Vamp construction and method of constructing the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a vamp construction and a method of vamp construction utilizing multiple layers in a multi-part vamp. This construction provides increased flexibility and comfort, more efficient material utilization, and aesthetic appeal. More specifically, the vamp includes a layer of vamp material, a layer of fabric, and a layer of elastic material.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An article of footwear comprising a vamp, said vamp further comprising:
 at least a layer of vamp material;   at least a first layer of fabric; and   at least a first layer of elastic material;   wherein said first layer of fabric is secured in between said layer of vamp material and said first layer of elastic material.   
     
     
         2 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a second layer of fabric is secured in between said layer of vamp material and said first layer of elastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein said layer of vamp material is secured in between said first layer of fabric and said first layer of elastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein said layer of fabric is waterproof. 
     
     
         5 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a second layer of fabric and at least a second layer of elastic material are secured to said layer of vamp material in an alternating manner. 
     
     
         6 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein said layer of vamp material is an outer layer. 
     
     
         7 . The article of footwear according to  claim 1 , wherein said first layer of elastic material is an inner layer. 
     
     
         8 . An article of footwear comprising a vamp, said vamp further comprising:
 a layer of vamp material;   a first layer of fabric;   a layer of elastic material;   a second layer of fabric;   wherein said second layer of fabric further comprises an opening.   
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear according to  claim 8 , wherein said layer of vamp material and said first layer of fabric are laminated together. 
     
     
         10 . The article of footwear according to  claim 9 , wherein said layer of vamp material and said second layer of fabric are laminated together. 
     
     
         11 . The article of footwear according to  claim 10 , wherein said layer of elastic material is located under said second layer of fabric. 
     
     
         12 . The article of footwear according to  claim 11 , wherein said footwear further comprises a tongue. 
     
     
         13 . The article of footwear according to  claim 12 , wherein said vamp further comprises a second layer of elastic material. 
     
     
         14 . An article of footwear comprising a vamp, said vamp further comprising:
 a layer of first vamp material;   a layer of second vamp material;   wherein said layer of second vamp material is larger than said layer of first vamp material;   a layer of third vamp material;   wherein said layer of third vamp material is smaller than said layer of first vamp material.   
     
     
         15 . The article of footwear according to  claim 14 , wherein said vamp further comprises a layer of fabric. 
     
     
         16 . The article of footwear according to  claim 15 , wherein said layer of fabric is smaller than said layer of first vamp material. 
     
     
         17 . The article of footwear according to  claim 16 , wherein said vamp further comprises an elastic material placed on a bottom face of said layer of fabric and a bottom face of said layer of second vamp material. 
     
     
         18 . The article of footwear according to  claim 17 , wherein a top face of said layer of fabric is laminated to a bottom face of said layer of first vamp material. 
     
     
         19 . The article of footwear according to  claim 18 , wherein a top face of said layer of third vamp material is secured to said bottom face of said layer of second vamp material, and a portion of a top face of said layer of second vamp material is placed under said bottom face of said layer of first vamp material. 
     
     
         20 . The article of footwear according to  claim 19 , wherein said layer of first vamp material, said layer of second vamp material, said layer of third vamp material, and said layer of elastic material are all stitched together.