阅读说明：本技术 皮革鞋类 (Leather shoes ) 是由 J·M·汉森 J·A·马克斯 S·阿尔梅达 A·H·克拉夫特 A·G·奥利维拉 于 2020-02-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种鞋类,其包括附接到鞋底(S)的鞋面(FU),该鞋面包括：-至少一个皮革基底层(LBL),其具有基底层头层粒面；及-至少一个皮革附接层(LAL),其具有头层粒面和肉侧表面,其中皮革基底层(LBL)被粘合至皮革附接层(LAL),其中基底层头层粒面面对皮革附接层(LAL)的肉侧。(The invention relates to a footwear comprising an upper (FU) attached to a sole (S), the upper comprising: -at least one Leather Base Layer (LBL) having a base layer top grain; and-at least one Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) having a head layer grain side and a flesh side surface, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is adhered to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL), wherein the base layer head layer grain side faces the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).)

1. Footwear comprising an upper (FU) attached to a sole (S), the upper comprising:

-at least one Leather Base Layer (LBL) having a base layer top grain; and

-at least one Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) having a head layer grain side and a flesh side surface,

-wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is adhered to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL), with the base layer top layer grain side facing the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

2. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) are made on the basis of bovine hide.

3. Footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness of less than 1.4mm, such as less than 1.2mm, such as less than 1.0mm, such as less than 0.9 mm.

4. Footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness of less than 1.4mm, such as less than 1.2mm, such as less than 1.0mm, such as less than 0.9mm, and wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is a top layer grain leather.

5. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, such as between 0.7mm and 1.3 mm.

6. Footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, such as between 0.7mm and 1.3mm, and wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) are formed on the basis of bovine hide.

7. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of both adhered leather layers (LBL, LAL) is between 0.5mm and 4mm, such as between 0.7mm and 3.5mm, such as between 0.9mm and 3.3mm, such as between 1.0mm and 3mm, such as between 1.3mm and 2.8mm, such as between 1.5mm and 2.5mm, such as between 1.2mm and 2.2mm, such as between 1.0mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.8mm and 1.8 mm.

8. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is thinner than the Leather Base Layer (LBL).

9. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is glued to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) by means of a non-reactive glue.

10. Footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-reactive glue is a hot melt adhesive having a Tg (Tg: glass transition temperature) between 100 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 110 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 120 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 100 and 180 degrees Celsius, such as between 100 and 170 degrees Celsius.

11. The footwear of any of the preceding claims, wherein the applied pressure P is at least 2bar, such as at least 3bar, such as at least 4 bar.

12. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is glued to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) by means of a reactive glue.

13. The footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) forms a leather quarter portion of the footwear.

14. The footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) forms a leather toe portion of the footwear.

15. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) forms at least a part of a leather shoe upper (counter) of the footwear.

16. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) forms at least a portion of a leather toe cap of the footwear.

17. Footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment force between the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is at least 5kN/m, more typically higher than 10kN/m, or even higher than 15 kN/m.

18. The footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment force between the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is at least 5kN/m, more typically higher than 10kN/m, or even higher than 15kN/m, when measured according to ISO 3376: 2011.

19. The footwear of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer top grain is comparable to the fiber orientation of the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

20. The footwear of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer toe grain side has been polished.

21. The footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) comprise a fatliquor between 1% and 15% by weight, such as between 1% and 10% by weight.

22. The footwear of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base stratum corneum comprises fat, the fat being less than 5% by weight, such as less than 4% by weight, such as less than 3% by weight.

23. Footwear according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is an externally facing section of footwear defining a model, preferably bonded to the toe box and/or quarter of the shoe.

24. Footwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is a plurality of portions of the footwear that define a model facing outwards, preferably bonded to the toe box and/or quarter of the footwear.

25. Root of herbaceous plantFootwear according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the leather layer comprising the Laminated Base Layer (LBL) bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a water vapour permeability higher than 5mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 8mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 10mg/cm²In terms of hours.

26. Footwear according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leather layer comprising the Laminated Base Layer (LBL) bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a water vapour permeability higher than 5mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 8mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 10mg/cm²Per hour, wherein the breathability is measured according to SATRA TM 172.

27. The footwear of any of the preceding claims, wherein the change in air permeability of the leather layer ranges by less than 25% as measured over multiple leather layers.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a leather shoe according to claim 1.

Background

In designing and manufacturing leather-based footwear, such as shoes, it is known that the manufacture and possible design of such footwear differs significantly from footwear made from, for example, textiles. The opportunities, and thus the challenges, are different. Leather-based footwear may be provided that is very comfortable and may be insulated from heat or cold, while maintaining breathability. However, it is also known that it is difficult to construct leather shoes, for example in terms of strength and weight, especially when the upper comprises a plurality of leather layers. Its construction may become stiff and relatively expensive due to the complex layer patterns being expensive to manufacture.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to a footwear comprising an upper (FU) attached to a sole (S), the upper comprising:

-at least one Leather Base Layer (LBL) having a base layer top grain; and

-at least one Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) having a head layer grain side and a flesh side surface,

wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is adhered to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) with the base layer top layer grain side facing the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

The footwear of the present invention has several advantages over prior art footwear involving the application of leather. The invention makes it possible to obtain a multilayer structure of leather layers bonded to each other by means of glue, and the bond obtained is strong and resistant to compression during the daily use of the footwear. The bonded leather layer of the footwear has also proven to withstand steam treatments that are necessary in forming the finished footwear. Since various shoe parts such as an outer cover (outer counter) or a toe cap (toe cap) can be bonded to the footwear without sewing, the degree of freedom of design is significantly improved. This controls manufacturing costs to be low and also increases the overall flexibility of the upper so manufactured. Complex leather patterns may also now be applied to a substrate layer, such as the toe box (vamp) of a shoe or the shaft (boot) of a boot, without stitching.

It should be noted that the head grain surface is intended to include head grain surfaces of varying degrees of finishing (finish), including polishing (buff). Within the scope of the invention, it is advantageous to pre-process the top grain side of the leather base layer before bonding, as this promotes a better adhesion between the leather attachment layer and the leather base layer.

In an embodiment, the footwear comprises an upper (FU) attached to the sole (S), the upper comprising:

-at least one Leather Base Layer (LBL) having a base layer top grain; and

-at least one Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) having an attachment head layer grain side and a flesh side surface,

wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is adhered to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) by adhering the base layer top layer grain side to the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather of the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is formed on the basis of cow/calf skin.

The hide/calfskin is a very attractive source of rawhide for the inventive leather layer because it is attractive in terms of strength, composition, visual appearance, flexibility and thickness of the finished footwear. It should be noted that the leather attachment layer may for example originate from other kinds of rawhide. In other words, the source of the hide/leather may be different from the leather base layer and the leather attachment layer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness of less than 1.4mm, such as less than 1.2mm, such as less than 1.0mm, such as less than 0.9 mm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness of less than 1.4mm, such as less than 1.2mm, such as less than 1.0mm, such as less than 0.9mm, and wherein the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is a head layer grain leather.

When the thickness of the top grain leather is reduced from the flesh side to greater than the thickness indicated below, the leather attachment layer will result in an improved and well-ordered flesh side of the top grain leather. This also means that the distribution of the fibres at the head grain leather becomes progressively more uniform and closer to the head grain distribution, thereby facilitating adhesion to the flesh side of the leather attachment layer. Other mechanisms may be a driver to improve adhesion, which may be experienced and facilitated by the reduced thickness of the leather attachment layer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, such as between 0.7mm and 1.3 mm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, such as between 0.7mm and 1.3mm, and wherein the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) are formed on the basis of cowhide.

In an embodiment of the application, the thickness of the two adhered leather layers (LBL, LAL) is between 0.5mm and 4mm, such as between 0.7mm and 3.5mm, such as between 0.9mm and 3.3mm, such as between 1.0mm and 3mm, such as between 1.3mm and 2.8mm, such as between 1.5mm and 2.5mm, such as between 1.2mm and 2.2mm, such as between 1.0mm and 2.0mm, such as between 0.8mm and 1.8 mm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is thinner than the Leather Base Layer (LBL).

The thickness of the leather layer can be measured, for example, by a SATRA STD 483 "leather thickness meter".

The advantage of bonding at least two pieces of leather together is that the footwear has a particular and practical appearance and look in the position of its application.

Another advantage is that the process of bonding leather pieces together is less costly and energy efficient than the traditional expensive hand sewing process.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) by means of a non-reactive glue.

Non-reactive glues include, for example, hot melt adhesives including thermopolymers, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and the like.

Hot melt adhesives may consist of one base material with different additives. The compositions are typically formulated to have a glass transition temperature (brittleness temperature) and a suitably high melting temperature.

In an embodiment of the invention, the non-reactive glue is a hot melt adhesive having a Tg (Tg: glass transition temperature) between 100 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 110 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 120 and 200 degrees Celsius, such as between 100 and 180 degrees Celsius, such as between 100 and 170 degrees Celsius.

The advantage of applying heat to the process is that the adhesion of the adhesive to the leather can be controlled. The temperature is increased because the adhesive is most preferably applied to the leather as a web and heat is required to melt and promote strong bonding of the leather pieces/layers to each other.

Another important advantage of applying high temperatures during the adhesion process is that the adhesion forces will maintain their strong bond throughout the subsequent steps of making the footwear. These steps may include a reheating step such as steam softening.

In an embodiment of the invention, the applied pressure P is at least 2bar, such as at least 3bar, such as at least 4 bar. The pressure should be lower than when the leather is damaged or bonding is not performed as intended. The upper pressure may be 15 bar.

An advantage of applying pressure to the leather during heating of the leather is that the temperature of the leather may be lower than if no pressure was applied. A lower temperature is an advantage since the leather will not burn out and it will keep the leather in the correct shape in one step with minimal shrinkage. If the temperature is too high, the leather may lose moisture and thereby become hard and curled, and thereby loose the flexibility and softness of the leather.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) is bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) by means of a reactive glue.

Reactive glues include, for example, multi-component adhesives, a portion of which harden via a chemical reaction activated by an external energy source.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) forms part of a leather quarter (quarter) of the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) forms part of a leather toe cap (vamp) of the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) forms at least part of a leather rear cover sheet (counter) of the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) forms at least part of a leather toe cap (toe cap) of the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the attachment force between the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is at least 5kN/m, more typically higher than 10kN/m, or even higher than 15 kN/m.

In an embodiment of the invention, the attachment force between the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is at least 5kN/m, more typically higher than 10kN/m, or even higher than 15kN/m, when measured according to ISO 3376: 2011.

The attachment force, the ultimate tensile strength in kN/m, is the tensile force required to break a 1m wide sample of material. A suitable test for measuring the final tensile strength of the reinforcement fabric is ISO 3376: 2011. An alternative test that is particularly suitable for testing the tensile properties of polymer matrix composites that may be used is ASTM D3039.

In embodiments of the invention, the fiber orientation of the base layer top grain and the flesh side of the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) are similar.

In an embodiment of the invention, the substrate layer head grain side has been polished.

In an embodiment of the invention, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) comprise between 1% and 15% by weight fatliquor, such as between 1% and 10% by weight fatliquor.

