INNER LINING BOOTIE COMPRISING MEMBRANE MATERIAL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102024135055.5, filed Nov. 27, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an inner lining bootie for an upper of an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe. The bootie may comprise a set of basic pattern pieces with at least one membrane to promote waterproofness and breathability of the article of footwear and an extension piece made of thinner and more elastic material than the material of the basic pattern pieces and at least partially creating a top line of the bootie at an ankle region, promoting the comfort of the finished shoe at the heel region. The bootie may also comprise a lining piece stitched to the at least one extension piece along a top part of the lining piece, wherein the lining piece covers the at least one extension piece and the set of basic pattern pieces on the inside of the bootie when in use such that the lining piece covers the at least one first connection line, and wherein the at least one extension piece thereby creates a link between basic pattern pieces and lining piece.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an upper with a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure and to a shoe, for example a sports shoe, with such an upper as well as a method of producing a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

A shoe is commonly described as the combination of an upper and a sole. Typically, the upper covers regions such as the instep, the toe, the medial side, the lateral side, and the heel of a wearer's foot and provides an opening to allow the wearer to step inside the footwear.

Membrane materials may have properties such as waterproofness, breathability, wind tightness and elasticity which may be beneficial in the field of sports apparel and of shoes in general. These properties have made them a useful material in several applications. For example, membrane materials may be used to provide a waterproof insert to a shoe.

Inserts for hiking shoes, such as bootie constructions, may comprise a lateral part for the outer side of the foot and a medial part for the inner side of the foot, both of which may comprise a membrane to improve waterproofness, which may be sewn together at a heel center region. Additionally, a collar top lining, which may define the top line of the bootie at an ankle region and may be made of a smoother material, may be sewn to the lateral and medial part of the bootie. Because of the location of the seams, facing the inside of the shoe and in regions of the shoe which are prone to stress when the shoe is used, and because the material of the bootie parts may not allow for smooth seams, the seams may be uncomfortable and, due to bulky areas, create pressure on the foot of users. Attempts have been made to improve the quality of the seams, but it remains a challenge in mass production environments.

Therefore, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bootie for an upper and for a shoe which minimizes or eliminates the above-described problems. Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a bootie which promotes watertightness, sufficient vapor permeability and improved wearing comfort. Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an upper with a bootie according to some embodiments described herein with which a shoe is watertight and still is comfortable even during intensive use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure is directed to a bootie for an upper of an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe, comprising a set of basic pattern pieces made of a layered structure comprising at least one membrane, and at least one extension piece made of thinner and more elastic material than the material of the basic pattern pieces and at least partially creating a top line of the bootie at an ankle region of the user when in use, the at least one extension piece being connected to the set of basic pattern pieces along at least one first connection line. The bootie further comprises a lining piece being stitched to the at least one extension piece along a top part of the lining piece, the lining piece covering the at least one extension piece and the set of basic pattern pieces on the inside of the bootie when in use, such that the lining piece covers the at least one first connection line, the at least one extension piece thereby creating a link between basic pattern pieces and lining piece.

In a second embodiment (II), the lining piece according to the first embodiment (I) has a higher elasticity than the material of the set of basic pattern pieces.

In a third embodiment (III), side edges of the lining piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(II) are fixed by adhesive to the set of basic pattern pieces.

In a fourth embodiment (IV), a bottom part of the lining piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(III) is connected via zigzag stitching to the set of basic pattern pieces along a third connection line.

In a fifth embodiment (V), the lining piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(IV) includes a collar top foam.

In a sixth embodiment (VI), the lining piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(V) is connected via a zigzag stitch to the at least one extension piece along a second connection line, wherein the lining piece and the at least one extension piece are preferably abutted.

In a seventh embodiment (VII), the at least one extension piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(VI) is connected via a zigzag stitch to the set of basic pattern pieces along the first connection line, wherein the at least one extension piece and the set of basic pattern pieces are preferably abutted.

In an eighth embodiment (VIII), the at least one extension piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(VII) defines a V-shaped recess at the open edge of the extension piece opposite the first connection line, the V-shaped recess being located at the center of the heel region of the user when in use, the at least one extension piece thereby sparing out at least part of the heel cord region of the user when in use.

In a ninth embodiment (IX), the bootie according to the eighth embodiment (VIII) comprises two extension pieces respectively connected to the set of basic pattern pieces on the left side and on the right side of the heel cord region of the user when in use.

