CA2328530C - Vulcanized boot-type footwear - Google Patents
Vulcanized boot-type footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2328530C CA2328530C CA 2328530 CA2328530A CA2328530C CA 2328530 C CA2328530 C CA 2328530C CA 2328530 CA2328530 CA 2328530 CA 2328530 A CA2328530 A CA 2328530A CA 2328530 C CA2328530 C CA 2328530C
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- Prior art keywords
- stocking
- shoe
- exterior
- footwear
- cup
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- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
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- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 claims description 61
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 35
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 210000004233 talus Anatomy 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
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- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 210000003141 lower extremity Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- 210000001137 tarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 17
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
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- 210000005010 torso Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 241000272517 Anseriformes Species 0.000 description 1
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Landscapes
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Waterproof, thermally insulated footwear comprises a boot having a flexible, unitary, trilaminate, rubber and fabric stocking coupled by vulcanization within a semi-rigid, ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber shoe-like base which is structured to form fit a person's ankle and lower leg, to provide support for the ankle, and to provide durability and an overall pleasing arid attractive appearance.
Description
VULCANIZED BOOT-TYPE FOOTWEAR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to waterproof footwear specially adapted for use on uneven and varying terrain while protecting a person's feet, legs and, where applicable, body portions, from water, mud, cold, uneven terrain, brush, branches, trees and the like, and for reducing the likelih.ood of injury during rugged outdoor activities while providing an attractive appearance, durability and comfOrt in conditions of extended wear. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a variety of footwear of various heights and types from knee boots to hip and chest waders. Hereinafter, the term "footwear" should be understood to include all of the above-mentioned types unless specifically describeca differently. More specifically, waterproof, thermal-~y insulated footwear according to this invention comprises, for each leg of a wearer, a unitary, self supporting, ft_:_~xible, trilaminated, synthetic fiber 2 0 fabric (preferably stretch nylon) double stocking surrounding a stretchable rubber core, the laminated stocking being sealed within an ozone-resiStant, anti-cracking rubber, shoe-like base by vulcanizing the rubber and stocking materials in a single step. The combined elements preferably are contoured to 2 5 closely fit a persor- ' s ankle and lower leg, and to provide support for and provide a snug, but comfortable, fit in the vicinity of the ankle so as to maintain the boot on the foot, even when significarr.t vertical forces are experienced, for example, when walking in water with a muddy bottom. At the :30 same time, the combination is designed for ease in putting on and taking off the boot or wader, to provide an attractive and pleasing appearance and to provide comfort, durability and long term protection against incursion of water during extended wearing periods and over the service life of the footwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Outdoor activities such as fishing, waterfowl hunting, and the like bring the participant into contact with uneven terrain, cold water, mud, brush, tree branches and other natural, abrasive objects. In most cases, this is not intolerable. However, it is important to use footwear which provides solid, comfortable support and traction, to protect the participant's feet and, where applicable, lower and mid-body portions, from becoming wet or cold over a prolonged period of time. Preferably, it is also desirable that the footwear prevent circumstances where it may be pulled off when it becomes stuck in mud and the wearer attempts to extricate it from the mud.
These outdoor activities commonly require the participant to spend significant amounts of time standing or walking or engaging in other body movements such as bending ?0 and stretching. In some cases, the ground is uneven, unstable, or even treacherous and numerous types of abrasive objects may be encountered. Maintaining balance and footing under such conditions can be hazardous. Injuries can occur if the footwear is inadequate for the task.
2 5 In addition, the participant will often wear other protective clothing along with the protective footwear. This other clothing is often bulky and sometimes inhibits bending.
Thus, there is a need to provide footwear, including boots and waders, which can be donned easily while wearing bulky 30 clothing. There is often a need to wear relatively high or extended-top footwear such as waders with either thin or thick outer garments which may fit inside the extended top of the footwear. Unless the footwear is adaptable to these different needs, it may be necessary to use alternative footwear, depending on conditions.
Because these types of activities may extend over several hours or several days, it is important that any footwear be durable, comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and capable of maintaining water-tight integrity, even when subjected to substantial stress.
Waterproof boots are well known in the art, and have been used in the above-described activities to protect against exposure to damp, wet and cold conditions. However, many of the available waterproof boots or waders are uncomfortable and/or are subject to cracking, tearing or abrasion damage after prolongecl weai:~ing or during ordinary use and, in some instances, are very difficult to put on or take off.
Thus, many available waterproof boots and waders are uncomfortable, primarily because they are fashioned to a significant degree from semi-rigid or rigid (thick) rubber material and are hea,~ry and bulky. While such material may be effective in preventing water from leaking into a boot, it is :20 not effective for adecluately fitting a wearer's foot and leg, making the wearer uncomfortable if the boot is worn for a prolonged period of time. Boots made from semi-rigid or rigid rubber material may be formed to correspond to the shape of a foot, but they are not effective iri adapting comfortably to :?5 the specific size or shape of the foot and ankle of the wearer. Further_, boots with form-fitted structures around the foot and ankle oftf.~n lack the attribute of being donned easily. That is, if the ankle/leg portion of the boot is "necked down" or reduced in diameter in the vicinity of the :30 ankle in order to hold the boot securely on the foot in very muddy environments, such boots may be too restricted in size and resiliency to permlt them tc; be put on or taken off with sufficient ease. Traditional boots that are not form-fitted are easier to don, but are bulky, lack the ability to fit snugly and hence, are prone to be pulled off the feet in adverse situations such as heavy mud. Also, boots made primarily of semi-rigid or rigid rubber are not flexible enough to accornmoda',:.e insertion of different thicknesses of outer garments that may be worn or the differences in leg diameter which may be encountered.
Many of t.he available waterproof boots or waders by themselves do not provide adequate thermal protection, requiring additional layers of clot:hing or lining material besides the waterproof layer. The bulkiness of these additional layers may restrict movement, add weight and increase the wearer's discomfort.
In an attempt to remedy the above-described shortcomings, available waterproof boots often are constructed of several different materials formed of multiple pieces which are stitched, seamed, glued or similarly bonded together.
Stitching can create possible leak points, both for cold air and for water. Further, certain types of bonding or glue between different tyi?es of material can break down over time.
Multiple pieces may not work well together to conform to the wearer's foot, legs and lower body but instead may stretch more in some places than others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
2 5 The present invention relates to a footwear including a shoe base which provides superior water-tight integrity, durability and adaptability for use in boots or waders. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an over-the-calf length or longer, waterproof, thermally insulated boot or wader having, for each leg, a unitary, integral, self-supporting, flexible, stretchable, trilaminated rubber and nylon fabric stocking or leg-enclosing sleeve adrLered by vulcanization to a semi-rigid, ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber shoe-like base. The boot or wader is contoured so that each leg thereof fits a person's foot, ankle and lower leg and provides support and a relatively snug but comfortable fit for the ankle, presenting an attractive appearance, maintaining water-tight integrity and providing long service life and durability under adverse use conditions.
Each leg stocking or sleeve is formed from a self-supporting, waterproof, flexible trilaminated material characterized by a flexible, preferably rubber core, which may be closed cell neoprene rubber or stretchable natural rubber, sandwiched between two continuous layers of closely woven, jersey, synthetic fiber (preferably nylon) fabric, and comprises an integra=_ contoured tubular leg sleeve and at least a partial foot ;heel) cushion. The contoured leg sleeve and foot cushion are adapted to enclose at least a person's lower leg and at least a portion (preferably the heel and upper instep) of the foot. The leg sleeve comprises at least an exterior instep surface, an exterior calf surface, an exterior outside ankle surface, ari exterior inside ankle surface, and at least a partial exterior heel or bottom surface. The contoured leg sleeve is of a unitary, one-piece design which is open at the top and includes a single seam line which passes, pi::eferably, along the inside or rear of the calf. In the case of chest waders, the trilaminated leg materials are extended continuously ( each leg a single piece of material) to form pants , which are joined together, front and rear, by waterproof, vulcanized seams. A reinforcing strip of rubber or other material also may overlie and be vulcanized to the outside fabric (nylon) layer at the seam.