In an embodiment of the invention, the base stratum corneum comprises less than 5% by weight fat, such as less than 4% by weight fat, such as less than 3% by weight fat.

In embodiments of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is a pattern defining an outwardly facing portion of the footwear, preferably bonded to the toe box and/or quarter of the footwear.

In embodiments of the invention, the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) is a plurality of patterns defining a plurality of portions of the footwear facing outwardly, preferably bonded to the toe box and/or quarter of the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather layer comprising the Laminated Base Layer (LBL) bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a water vapor permeability higher than 5mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 8mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 10mg/cm ²In terms of hours.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather layer comprising the Laminated Base Layer (LBL) bonded to the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) has a water vapor permeability higher than 5mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 8mg/cm²Per hour, such as above 10mg/cm²And wherein breathability is measured according to SATRA TM 172.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the variation in the permeability of the leather layer varies by less than 25% as measured over multiple leather layers.

An important advantage of using an adhesive in the form of, for example, a foil or a web is that the water vapour permeability/breathability of the leather is obtained compared to, for example, applying glue or applying hot melt glue. An additional advantage is that the change in breathability of the leather piece treated as a whole is small.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather of the leather base layer/leather attachment layer comprises a tanning agent in an amount of 3% to 15% by weight of the leather.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather base layer/leather attachment layer comprises a tanning agent in an amount of 7% to 15% by weight of the leather, and wherein the tanning agent is a vegetable tanning agent.

In an embodiment of the invention, the vegetable tanning agent is obtained from chestnut, quebracho wood, tara, catechu, gallnut, nutgall, myrobalan, oak, sumac, bark from eucalyptus and/or quercus robur.

In an embodiment of the invention, the leather of the leather base layer/leather attachment layer comprises a tanning agent in an amount of 3% to 12% by weight of the leather, and wherein the tanning agent comprises a chrome tanning agent.

In embodiments herein, the chrome tanning agent comprises chromium, a chromium salt and/or a derivative thereof.

In embodiments of the present application, the leather base layer/leather attachment layer comprises a chrome tanning agent in an amount of 1% to 7% by weight of the leather, such as in an amount of 2% to 6% by weight of the leather, such as in an amount of 2% to 5% by weight of the leather.

A specific content of 1 to 7% by weight of the leather, such as 2 to 5% by weight of the leather of chrome tanning agent, is particularly attractive for an innovative bond between two leather layers, since this content of chrome in the leather of the bonding layer can attach the leather to the reinforcement fabric using a heat activated adhesive. Furthermore, it is even more advantageous in applications where the leather must be softened by steam for shaping purposes etc.

In an embodiment of the invention, the chrome tanning agent comprises chromium, a chromium salt and/or a derivative thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, subjecting the applied adhesive to heat involves shrinkage of at least one of the leather layer, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and/or the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

In an embodiment of the invention, subjecting the applied adhesive to heating involves shrinking at least one of the leather layer, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and/or the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL), and wherein the heating temperature T and the heating time are adapted to shrink the leather layer, the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and/or the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) to a predetermined size adapted to the footwear.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: shrinking at least one of the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) while heating the adhesive (A).

In an embodiment of the invention, the heating of the adhesive (a) is continued for a period of time and/or to a temperature at which at least one of the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL) will shrink within a predetermined size range.

In an embodiment of the invention, the adhesive (a) is heated for a predetermined time and/or the adhesive is heated to a predetermined temperature corresponding to a predetermined shrinkage of at least one of the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

In an embodiment of the invention, the temperature to which the adhesive (a) is heated and/or the adhesive is heated is determined according to shrinkage of at least one of the Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

It should be noted that if pre-cut during manufacture, the dimensions of the footwear piece/portion to be attached to the leather base layer of the footwear must be cut out of a different size/dimension of leather than the final dimensions of the leather attachment layer when bonded to the finished footwear. In view of this information, the skilled person will be able to select the correct leather attachment layer, which has the correct thickness and which accommodates the oversize of the pre-cut portion (pre-cut leather attachment layer) in order to fit the final desired size.

In an embodiment of the invention, the only bonding of the two leather pieces, i.e. the leather base layer and the leather attachment layer, is obtained by gluing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the bonding of the two leather pieces, i.e. the leather base layer and the leather attachment layer, is obtained without sewing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the footwear is seamless.

In the method described within the scope of the invention, it is advantageous to join at least two leather pieces without stitching. However, in addition to this method, other methods of adhering other pieces of leather together in the resulting footwear may be applied instead of or in addition to gluing by other methods. In addition to the new combination, other methods that may be applied may be the following processes: such as sewing, including stitching, or other related methods of applying stitching in any variety.

Drawings

The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate major portions of footwear within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear shoe sheet (backsheece) and cross-sections of rear shoe sheets made within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a toe cap (vamp) and toe cap (toe cap) and a toe cap and toe cap made within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a toe cap and tongue made within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of bonding or laminating an adhesive to a leather article made within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another method of bonding or laminating an adhesive to a leather article made within the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of securing an adhesive to a leather article made within the scope of the present invention; and

figure 8 illustrates a method of applying pressure to a leather article made within the scope of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In terms of terminology, grain is the upper or outer portion covering the animal, while split (split) is the lower layer removed by the splitting operation during leather making/tanning.

The full grain surface refers to the head layer grain surface leather whose surface is not sanded. This leaves the original surface texture, including the hair follicle and any natural scar tissue or other epidermal defects, visible in the finished leather. Furthermore, any natural imperfections of the hide remain in the finished piece, which creates a weak natural line that makes the leather difficult to use in certain applications. For example, in applications such as shoes, this natural weakness may cause the leather to tend to bend in the wrong place, making the shoe uncomfortable during use.

