Waterproof shoe

Abstract

A waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe having a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer, an upper, and a lining. The functional layer may be made from a dispersion of a waterproof, water vapor polymer. The functional layer may only be attached to the lining at the top opening of the shoe. A method of making a waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe by forming a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer from a dispersion of a waterproof, water vapor permeable polymer and then attaching the functional layer to the lining of the top opening of the shoe.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction comprising: 
 a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer;    an upper; and    a lining;    wherein the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer is situated between the upper and the lining and is attached to the lining only at a top portion of the upper at an opening of the shoe construction where a foot would enter.    
     
     
         2 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 1 , wherein the upper is folded over the functional layer and lining at the top portion of the upper to form the attachment between the functional layer of the lining.  
     
     
         3 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 1 , further comprising a sole.  
     
     
         4 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 3 , wherein the sole is attached to the functional layer and the upper.  
     
     
         5 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 3 , wherein the outer perimeter of the sole is sewn to the functional layer and the dispersion or solution of the waterproof, water vapor permeable polymer is reapplied to the sewn portions of the functional layer.  
     
     
         6 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 3 , wherein the sole is injection molded and the functional layer is bonded to the sole.  
     
     
         7 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 1 , wherein an opening, having cut ends, is cut in the bottom of the functional layer and a seam is formed joining the cut ends of the opening.  
     
     
         8 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 7 , wherein portions of the functional layer at the cut ends are removed before the seam is formed joining the cut ends.  
     
     
         9 . The waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom of the functional layer is removed and an insole is joined to the functional layer.  
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe, comprising: 
 forming a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer in the shape of a sock from a dispersion or solution of a waterproof, water vapor permeable polymer;    inserting the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer into an interior of a shoe;    inserting a lining into the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer; and    attaching the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer to the lining only at the top opening of the shoe.