:30 The semi-r.-igid shoe-like base is formed (i.e., molded) from ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber, and comprises a treaded and heeled sole, and at least a front cup, and a partially overlapping back cup. The front and back cups preferably are contoured in a shape substantially to avoid covering the ankle bone with heavy or rigid (and therefore uncomfortable) mater__al. The ankle bone area is covered, instead, with the pLiable, stretchable trilaminate stocking material and, optionally, with a relatively pliable "legging"
insert of the same but thinner rubber as the front and back cups. The rubber legging insert is particularly selected to provide an exceptionally water-tight bond upon vulcanization with the edges of t.he front and back cups at their upper extreme ends and, s:Linilarly, where an upper edge of the legging and the trilaminate stocking material overlap. In each instance, the rubber legging insert is bonded to the adjacent materials by a known r.ubber vulcanizing process to insure a lasting water-tight bond for the footwear.
Each single piece stocking is mounted within its corresponding shoe portion such that the exterior surface of the stocking is adhered to a sufficient area of the rubber legging and/or front and back cups and sole of the shoe by the vulcanizing process. In fact, at least one vulcanized seam extends around the circumference of the stocking along the upper edge of the legging or the cups, depending on the particular embodiment. The surface of the stocking also is bonded by vulcanizing, either directly or through intermediate rubber layers, internally to the inside of the front cup of the shoe. The lower end of the exterior heel surface and the ?5 exterior calf surface of the stocking are bonded by vulcanizing, either directly or through intermediate rubber layers, internally to the back cup of the shoe. The waterproof bonding of the shoe portion to the legging insert and to the stocking is facilitated by the stretchable rubber 3 0 trilaminate readily bonding to the rubber shoe and legging insert during vulcanization.
The front cup of the shoe extends from the forward portion of the top s:ide of a mid-sole of the shoe up to meet the instep surface of the stocking. The front cup includes a reinforced toe region and a reinforced and insulated instep region.
The back cuo of the shoe extends from the rear portion of the top s=i.de of the mid-sole, such that the back cup is shaped to substantially complement the exterior heel surface of the stocking and the exterior lower calf surface of the stocking. When it is included, t.he rubber ankle-covering legging insert portiorl extends inside the front and back cups to provide mult;~-layered reinforcement, support and watertight integrity in the vulcanized seanl areas.
The front c:u.p and the back cup are shaped to overlap above the arch area and just below, but avoiding, the ankle bone area. The overlap creates reinforced side regions away from the ankle bone area.
The semi-rigid shoe, along with the flexible ankle area insert and stocking, after vulcanizing according to the present inventi_or:, create a waterproof barrier between the external environment and a person's foot and leg. Further, the thermally insulating and resilient, but abrasion resistant ;20 and durable characteristics of the stocking protect the person's foot and leg from low temperatures and provide the required comfort for extended wear and easy boot removal.
Further features of the present invention are provided so that the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior boots and waders iri several respects.
The protective nature of the present invention is enhanced by a particularly durable watertight bond between the stocking and the shoe, with special regard to the sealing of the seams by the vulcanization of the overlapping rubber and rubber/nylon laminat:e materials. Further, as the described embodiment of the present invention involves principally three materials (flexible rubber core, riylon jersey, and semi-rigid rubber), the number and type of bonds (principally vulcanized) are relatively few, increasing the variety of applications for which the present invention can be used, and decreasing the chances that the bonds will break down.
The protective nature of the present invention is further enhanced by the length and radial and circumferential elasticity of the trilaminate stocking. Specifically, the length and elasticity of the stocking are sufficient to accommodate not only a. wide range of foot and leg sizes within each standard boot size, but also any abnormal or unusual features which may define a person's foot or leg. Although the benefits of: the semi-rigid shoe are discussed in further detail below, it is -relevant to note here that because the design and pos:itioni_ng of the overlap of the front cup and back cup of the shoe avoids ankle surfaces, the described embodiments comfortably accommodate a wider variety of ankle bone sizes and shapes than do those prior boots which provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure around the ankle area. At the same time, the stockirig and nearby semi-rigid rubber portions are contoured to hol<:l the boot securely on the foot, even when experiencing muddy suction conditions while walking, e.g. in ?0 water.
Similarly, the length and elasticity of the stocking are sufficient to acconunodate various outer garments a person may wear. The stocking will stretch radially and circumferentially to accommodate the outer garments as the boot is being donned, and then contract to a snug fit against the leg once the boot is donned. The stocking will also accommodate a riaked foot and lower leg. The length of the stocking insures that. at least a portion of the outer garments may be held by the elasticity of the stocking. Further, the :30 length of the stocking can protect the foot, leg and torso in the majority of activities for which the present invention may be used, i.e., the length of the stocking is not too short for wading.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to waterproof footwear specially adapted for use on uneven and varying terrain while protecting a person's feet, legs and, where applicable, body portions, from water, mud, cold, uneven terrain, brush, branches, trees and the like, and for reducing the likelih.ood of injury during rugged outdoor activities while providing an attractive appearance, durability and comfOrt in conditions of extended wear. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a variety of footwear of various heights and types from knee boots to hip and chest waders. Hereinafter, the term "footwear" should be understood to include all of the above-mentioned types unless specifically describeca differently. More specifically, waterproof, thermal-~y insulated footwear according to this invention comprises, for each leg of a wearer, a unitary, self supporting, ft_:_~xible, trilaminated, synthetic fiber 2 0 fabric (preferably stretch nylon) double stocking surrounding a stretchable rubber core, the laminated stocking being sealed within an ozone-resiStant, anti-cracking rubber, shoe-like base by vulcanizing the rubber and stocking materials in a single step. The combined elements preferably are contoured to 2 5 closely fit a persor- ' s ankle and lower leg, and to provide support for and provide a snug, but comfortable, fit in the vicinity of the ankle so as to maintain the boot on the foot, even when significarr.t vertical forces are experienced, for example, when walking in water with a muddy bottom. At the :30 same time, the combination is designed for ease in putting on and taking off the boot or wader, to provide an attractive and pleasing appearance and to provide comfort, durability and long term protection against incursion of water during extended wearing periods and over the service life of the footwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Outdoor activities such as fishing, waterfowl hunting, and the like bring the participant into contact with uneven terrain, cold water, mud, brush, tree branches and other natural, abrasive objects. In most cases, this is not intolerable. However, it is important to use footwear which provides solid, comfortable support and traction, to protect the participant's feet and, where applicable, lower and mid-body portions, from becoming wet or cold over a prolonged period of time. Preferably, it is also desirable that the footwear prevent circumstances where it may be pulled off when it becomes stuck in mud and the wearer attempts to extricate it from the mud.
These outdoor activities commonly require the participant to spend significant amounts of time standing or walking or engaging in other body movements such as bending ?0 and stretching. In some cases, the ground is uneven, unstable, or even treacherous and numerous types of abrasive objects may be encountered. Maintaining balance and footing under such conditions can be hazardous. Injuries can occur if the footwear is inadequate for the task.
2 5 In addition, the participant will often wear other protective clothing along with the protective footwear. This other clothing is often bulky and sometimes inhibits bending.
Thus, there is a need to provide footwear, including boots and waders, which can be donned easily while wearing bulky 30 clothing. There is often a need to wear relatively high or extended-top footwear such as waders with either thin or thick outer garments which may fit inside the extended top of the footwear. Unless the footwear is adaptable to these different needs, it may be necessary to use alternative footwear, depending on conditions.
Because these types of activities may extend over several hours or several days, it is important that any footwear be durable, comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and capable of maintaining water-tight integrity, even when subjected to substantial stress.
Waterproof boots are well known in the art, and have been used in the above-described activities to protect against exposure to damp, wet and cold conditions. However, many of the available waterproof boots or waders are uncomfortable and/or are subject to cracking, tearing or abrasion damage after prolongecl weai:~ing or during ordinary use and, in some instances, are very difficult to put on or take off.