Nubuck has a surface layer that is typically removed or modified by a buffing process. While the leather still has a significant network of natural fibers and a dermal structure that provides strength to the leather, the uppermost grain is effectively removed.

The buffing process used to form the suede leather leaves behind protein fibers that produce a velvety feel. Artificially embossed suede leather can produce surface texture, but typically the embossing step damages the protein fibers and destroys the velvety feel.

The two-layer leather is produced from the remaining fibrous portion of the hide, which is used, for example, as full-grain or top-grain leather, once the top-grain has been separated from the hide. The strength of the two-layer grain leather may be reduced because the fibers are more easily aligned than the similar thickness of the first-layer grain leather. To compensate for this, the double skin may need to be reinforced prior to use. Any grain texture is further embossed into the finished leather.

Only full grain leather retains the natural grain and inherent strength of the original hide. When the sample thickness of the full grain leather is reduced, the strength is significantly reduced making it unsuitable for certain applications. The modified grain and the double layer of leather lack natural grain. In order to obtain the high quality appearance of natural full grain leather, they usually have a synthetic grain surface embossed on their surface.

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary footwear that may be made within the scope of the present invention.

The exemplary footwear is a shoe 100. The illustrated shoe 100 includes an upper UP that includes a Front Panel (FP) and a rear panel (BP). The front panel includes footwear defining portions such as a toe box 101 and tongue 102, two quarter portions 103, and a toe box 104.

The illustrated shoe 100 includes a rear upper panel BP. The rear vamp includes footwear defining portions such as an outer cover sheet 106, lace apertures 107 and welts (lacing) 108.

The illustrated footwear 100 may preferably include a liner on the medial side of the quarter. For illustrative purposes, the liner is not shown.

The illustrated back upper panel BP may include stitching to facilitate the curvature of the back upper panel. The stitches are not shown in the figures.

Front panel FP and rear upper panel BP are attached to each other at a position where rear upper panel BP and front panel FP overlap. The attachment of the two pieces FP to the BP can be facilitated, for example, by adhesion using conventional glue or other adhesive suitable for adhering two devices. The attachment of the two panels FP to the BP can also be facilitated by stitching alone or in combination with an adhesive.

The upper UP is attached to the sole S, for example by adhesion, gluing, stitching, injection molding or any related method of attaching a sole. The attachment of the upper UP to the sole may be done before or after the two pieces of front piece FP and rear upper piece BP are attached to each other.

The sole may include several portions and layers (not shown).

The shoe may of course include other features and components not shown, and the shape and configuration of these components may vary. Most shoes include more than 15 or 20 shoe defining elements.

FIG. 1B illustrates alternative footwear in the form of a boot within the scope of the present invention, the boot including a toe box 1010 and a shaft 1030 in simplified terms. A plurality of different leather pieces 1040 are bonded to the toe cap 1010 and the shaft 1030 by means of glue. Toe cap 1010 and shaft 1030 form a leather base layer and leather piece 1040 forms some leather attachment layer that is bonded to the leather base layer with little or no stitching.

Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of a rear vamp portion of a shoe, such as that of fig. 1, the rear vamp comprising an outer wrap 202, two quarter pieces 201A and 201B, and two welts 202A and 202B.

Fig. 2B illustrates a transverse cross-section of the rear vamp part illustrated in fig. 2A, i.e. a cross-section of the rear wrap 202, the two quarter pieces 201A and 201B and the two welts 202A and 202B.

Fig. 2C illustrates a top view of an assembled rear upper panel, such as the rear upper panel illustrated in fig. 2A, including an outer wrap panel 202, two quarter pieces 201A and 201B, and two welts 202A and 202B. The two quarter pieces thus form a Leather Base Layer (LBL) and an outer covering sheet, and the two welts thus form a Leather Attachment Layer (LAL). Assembly of the pieces may be facilitated by, for example, an adhesive that initially or permanently adheres the pieces together.

Figure 2D illustrates a cross-section of the assembled upper piece in the transverse direction as illustrated in figure 2C. The rear vamp comprises an outer cover sheet 202, two quarter pieces 201A and 201B and two welts 202A and 202B.

The exterior sheet 202 is bonded to the two waist parts 201A and 201B by the adhesive (a) layer 203, and the two welts 202A and 202B are connected to the two waist parts 201A and 201B by the adhesive layers 203A and 203B, respectively.

In the illustrated rear upper sheet provided according to an embodiment of the invention, the two waistbands 201A and 201B form a leather base layer LBL on which the two welts 202A, 202B are bonded with the outer covering sheet 202 by means of glue. The two welts 202A, 202B and the outer cover sheet 202 may be otherwise referred to as leather attachment layers LAL.

In the presently illustrated embodiment, the leather forming the base layer is a polished or non-polished head-layer grain-side leather, with the head-layer grain side being the leather-facing attachment layer LAL, the two hems 202A, 202B, and the outer cover sheet 202.

The currently illustrated leather attachment layer LAL is also preferably from the top grain leather, having a flesh side facing the leather base layer LBL, here the two quarter pieces 201A and 201B facing the outside of the finished shoe with the top grain side.

Useful binders are described elsewhere in this application, but in this example copolyamides have been applied.

The adhesive may be present in a continuous layer or as a "perforated" or discontinuous adhesive layer that facilitates adequate adhesion but also breathability or some moisture transport through the layer.

Fig. 3A illustrates a top view of an upper portion of a shoe, such as that of fig. 1, including a toe cap 301 and a toe box 303 made within the scope of the present invention. The two pieces of the toe cap 301 and the toe cap 303 are assembled by fitting the toe cap 303 on top of the toe cap 301 as illustrated and then attached together by an adhesive (a). The toe cap thus forms a Leather Base Layer (LBL) and the toe cap forms a Leather Attachment Layer (LAL).