In a tenth embodiment (X), the lining piece according to any one of embodiments (XIII)-(IX) is not stitched to the at least one extension piece in the region of the V-shaped recess.

In an eleventh embodiment (XI), the at least one extension piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(X) is designed to cover at least more than half of the ankle region of the user when in use.

In a twelfth embodiment (XII), the extension piece according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XII) is designed to follow the lower edge of the ankle region of the user without covering the ankle when in use.

In a thirteenth embodiment (XIII), the set of basic pattern pieces according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XII) comprises a lateral pattern, a medial pattern, a bootie insole pattern and a bootie bottom gasket to seam-seal the bottom area.

In a fourteenth embodiment (XIV), at least part of the membrane of the layered structure according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XIII) is designed to be freely floating.

In a fifteenth embodiment (XV), the layered structure according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XIV) comprises, as seen from the inside to the outside of the bootie when in use, a textile lining, a membrane layer, a backer knit, an upper material.

A sixteenth embodiment (XVI) is directed to an upper for an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe, comprising the bootie according to any one of embodiments (I)- (XV) and an outer shell.

A seventeenth embodiment (XVII) is directed to a shoe, such as a sports shoe, comprising the upper according to the sixteenth embodiment (XVI).

An eighteenth embodiment (XVIII) is directed to a method of producing a bootie according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XV), the method comprising the steps of: providing a set of basic pattern pieces made of a layered structure comprising at least one membrane; providing at least one extension piece made of thinner and more elastic material than the material of the basic pattern pieces and designed to at least partially creating a top line of the bootie at an ankle region of the user when in use; connecting the at least one extension piece to the set of basic pattern pieces along at least one first connection line; providing a lining piece preferably made of a material that is more elastic than the material of the basic pattern pieces; stitching the lining piece to the at least one extension piece along a top part of the lining piece at a second connection line; and flipping over the at least one extension piece towards inside of the bootie when in use, such that the lining piece covers the at least one first connection line, the at least one extension piece thereby creating a link between basic pattern pieces and lining piece.

In a nineteenth embodiment (XIX), the method according to the eighteenth embodiment (XVIII) further comprises the steps of: providing two extension pieces; and connecting the first extension piece to the left side of the heel cord region and the second extension piece to the right side of the heel cord region, the two extension pieces being shaped such that a V-shaped recess is defined at the edge of the extension pieces opposite the first connection line.

In a twentieth embodiment (XX), the method according to the nineteenth embodiment (XIX) further comprises the steps of: stitching the lining piece to each extension piece, whereby the lining is not stitched to the extension pieces at the V-shaped recess.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1a: shows a sideview of a known bootie;

FIG. 1b: shows a cut through of a shoe with the known bootie of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2: shows basic pattern pieces to create a known bootie;

FIG. 3: shows a detail of the interior of a known bootie at a heel region;

FIG. 4: shows a detail of an unfinished, known bootie;

FIG. 5: shows basic pattern pieces for a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6: shows a detail of a cut through of a shoe with a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7: shows a detail of an interior of a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure at the heel region;

FIG. 8a: shows a detail of an unfinished bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8b: shows another detail of the embodiment of the bootie shown in FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9: shows a shoe with a high mid-cut construction, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10: shows a shoe with a low mid-cut construction, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following only some possible embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The presented embodiments may be modified in several ways and combined with each other whenever compatible and certain features may be omitted in so far as they appear dispensable. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

It is to be understood that not all features of the embodiments of the present disclosure must be present for realizing the advantages provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. For example, the skilled artisan will understand that features of one embodiment may be combined with compatible features of any other embodiment of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments below are described primarily with reference to a bootie for an upper for an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe, the skilled artisan will recognize that the embodiments of the present disclosure can equally be applied in a plurality of different technical fields and/or use cases. For example, the membrane approach as described herein could also be used for outdoor clothing like outerwear such as waterproof jackets, softshell jackets, ski or snowboard jackets, rain pants, 3-in-1 jackets, mountaineering shells or rain ponchos, and technical fabrics like gloves, tents shelters or backpacks and bags, to provide specific performance features such as waterproofing, wind proofing, and breathability.

