Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
An article of footwear, characterised in that it is waterproof, breathable and stretchable and comprises, in a laminar combination, an elastomeric hydrophilic layer having selected stretch and recovery properties and a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding 1000 gms/m 2 /day and, in a continuous interlocking phase therewith, a continuous hydrophobic layer having a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding lOuO gms/m 2 /day and an advancing water contact angle exceeding 90 degrees.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
An article of footwear, characterised in that it is waterproof, breathable and stretchable and comprises, in a laminar combination, an elastomeric hydrophilic layer having selected stretch and recovery properties and a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding 1000 gms/m 2 /day and, in a continuous interlocking phase therewith, a continuous hydrophobic layer having a moisture vapor transmission rate exceeding lOuO gms/m 2 /day and an advancing water contact angle exceeding 90 degrees.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An article of footwear according to claim 1 characterised in that said laminar combination further comprises a textile outer layer having selected stretch and recovery properties, and which is in laminar contact with said hydrophilic layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article of footwear according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the hydrophobic layer comprises a microporous sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An article of footwear according to any preceding claim characterised in that the selected stretch and recovery properties have been imparted by stretching tne combined hydrophilic and hydrophobic layer such that the hydrophobic layer is extended, in one direction, at least 5% beyond its yield point.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article of footwear according to claim 2 characterised in that the combined hydrophilic and hydrophobic layer is bonded to the outer layer by an open pattern of adhesive dots.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article of footwear according to any preceding claim characterised in that it is in the form of a sock adapted to fit snugly around the foot of the wearer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article of footwear according to claim 6 characterised in that the sock has panels made of said laminar combination.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article of footwear in accordance with any preceding claim characterised in that it is in the form of a liner adapted to be removably fitted within an outer article of footwear.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that said laminar combination forms a lining, within an outer housing for the lining.