Fig. 3B illustrates a cross-section of the above-mentioned part of the upper of the shoe, e.g. of fig. 1, shown in the transverse direction of the toe cap 301 and the toe box 303. The toe cap 303 is attached to the adhesive layer 302 and then to the toe cap 301.

Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of an upper component of a shoe, such as that of fig. 1, including a toe cap 401 and tongue 402, made within the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 5A illustrates a cross section of an assembly according to an example of a method for pre-laminating a leather piece 505, such as illustrated in fig. 2(202, 202A, 202B) and as illustrated in fig. 3(303), wherein the adhesive is illustrated as (203, 203A, 203B) in fig. 2 and as (302) in fig. 3.

Thus, fig. 5A shows a piece of leather 505, a layer of adhesive, such as a web or foil of non-melting thermoplastic hot melt adhesive, and a teflon sheet 507.

Referring to fig. 5A, fig. 5B illustrates a cross-section of an example of adhering an adhesive 506 to a leather piece 505. The piece of leather 505, the adhesive 506 and the teflon plate 507 are subjected to a first compression part 501 on one side and a second compression part 502 on the opposite side, and heat T is applied from at least one side of the compression parts 501 or 502 in combination with pressure P. In the present embodiment, heat is actively transferred only from the first compressing member 501.

The application of the adhesive to the leather part can be carried out at the time on one leather part, but for industrial applications it may be preferable to pre-laminate several leather pieces in the same process.

The two compression portions 501 and 501 may be parts on a machine, for example a transfer flat press such as a Galaxy Air Double, but may also be parts on any other machine or apparatus capable of applying the relevant temperatures and pressures.

Fig. 5C illustrates a cross-section of an example of separating teflon 507 from adhesive 506 attached to leather 505.

The teflon plate was only slightly attached to the adhesive side of the leather. After the teflon sheet is separated from the adhesive side of the leather, the adhesive is used immediately for additional procedures, such as adhering two pieces of leather together. For industrial applications, it may be advantageous to cover the pre-laminated leather with paper sheets, such as heat-resistant paper PA, which is removably adhered to and covers the pre-laminated leather to enable optimal transport of the individual pieces and avoid contamination.

The separation of the teflon plates can be done manually or can be an automated, non-manual process.

After pre-lamination, the leather piece may be re-cut according to subsequent processes and applications.

Fig. 5D and 5E illustrate cross-sections of an example of adhering a pre-laminated leather 505 to another piece of leather 508 using an adhesive 506. The pre-laminated piece of leather 506 may be, for example, a welt piece 202A and the other piece of leather 508 may be, for example, a quarter piece 201A as illustrated in fig. 2.

The adhesion of the leather parts can be carried out at the time of adhering one leather piece to another, but for industrial applications it may be preferable to adhere several leather pieces in the same process.

In this process, it may be advantageous to use a sheet PA such as heat-resistant paper between the leather and the compression section. This is not shown.

The two compression portions 501 and 501 may be parts on a machine of a transfer flat press such as a Galaxy Air Double, but may also be any other machine or device capable of applying the relevant temperatures and pressures.

During the application of heat T and pressure P from at least one side of the compression part 501 or 502, the leather 505, adhesive 506 and leather 508 are pressed from one side by the compression part 501 and from the opposite side by the compression part 502.

Fig. 5F illustrates a cross-section of an example of cooling the attached leather pieces 505 and 508 by pressing the attached and partially bonded leather pieces to the compression portions 503 and 504 to facilitate the cooling process of the leather pieces 505 and 508. The cooling process may be a passive or active process. An example of a machine that facilitates the cooling process may be a booster press. The active or passive cooling process is important for a secure bonding of the leather pieces adhered within the scope of the invention, since the leather pieces must be fixed to each other during cooling.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sections of an example of adhering two leather pieces 601 and 603 together facilitated by an adhesive 602 without pre-lamination. All three layers: one leather piece 601, adhesive 602 and the other leather piece 603, fixed and fitted to each other, are subjected to the compressed portion 501 from one side and the compressed portion 502 from the opposite side, and heat T and pressure P are applied from at least one side of the compressed portion 501 or 502 to melt the adhesive 602 hot. Subsequently, cooling is carried out while keeping the two leather pieces fixed.

The advantage of not using pre-laminated leather is that the leather only needs to be heated once, which is industrially beneficial, and it may be an advantage to avoid shrinkage of the leather and to maintain the softness of the leather.

The following process should preferably include a cooling process such as that illustrated in fig. 5F, but it is not shown here.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of an initial securing of the adhesive 702 to the leather piece 701. The adhesive 702 may have been pre-laminated to another piece of leather 703 prior to securing. The adhesive 702 may not be laminated to another leather member 703 but fixed by the method illustrated for the adhesive 702 and the leather member 701.

The fixation may be done as follows: a pre-pressing operation is performed by uniformly spot welding (dot point welding) around the adhesive piece 702 using, for example, a welding iron W to secure the adhesive to the leather.

The securing may be accomplished by using other devices or methods suitable for securing adhesive 702 to leather pieces 701 and/or 703.

Other types of pre-fixing, such as mechanical or chemical, may be applied within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates an example of applying a pressure P to a stack of leathers comprising a leather piece 801, an adhesive 802 and another leather piece 803, respectively. The stack is illustrated in cross-section. Applying pressure P to the stack may result in compression of at least one of the leathers.

Applying pressure to the stack of leathers while the adhesive is between the two leather pieces can result in the removal of air bubbles that may be present in the leather. The removal of the air bubbles may result in greater heat transfer to the leather and thus less heat is required to heat the adhesive through the leather.