Throughout the present figures and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to the skilled artisan considering the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of other pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

As understood by the skilled artisan and/or to avoid redundancies, reference may also made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which may also apply to the following detailed description. Further, not all features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps are expressly indicated by reference signs for the sake of brevity and clarity. This applies, for example, where the artisan person recognizes that such features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps are present in a plurality.

It is noted that the headlines in the present disclosure are provided solely for the purpose to assist in keeping an overview during reading. The headlines do not mean that features of the respective embodiments cannot be combined.

Definitions

The term “membrane” as used herein may refer to a specialized layer or coating applied to fabric to impart specific functional properties, such as waterproofing, breathability, or insulation. Membranes may be thin, flexible, and made from polymers or other synthetic materials. They may be designed to alter the performance characteristics of the fabric, enhancing its functionality for various applications. They may function as a kind of selective filter that is integrated into the fabric structure to perform specific filtration functions. Membranes may be applied to both natural and synthetic fabrics and may be used in outdoor apparel, sportswear, and technical textiles.

The term “elasticity” as used herein may refer to a property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape and size after being stretched or deformed. It is a measure of how well a material can withstand deformation and recover its initial form when the applied force is removed.

The term “vapor permeability” or “water vapor permeability” (WDD) as used herein, also related to the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), is a measure of the ability of a material to allow water vapor to pass through it. It quantifies the rate at which water vapor diffuses or permeates through a material per unit of time and unit of area under specific conditions. Vapor permeability may typically be expressed with a Thermal Evaporative Resistance (RET) value defined by the ISO 11092 standard. The vapor permeability may also be expressed in units such as grams per square meter per day (g/m²/day) or grams per square meter per hour (g/m²/h). Various standardized test methods, such as ASTM E96, may be used to measure vapor permeability.

The term “waterproofness” as used herein may refer to the property of a material or structure that prevents the passage or penetration of liquid water. It indicates the ability of a material to function as a barrier against water ingress, thereby protecting underlying surfaces or contents from moisture damage. Waterproofness is often quantified and evaluated through standardized testing methods, such as: (i) dynamic waterproof test (DIN EN ISO 5403), to determine the behavior of waterproof materials under dynamic stress; (ii) water penetration test (AATCC 127, ISO 811) to determine the resistance of fabrics to water penetration under pressure; and/or (iii) wicking test to determine the capillarity absorption of water treated materials and components. These tests assess the ability of a material to withstand water infiltration under controlled laboratory conditions.

Bootie and Shoe Upper for an Article of Footwear

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a bootie for an upper for an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe, which may comprise a set of basic pattern pieces made of a layered structure comprising at least one membrane, and at least one extension piece made of thinner and more elastic material than the material of the basic pattern pieces and at least partially creating a top line of the bootie at an ankle region of the user when in use. The at least one extension piece may be connected to the set of basic pattern pieces along at least one first connection line to form the bootie. The bootie may further comprise a lining piece stitched to at least part of the upper edge of the at least one extension piece along a top part of the lining piece at a second connection line. The lining piece may cover the at least one extension piece and the set of basic pattern pieces on the inside of the bootie when in use, such that the lining piece covers the at least one first connection line. This may increase the comfort for the user, as protruding or rough parts are covered, thereby reducing the possibility of blistering the user.

In some embodiments, the at least one extension piece creates a link between the set of basic pattern pieces and lining piece. In other words, in some embodiments, it is the interface between the set of basic pattern pieces and the lining piece. In some embodiments, because of its little thickness and high elasticity, the extension piece may compensate for the differing material properties of lining piece and the set of basic pattern pieces. This way, a lining piece large enough to cover the at least one first connection line may be used, while crumpling of the basic pattern pieces that may occur with a direct connection between the lining piece and the set of basic pattern pieces can be avoided.

Such configurations may keep the waterproof and vapor permeability properties on an acceptable level, and the bootie is more comfortable to the user because on the one hand, crumpling of the basic pattern pieces is avoided, and on the other hand, uncomfortable seams are covered up.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a different, more desirable material regarding elasticity, stiffness, price, can be chosen for the extension piece, while keeping the desired properties of watertightness and breathability/vapor permeability in the basic pattern pieces. For example, choosing a thin material for the extension piece contributes to render the shoe less bulky and stiff at the heel cord region, which is a location where the user often experiences sore feet.

In some embodiments, the lining piece is made of a material having a higher elasticity than the material of the basic pattern pieces. This may lead to a better fit on the inside of the shoe.

