and a second side / surface. The first side / surface can have the adhesive 405 applied thereto. The adhesive 405 can be any adhesive capable of adhering to the first side of the decorative material 400 and the waterproof upper component 100, and in particular, the mesh layer 110 of the waterproof upper component 100. In some embodiments, the adhesive 405 can be a heat-activated adhesive. In embodiments where the adhesive 405 is a heat-activated adhesive, heat pressing can be used to heat-activate and adhere the heat-activated adhesive to both the decorative material 400 and the waterproof upper component 100 (and more particularly, its mesh layer 110).

[0108] Figure 5 Alternative techniques for attaching the decorative material 400 to the waterproof upper component 100 are provided. Referring to Figure 5 After providing or obtaining the waterproof upper component 100, one or more pieces of decorative material 400 can be applied to the waterproof upper component 100, and more particularly, its mesh layer 110, using stitching 500. The stitching 500 can be used to attach the edges of the decorative material 400 to the waterproof upper component 100, as shown in Figure 5 . Additionally or alternatively, stitching can be used inside the decorative material 400.

[0109] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the stitch 500 can pass through the entire waterproof upper member 100 and, thus, can pierce the waterproof layer 115 of the waterproof upper member 100. Regardless of the degree of piercing, the piercing of the waterproof layer 115 may cause damage to the waterproofness of the waterproof upper member 100. To restore / maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100, a seam seal tape 505 can be applied to the inner surface of the waterproof upper member 100, i.e., the surface of the waterproof upper member 100 that is positioned at a distance from the surface of the decorative material 400 (e.g., the fabric layer 120 of the waterproof upper member 100). The seam seal tape 505 can be strategically positioned to cover the stitches that are exposed on the inner side of the waterproof upper member 100 (i.e., the surface of the waterproof upper member 100 that is away from the decorative material 400).

[0110] In at least some embodiments, the decorative material 400 can be attached to the waterproof upper member 100 before the heel portions of the waterproof upper member 100 are joined together.

[0111] Attaching the tongue to the waterproof upper component

[0112] The present disclosure also provides techniques for attaching a tongue to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0113] As described above, the tongue is the part of the shoe that is positioned between the lower portion of the shoelaces and the upper portion of the instep. Figure 6 A portion of the toe and the front of the waterproof upper member 100 having a tongue 600 attached thereto using stitches 605 is shown. As shown, the stitches 605 can be used along the entire bottom edge of the tongue 600 and at least partially along the side edges of the tongue 600. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the stitches 605 can be used only along the bottom edge of the tongue 600 or can be used only along the side edges of the tongue 600.

[0114] To stitch the tongue 600 to the waterproof upper member 100, the stitches 605 can pass through the entire waterproof upper member 100 and, thus, can pierce the waterproof layer 115 of the waterproof upper member 100. As previously mentioned, regardless of the degree of piercing, the piercing of the waterproof layer 115 may cause damage to the waterproofness of the waterproof upper member 100. To restore / maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100, a waterproof material 610 can be used. For example, the waterproof layer 610 can be or include: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0115] As Figure 6As shown, the waterproof material 610 can be sized to cover the entirety of the stitch line 605 and can cover a portion of the waterproof upper member 100 and the lower portion of the tongue 600.

[0116] The waterproof material 610 can be applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper member 100 and more particularly to its fabric layer 120. The waterproof material 610 can include a first side and a second side. The first side can be coupled to a mesh layer, which can be configured in all of the various ways in which a mesh layer 110 can be configured. The second side can have an adhesive applied thereto. The adhesive can be any adhesive capable of adhering to the second side of the waterproof material 610, the tongue 600, and the waterproof upper member 100 and in particular its fabric layer 120. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be a heat-activated adhesive. In embodiments in which the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, heat pressing can be used to heat-activate the heat-activated adhesive and adhere it to both the inner side of the waterproof upper member 100 (e.g., the fabric layer 120) and optionally the tongue 600. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be located only on the portion of the waterproof material 505 corresponding to the stitch line 605 for attaching the tongue 600 to the waterproof upper member 100.

[0117] Figure 7 Alternative techniques are provided for restoring / maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100 after stitching the tongue 600 to the waterproof upper member 100. As Figure 7 shown, a seam sealing tape 700 can be applied to the inner surfaces of the tongue 600 and the upper member 100 to cover the stitch line 605 that attaches the tongue 600 to the waterproof upper member 100 and that is exposed on the inner side of the waterproof upper member 100 (i.e., the surface of the waterproof upper member 100 that will form the inner surface of the corresponding shoe).

[0118] In at least some embodiments, the tongue 600 can be attached to the waterproof upper member 100 before joining the heel portions of the waterproof upper member 100 together, and the waterproof upper member 100 can be made waterproof again as described above.

[0119] Attaching the front lining to the waterproof upper component

[0120] The present disclosure also provides techniques for attaching a front lining to the waterproof upper member 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0121] As described above, the front part of the upper is the front portion of the upper member, starting behind the toe and extending toward the rear of the upper member. Thus, as used herein, a "front lining" is a material attached to a part or the whole of the front part of the upper.

[0122] Figure 8 A waterproof upper member 100 is shown having an attached front lining 800 to its inner surface (i.e., the surface of the waterproof upper member 100 that forms the inner surface of the corresponding shoe (e.g., the fabric layer 120)). The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular material and / or shape of the front lining 800. Any front lining 800 known or yet to be discovered by those skilled in the art is within the scope of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, example front lining materials include mesh fabric and synthetic leather.

[0123] To maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100, in some embodiments, an adhesive 805 can be used to apply the front lining 800 to the waterproof upper member 100. For example, the front lining 800 can have a first side / surface and a second side / surface. The first side / surface can have the adhesive 805 applied thereto. The adhesive 805 can be any adhesive capable of adhering to the first side / surface of the front lining 800 and the inner surface of the waterproof upper member 100 (e.g., the fabric layer 120). In some embodiments, the adhesive 805 can be a heat-activated adhesive. In embodiments where the adhesive 805 is a heat-activated adhesive, heat pressing can be used to heat-activate the heat-activated adhesive and adhere it to both the front lining 800 and the inner surface of the waterproof upper member 100 (e.g., the fabric layer 120).

[0124] As described in detail below, the bottom of the waterproof upper member 100 can be coupled with a waterproof gasket to form a waterproof shoe. To facilitate this, the front lining 800 can be sized to not extend completely to the bottom edge 810 of the waterproof upper member 100. Different techniques can be used to couple the bottom of the waterproof upper member 100 with the waterproof gasket. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a single specific distance between the front lining 800 and the bottom edge 810 of the waterproof upper member 100, as this distance may depend on the technique used to couple the bottom of the waterproof upper member 100 with the waterproof gasket. In some embodiments, the front lining 800 can be sized such that it is a few millimeters (mm) short of extending to the bottom edge 810. In some embodiments, the front lining 800 can be sized such that it is 10 mm short of extending to the bottom edge 810.

[0125] In at least some embodiments, the front lining 100 can be attached to the waterproof upper member 100 before the heel portions of the waterproof upper member 100 are coupled together.

[0126] Attaching the heel parts of the waterproof upper component together

[0127] The present disclosure also provides techniques for coupling the heel portions of the waterproof upper member 100 together while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100. Refer toFigure 8 , and the rightmost part of the plane of the waterproof upper part 100 is at the heel.

[0128] In some embodiments, a stitching pattern 910 can be used to couple the first heel part 900 to the second heel part 905. Figure 9 An example of using a hemming stitch is shown. However, note that other stitching techniques for coupling the heel parts 900 / 905 are known to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] To stitch the heel parts 900 / 905 together, the stitching pattern 910 can pierce the waterproof layer 115 of the waterproof upper part 100. As previously mentioned, regardless of the degree of piercing, piercing of the waterproof layer 115 may result in impairment of the waterproofness of the waterproof upper part 100. To restore / maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper part 100, a seam seal tape 915 can be applied to the inner surface of the upper part 100 (e.g., the fabric layer 120) to cover the stitching pattern 910 used to couple the heel parts 900 / 905 together.

[0130] As another example, an adhesive can be used to couple the heel parts 900 / 905 together. When using an adhesive, in some embodiments, a seam seal tape can be applied to the inner surface of the upper part 110 to cover the adhesive.

[0131] In at least some embodiments, the heel parts 900 / 905 can be coupled together after the tongue 600 is coupled to the waterproof upper part 100.