An exemplary footwear is a shoe. Other types of footwear are relevant within the scope of the invention, such as boots. It should also be noted that the footwear may be configured or manufactured in many different ways and formed from different types of footwear defining components, but is still considered to be included in the present invention as long as the main components of the footwear are made in accordance with the provisions of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that different parts of the shoe may be named differently, for example the toe box may also be referred to as a fender, etc., and that parts of the exemplary footwear made within the scope of the present invention also include synonyms for the respective shoe parts.

The adhesives illustrated in the above description, such as 203, 302, 506, 602, 702, and 802, may preferably be used as adhesive foils, films, cut films, webs, dots, or webs with varying degrees of openness to ensure optimal bonding and high breathability of the footwear. The pattern of adhesive is preferably an open, permeable or flexible application.

The term pre-lamination refers to the process of applying adhesive to a piece of leather, and the term lamination refers to the application of a piece of leather to the pre-laminated leather with the adhesive facing the side.

In general, pre-lamination, adhesion, and gluing can all refer to applying an adhesive to at least one leather piece to adhere two leather pieces.

The binder may most preferably be a thermoplastic copolyamide web.

According to ISO 11357, the thermoplastic copolyamide web may for example have a DSC melting range between 98 and 145 and a DSC melting point between 96 and 115 degrees celsius.

The copolyamide hot melt adhesive used may have a possible DSC melting range of, for example, 98 to 110 degrees celsius. This ensures resistance to steam treatment during manufacture, but also ensures that the leather attachment layer is securely fastened to the footwear when the footwear is subjected to pressure, temperature and humidity under ambient conditions.

Another possible DSC melting range for the hot melt adhesive used may be, for example, 132 degrees celsius to 148 degrees celsius. This ensures resistance to steam treatment during manufacture, but also ensures that the leather attachment layer is securely fastened to the footwear when the footwear is subjected to pressure, temperature and humidity under ambient conditions. Thus, the melting points of these adhesives may vary and the amount of heat (temperature) applied and the duration of heating (time) must be selected to melt the selected adhesive without unduly damaging or drying the leather layer. Other parameters to be considered when heating include, for example, leather thickness and pressure during processing.

Other examples of useful adhesive webs that can be used within the scope of the present invention may be webs/patterns such as Bostik polyamide webs having a melting temperature between 125 degrees celsius and 150 degrees celsius.

An advantage of using a nonwoven thermoplastic copolyamide web is that it retains the high softness, flexibility and breathability of the material. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic copolyamide webs is industrially applicable, being easy to unfold and handle without air entrapment during lamination.

The adhesive foil may be cut into relevant pieces by a suitable cutting tool depending on the application, before being laminated or adhered to the leather. The adhesive foil may also be applied to the leather before it is cut into suitable pieces.

Heating of the adhesive thermoplastic copolyamide web during pre-lamination may preferably be performed by heating the web from at least one heating element through a sheet of heat-resistant paper. The temperature from the heating element may be at least 100 degrees celsius, more preferably at least 140 degrees celsius, and most preferably at least 160 degrees celsius. Preferably, the temperature during manufacturing should not exceed 200 degrees celsius.

During the lamination of the two leather pieces, the heating of the thermoplastic copolyamide web can preferably be carried out by heating the web through the leather piece directly connected to the web and the other leather piece. The temperature from the heating element may be at least 100 degrees celsius, such as at least 140 degrees celsius, and such as at least 170 degrees celsius.

The temperature applied to the leather may be different from the temperature at the thermoplastic copolyamide web site, and several parameters may affect the difference between these temperatures. Such parameters may be the kind of leather or the pretreatment of the leather, the leather thickness, the pressure during lamination and the time the temperature and pressure are applied to the leather.

The temperature of the leather side and the thermoplastic copolyamide web is preferably controlled by, for example, a bar indicating the temperature to ensure that the correct temperature is reached for the leather and thermoplastic copolyamide web to ensure an optimum and strong bond.

The heating may be performed through one leather piece from one side only, but may also be performed through both sides of two leather pieces.

During pre-lamination, a heat resistant element, such as teflon 507 illustrated in fig. 5A-C, may be used between the heating component and the adhesive. The heat resistant element may be a separate component, but may also be an integral part of the device.

The duration or time of heating can greatly affect the adhesion of the thermoplastic copolyamide web to the leather and can vary during the pre-lamination and lamination steps. During pre-lamination, this time may preferably be less than the time during lamination. The heating time may preferably be at least 3 seconds during pre-lamination and at least 30 seconds during lamination. The heating time may vary depending on different parameters such as the kind of leather or the pretreatment of the leather, the thickness of the leather and the pressure applied during the treatment.

The temperature and pressure applied during heating may depend on the type of hot melt adhesive applied. If the melt temperature of the hot melt adhesive is below, for example, 130 degrees celsius, the heating temperature may be reduced accordingly.

The pressure applied to the leather and adhesive during processing can increase the thermal conductivity through the leather and thereby improve heat transfer. Improving the heat transfer through the leather may affect how high the temperature applied to the leather needs to be in order to reach the melting temperature of the thermoplastic copolyamide web.

The pressure applied during heating may vary depending on the application, but should be at least 2bar or higher, such as at least 3bar or higher, such as at least 4bar and higher.

The step of actively or passively cooling the hot melt adhesive should preferably be carried out at an elevated pressure sufficient to fix the bonded/progressively bonded leather layer and also to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that the adhesive remains within the nonwoven fibrous structure of the leather layer. The elevated temperature may be, for example, 1bar, but it is also relevant to apply a pressure comparable to the pressure applied by heating.

It should be noted that the pressure applied during cooling may advantageously be applied to another machine than the one applied during pressure and heating.