Thus, many available waterproof boots and waders are uncomfortable, primarily because they are fashioned to a significant degree from semi-rigid or rigid (thick) rubber material and are hea,~ry and bulky. While such material may be effective in preventing water from leaking into a boot, it is :20 not effective for adecluately fitting a wearer's foot and leg, making the wearer uncomfortable if the boot is worn for a prolonged period of time. Boots made from semi-rigid or rigid rubber material may be formed to correspond to the shape of a foot, but they are not effective iri adapting comfortably to :?5 the specific size or shape of the foot and ankle of the wearer. Further_, boots with form-fitted structures around the foot and ankle oftf.~n lack the attribute of being donned easily. That is, if the ankle/leg portion of the boot is "necked down" or reduced in diameter in the vicinity of the :30 ankle in order to hold the boot securely on the foot in very muddy environments, such boots may be too restricted in size and resiliency to permlt them tc; be put on or taken off with sufficient ease. Traditional boots that are not form-fitted are easier to don, but are bulky, lack the ability to fit snugly and hence, are prone to be pulled off the feet in adverse situations such as heavy mud. Also, boots made primarily of semi-rigid or rigid rubber are not flexible enough to accornmoda',:.e insertion of different thicknesses of outer garments that may be worn or the differences in leg diameter which may be encountered.
Many of t.he available waterproof boots or waders by themselves do not provide adequate thermal protection, requiring additional layers of clot:hing or lining material besides the waterproof layer. The bulkiness of these additional layers may restrict movement, add weight and increase the wearer's discomfort.
In an attempt to remedy the above-described shortcomings, available waterproof boots often are constructed of several different materials formed of multiple pieces which are stitched, seamed, glued or similarly bonded together.
Stitching can create possible leak points, both for cold air and for water. Further, certain types of bonding or glue between different tyi?es of material can break down over time.
Multiple pieces may not work well together to conform to the wearer's foot, legs and lower body but instead may stretch more in some places than others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
2 5 The present invention relates to a footwear including a shoe base which provides superior water-tight integrity, durability and adaptability for use in boots or waders. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an over-the-calf length or longer, waterproof, thermally insulated boot or wader having, for each leg, a unitary, integral, self-supporting, flexible, stretchable, trilaminated rubber and nylon fabric stocking or leg-enclosing sleeve adrLered by vulcanization to a semi-rigid, ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber shoe-like base. The boot or wader is contoured so that each leg thereof fits a person's foot, ankle and lower leg and provides support and a relatively snug but comfortable fit for the ankle, presenting an attractive appearance, maintaining water-tight integrity and providing long service life and durability under adverse use conditions.
Each leg stocking or sleeve is formed from a self-supporting, waterproof, flexible trilaminated material characterized by a flexible, preferably rubber core, which may be closed cell neoprene rubber or stretchable natural rubber, sandwiched between two continuous layers of closely woven, jersey, synthetic fiber (preferably nylon) fabric, and comprises an integra=_ contoured tubular leg sleeve and at least a partial foot ;heel) cushion. The contoured leg sleeve and foot cushion are adapted to enclose at least a person's lower leg and at least a portion (preferably the heel and upper instep) of the foot. The leg sleeve comprises at least an exterior instep surface, an exterior calf surface, an exterior outside ankle surface, ari exterior inside ankle surface, and at least a partial exterior heel or bottom surface. The contoured leg sleeve is of a unitary, one-piece design which is open at the top and includes a single seam line which passes, pi::eferably, along the inside or rear of the calf. In the case of chest waders, the trilaminated leg materials are extended continuously ( each leg a single piece of material) to form pants , which are joined together, front and rear, by waterproof, vulcanized seams. A reinforcing strip of rubber or other material also may overlie and be vulcanized to the outside fabric (nylon) layer at the seam.
:30 The semi-r.-igid shoe-like base is formed (i.e., molded) from ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber, and comprises a treaded and heeled sole, and at least a front cup, and a partially overlapping back cup. The front and back cups preferably are contoured in a shape substantially to avoid covering the ankle bone with heavy or rigid (and therefore uncomfortable) mater__al. The ankle bone area is covered, instead, with the pLiable, stretchable trilaminate stocking material and, optionally, with a relatively pliable "legging"
insert of the same but thinner rubber as the front and back cups. The rubber legging insert is particularly selected to provide an exceptionally water-tight bond upon vulcanization with the edges of t.he front and back cups at their upper extreme ends and, s:Linilarly, where an upper edge of the legging and the trilaminate stocking material overlap. In each instance, the rubber legging insert is bonded to the adjacent materials by a known r.ubber vulcanizing process to insure a lasting water-tight bond for the footwear.
Each single piece stocking is mounted within its corresponding shoe portion such that the exterior surface of the stocking is adhered to a sufficient area of the rubber legging and/or front and back cups and sole of the shoe by the vulcanizing process. In fact, at least one vulcanized seam extends around the circumference of the stocking along the upper edge of the legging or the cups, depending on the particular embodiment. The surface of the stocking also is bonded by vulcanizing, either directly or through intermediate rubber layers, internally to the inside of the front cup of the shoe. The lower end of the exterior heel surface and the ?5 exterior calf surface of the stocking are bonded by vulcanizing, either directly or through intermediate rubber layers, internally to the back cup of the shoe. The waterproof bonding of the shoe portion to the legging insert and to the stocking is facilitated by the stretchable rubber 3 0 trilaminate readily bonding to the rubber shoe and legging insert during vulcanization.
The front cup of the shoe extends from the forward portion of the top s:ide of a mid-sole of the shoe up to meet the instep surface of the stocking. The front cup includes a reinforced toe region and a reinforced and insulated instep region.
The back cuo of the shoe extends from the rear portion of the top s=i.de of the mid-sole, such that the back cup is shaped to substantially complement the exterior heel surface of the stocking and the exterior lower calf surface of the stocking. When it is included, t.he rubber ankle-covering legging insert portiorl extends inside the front and back cups to provide mult;~-layered reinforcement, support and watertight integrity in the vulcanized seanl areas.
The front c:u.p and the back cup are shaped to overlap above the arch area and just below, but avoiding, the ankle bone area. The overlap creates reinforced side regions away from the ankle bone area.
The semi-rigid shoe, along with the flexible ankle area insert and stocking, after vulcanizing according to the present inventi_or:, create a waterproof barrier between the external environment and a person's foot and leg. Further, the thermally insulating and resilient, but abrasion resistant ;20 and durable characteristics of the stocking protect the person's foot and leg from low temperatures and provide the required comfort for extended wear and easy boot removal.
Further features of the present invention are provided so that the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior boots and waders iri several respects.
The protective nature of the present invention is enhanced by a particularly durable watertight bond between the stocking and the shoe, with special regard to the sealing of the seams by the vulcanization of the overlapping rubber and rubber/nylon laminat:e materials. Further, as the described embodiment of the present invention involves principally three materials (flexible rubber core, riylon jersey, and semi-rigid rubber), the number and type of bonds (principally vulcanized) are relatively few, increasing the variety of applications for which the present invention can be used, and decreasing the chances that the bonds will break down.
The protective nature of the present invention is further enhanced by the length and radial and circumferential elasticity of the trilaminate stocking. Specifically, the length and elasticity of the stocking are sufficient to accommodate not only a. wide range of foot and leg sizes within each standard boot size, but also any abnormal or unusual features which may define a person's foot or leg. Although the benefits of: the semi-rigid shoe are discussed in further detail below, it is -relevant to note here that because the design and pos:itioni_ng of the overlap of the front cup and back cup of the shoe avoids ankle surfaces, the described embodiments comfortably accommodate a wider variety of ankle bone sizes and shapes than do those prior boots which provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure around the ankle area. At the same time, the stockirig and nearby semi-rigid rubber portions are contoured to hol<:l the boot securely on the foot, even when experiencing muddy suction conditions while walking, e.g. in ?0 water.