[0132] Attaching the throat lining to the waterproof upper component

[0133] The present disclosure also provides techniques for attaching a topline lining to the waterproof upper part 100.

[0134] Referring to Figure 10 , the edge of the topline lining 1000 can be coupled to the upper edge of the waterproof upper part 100. For example, the edge of the topline lining 1000 can be coupled to the upper edge of the waterproof upper part 100 using stitching. For example, a hemming stitch can be used.

[0135] After the edge of the topline lining 1000 is coupled to the upper edge of the waterproof upper part 100, foam 1005 can be provided along the coupling edge of the upper edge of the topline lining 100 and the waterproof upper part 100. Thereafter, the topline lining 1000 can be folded relative to the foam 1005 to form a "topline". In some embodiments, the topline lining 1000 can be adhered to the inner surface (e.g., the fabric layer 120) of the waterproof upper part 100 after the topline is formed.

[0136] As described in detail below, the bottom of the waterproof upper component 100 can be coupled to the waterproof gasket to form a waterproof shoe. To facilitate this, the throat lining 1000 can be sized so as not to extend completely to the bottom edge 810 of the waterproof upper component 100. Different techniques can be used to couple the bottom of the waterproof upper component 100 to the waterproof gasket. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a single specific distance between the throat lining 1000 and the bottom edge 810 of the waterproof upper component 100, as this distance may depend on the technique used to couple the bottom of the waterproof upper component 100 to the waterproof gasket. In some embodiments, the throat lining 1000 can be sized such that it is a few millimeters (mm) short of extending to the bottom edge 810. In some embodiments, the throat lining 1000 can be sized such that it is 10 mm short of extending to the bottom edge 810.

[0137] Waterproof gasket

[0138] The waterproof gasket can be used to fabricate waterproof shoes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the waterproof gasket can include a nonwoven material layer and a waterproof layer. For example, the nonwoven material layer can be or include: polyester, nylon, cotton, paper, or a combination of any two or more thereof. For example, the waterproof layer can be or include: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0139] The waterproof shoes of the present disclosure can be configured such that the nonwoven layer of the waterproof gasket faces the interior of the waterproof upper component 100 (i.e., the interior of the waterproof shoe), and when the waterproof shoe is fully assembled, the waterproof layer is the bottommost layer of the waterproof gasket.

[0140] Attaching the waterproof gasket to the upper component

[0141] The present disclosure also provides techniques for attaching the waterproof gasket to the waterproof upper component 100 while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the waterproof gasket and the waterproof upper component 100.

[0142] In some embodiments, coupling the waterproof gasket to the waterproof upper component 100 can include the use of a lasting machine. The present disclosure is not limited to the use of any particular lasting machine. Instead, the present disclosure contemplates the use of any lasting machine capable of performing the processes described herein.

[0143] Referring Figure 11 , the waterproof gasket 1100 can be removably attached (e.g., using an adhesive) to the bottom of the shoe last. More specifically, the nonwoven material layer of the waterproof gasket 1100 can be removably coupled to the bottom of the shoe last.

[0144] Before or after removably attaching the waterproof gasket 1100 to the shoe last, the waterproof upper member 100 can be positioned around the shoe last. More particularly, the inner surface (e.g., the fabric layer 120) of the waterproof upper member 100 can be positioned on the shoe last.

[0145] As previously described, the vamp lining 800 and the throat lining 1000, and potentially other materials, can be attached to the waterproof upper member 100 in such a way that the vamp lining 800 and the throat lining 1000, and potentially other materials, do not extend all the way to the bottom edge 810 of the waterproof upper member 100. This results in the bottom 1105 of the waterproof upper member 100 not having any materials attached to it.

[0146] Thus, as Figure 11 shown, the bottom 1105, which does not have any materials attached to it, can be folded and joined to the edge portion of the waterproof gasket 1100 that is removably attached to the shoe last. For example, more specifically, the fabric layer 120 of the waterproof upper member 100 can be joined to the nonwoven material layer of the waterproof gasket 1100.

[0147] In at least some embodiments, joining the waterproof gasket 1100 to the bottom 1105 of the waterproof upper member 100 can occur after joining the throat lining 1000 to the waterproof upper member 100.