In some embodiments, the choice of an extension piece may therefore allow the combination of a waterproof and breathable shoe, and a comfortable shoe designed to avoid blisters and other sores. Example membranes may be made from synthetic polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded PTFE (ePTFE). These materials may be engineered to have further specific properties such as puncture resistance, stub resistance, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength to suit different filtration requirements. The following materials for the membrane of the basic pattern pieces may be chosen according to the desired membrane thickness, waterproofness and vapor permeability: polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE or PTFCE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), paraformaldehyde (PFA), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetherimide (PEI), nylon 6 or polycaprolactam, and polyimide (Kaption, PI), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, to secure the lining piece within the bootie, side edges of the lining piece may be fixed by adhesive to the set of basic pattern pieces. This way, in some embodiments, the basic pattern pieces are not perforated by the stiches and the watertightness of the bootie may not be compromised. Additionally, in such embodiments, no additional bulk is created on the edges, as opposed to when side edges are fixed by stitching. This may further improve the comfort for the user.

In some embodiments, a lining piece covers the heel region, which is exposed to mechanical stress when the user is in motion. To prevent the lining piece from moving, in some embodiments, advantageously a bottom part of the lining piece may be connected via zigzag stitching to the set of basic pattern pieces along a third connection line. With a zigzag stich, in some embodiments, the connection between lining piece and basic pattern pieces may be securely made and the connection may be sufficiently stretchable to allow for movement without breaking. Such configurations may further allow a flat seam together with holding back single threads that may become loose at the edge of the lining pieces.

In some embodiments, when a lining piece is added to the bootie, one advantage may be that a collar top foam can be included in the upper part of the lining piece next to a second connection line where it is connected to the extension piece. Such a collar top foam may improve the comfort of the shoe for the user, and it may additionally hold the foot of the user at the ankle region to prevent injury.

Advantageously, in some embodiments, the lining piece may be connected to the at least one extension piece via a zigzag stitch along a second connection line. A zigzag stitch may have the advantage of being stretchable while holding two different pieces of fabric securely together. Such configuration may additionally allow for compensating for part of the different material properties of the joined fabrics. In some embodiments, the second connection line is flattest when the two pieces of fabric that are to be joined are abutted, i.e., joined edge-to-edge, when connected via said zigzag stitch.

Similarly, in some embodiments, to connect the extension piece to the basic pattern pieces, a zigzag stitch is used at the first connection line. Again, the zigzag stitch may have the advantage of being stretchable while holding two different pieces of fabric securely together. Also here, in some embodiments, to obtain a flat bootie at the first connection line, the extension piece and the basic pattern pieces may be abutted, i.e. joined edge to edge when connected via said zigzag stitch.

In some embodiments, it has proven advantageous when the at least one extension piece defines a V-shaped recess at the open edge of the extension piece opposite the first connection line. Such a V-shaped recess may be located at the center of the heel region of the user when in use, such that at least one extension piece spares out at least part of the heel cord region of the user when in use. As this heel cord region is prone to sores for many users, minimizing the bulk at this location may reduce the potential for blisters and similar injuries.

In some embodiments, with two extension pieces respectively connected to the set of basic pattern pieces on the left side and on the right side of the heel cord region of the user when in use, the V-shaped recess may be easily created. To this end, in some embodiments, the ends of the two extension pieces could, for example, be slanted. An advantage of two extension pieces is that they may further facilitate the production process of the bootie, because it allows connecting the extension pieces to the set of basic pattern pieces before these basic pattern pieces are sewn together.

In some embodiments, at the heel cord region, the lining piece may not have the same shape as the extension piece. In such embodiments, the lining piece may not be stitched to the at least one extension piece in the region of the V-shaped recess. Instead, it may be fixed only to the extension piece along the edges that match in shape.

In some embodiments, the at least one extension piece is configured to cover at least more than half of the ankle region of the user when in use. This coverage may strengthen the before mentioned advantages.

Booties are available in different heights depending on the function the shoe is designed for. Hiking shoes for example may require a sturdier manufacturing and have a higher mid cut construction. The bootie according to the present disclosure may also be designed for a hiking shoe. In such embodiments, the extension piece may be designed to cover the ankle region of the user when in use. This may provide a reinforced ankle region to support the ankle of the user.

Of course, in some embodiments, when the bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is designed for lightweight, low-cut shoes, the extension piece may be configured to abut the ankle region of the user without covering it when in use.