Similarly, the length and elasticity of the stocking are sufficient to acconunodate various outer garments a person may wear. The stocking will stretch radially and circumferentially to accommodate the outer garments as the boot is being donned, and then contract to a snug fit against the leg once the boot is donned. The stocking will also accommodate a riaked foot and lower leg. The length of the stocking insures that. at least a portion of the outer garments may be held by the elasticity of the stocking. Further, the :30 length of the stocking can protect the foot, leg and torso in the majority of activities for which the present invention may be used, i.e., the length of the stocking is not too short for wading.
It is relevant to note that the one-piece structure of the contoured leg sleeve ensures the uniformity of the elasticity of the stocking in the above-described applications. The I-Jresent invention preferably employs a single stitching line or bonded seam over the entire height of the leg covered by a material (e.g. rubber) which seals the seam during the vulcanizing of the footwear, whereas some prior boots have multiple stitching lines in order to attach multiple pieces of material together. Each additional stitching line or seam affects the uniformity of the elasticity of the boo- as a whole. For example, it may be expected that many unstitched or continuous materials will exhibit a different elasticity than stitching which is used to attach pieces of that material together, or than stitched-together pieces of that material. Therefore, in donning a boot made from stitched-together material, certain parts of the boot (e.g., stitched parts) will adjust to the foot, leg, or outer garments differently than will other parts of the boot (e.g., continuous or uri-stitched parts).The effect will be to :20 decrease comfort, the ability of the boot to adapt to various foot, leg, torso and outer garment sizes and the ease of putting on and taking off the footwear by the wearer.
It should be noted that while prior footwear may provide protection in wet and cold environments, accommodate 2 5 certain foot and lei sizes, accommodate a number of outer garments, and be useful in particular situations, advantages of the present invention are that the footwear is extremely comfortable while providing more features and greater performance, particularly durability and reliable water 30 tightness, than prior known footwear, as outlined above, while, at the same time, providing a stylish and attractive appearance. This is possible because the leg and upper foot portion of footwear according to the present invention preferably principally comprises three relatively thin materials which are only rigidly layered where structurally necessary, thereby facilitating manufacture of water-tight seams by vulcanization. Many prior types of such footwear typically are made up of multi-layer designs in which multiple and rigid layers are oresent in much of the boot. Thinner materials, fewer layers, and less rigidity in the upper and ankle portions mak:es it possibl;e for a boot or wader according to the present invention to provide a more comfortable, less restrictive, less bulky, and lighter structure than prior footwear, while providing more features, greater performance and durability and an attractive appearance.
The comfort and protection afforded by a boot or wader constructed :ac.cording tc> the present invention is enhanced by the snuc;[ and structurally reinforced fit of the semi-rigid shoe-like base. Specifically, a reinforced toe region provides significant protection for the wearer's toes.
A reinforced heel reqi_on not only provides similar protection, but protects the ankle during missteps and falls. A reinforced instep region also provides protection and stability for the foot. Finally, reinforced side regions formed by the overlap of the front cup and the back cup in the arch area, together with a bird's mouth coiztour or legging insert or both in the vicinity of the ankle area, provide form-fitting structural 2 5 support for the foot. The soft but firm and durable (particularly abrasi.on resistant) nature of the unitary, contoured trilaminate stocking, shaped to conform to a wearer's leg, provides enhanced comfort as it fine-tunes the fit of footwear according to the present invention to the specific wearer's fcct and leg.
Further feat~._ires and advantages of the invention will appear more c:-early from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is given below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying cirawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a left elevation view of a substantially knee-high boot in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial ri_ght elevation view of a boot portion of footwear in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it would be implemented in the context of hip or chest waders, the upper portions of which are not shown but would be formed by a continuation of the illustrated trilaminate leg sleeve material and vulcanized seam-covering material;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partial trilaminate stocking in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventi.on, primarily showing the top and right sides of the stocking, including the several layers thereof;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a full trilaminate ZO stocking, i.e. including a toe portion, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, primarily showing the bottom and left sides and a top portion of a stocking as it would be configured for a knee - high boot style;
?5 FIG. 5 is a cutaway left elevation view of a substantially knee high boot in accordance with the FIG. 1 embodiment of the pr-lesent invention;
FIG. 6 is a left elevation view of a knee high boot in accordance with the present invention, with a modified form :30 of a heel cup, including a short legging insert and with portions of the front. cup of the shoe and the front of the stocking cut away to illustrate the interior construction, which is typical of f.ac:h of the foregoing embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTICN CF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is suitable for use in a large number of: different configurations including substantially knee length boots, up to and including hip waders and chest waders. In accordance with the invention, waterproof, thermally insulated footwear, whether in the form of a knee boot (FIG.1) or hip or chest waders (FIG.2),comprises a flexible, unitary, trilaminated stocking and/or lower body covering porti.on 10 and a semi-rigid shoe-like base portion 12. As showrl in FIG.2, a semi-rigid to flexible, vulcanizable, rubber, ankle-covering legging or sleeve insert 11 may also be provided where applicable for a particular type of footwear.
Referring now to FIGS. 3,4,5 and 6, a partial (open toe area) or full (closed toe)unitary stocking 10 is formed from a thermally in::>ul.ating, waterproof, soft, flexible and stretchable trilaminate material such as a rubber sheet (e.g.
natural rubber or closed cell neoprene) core 10a sandwiched between two layers of durable nylon jersey material lOb,lOc :20 (shown separately in FIGS. 3 and 6). The stocking 10 preferably comprises a tubular leg sleeve 14, at least a partial heel cushion 16 and an upward extension 15 of leg sleeve 14 of an appropriate length according to the application. Extensiorl 15 has a length determined by whether the end product is a knee boot, a hip wader or a chest wader.
In each case, upwarca extension 15 is of a shape and length appropriate to the product but, in each case, the materials and manner of connection of leg sleeve 14 to the shoe 12 and to the legging insert 11, when included (FIG.2), is substantially the same. The leg sleeve 14 and upward extension 15 for each leg are of a unitary, one piece design and preferably include a single seam (or line of stitching) 18 up to the top edge of a boot or hip wader style of footwear. In the case of a ches;. wader, the upward extension 15 of the trilaminate material of each leg sleeve 14 is continued above the crotch of a wearer so that, in addition, crotch and seat seams are formed where the two leg sleeves come together, as is conventional in patterns for pants. Each of the front and rear seams (not shown)are covered by appropriate strips of vulcanizable rubber in the same fashion as the seams are covered in the lower., leg region. The watertight seal of the crotch and seat (front and rear) seams is insured by the vulcanization of the trilaminate material. and the overlying strips of rubber. Further, the leg sleeve 14 has an open top end 20 which is adapted to receive a person's foot, leg, and, in the case of a wader application, torso. Leg sleeve 14 further comprises a bottom end 24 with heel cushion 16 integrally attached thereto. 'The leg sleeve 14 and heel cushion 16 are adaptE.:d to accommodate a person's leg and heel.
The stocking 10 is also provided with an instep surface 26, a calf surround surface 28, an inside ankle surface 30, an outside ankle surface 32, an exterior heel surface 36, and a ?0 bottom surface 38 (which may be partial - FIG. 3 or full -FIG. 4). In each case, the full extent of each "stocking" 10, whether it is knee hict in extent in a boot-style application or joined to a mate ar.,d extending all the way to the top of a chest wader, is formed from a continuous sheet of rubber core 10a and continuous layers of stretchable fabric lOb and lOc.
Referring aqain to FIGS. 1,2 and 5, the semi-rigid shoe portion 12 is formed (e.g. molded) from ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber, and comprises a mid-sole 40, a front or toe cup 42, and a bac::k. or heel cup 44. Heel cup 44 extends a substantial vertical distance along the rearmost portion of the shoe and is reinforced by a relatively rigid column of rubber 43 to maintain an upright and relatively stiff configuration over the Achilles tendon and calf of the wearer.