[0148] In some embodiments, as Figure 11 shown, the vamp lining 800 and / or the throat lining 1000 can be sized such that while still allowing the bottom 1105, which does not have materials attached to it, to be attached to the bottom surface of the waterproof gasket 1100, a portion of the vamp lining 800 and / or the throat lining 1000 can be folded and contact the bottom surface of the waterproof gasket 1100.

[0149] To maintain the waterproof integrity of the waterproof upper member 100 and the waterproof gasket 1100, in some embodiments, an adhesive can be used to join the waterproof upper member 100 and the waterproof gasket 1100. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be first disposed on the waterproof gasket 1100, and more specifically on the portion of the waterproof gasket 1100 that is to be joined to the waterproof upper member 100. The adhesive can be any adhesive that is capable of adhering to the waterproof gasket 1100 (e.g., its waterproof layer) and the inner surface (e.g., the fabric layer 120) of the waterproof upper member 100. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be a heat-activated adhesive. In embodiments where the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, heat pressing can be used to thermally activate the heat-activated adhesive and adhere it to both the waterproof gasket 1100 (e.g., its waterproof layer) and the inner surface (e.g., the fabric layer 120) of the waterproof upper member 100.

[0150] Attaching the waterproof gasket to the upper component

[0151] The present disclosure also provides for attaching an outsole to the attached waterproof gasket 1100 and the upper component 100. The outsole can be attached to the waterproof gasket 1100 and / or the waterproof upper component 100. For example, an adhesive can be disposed on the upper component 100 (which can still be positioned on the shoe last at that point in time), and the outsole can be attached to the upper component 100 using the adhesive with a machine. As another example, the upper component 100 (still positioned on the shoe last) can be placed in a mold, and polyurethane, rubber, or some other outsole material can be injected into the mold and cured.

[0152] Equivalent solutions

[0153] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision various other ways and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications of the teachings of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific aspects of the disclosure described herein using only routine experimentation. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing aspects are presented by way of example only, and that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure relates to each and every individual feature, system, article, material, and / or method described herein. Moreover, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods is included in the scope of the present disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0154] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to prevail over dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated documents by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0155] Unless stated to the contrary, a name without an article in the singular, as used herein in the specification and claims, shall be understood to mean "at least one". The phrase "and / or" as used herein in the specification and in the claims shall be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that coexist in some cases and separate in other cases. Unless stated to the contrary, other elements may optionally exist in addition to the elements specifically recited by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those specifically recited.

[0156] All references, patents, patent applications, and publications cited or mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a waterproof shoe upper component for a shoe, the method comprising cutting the waterproof shoe upper component from a laminated waterproof material having at least three layers, the laminated waterproof material including a waterproof layer positioned between a mesh layer and a fabric layer and attached to the mesh layer and the fabric layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the knitted fabric comprises a non-wicking knitted fabric.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fabric layer comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein cutting the waterproof shoe upper component from the laminated waterproof material comprises die-cutting the laminated waterproof material.

9. A method for manufacturing a waterproof shoe upper component for a shoe, the method comprising: providing a laminated material having the shape of a shoe upper component of a shoe, the laminated material including a waterproof layer having two sides, wherein a first side of the waterproof layer is attached to a fabric layer, and a second side of the waterproof layer has an adhesive applied thereto; providing a mesh layer having the shape of a shoe upper component of a shoe; and obtaining the waterproof shoe upper component by attaching the mesh layer to the laminated material using the adhesive.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the knitted fabric comprises a non-wicking knitted fabric.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fabric layer comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the mesh layer comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein: the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive; and obtaining the waterproof shoe upper component comprises thermally pressing the laminated material to the mesh layer.

17. A method for manufacturing a waterproof shoe, the method comprising: providing a waterproof shoe upper component including a waterproof layer positioned between a mesh layer and a fabric layer and attached to the mesh layer and the fabric layer, the waterproof shoe upper component including a first heel portion and a second heel portion; coupling a tongue to the waterproof shoe upper component; coupling the first heel portion and the second heel portion of the waterproof shoe upper component together; after coupling the first heel portion and the second heel portion together, coupling an edging lining to the waterproof shoe upper component; After joining the first heel portion and the second heel portion together, a waterproof gasket is joined to the bottom of the waterproof upper member; and after joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper member, an outsole is joined to at least one of the waterproof gasket and the waterproof upper member.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mesh layer of the waterproof upper member is pretreated with a waterproofing agent.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mesh layer of the waterproof upper member comprises a non-wicking mesh fabric.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the fabric layer of the waterproof upper member comprises a knitted fabric.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the knitted fabric comprises a non-wicking knitted fabric.