Kind of leather

The leather piece illustrated in the above description, such as 505 illustrated in FIG. 5, may be any kind of leather. Preferably, the leather class is carefully selected based on its properties and chemicals used, for example, in the pre-treatment of the leather, for example, during the tanning process.

Leather species that may be useful within the scope of the present invention are such as:

examples of the kind of leather that can be used within the scope of the present invention may be such kinds as full grain or top grain leather, embossed grain leather, suede (suede) and nubuck.

The leather piece may be cut into relevant pieces depending on the application by means of a suitable cutting tool before lamination or adhesion to the adhesive. The leather may also be laminated or an adhesive applied before it is cut into suitable pieces.

The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of portions of footwear and methods of adhering portions of footwear. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above, but may be designed and varied in numerous variations within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

In principle, the process can be carried out with any kind of leather. However, typically the leather has been tanned and post tanned. Tanning and post tanning of leather is well known in the art and need not be described in detail herein.

Any variety of tanned leather may be used, including metal tanning (e.g., using chromium, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, iron, or combinations thereof), vegetable tanning (e.g., using tannins from bark or other sources), or natural tanning. Typically, the leather is chrome tanned or vegetable tanned, with chrome tanning being the most commonly used leather.

In principle, there is no upper limit to the thickness of the leather used in the process. However, the reinforcing fabric provides strength to the laminate formed by this method, so the leather need not be excessively thick. Furthermore, if the leather is too thin, the adhesive can penetrate through the entire thickness of the leather, securing it to prevent surface texture from developing during grinding (milling). Thus, leather is typically from 0.1mm to 4mm thick, more typically from 0.2mm to 3.2mm thick, or even from 0.3mm to 2mm thick.

The advantage of laminates is that very thin leather can be used, which retains the unique surface texture obtainable by the method of the present application, and which are light, flexible and strong due to the reinforcing fabric. Laminates formed from thinner leather are particularly desirable.

Thinner leathers commonly used include leathers from 0.3mm to 1.6mm, or from 0.3mm to 1.2mm, or even from 0.3mm to 0.9mm, with leathers from 0.4mm to 0.8mm being most preferred.

The process disclosed herein is most preferably used with thinner leather because a unique surface texture can be created to provide very soft and supple leather. However, due to the reinforcement layer, the leather still has a very high strength, which means that it can be used in a wide range of products.

Leather is a natural product that inevitably undergoes changes to some extent. Typically, the leather species is 0.2mm resistant, which means that the sample thickness may vary by 0.2mm over its area, for example from 0.4mm to 0.6mm or from 1.2mm to 1.4 mm.

The thickness of the leather can be calculated using SATRA TM 1: 2004.

The thickness of the leather layer can be measured, for example, by a SATRA STD 483 "leather thickness meter".

In principle, the leather may be derived from any source, including cowhide, horse hide, goat hide, sheep skin, kangaroo skin, and the like.

The reptile or fish derived leathers have different surface properties on the skin side and thus produce different surface textures during the method of the present application. However, these kinds of leather tend to have lower strength (in particular fish leather) and so can greatly benefit from being laminated to a reinforcement layer according to the present application, providing a high strength laminate with a unique surface texture.

Even so, preferably the leather is mammalian or marsupial leather (i.e., leather derived from a mammal such as cattle or horses or a marsupial such as kangaroo). Mammalian leather is most commonly used.

The method of the present application provides a typical and aesthetically pleasing surface texture to the second side of the leather. Thus, typically the first side of the leather piece is the flesh side and the second side of the leather piece is the skin side.

Tanning is used as a conventional means of treating leather and is applicable to the present invention. Depending on the compound, the color and texture of the fabric may change. The technical definition of Tanning is well known in the art, but simply according to Anthony d. covington "Tanning Chemistry" chapter 10, the only strict definition of Tanning is the conversion of putrescible organic materials into stable materials that are resistant to biochemical attack. Tanning involves a large number of steps and reactions depending on the starting materials and the final product.

In the case of collagen, it is the side chain that largely defines its reactivity and ability to be modified by stabilizing the tanning reaction when making leather. Furthermore, the chemical changes of the backbone defined by the peptide chain limits provide different reaction sites that can be utilized in some tanning processes. During the tanning process, the collagen is modified by tanning agent chemical changes to affect different characteristics of the material properties; the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the leather can be significantly affected by altering the chemical composition of the tanning agent resulting from the relationship between the leather and the solvent, which in turn can affect the balance of any agent between the solvent and the matrix. Furthermore, the reactive sites between the agent and the collagen may affect the isoelectric point of the collagen, and thus there may be different relationships between pH and charge on the leather. The lower the isoelectric point, the more anionic or less cationic the charge on the fur at any pH: the higher the isoelectric point, the more cationic or less anionic the charge on the fur at any pH. Furthermore, the relevant reactions at the side chains and the backbone of the protein can determine the type of reaction and thus the stability of tanning: the fastening of the agent may be influenced by the interaction between the agent and the matrix.

Hydrothermal stability as used herein can be measured by the shrinkage temperature (Ts) of the hide. This is the temperature at which the energy input (heat) exceeds the energy confined in the existing hydrogen bonds of the collagen structure, which leads to the decomposition of the helical structure. The shrinkage temperature of the untanned hide is approximately around 65 degrees celsius. Ts can be increased by the tanning process.