Suitable padding (e.g. foam rubber) and insulating materials (e.g. "THINSULATE"TM) typically are provided in layers on the inside of the stocking 10 in heel cup 44 but are not separately shown. The forwardmost portion 64 of toe cup 42 is also preferably reinforced and insulated and/or padded along its inner surface for comfort and protection. A suitable, separate, stocking toe piece 65 (see FIG.5)of trilatninate jersey over rubber may be inserted and glued inside toe cup 42 before the unitary stocking 10 of FIG.3 is inserted and bonded by vulcanization within the shoe portion 12. Typically, such a stocking toe piece 65 is cut to abut against the front portion 25 of stocking 10 which extends downward into shoe 12.
The mid-sole 40 (FIG.5) has a top side 46 and a bottom side 48. The mid-sole 40 includes an outer sole or tread 58 of suitable design disposed on the forward portion of the bottom side 48 of the mid-sole 40, and a raised heel 60 disposed on the bottom side 48 of the rear portion of the mid-sole 40. A rubber (or other suitable material) trim strip 62 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is bonded in surrounding relation to the mid-sole 40 as shown.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the trilaminate stocking 10 is inserted into and extends within the shoe 12 and the bottom surface 38 of the heel cushion 16 and the stocking 10 are joined by vulcanizing to the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40.
At least a portion of the exterior instep surface 26 of the stocking 10 is joined by vulcanizing to the front cup 42 of the shoe 12, and at least a portion of each of the exterior heel surface 36 and the exterior lower calf surface 28 of the stocking 10 are joined by vulcanizing to the back cup 44, and where appropriate, to the vertical support column 43 of the shoe 12. Each of the front cup 42, the back cup 44 and the stocking 10 are joined to each other along the edges of cups 42, 44 by vulcanizing. In particular, the uppermost edges of each of 16, 42 and 44 are joined to stocking 10 by vulcanizing to provide the desired. watertight property around the entire circumference of each leg of the footwear. The exceptions, i.e. those portions which are riot directly joined by vulcanizing, typical.ly are locat:ed interiorly of the watertight seams and where it is deemed advisable to have extra layers of padding or insulation between the stocking 10 and the adjacent shoe portions 12.
In the embcdi_ment showrl in FIG.2, the legging insert 11 is joined to each of the front cup 42, the back cup 44, and the stocking 10 by vulcanizing in selected regions where such elements overlap as iridicated by the double seam lines 17, 19 and 21, 23. Thus, the trilaminate stocking 10, as shown, extends into and is securely attached to the shoe 12 and to the legging insert 11 where such legging is used.
Specifical:Ly, the front cup 42 of the shoe 12 extends from the fore portion 50 of the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40, such that the front cup 42 is shaped to :20 substantially match the exterior iristep surface 26 of the stocking 10. The front cup 42 includes a reinforced toe region 64 and a reinforced instep region 66, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Back cup 44 of the shoe 12 extends from the rear portion 52 of the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40, such that the back cup 44 is shaped to substantially match the exterior heel surface 36 of the stocking 10 and the lower portion of exterior calf surface 28 of stocking 10. An additional strip 45 (FIG.2) of rubber or nylon-rubber laminate preferably is :30 vulcanized over the seam or stitching line 18, thus serving to cover and seal the seam or stitching line 18 of the leg sleeve 14 when such seam 18 is in a location other than beneath rubber support column 43. The back cup 44 includes a reinforced heel region 68, as best shown in FIG. S.
Referring to FIG. 6, the front cup 42 and the leg sleeve 14 each have been cut for illustrative purposes so as to remove a generally rectangular area 78. The front cup 42 and the back cup 44 are shaped to overlap where the seam lines 21, 23 overlap the seam lines 17, 19 just below, but avoiding, the exterior inside ankle surface region 30 and the exterior outside ankle surface region 32 of the stocking 10. This overlap creates reinforced side region 70 (as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) and, at the same time, the ankle surface regions 30, 32 are maintained stretchable since only the trilaminate stocking 10 and the relatively thin rubber of legging insert 11 covers that region. Putting on and taking off the boot is made significantly easier for the wearer by virtue of the illustrated configuration.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, a relatively wide band 74 preferably of rubber, may be bonded in surrounding relation near the open top end 20.
In certain applications, an adjustment strap and buckle combination (not shown) may be fastened to the leg sleeve 14 in the calf region or just below the knee to provide for selective modification (adjustment) of the fit of the leg sleeve 14.
In normal use, a person dons a waterproof footwear constructed according to the present invention by sliding a foot and lower leg fully into the stocking 10, gripping the wide rubber band 74 (or the top edge of a wader) as needed to counteract any friction. If necessary, the fit of the leg sleeve 14 may be modified by adjusting any adjustment strap and buckle combination which may be provided. Similarly, to remove the boot, the adjustment strap and buckle combination may be loosened and, by tugging on the mid-sole 40, the foot and lower leg may be removed from the stocking 10.
The stocking 10, as well as the portions of boot 12 which are at the same level (heigrt) just above the ankle areas 30, 32 may be "necked down" or reduced in diameter, compared to the leg regions immediately above and below, as is best seen in FIG.5. In this manner, the boot 12 is capable of staying on the foot of the wearer, without pulling off, even when walking in heavy mud, as for example, may be encountered on a stream bed. At the same time, this configuration is relatively easy to put on and take off since the upper front ends of the back cup 44 and the front cup 42 in this embodiment are in the shape of a bird's mouth and thereby can be caused to diverge from each other when a radial force is applied to them, for example, when inserting or extracting a foot. This is so bE:~cause the trilaminate stocking 10 will stretch under such conditions to allow easy insertion of the foot. It should be noted that the nylon and rubber materials may be of similar or contrasting colors. A particularly :20 attractive combination of dark brown shades has been found to be desirable. Alternatively, a "camouflage" pattern may be provided by suitably dying or printing such pattern on the outer fabric layer o_= the stocking 10. The rubber legging insert 11 and/or rubber shoe portion 12, as well as any seam-covering rubber strips 45, may also be covered with a single layer of such "camouflage" pattern fabric (nylon) and the latter parts can be laminated together and then further bonded by subjecting them to vulcanization. A further variation which may be employed includes the use of a so-called "SPAN TOUGH" outside layer on the trilaminate stocking 10 in the place of the nylon jersey fabric as described above.
This particular brand of nylon fabric is considered to provide a highly desirable level of durability for many applications.
Although certain preferred embodiments are described above by way of example, it will be understood that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
It should be noted that while prior footwear may provide protection in wet and cold environments, accommodate 2 5 certain foot and lei sizes, accommodate a number of outer garments, and be useful in particular situations, advantages of the present invention are that the footwear is extremely comfortable while providing more features and greater performance, particularly durability and reliable water 30 tightness, than prior known footwear, as outlined above, while, at the same time, providing a stylish and attractive appearance. This is possible because the leg and upper foot portion of footwear according to the present invention preferably principally comprises three relatively thin materials which are only rigidly layered where structurally necessary, thereby facilitating manufacture of water-tight seams by vulcanization. Many prior types of such footwear typically are made up of multi-layer designs in which multiple and rigid layers are oresent in much of the boot. Thinner materials, fewer layers, and less rigidity in the upper and ankle portions mak:es it possibl;e for a boot or wader according to the present invention to provide a more comfortable, less restrictive, less bulky, and lighter structure than prior footwear, while providing more features, greater performance and durability and an attractive appearance.
The comfort and protection afforded by a boot or wader constructed :ac.cording tc> the present invention is enhanced by the snuc;[ and structurally reinforced fit of the semi-rigid shoe-like base. Specifically, a reinforced toe region provides significant protection for the wearer's toes.
A reinforced heel reqi_on not only provides similar protection, but protects the ankle during missteps and falls. A reinforced instep region also provides protection and stability for the foot. Finally, reinforced side regions formed by the overlap of the front cup and the back cup in the arch area, together with a bird's mouth coiztour or legging insert or both in the vicinity of the ankle area, provide form-fitting structural 2 5 support for the foot. The soft but firm and durable (particularly abrasi.on resistant) nature of the unitary, contoured trilaminate stocking, shaped to conform to a wearer's leg, provides enhanced comfort as it fine-tunes the fit of footwear according to the present invention to the specific wearer's fcct and leg.
