Shoe Vamp

Abstract

A shoe vamp includes an inner fabric layer including a pattern of decoration on an outer surface; an outer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer including a transparent zone which is transparent when subjecting to heat, the transparent zone being formed on the pattern of decoration; and an intermediate perforated layer formed between the fabric layer and the TPE layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to shoes and more particularly to a vamp of shoe.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Every shoe has an upper (i.e., vamp) that helps hold the shoe onto the foot. Closed footwear (e.g., boots and most men's shoes) has a more complex vamp. This part is often decorated or is made in a certain style to look attractive.

[0005] However, conventional shoe vamps are monotonous and visually unaesthetic. Moreover, its manufacturing process is complicated.

[0006] Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a vamp of a shoe comprising an inner fabric layer including a pattern of decoration on an outer surface; an outer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer including a transparent zone which is transparent when subjecting to heat, the transparent zone being formed on the pattern of decoration; and an intermediate perforated layer formed between the fabric layer and the TPE layer.

[0008] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe vamp according to the invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the shoe vamp; and

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe vamp showing its three-layer structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a vamp 1 of a shoe in accordance with the invention is shown. Bottom edge of the vamp 1 is secured to an outsole of the shoe. The vamp 1 comprises the following components as discussed in detail below.

[0013] An inner fabric layer 10 is formed with a pattern of decoration on its outer surface. An outer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer 20 comprises a transparent zone 21 which is transparent when subjecting to heat. The transparent zone 21 is formed on the pattern of decoration of the fabric layer 10. An intermediate perforated layer 30 is provided between the fabric layer 10 and the TPE layer 20.

[0014] Preferably, the TPE layer 20 is a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) layer.

[0015] Further preferably, the TPE layer 20 is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer.

[0016] The process of manufacturing the vamp 1 comprises the following steps: First, adhere the fabric layer 10, the TPE layer 20, and the perforated layer 30 together as a sheet. Next, cut the sheet into one shaped as a vamp. Next, apply heat at a temperature in a range of about 150 to 200-degree Celsius to portions of the vamp 1 for about 2 to 30 seconds for forming a pattern of decoration thereon. A portion of the TPE layer 20 will become a transparent zone 21 when subjecting to heat and material of the transparent zone 21 enters holes in the fabric layer 10. As a result, an attractive pattern of decoration is formed on an outer surface of the fabric layer 10.

[0017] It is envisaged by the invention that the vamp 1 has a transparent zone 21 which is formed by subjecting to heat. In addition, the vamp 1 has an attractive pattern of decoration. Moreover, the vamp 1 is perforated in order to allow for the passage of air and thus aiding in keeping the shoe dry. Further, the manufacturing process is simple and cost effective.

[0018] While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vamp of a shoe comprising: an inner fabric layer including a pattern of decoration on an outer surface; an outer thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer including a transparent zone which is transparent when subjecting to heat, the transparent zone being formed on the pattern of decoration; and an intermediate perforated layer formed between the fabric layer and the TPE layer.

2. The vamp of claim 1, wherein the TPE layer is a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) layer.

3. The vamp of claim 1, wherein the TPE layer is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer.