Waterproof Boot Using Heat-Sealed Synthetic Rubber Sock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waterproof boots are heavy, bulky, and expensive to produce, making them unsuitable for general outdoor use and easy transportation, while also failing to achieve a simple and inexpensive production process with high impermeability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a waterproof sock made of synthetic rubber, coated with a polyurethane film, is used in conjunction with a 'box bottom' sole and a rigid form, where the sock is heat-sealed and adhered using a glue layer, then stitched and sealed with a silicone or polyurethane sealant to create a lightweight, packable boot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional waterproof boots are made with heavy impermeable materials and rigid structures, then high waterproofing performance is achieved, but the boots become heavy and bulky, making them unsuitable for general outdoor use and easy transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidboot weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible waterproof sock made of synthetic rubber with a polyurethane coating instead of traditional heavy impermeable materials. The sock is stretched over a rigid form and heat-sealed to create a lightweight yet waterproof boot upper that maintains high waterproofing performance while dramatically reducing weight and bulk compared to conventional rigid waterproof structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by combining synthetic rubber with polyurethane coating to create a composite material that provides both flexibility and high waterproofing performance. The synthetic rubber base material provides elasticity and comfort, while the polyurethane coating enhances impermeability, achieving optimal balance between lightweight construction and reliable waterproof protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional waterproof boots use complex production processes with multiple components, then high impermeability is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and production simplicity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveimpermeabilityVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by merging the waterproofing function and the upper structure into a single integrated waterproof sock component. Instead of assembling multiple separate waterproof components, the sock is created as one piece through heat-sealing the stretched material, dramatically simplifying the production process while maintaining high impermeability through the continuous sealed structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by replacing traditional mechanical stitching and assembly methods with heat-sealing technology. The stretched waterproof sock is joined to the sole assembly through heat-sealing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening systems and manual assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and production time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If waterproof boots are designed for specific professional use with heavy construction, then high waterproofing is ensured, but adaptability for general outdoor use and easy transport decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidease of transport and general use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing the boot upper as a flexible, stretchable waterproof sock that can be dynamically adjusted during production. The sock is stretched over a rigid form during manufacturing to achieve the desired shape and fit, then relaxed to provide flexibility and comfort for general outdoor use, enabling the boot to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining waterproof protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 results in a waterproof boot that is lightweight, easy to transport, and cost-effective, with a high level of impermeability and a pleasant appearance, addressing the limitations of existing boots.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof sock (2) made of synthetic rubber, in particular polyurethane fiber, coated with a waterproofing elastic film, in particular made of polyurethane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpermeability:

Implementation Method 2

The waterproof boot 1 is advantageously obtained by heat-sealing flaps of segments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat sealing:

Implementation Method 3

associating the waterproof sock (2) with the bottom (4) with the interposition of an adhesive layer (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3666105B1Method for producing a waterproof boot and waterproof boot produced with said method
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 WSM SRL
  • EP3666105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3666105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3666105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for producing a waterproof boot, which provides for arranging a waterproof sock (2) made of synthetic rubber, in particular made of neoprene, and a bottom provided with a sole (4A) and with a raised edge (4B). After having inserted a rigid form (5) within the waterproof sock (2), the waterproof sock (2) is associated with the bottom (4) with the interposition of a glue layer (6). Once the rigid form (5) is extracted from the waterproof sock (2), there is a step of stitching the raised edge (4B) of the bottom (4A) to the waterproof sock (2) along an annular line of sewing stitches (7) and then a step of sealing the sewing stitches (7) with a sealant layer (8) placed astride the annular line of sewing stitches (7). The leg-shaped portion (2B) of the boot (1) is collapsible into a compact shape for transport, substantially contained in the height (S) of the foot-shaped portion (2A).