In some embodiments, the bootie of the present disclosure includes a set of basic pattern pieces. Such a set may comprise a lateral pattern, a medial pattern, a bootie insole pattern and a bootie bottom gasket to seam-seal the bottom area of the bootie. These pattern pieces may allow for the creation of a desired 3d-shape of the bootie with a low number of single pieces. Thereby, in some embodiments, for each pattern piece, a specific material can be chosen to enhance the properties that the bootie construction may offer.

If a sturdy shoe like a hiking shoe is desired, in some embodiments, the bootie may also offer more support. In some embodiments, more support may be achieved with a bootie wherein at least part of the membrane of layered structure is configured to be freely floating, for example with respect to the outer shell of the upper.

Examples of materials where the membrane is designed to be freely floating with respect to the outer shell are textiles composed of synthetic yarn such as PES (polyester including CDP/TPE and other polyester derivatives), PA (polyamide), TPU, EL/PU (elastane/PU content), textile from natural yarn (such as cotton) or cellulosic yarn (such as lyocell), cow leather, and PU coated synthetic leather, and combinations thereof.

An example of a layered structure that may be used in the bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure comprises, as seen from the inside to the outside of the bootie when in use, a textile lining, a membrane layer, a backer textile such as a backer knit, and/or a woven backer or similar. In some embodiments, the textile lining may be one of polyester (PES and any other polyester derivatives such as CDP, TPE, TPEE), PA (polyamide), Elastane (PU/EL), lyocell, wool, and cotton, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane layer may be one of polyethylene (PE), expanded polyethylene (EPe), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyurethane (PU), polyamide (nylon), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded PTFE (ePTFE (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE or PTFCE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), paraformaldehyde (PFA), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetherimide (PEI), nylon 6 or polycaprolactam, and polyimide (Kaption, PI), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the backer textile may be one of polyester (PES and any other polyester derivatives such as CDP, TPE, TPEE), PA (polyamide), Elastane (PU/EL), lyocell, wool, and cotton, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, climaproof booties, i.e., booties designed for especially harsh weather conditions, may have an additional layer of PU foam.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an upper for an article of footwear, such as a sports shoe, comprising a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the upper may include an upper material, such as one or more of textiles composed of synthetic yarn such as PES (polyester including CDP/TPE and other polyester derivatives), PA (polyamide), TPU, EL/PU (elastane/PU content), textile from natural yarn (such as cotton) or cellulosic yarn (such as lyocell), cow leather, and PU coated synthetic leather, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the upper may further comprise eyestays to add a lacing to the shoe, reflective details, heel tabs or tongues tabs to facilitate stepping in into the upper, protective overlays made from PU leather, real leather or TPU foil, and/or TPU molded pieces, like, e.g., a cage or toe cap, heel counter, webbings for lacing made from textile, and/or metal hooks, metal eyelets, and/or knit collar pieces.

In some embodiments, the upper comprising the bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be turned into a shoe, such a sports shoe, by adding a sole. In some embodiments, the shoe may further comprise an upper Strobel pattern to connect the upper to the sole. The Strobel pattern may add strength to the insole of the bootie when doubling up the bootie insole pattern. In some embodiments, the Strobel pattern may further include a material with damping properties to protect the joints of the user.

To produce a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a set of basic pattern pieces made of a layered structure comprising at least one membrane and an extension piece creating a top line of the upper at an ankle region of the user when in use may be provided. In some embodiments, the extension piece may be connected to the set of basic pattern pieces along at least one first connection line to form the upper. For example, in some embodiments, one first connection line can be located on the right side of the heel of the user and another first connection line can be located on the left side of the heel of the user. In some embodiments, it is advantageous when the at least one first connection line lies outside of a heel region of the user when in use such that no seams or other connection types press against the user's heel and create a discomfort or even blisters.

In some embodiments, a lining piece of a material that is more elastic than the material of the material of the basic pattern pieces is subsequently stitched to an edge of the extension piece along a top part of the lining piece at a second connection line. In some embodiments, the lining piece is then flipped over the extension piece towards inside of the bootie. This way, in some embodiments, the lining piece may cover the at least one first connection line and may further protect the foot of the user from discomfort that may originate from the connection between the extension pieces and the basic pattern pieces. In some embodiments, the extension piece creates a link between the basic pattern pieces and the lining piece and may allow for the compensation for differing material properties thereby avoiding folds and wrinkles.