Further feat~._ires and advantages of the invention will appear more c:-early from a reading of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is given below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying cirawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a left elevation view of a substantially knee-high boot in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial ri_ght elevation view of a boot portion of footwear in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it would be implemented in the context of hip or chest waders, the upper portions of which are not shown but would be formed by a continuation of the illustrated trilaminate leg sleeve material and vulcanized seam-covering material;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partial trilaminate stocking in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present inventi.on, primarily showing the top and right sides of the stocking, including the several layers thereof;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a full trilaminate ZO stocking, i.e. including a toe portion, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, primarily showing the bottom and left sides and a top portion of a stocking as it would be configured for a knee - high boot style;
?5 FIG. 5 is a cutaway left elevation view of a substantially knee high boot in accordance with the FIG. 1 embodiment of the pr-lesent invention;
FIG. 6 is a left elevation view of a knee high boot in accordance with the present invention, with a modified form :30 of a heel cup, including a short legging insert and with portions of the front. cup of the shoe and the front of the stocking cut away to illustrate the interior construction, which is typical of f.ac:h of the foregoing embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTICN CF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is suitable for use in a large number of: different configurations including substantially knee length boots, up to and including hip waders and chest waders. In accordance with the invention, waterproof, thermally insulated footwear, whether in the form of a knee boot (FIG.1) or hip or chest waders (FIG.2),comprises a flexible, unitary, trilaminated stocking and/or lower body covering porti.on 10 and a semi-rigid shoe-like base portion 12. As showrl in FIG.2, a semi-rigid to flexible, vulcanizable, rubber, ankle-covering legging or sleeve insert 11 may also be provided where applicable for a particular type of footwear.
Referring now to FIGS. 3,4,5 and 6, a partial (open toe area) or full (closed toe)unitary stocking 10 is formed from a thermally in::>ul.ating, waterproof, soft, flexible and stretchable trilaminate material such as a rubber sheet (e.g.
natural rubber or closed cell neoprene) core 10a sandwiched between two layers of durable nylon jersey material lOb,lOc :20 (shown separately in FIGS. 3 and 6). The stocking 10 preferably comprises a tubular leg sleeve 14, at least a partial heel cushion 16 and an upward extension 15 of leg sleeve 14 of an appropriate length according to the application. Extensiorl 15 has a length determined by whether the end product is a knee boot, a hip wader or a chest wader.
In each case, upwarca extension 15 is of a shape and length appropriate to the product but, in each case, the materials and manner of connection of leg sleeve 14 to the shoe 12 and to the legging insert 11, when included (FIG.2), is substantially the same. The leg sleeve 14 and upward extension 15 for each leg are of a unitary, one piece design and preferably include a single seam (or line of stitching) 18 up to the top edge of a boot or hip wader style of footwear. In the case of a ches;. wader, the upward extension 15 of the trilaminate material of each leg sleeve 14 is continued above the crotch of a wearer so that, in addition, crotch and seat seams are formed where the two leg sleeves come together, as is conventional in patterns for pants. Each of the front and rear seams (not shown)are covered by appropriate strips of vulcanizable rubber in the same fashion as the seams are covered in the lower., leg region. The watertight seal of the crotch and seat (front and rear) seams is insured by the vulcanization of the trilaminate material. and the overlying strips of rubber. Further, the leg sleeve 14 has an open top end 20 which is adapted to receive a person's foot, leg, and, in the case of a wader application, torso. Leg sleeve 14 further comprises a bottom end 24 with heel cushion 16 integrally attached thereto. 'The leg sleeve 14 and heel cushion 16 are adaptE.:d to accommodate a person's leg and heel.
The stocking 10 is also provided with an instep surface 26, a calf surround surface 28, an inside ankle surface 30, an outside ankle surface 32, an exterior heel surface 36, and a ?0 bottom surface 38 (which may be partial - FIG. 3 or full -FIG. 4). In each case, the full extent of each "stocking" 10, whether it is knee hict in extent in a boot-style application or joined to a mate ar.,d extending all the way to the top of a chest wader, is formed from a continuous sheet of rubber core 10a and continuous layers of stretchable fabric lOb and lOc.
Referring aqain to FIGS. 1,2 and 5, the semi-rigid shoe portion 12 is formed (e.g. molded) from ozone-resistant, anti-cracking rubber, and comprises a mid-sole 40, a front or toe cup 42, and a bac::k. or heel cup 44. Heel cup 44 extends a substantial vertical distance along the rearmost portion of the shoe and is reinforced by a relatively rigid column of rubber 43 to maintain an upright and relatively stiff configuration over the Achilles tendon and calf of the wearer.
Suitable padding (e.g. foam rubber) and insulating materials (e.g. "THINSULATE"TM) typically are provided in layers on the inside of the stocking 10 in heel cup 44 but are not separately shown. The forwardmost portion 64 of toe cup 42 is also preferably reinforced and insulated and/or padded along its inner surface for comfort and protection. A suitable, separate, stocking toe piece 65 (see FIG.5)of trilatninate jersey over rubber may be inserted and glued inside toe cup 42 before the unitary stocking 10 of FIG.3 is inserted and bonded by vulcanization within the shoe portion 12. Typically, such a stocking toe piece 65 is cut to abut against the front portion 25 of stocking 10 which extends downward into shoe 12.
The mid-sole 40 (FIG.5) has a top side 46 and a bottom side 48. The mid-sole 40 includes an outer sole or tread 58 of suitable design disposed on the forward portion of the bottom side 48 of the mid-sole 40, and a raised heel 60 disposed on the bottom side 48 of the rear portion of the mid-sole 40. A rubber (or other suitable material) trim strip 62 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is bonded in surrounding relation to the mid-sole 40 as shown.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the trilaminate stocking 10 is inserted into and extends within the shoe 12 and the bottom surface 38 of the heel cushion 16 and the stocking 10 are joined by vulcanizing to the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40.
At least a portion of the exterior instep surface 26 of the stocking 10 is joined by vulcanizing to the front cup 42 of the shoe 12, and at least a portion of each of the exterior heel surface 36 and the exterior lower calf surface 28 of the stocking 10 are joined by vulcanizing to the back cup 44, and where appropriate, to the vertical support column 43 of the shoe 12. Each of the front cup 42, the back cup 44 and the stocking 10 are joined to each other along the edges of cups 42, 44 by vulcanizing. In particular, the uppermost edges of each of 16, 42 and 44 are joined to stocking 10 by vulcanizing to provide the desired. watertight property around the entire circumference of each leg of the footwear. The exceptions, i.e. those portions which are riot directly joined by vulcanizing, typical.ly are locat:ed interiorly of the watertight seams and where it is deemed advisable to have extra layers of padding or insulation between the stocking 10 and the adjacent shoe portions 12.
In the embcdi_ment showrl in FIG.2, the legging insert 11 is joined to each of the front cup 42, the back cup 44, and the stocking 10 by vulcanizing in selected regions where such elements overlap as iridicated by the double seam lines 17, 19 and 21, 23. Thus, the trilaminate stocking 10, as shown, extends into and is securely attached to the shoe 12 and to the legging insert 11 where such legging is used.
Specifical:Ly, the front cup 42 of the shoe 12 extends from the fore portion 50 of the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40, such that the front cup 42 is shaped to :20 substantially match the exterior iristep surface 26 of the stocking 10. The front cup 42 includes a reinforced toe region 64 and a reinforced instep region 66, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Back cup 44 of the shoe 12 extends from the rear portion 52 of the top side 46 of the mid-sole 40, such that the back cup 44 is shaped to substantially match the exterior heel surface 36 of the stocking 10 and the lower portion of exterior calf surface 28 of stocking 10. An additional strip 45 (FIG.2) of rubber or nylon-rubber laminate preferably is :30 vulcanized over the seam or stitching line 18, thus serving to cover and seal the seam or stitching line 18 of the leg sleeve 14 when such seam 18 is in a location other than beneath rubber support column 43. The back cup 44 includes a reinforced heel region 68, as best shown in FIG. S.
