Waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner and composite for snowboards, alpine boots, hiking boots and the like

Abstract

The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for a snowboard boot includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh or a moldable foam, and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine, cross country and hiking boots, along with appropriate variations for each application.

1 . A moisture vapor transfer composite comprising: 
 a first layer of nonwoven material containing a blend of absorbent, moisture vapor transferring, antimicrobial, anti-fungal fibers;    a layer of breathable, germicidal, open-cell foam mechanically bonded to the first nonwoven layer; and    a second moisture vapor transferring non-woven material containing antimicrobial, anti-fungal fibers mechanically bonded to the first nonwoven layer and open-cell foam layer.    
     
     
         2 . A composite according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers contain elastomeric stretch fibers.  
     
     
         3 . A composite according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers are apertured.  
     
     
         4 . A composite according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers have thermal properties.  
     
     
         5 . A composite according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers have reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         6 . A composite according to  claim 1 , wherein the open-cell foam layer has reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         7 . A moisture vapor transfer composite comprising: 
 a first layer of breathable, germicidal, open-cell foam;    a first layer of antimicrobial, nonwoven material mechanically bonded to the first layer of breathable, open-cell foam, the first nonwoven layer being capable of absorbing and transferring moisture vapor;    a second layer of breathable, germicidal open-cell foam attached to the first nonwoven layer; and    a second layer of nonwoven material attached to the second open-cell foam layer, the second nonwoven layer being capable of absorbing and transferring moisture vapor,    wherein moisture vapor is transferred from the first foam layer, through the first nonwoven layer, through the second foam layer, and then through the second nonwoven layer.    
     
     
         8 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the second foam layer is mechanically bonded to the second nonwoven layer.  
     
     
         9 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers contain stretchable fibers.  
     
     
         10 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers have thermal properties.  
     
     
         11 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second nonwoven layers have reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         12 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second foam layers have reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         13 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second foam layers are cellular elastomeric composites made in one process.  
     
     
         14 . A composite according to  claim 7 , wherein the first and second foam layers are cellular elastomeric composites having reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         15 . A article of footwear comprising: 
 a first layer of breathable, germicidal, open-cell foam;    a first moisture transfer, anti-microbial, absorbent nonwoven material mechanically having a first side bonded to the first open-cell foam layer;    a second layer of breathable, germicidal open-cell foam having a first side thereof attached to a second side of the first nonwoven material; and    an exterior shell material attached to a second side of the second open-cell foam layer, the exterior shell material being capable of transferring moisture vapor,    wherein moisture vapor is transferred from the first open-cell foam layer, through the first nonwoven material, the second open-cell foam layer, and then through the exterior shell material.    
     
     
         16 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the first open-cell foam layer is mechanically bonded to the first nonwoven material and the second open-cell foam layer.  
     
     
         17 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the second open-cell foam layer is mechanically bonded to the exterior shell material.  
     
     
         18 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the nonwoven materials are apertured.  
     
     
         19 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the nonwoven materials have anti-microbial properties.  
     
     
         20 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the nonwoven materials have reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         21 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second open-cell foam layers have reversible enhanced thermal properties.  
     
     
         22 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the exterior shell material is a nonwoven material.  
     
     
         23 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the exterior shell material has waterproofing properties.  
     
     
         24 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the exterior shell material is encapsulated for waterproofing.  
     
     
         25 . A composite according to  claim 15 , wherein the exterior shell material is a nonwoven material.