23. The method according to claim 17, wherein the fabric layer of the waterproof upper member comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

24. The method according to claim 17, further comprising joining a decorative material to the mesh layer of the waterproof upper member before joining the first heel portion and the second heel portion together.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the decorative material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the decorative material is joined to the mesh layer using an adhesive.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive; and joining the decorative material to the mesh layer comprises thermally pressing the decorative material to the mesh layer.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein: the decorative material is joined to the mesh layer using stitching; and the method further comprises disposing a seam sealing strip on the fabric layer of the waterproof upper member to cover the stitching on the inner side of the waterproof upper member.

29. The method according to claim 17, wherein joining the tongue to the waterproof upper member comprises the use of stitching.

30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising using a waterproof material to cover the stitching for joining the tongue to the waterproof upper member, wherein the waterproof material is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper member.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the waterproof material comprises a waterproof layer having two sides, wherein a first side of the waterproof layer is joined to the mesh layer, and a second side of the waterproof layer has an adhesive applied thereto.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive; and using the waterproof material comprises thermally pressing the waterproof material to the inner side of the waterproof upper member.

33. The method according to claim 29 further comprises applying a seam seal tape to cover the stitch line for joining the tongue to the waterproof upper member, wherein the seam seal tape is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper member.

34. The method according to claim 17 further comprises applying a front upper lining to the inner surface of the waterproof upper member.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the front upper lining is applied before joining the first heel part and the second heel part together.

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein the front upper lining comprises a mesh fabric, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

37. The method according to claim 34, wherein the front upper lining does not extend to the bottom edge of the waterproof upper member, so that the bottom of the waterproof upper member can be joined to the waterproof gasket.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the front upper lining is positioned at least 10 mm away from the bottom edge of the waterproof upper member.

39. The method according to claim 17, wherein joining the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper member together occurs after joining the tongue to the waterproof upper member.

40. The method according to claim 17, wherein joining the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper member together comprises the use of stitching.

41. The method according to claim 40 further comprises applying a seam seal tape to cover the stitch line for joining the first heel part and the second heel part of the waterproof upper member together, wherein the seam seal tape is applied to the inner side of the waterproof upper member.

42. The method according to claim 17, wherein: the waterproof gasket comprises a non-woven material layer and a waterproof layer; the non-woven material layer faces the interior of the waterproof upper member; and joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper member comprises joining the fabric layer of the waterproof upper member to the waterproof layer of the waterproof gasket.

43. The method according to claim 17, wherein joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper member occurs after joining the throat lining to the waterproof upper member.

44. The method according to claim 17, wherein joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper member comprises the use of an adhesive.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein joining the waterproof gasket to the bottom of the waterproof upper member comprises the use of a lasting machine.

47. A waterproof upper member of a shoe, comprising a laminated waterproof material having at least three layers, the laminated waterproof material comprising a waterproof layer positioned between and attached to a mesh layer and a fabric layer.

48. The waterproof upper member according to claim 47, wherein the mesh layer is pretreated with a waterproof agent.

49. The waterproof upper component according to claim 47, wherein the mesh layer comprises a non-capillary wicking mesh fabric.

50. The waterproof upper component according to claim 47, wherein the fabric layer comprises a knitted fabric.

51. The waterproof upper component according to claim 50, wherein the knitted fabric comprises nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton, polyester, or a combination thereof.

52. The waterproof upper component according to claim 50, wherein the knitted fabric comprises a non-capillary wicking knitted fabric.

53. The waterproof upper component according to claim 47, wherein the fabric layer of the waterproof upper component comprises leather, synthetic leather, or a combination thereof.

54. The waterproof upper component according to claim 47, wherein the laminated waterproof material is laminated.

55. The waterproof upper component according to claim 47, wherein the waterproof layer is attached to the mesh layer using an adhesive.

56. The waterproof upper component according to claim 55, wherein the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive.

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