Laminated Waterproof Shoe Upper Without Bootie Leak Paths

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for making waterproof shoes often require the use of waterproof booties, which are stitched to a non-waterproof upper component, leading to potential leaks and limitations in design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method for creating waterproof upper components using a layered material comprising a waterproof layer between a mesh and a textile layer, with optional pre-treatment of mesh with a water repellant, and attachment using adhesives or stitching, followed by assembly with additional components to form a waterproof shoe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If waterproof booties are stitched to a non-waterproof upper component, then waterproofing is achieved, but potential leaks occur at stitching locations and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof integrityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the waterproof bootie and upper component into a single integrated waterproof upper component made from laminated material. The waterproof layer is laminated directly to the upper component material during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate booties and stitching operations. This merging approach maintains waterproof integrity while simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses laminated composite material consisting of a waterproof layer laminated to an upper component layer. This composite structure integrates the waterproofing function directly into the upper component material itself, eliminating the need for separate waterproof booties and reducing construction complexity while maintaining reliable waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If waterproof booties are used, then waterproofing is provided, but design flexibility of the upper component is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing effectivenessVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the waterproof layer with the upper component layer into a single laminated material, the invention allows design elements to be integrated directly into the upper component before lamination. This enables greater design flexibility while maintaining waterproofing effectiveness, as the waterproofing function is built into the material itself rather than added as a separate component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple layers are laminated together, then waterproof integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-laminating the waterproof layer to the upper component layer during material manufacturing, creating a ready-to-use laminated material. This preliminary lamination eliminates the need for complex post-assembly waterproofing operations, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring waterproof integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the waterproof layer and upper component layer into a single laminated material that is manufactured as one integrated product. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate assembly steps required, while the lamination process itself ensures waterproof integrity through the bonded interface between layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method allows for the production of waterproof shoes without booties, maintaining integrity and flexibility in design, while ensuring effective waterproofing through strategic use of adhesives and seam sealing to prevent leaks.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof layer positioned between and attached to a layer of mesh and a layer of textile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproofing barrier:

Implementation Method 2

the layer of mesh is pre-treated with a water repellant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

a first side of the waterproof layer is attached to a layer of textile, and the second side of the waterproof layer has an adhesive applied thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive, and obtaining the waterproof upper component comprises hot pressing the layered material to the layer of mesh

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal curing: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12471674B2Waterproof upper components of shoes, and methods of making waterproof shoes and waterproof upper components thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 COSMOSTAR USA LLC

AI summary

Waterproof upper components of shoes, and methods of making waterproof shoes and waterproof upper components thereof are described.