Referring to FIG. 6, the front cup 42 and the leg sleeve 14 each have been cut for illustrative purposes so as to remove a generally rectangular area 78. The front cup 42 and the back cup 44 are shaped to overlap where the seam lines 21, 23 overlap the seam lines 17, 19 just below, but avoiding, the exterior inside ankle surface region 30 and the exterior outside ankle surface region 32 of the stocking 10. This overlap creates reinforced side region 70 (as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) and, at the same time, the ankle surface regions 30, 32 are maintained stretchable since only the trilaminate stocking 10 and the relatively thin rubber of legging insert 11 covers that region. Putting on and taking off the boot is made significantly easier for the wearer by virtue of the illustrated configuration.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, a relatively wide band 74 preferably of rubber, may be bonded in surrounding relation near the open top end 20.
In certain applications, an adjustment strap and buckle combination (not shown) may be fastened to the leg sleeve 14 in the calf region or just below the knee to provide for selective modification (adjustment) of the fit of the leg sleeve 14.
In normal use, a person dons a waterproof footwear constructed according to the present invention by sliding a foot and lower leg fully into the stocking 10, gripping the wide rubber band 74 (or the top edge of a wader) as needed to counteract any friction. If necessary, the fit of the leg sleeve 14 may be modified by adjusting any adjustment strap and buckle combination which may be provided. Similarly, to remove the boot, the adjustment strap and buckle combination may be loosened and, by tugging on the mid-sole 40, the foot and lower leg may be removed from the stocking 10.
The stocking 10, as well as the portions of boot 12 which are at the same level (heigrt) just above the ankle areas 30, 32 may be "necked down" or reduced in diameter, compared to the leg regions immediately above and below, as is best seen in FIG.5. In this manner, the boot 12 is capable of staying on the foot of the wearer, without pulling off, even when walking in heavy mud, as for example, may be encountered on a stream bed. At the same time, this configuration is relatively easy to put on and take off since the upper front ends of the back cup 44 and the front cup 42 in this embodiment are in the shape of a bird's mouth and thereby can be caused to diverge from each other when a radial force is applied to them, for example, when inserting or extracting a foot. This is so bE:~cause the trilaminate stocking 10 will stretch under such conditions to allow easy insertion of the foot. It should be noted that the nylon and rubber materials may be of similar or contrasting colors. A particularly :20 attractive combination of dark brown shades has been found to be desirable. Alternatively, a "camouflage" pattern may be provided by suitably dying or printing such pattern on the outer fabric layer o_= the stocking 10. The rubber legging insert 11 and/or rubber shoe portion 12, as well as any seam-covering rubber strips 45, may also be covered with a single layer of such "camouflage" pattern fabric (nylon) and the latter parts can be laminated together and then further bonded by subjecting them to vulcanization. A further variation which may be employed includes the use of a so-called "SPAN TOUGH" outside layer on the trilaminate stocking 10 in the place of the nylon jersey fabric as described above.
This particular brand of nylon fabric is considered to provide a highly desirable level of durability for many applications.
Although certain preferred embodiments are described above by way of example, it will be understood that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
Claims (32)
1. Waterproof footwear including a boot comprising:
a semi-rigid rubber shoe base portion having a sole and contoured back and front cup regions in partially overlapping relationship at least in the vicinity of said sole;
and a unitary, flexible, radially stretchable, self-supporting stocking portion comprising a trilaminate of inner and outer layers of stretchable synthetic fiber fabric surrounding a center layer of stretchable rubber, said stocking portion extending into said shoe base portion in conforming relationship with, and extending upwardly from, said shoe base potion over at least a calf of a wearer to an upper extreme of said footwear, said overlapping front and back cup regions and said stocking portion being fastened in watertight relationship by vulcanization to each other within said shoe base portion.
a semi-rigid rubber shoe base portion having a sole and contoured back and front cup regions in partially overlapping relationship at least in the vicinity of said sole;
and a unitary, flexible, radially stretchable, self-supporting stocking portion comprising a trilaminate of inner and outer layers of stretchable synthetic fiber fabric surrounding a center layer of stretchable rubber, said stocking portion extending into said shoe base portion in conforming relationship with, and extending upwardly from, said shoe base potion over at least a calf of a wearer to an upper extreme of said footwear, said overlapping front and back cup regions and said stocking portion being fastened in watertight relationship by vulcanization to each other within said shoe base portion.
2. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shoe portion is formed of waterproof materials;
and said stocking portion is formed of waterproof and thermally insulating materials.
and said stocking portion is formed of waterproof and thermally insulating materials.
3. Footwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein said shoe potion is formed from ozone-resistant anti-cracking rubber; and said stocking portion is formed of a trilaminate of closed cell neoprene rubber core sandwiched between two layers of jersey fabric.
4. Footwear as claimed in claim 3, wherein said stocking portion further comprises stretchable nylon jersey material contoured to conform to a leg of a wearer, said stocking portion having a lower end extending within and fastened to upper edges of said shoe portion in watertight relationship by vulcanization, and being closed at said lower end and open at an upper end thereof.
5. Footwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein said stocking has an exterior bottom surface; and wherein said sole of said shoe has a top side substantially conforming to at least a heel portion of said exterior bottom surface of said stocking; and wherein said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior bottom surface of said stocking is bonded by vulcanization to said top side of said sole of said shoe.
6. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stocking has an exterior instep surface and an exterior heel surface; and wherein a top side of said sole of said shoe has a forward portion and a rear portion; and wherein said front cup extends backward from said forward portion of said top side of said sole such that said front cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior instep surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup extends forward from said rear portion of said top side of said sole such that said back cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior heel surface of said stocking; and wherein said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior instep surface of said stocking is bonded to said front cup of said shoe, and said exterior heel surface of said stocking is bonded to said back cup of said shoe by vulcanization.
7. Footwear as claimed in claim 6, wherein said stocking has an exterior outside ankle surface, and an exterior inside ankle surface; and wherein said front cup of said shoe and said back cup of said shoe overlap below, but avoiding, said exterior outside ankle surface of said stocking and said exterior inside ankle surface of said stocking.
8. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stocking has an exterior instep surface, an exterior heel surface and an exterior calf surface, said sole of said shoe has a top side with a forward portion and a rear portion, said front cup of said shoe extends from said forward portion of said top side of said sole such that said front cup is shaped to provide an exterior toe surface of said boot and to match said exterior instep surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup of said shoe extends from said rear portion of said top side of said sole such that said back cup is shaped to substantially match both said exterior heel surface of said stocking and said exterior calf surface of said stocking; and wherein said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that at least said exterior instep surface of said stocking is bonded by vulcanization to said front cup of said shoe, and said exterior heel surface of said stocking and said exterior calf surface of said stocking are bonded by vulcanization to said back cup of said shoe.
9. Footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein said front cup of said shoe includes a reinforced toe region and a reinforced instep region; and wherein said back cup of said shoe includes a reinforced heel region.
10. Footwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein said stocking comprises a tubular leg sleeve having an open top end.
11. Footwear as claimed in claim 10, wherein said stocking further comprises a foot cushion; and wherein said leg sleeve has a bottom end sealed by said foot cushion.
12. Footwear as claimed in claim 3 wherein:
said stocking portion and said front and back cup regions have a reduced circumference in a region in the vicinity of a wearer's ankle bone to retain the boot on the wearer's foot when said boot is subjected to vertical pulling forces.
said stocking portion and said front and back cup regions have a reduced circumference in a region in the vicinity of a wearer's ankle bone to retain the boot on the wearer's foot when said boot is subjected to vertical pulling forces.
13. Footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein said stocking portion is radially stretchable to permit ease of putting on and taking off said boot.
14. Footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein said front and back cup regions are configured substantially in a bird's mouth shape.
15. Footwear as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bird's mouth shape and said stretchable stocking portion are arranged to facilitate putting on and taking off said boot.
16. Footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein said stocking comprises a tubular leg sleeve, said leg sleeve being a single piece of trilaminate closed cell neoprene rubber and jersey fabric formed and attached to itself by a single seam line , said line extending the length of said leg sleeve and passing along only said exterior calf surface and exterior heel surface of said stocking.
17. Footwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein said back cup of said shoe extends vertically to cover said seam line.
18. Footwear as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sole of said shoe has a bottom surface, said bottom surface having a forward portion and a rear portion;
and said sole of said shoe includes a tread disposed on said forward portion of said bottom surface of said sole, and a heel disposed on said rear portion of said bottom surface of said sole.
and said sole of said shoe includes a tread disposed on said forward portion of said bottom surface of said sole, and a heel disposed on said rear portion of said bottom surface of said sole.
19. Footwear as claimed in claim 18, wherein said sole of said shoe includes a rubber trim strip bonded in surrounding relation to said sole above said tread and said heel.
20. Footwear as claimed in claim 2, and further comprising:
an upstanding rear reinforcing column extending upwardly from a rearmost extreme of said back cup region over the rear of the calf of a wearer, said reinforcing column being formed of rubber and being fastened in watertight relationship to said back cup region and said stocking by vulcanization.
an upstanding rear reinforcing column extending upwardly from a rearmost extreme of said back cup region over the rear of the calf of a wearer, said reinforcing column being formed of rubber and being fastened in watertight relationship to said back cup region and said stocking by vulcanization.
21. Footwear as claimed in claim 20 wherein said back cup region has a substantially horizontally extending upper edge which intersects with said front cup region, said upper edge being fastened to said stocking and to said front cup region in watertight relation by vulcanization.
22. Waterproof footwear including a boot comprising:
a semi-rigid rubber shoe base portion formed of waterproof materials comprising ozone-resistant anti-cracking rubber and having a sole and contoured back and front cup regions in partially overlapping relationship at least in the vicinity of said sole and contoured to avoid exerting pressure against ankle bones of a wearer;
a unitary, flexible, radially stretchable, self-supporting stocking portion formed of waterproof and thermally insulating materials comprising a trilaminate of inner and outer layers of stretchable nylon jersey synthetic fiber fabric surrounding a center layer of stretchable rubber core sandwiched between the layers of jersey fabric, said stocking portion having a lower end extending within and fastened to upper edges of said shoe base portion in conforming, watertight relationship with, and extending upwardly from, said shoe base portion over and contoured to conform to at least a calf of a wearer, said stocking portion further being closed at said lower end and open at an upper end thereof, and said stocking has an exterior bottom surface, an exterior instep surface and an exterior heel surface and said sole of said shoe has a top side substantially conforming to at least said heel portion of said exterior bottom surface of said stocking and said top side of said sole of said shoe has a forward portion and a rear portion;
said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior bottom surface of said stocking is bonded to said top side of said sole of said shoe by vulcanization, said front cup extends backward from said forward portion of said top side of said sole such that said front cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior instep surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup extends forward from said rear portion of said top side of said sole such that said back cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior heel surface of said stocking; and wherein said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior instep surface of said stocking is bonded to said front cup of said shoe, and said exterior heel surface of said stocking is bonded to said back cup of said shoe, said overlapping front and back cup regions and said stocking portion being bonded in watertight relationship by vulcanization to each other within said shoe base portion.
a semi-rigid rubber shoe base portion formed of waterproof materials comprising ozone-resistant anti-cracking rubber and having a sole and contoured back and front cup regions in partially overlapping relationship at least in the vicinity of said sole and contoured to avoid exerting pressure against ankle bones of a wearer;
a unitary, flexible, radially stretchable, self-supporting stocking portion formed of waterproof and thermally insulating materials comprising a trilaminate of inner and outer layers of stretchable nylon jersey synthetic fiber fabric surrounding a center layer of stretchable rubber core sandwiched between the layers of jersey fabric, said stocking portion having a lower end extending within and fastened to upper edges of said shoe base portion in conforming, watertight relationship with, and extending upwardly from, said shoe base portion over and contoured to conform to at least a calf of a wearer, said stocking portion further being closed at said lower end and open at an upper end thereof, and said stocking has an exterior bottom surface, an exterior instep surface and an exterior heel surface and said sole of said shoe has a top side substantially conforming to at least said heel portion of said exterior bottom surface of said stocking and said top side of said sole of said shoe has a forward portion and a rear portion;
said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior bottom surface of said stocking is bonded to said top side of said sole of said shoe by vulcanization, said front cup extends backward from said forward portion of said top side of said sole such that said front cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior instep surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup extends forward from said rear portion of said top side of said sole such that said back cup is shaped to substantially match said exterior heel surface of said stocking; and wherein said stocking is coupled within said shoe such that said exterior instep surface of said stocking is bonded to said front cup of said shoe, and said exterior heel surface of said stocking is bonded to said back cup of said shoe, said overlapping front and back cup regions and said stocking portion being bonded in watertight relationship by vulcanization to each other within said shoe base portion.
23. Footwear as claimed in claim 22, wherein said stocking has an exterior outside ankle surface, and an exterior inside ankle surface; and wherein said front cup of said shoe and said back cup of said shoe overlap below, but avoiding, said exterior outside ankle surface of said stocking and said exterior inside ankle surface of said stocking.
24. Footwear as claimed in claim 23, wherein said front cup of said shoe includes a reinforced toe region and a reinforced instep region; and wherein said back cup of said shoe includes a reinforced heel region.
25. Footwear as claimed in claim 24 wherein:
said stocking portion and said front and back cup regions have a reduced circumference in a region in the vicinity of a wearer's ankle bone to retain the boot on the wearer's foot when said boot is subjected to vertical pulling forces.
said stocking portion and said front and back cup regions have a reduced circumference in a region in the vicinity of a wearer's ankle bone to retain the boot on the wearer's foot when said boot is subjected to vertical pulling forces.
26. Footwear as claimed in claim 25, wherein said stocking portion is radially stretchable to permit ease of putting on and taking off said boot.
27. Footwear as claimed in claim 26, wherein said front and back cup regions are configured substantially in a bird's mouth shape.
28. Footwear as claimed in claim 27, wherein said bird's mouth shape and said stretchable stocking portion are arranged to facilitate putting on and taking off said boot.
29. Footwear as claimed in claim 26 wherein said back cup region has a substantially horizontally extending upper edge which intersects with said front cup region, said upper edge being fastened to said stocking and to said front cup region in watertight relation by vulcanization.
30. Footwear as claimed in claim 28, wherein said stocking comprises a tubular leg sleeve, said leg sleeve being a single piece of trilaminate neoprene foam and jersey fabric formed and attached to itself by a single seam line , said line extending the length of said leg sleeve and passing along said exterior calf surface and exterior heel surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup of said shoe extends vertically to cover said seam line.
31. Footwear as claimed in claim 30, wherein said back cup of said shoe and said support column extend vertically to cover said seam line.
32. Footwear as claimed in claim 29 wherein said stocking comprises a tubular leg sleeve, said leg sleeve being a single piece of trilaminate sheet rubber and jersey fabric formed and attached to itself by a single seam line , said line extending the length of said leg sleeve and passing along only said exterior calf surface of said stocking; and wherein said back cup of said shoe extends vertically to cover a lower extremity of said seam line.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US46674699A | 1999-12-17 | 1999-12-17 | |
| US09/466,746 | 1999-12-17 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2328530A1 CA2328530A1 (en) | 2001-06-17 |
| CA2328530C true CA2328530C (en) | 2010-03-16 |
Family
ID=23852945
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2328530 Expired - Fee Related CA2328530C (en) | 1999-12-17 | 2000-12-14 | Vulcanized boot-type footwear |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2328530C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES1062661Y (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2006-10-01 | Ruiz Manuel Maldonado | MONO-USE ANTI-HUMIDITY BOOT |
| CA2755330C (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2013-04-09 | Genfoot Inc. | Improved method and apparatus for manufacturing waterproof footwear with attached compressible lining |
-
2000
- 2000-12-14 CA CA 2328530 patent/CA2328530C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2328530A1 (en) | 2001-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20151214 |