In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide two extension pieces. In some embodiments, the first extension piece may be connected to the left side of the heel cord region and the second extension piece may be connected to the right side of the heel cord region. The two extension pieces, in some embodiments, are thereby shaped such that a V-shaped recess is defined at the edge of the extension pieces opposite the first connection line. In some embodiments, this can for example be obtained with slanted ends of the extension pieces.

In some embodiments, the shape of the lining piece may not match the shape of the at least one extension piece at the heel cord region. In such configurations, while the lining piece may be stitched to each extension piece, the heel cord region may be left out and the lining may not be stitched to the extension pieces at the V-shaped recess.

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 4 show a bootie 1 comprising a membrane material according to known constructions.

FIG. 1a shows a known bootie 1 in a sideview.

A lateral pattern 11 is connected to a collar top lining pattern 16 at an ankle assembly line 191. The lateral pattern 11 is further connected to a medial pattern 12 (not shown in FIG. 1a) at the front of the bootie and at the back of the bootie via a heel assembly line 192. At the front of the bootie, a tongue top lining pattern 15 is connected to the lateral pattern 11 and the medial pattern 12 (not shown in FIG. 1a). Generally, the lateral pattern and the medial pattern are connected via a sewn connection, for example with a single stich, Strobel stitch or a zigzag stich. Other ways of connection can also be envisaged, such as glueing, soldering.

FIG. 1b shows a cut through a shoe with a known bootie 1′ similar to the bootie 1 of FIG. 1a.

The ankle assembly line 191 from collar top lining pattern 16 to the medial pattern 12 is exposed at the inside of the bootie 1. The cut goes through the heel assembly line 192 at which the lateral pattern 11 is connected to the medial pattern 12 at the heel region. The shoe further has an outer shell 3 covering the bootie 1 and a sole 4 attached to the lower part of the bootie 1.

FIG. 2 shows the set of basic pattern pieces forming a known bootie similar to the bootie 1 and 1′ shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

The shown set of basic pattern pieces includes a lateral pattern 11, a medial pattern 12, a gasket pattern 13, a bootie insole pattern 14, a tongue top lining pattern 15, a collar top lining pattern 16.

In the shown example, the lateral pattern 11, the medial pattern 12 and the bootie insole pattern 14 are made of a layered structure comprising at least one membrane.

The tongue top lining pattern 15 and the collar top pattern 16 can be made of different material and do not necessarily comprise a membrane. For example, for these pattern pieces, a higher elasticity than offered by a layered structure can be required. Additionally, if at the location of these pattern pieces, waterproofness is not essential, a cheaper material can be used.

The bottom gasket pattern 13 is designed to reliably seam-seals the connection between lateral pattern 11, medial pattern 12 and the bootie insole pattern 14.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of the interior of a known bootie with the ankle assembly line 191 between collar top lining 16 and the lateral pattern 11 and the medial pattern 12.

Furthermore, the heel assembly line 192 between lateral pattern 11 and medial pattern 12 is shown. As these assembly lines can be harder that the surrounding material, or protruding, they can create discomfort or even blisters and sore feet for the user. This is one issue of known booties that some embodiments of the present disclosure seek to remedy.

FIG. 3 further shows that the lateral pattern 11 and the medial pattern 12 are connected to a bootie insole pattern 14 at the bottom of the bootie 1 following a path called fourth connection line 196.

Another issue with known booties is illustrated in FIG. 4. Due to the differing material properties between the collar top lining 16 and the lateral pattern 11 and the medial pattern 12, the material of the lateral and medial pattern 11, 12 creates folds and wrinkles 121, 111.

FIG. 5 shows the set of basic pattern pieces forming a bootie according to the present disclosure.

A difference to the known bootie as shown in FIGS. 1a to 4 is that, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the collar top lining pattern 16 from known booties 1 and 1′ is replaced by an extension piece 27 and a lining piece 28.

In known booties comprising membrane material, the heel assembly line 192 at the heel region is quite stiff due to two membrane material pattern pieces being connected to each other.

In the bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the heel assembly 292 line (as shown in FIG. 6) may be covered by the lining piece 28. As such, in some embodiments, the material for the extension piece at the ankle region may be chosen according to the desired properties, such as elasticity, softness, thickness, etc.