Chromium (III) sulfate ([ Cr (H))₂O)₆]₂(SO₄)₃) Has long been recognized as the most efficient and effective tanning agent. The toxicity of such chromium (III) compounds used in tanning is significantly less than hexavalent chromium. The chromium (III) sulfate dissolves to provide the hexaalkylbromide (III) cation, [ Cr (H)²O)⁶]³⁺Which undergoes a process known as hydroxyking at high pH to provide a polychromine (III) compound activated in tanning which crosslinks collagen subunits. Due to the presence of various ligands, [ Cr (H)²O)⁶]³⁺Is more complicated in tanning baths than in water. Some ligands include sulfate anions, carboxyl groups of collagen, amine groups from amino acid side chains, and masking agents. The masking agent is a carboxylic acid, such as acetic acid, which acts to inhibit the formation of the polychromine (III) chain. The masking agent allows the tanner to further increase the pH to increase the reactivity of the collagen without inhibiting the penetration of the chromium (III) complex.

Collagen is characterized by high levels of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, usually in the repeat-gly-pro-hypro-gly-. These residues produce the helical structure of collagen. CollagenHigh levels of hydroxyproline in proteins achieve significant cross-linking through hydrogen bonds within the helical structure. Collagen is hydrolyzed by the action of hydroxide to form ionized carboxyl groups (RCO)^2-). This conversion can occur during the liming process before the tanning agent (chromium salt) is introduced. The ionized carboxylic group acts as a ligand to coordinate with the chromium (III) center of the oxohydroxide cluster.

Tanning spaces collagen between protein chainsIncrease toThis difference is consistent with crosslinking by polychromic species, of the class created by hydroxyls and oxygens.

One way of performing tanning is explained below. Several steps are required to produce tannable hides before the introduction of the basic chromium species in tanning. The pH must be very acidic when chromium is introduced to ensure that the chromium complex is small enough to fit between the fibers and residues of collagen. Once the desired level of chromium penetration into the material is achieved, the pH of the material is again raised to facilitate the process. This step is called alkalization. In the original state, chrome tanned skin is grey blue in color, and is therefore called wet blue. Chrome tanning is faster than vegetable tanning (this part of the process is less than a day) and produces stretchable leather that is excellently suited for handbags and clothing.

After application of the chromium agent, the bath was treated with sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH to 4.0-4.3, which induces crosslinking between the chromium and the collagen. The increase in pH is usually accompanied by a gradual temperature rise to 40 ℃. The ability of chromium to form such stable bridging bonds explains why it is considered to be one of the most effective tanning compounds. This efficiency is characterized by its increased hydrothermal stability of the skin and its resistance to shrinkage in heated water.

When the tanning agent comprises a chrome tanning agent, the leather of the leather layer may typically comprise the tanning agent in an amount of 3% to 12% by weight of the leather layer.

Chrome tanning agents include chromium, chromium salts and/or derivatives thereof.

As a further limitation in relation to the total content of tanning agent in the leather, the leather may comprise chrome tanning agent in an amount of 1% to 7% by weight of the leather, such as 2% to 6% by weight of the leather, such as 2% to 5% by weight of the leather.

A specific content of chrome tanning agent of 1 to 7% by weight of the leather, such as 2 to 5% by weight of the leather, is particularly attractive for new leather bonding, since this chrome content of the leather in the bonded leather layers can use heat activated adhesives to attach the leather to the reinforcing fabric. Moreover, it is even more advantageous in applications where the leather is steam softened for purposes such as shaping.

Chrome tanning agents include chromium, chromium salts and/or derivatives thereof.

Fatliquoring refers to the process by which fats/oils and waxes are fixed to leather fibers. The primary function of the fatliquoring is to prevent the fibrous structure from re-bonding during drying by providing an oil surface to the fibrous structure. Any fatliquoring agent may be used, including anionic fatliquoring agents such as sulfonated fatliquor and sulfurized oil, soap fatliquoring agents, and cationic fatliquoring agents. Nonionic fatliquoring agents, including alkyl ethylene oxide condensates and protein emulsifiers, may also be used. High-value fatliquoring agents in the form of non-ionic, anionic and cationic fatliquoring agents may also be used in the fatliquoring process.

The raw material of the fatliquoring agent may be marine animal oil, such as fish oil; land animal oils and fats such as claw oil (claw oil), beef tallow, pork fat and bone fat; vegetable oils and fats such as palm oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm kernel fat, and turkey red oil; waxes such as carnauba wax, montan wax, and anhydrous lanolin; synthetic fats such as paraffin oil, mineral oil, fatty alcohol and fatty acid ester.

It should generally be noted that other parts of footwear may be made according to other methods or in a manner different from the claimed leather assembly, as long as at least one part of the footwear is made using these novel provisions or at least the leather layer has been bonded according to the novel methods.

The focus of the present application is generally on improving the upper portion of footwear and no detailed information is given about fitting an upper according to the provisions of the present application to a sole, but it is within the ability of the person skilled in the art to attach the upper to the sole, for example by means of conventional gluing or injection moulding.

Typically, when cattle are used as the source of hide for leather, the reference refers to both calfskin or cattle hide.

List:

FU vamp

FP front vamp piece

BP back shoe upper sheet

S sole

LBL leather substrate layer

LAL leather attachment layer

A adhesive

T temperature

Pressure P

W soldering iron

100 shoes

101 toe cap

102 tongue

103 waist of shoes

104 header

106 wrapping sheet

107 lace holes

108 welt

109 inner sole

1010 toe cap

1040 leather piece/leather attachment layer

1030 shoe tube

201A quarter piece

201B quarter pieces

202 outer wrapping sheet

202A welt

202B welt

203 adhesive

203A adhesive

203B adhesive

301 toe cap

302 adhesive

303 front header

401 toe cap

402 tongue

501 compression part heating

502 compression section heating

503 compression section cooling

504 compression part cooling

505 leather piece

506 adhesive

507 Teflon

508 leather part

601 leather part

602 adhesive

603 leather piece

701 leather part

702 adhesive

703 leather part

801 leather

802 adhesive

803 leather.