Waterproof Boot Upper with Extended Shield and Sealed Gaskets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof boots allow water to enter through seams and over the top, inadequately addressing the needs of outdoor activities in wet conditions.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof boot design featuring a hollow cylindrical boot upper with a sealed bottom and extended top portion, utilizing gaskets and stitching or bonding agents to prevent water ingress, along with adjustable Velcro strips for improved fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waterproof materials are used in designing boots, then water entry is reduced, but water still enters through seams and over the top
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two separate components: a bootie and a boot upper, which are attached together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for waterproofing, with the boot upper extending over the bootie to create a staged waterproof barrier that prevents water from entering through seams or over the top.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot upper extends vertically beyond the bootie in a dimensional extension, creating an overlapping structure that provides an additional waterproof barrier at the top opening. This vertical extension dimension prevents water from bypassing the bootie through the top opening.
2Reliability
If the boot upper is made as a hollow cylindrical tube extending over the bootie, then waterproofing is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is segmented into a bootie and a boot upper that can be manufactured separately and then attached together. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing each component to be produced independently using standard techniques, while the final assembled structure achieves the desired waterproofing performance.
3Strength
If bonding agent is applied to attach boot upper to bootie, then attachment strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment method combines multiple techniques: bonding agent is applied to create strong adhesive bonds between the boot upper and bootie, while stitching is used to mechanically reinforce the attachment. This merging of bonding and stitching methods achieves both strong attachment and tolerance to manufacturing variations in alignment.
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
Effectively reduces water entry through seams and over the top of the boot, enhancing waterproofing and user comfort during outdoor activities.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding agent, such as waterproof cement, may be applied along a continuous outside bottom portion of the bootie upper of the bootie and along a continuous inside bottom portion of a boot upper
Implementation Method 2
An edge of the bottom portion of the bootie upper may be stitched to an edge of the bottom portion of the boot upper
Implementation Method 3
the bottom opening of the boot upper is sealed between an outer gasket and an inner gasket both affixed to the bootie
Data Source
AI summary
A waterproof boot comprises a bootie, such as a hiking boot, and a boot upper comprising a varying diameter tube of waterproof material. The boot upper may have a bottom opening that is sealed between an outer gasket and an inner gasket affixed to the bottom of the bootie. The boot upper may also have a top opening that allows a wearer to insert a leg through the top opening of the boot upper and into the bootie. The boot upper may extend more than three inches over the top of the bootie to provide an extended waterproof shield that prevents water from entering into the top of the bootie. The boot upper may include a gusset and a zipper and/or a horizontal Velcro strip and Velcro receiving area to enlarge (or contract) the top opening of the boot upper to allow the wearer to pull the boot upper over a calf of the wearer and improve the fit and comfort of the boot upper.