In some embodiments, the two extension pieces are slanted towards each other. In some embodiments, due to the slanted edge, the extension piece may define a V-shaped recess 271. This may eliminate one layer at the heel cord region, making the bootie less bulky and potentially more comfortable for the user.

In some embodiments, the lining piece 28 may include a collar top foam 284.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a cut through a shoe with a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The cut through the heel region of the shoe, according to some embodiments, reveals the following layers from left to right: the lining piece 28 together with collar top foam 284 constitutes a first layer, the next layer is embodied by the extension piece 27 and the lateral pattern 21 and medial pattern 22 at their heel assembly line 292.

Finally, in some embodiments, the third layer covers the bootie from the outside with an outer shell 3 of the shoe.

From this detail, it can be appreciated how, in some embodiments, the lining piece covers up at least a portion of potentially uncomfortable seams at the heel. In some embodiments, the second connection line 294 defines the top line of the bootie at the ankle region of the user when in use. In some embodiments, the bootie is fixed to the sole 4 via a Strobel pattern 41 to form the shoe.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of a lining piece 28 covering the heel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner full heel lining piece 28 may be glued to the lateral pattern 21 and to the medial pattern 22 at side edges 281 of the lining piece.

To reliably secure the position of the lining piece 28, in some embodiments, it may be sewn to the bootie insole pattern 24 on a bottom part 282 of the lining piece 28 with a zigzag stich at a third connection line 295 between lining piece 28 and insole pattern 24.

Also, in some embodiments, the lateral pattern 21 and the medial pattern 22 may be sewn to the bootie insole pattern 24 by means of a zigzag stich at a fourth connection line 296 between lateral pattern 21 and medial pattern 22 and the bootie insole pattern 24. A zigzag stich may allow to keep the connection between the pattern pieces flat as the connection can be made edge-to-edge.

In some embodiments, the top part 283 of the lining piece 28 may be sewn to the extension piece 27 at the second connection line 294 and flipped over it.

In some embodiments, the lining piece 29 may include a top collar foam 284 inserted or otherwise secured to it. The top collar foam 284 may be especially designed to improve the comfort of the user while ensuring good hold of the ankle and the heel when the shoe is used. Because the top collar foam 284 is firmly secured to the lining piece 28, in some embodiments, it is prevented from sliding down or changing position, which could potentially create discomfort. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top collar foam 284 may be added to the lining piece 28 before it is connected to the rest of the bootie 2, which may facilitate the production process.

In FIG. 8a, two extension pieces 27 are illustrated in a detail of an unfinished bootie, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, in the unfinished bootie, one extension piece 27 may be connected to the lateral pattern 21 and one may be connected to the medial pattern 22. In some embodiments, the two extension pieces 27 may be slanted towards the heel assembly line 292 of the lateral pattern 21 and the medial pattern 22. Two extension pieces 27 may have the advantage that each extension piece 27 can be sewn to the lateral pattern 21, respectively medial pattern 22, before the lateral pattern 21 and the medial pattern 22 are sewn together at the heel assembly line 292. This may facilitate the production.

FIG. 8b shows a detail of the bootie, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a later stage of production where the lining piece 28 is added to the bootie construction.

In particular, it is visible that the lining piece 28 is not connected to the extension pieces 27 at the V-shaped recess 271 in some embodiments, because in this part of the bootie the edges of the extension pieces 27 and the edges of the lining piece 28 are not aligned.

In some embodiments, extension pieces 27 and lining piece 28 may be only connected at the “upper lining piece” where their edges are aligned.

In some embodiments, a tab 285 of the lining piece 28 covers the V-shaped recess 271 at the heel cord region of the user. Therefore, in some embodiments, even if the V-shaped recess of the extension pieces 27 is not visible from the finished bootie, it may still provide a thinner construction at the heel cord region. In FIGS. 8a and 8b, two extension pieces 27 are shown in defining the V-shaped recess 271 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the extension piece may be made of a single piece sporting a V-shaped recess in the middle.

FIG. 9 relates to high mid-section shoes 5 comprising a bootie according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the high mid-section shoe 5 may have a shaft covering the ankle to protect the foot while hiking. In some embodiments, the corresponding extension piece is configured to cover the whole ankle region of the user's foot, the extension piece being designed to surround the ankle.

In comparison, FIG. 10 relates to low mid-section shoes 6 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, in low mid-section shoes 6, the corresponding extension piece does not cover the ankle.