Waterproof bootsock

Abstract

A disposable waterproof bootsock is worn over foot and sock to protect from exposure to liquids, dirt and other contaminants in an environment that can penetrate footwear or reach above the ankle. The bootsock is secured about the wearer's calf and ankle using fasteners that accommodate a range of calf and ankle sizes and allow adjustment to the wearer's desired fit while maintaining the bootsock in position upright. One or more sealed compartments are provided to hold essential supplies.

Claims

1. A waterproof bootsock comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet of waterproof material, said first sheet and said second sheet being identical to each other, each said first sheet and said second sheet made of polyurethane, each said first sheet and said second sheet having two surfaces, said surfaces being an internal surface facing the other said sheet and an external surface, each said first sheet and said second sheet having a perimeter defining a predetermined shape including at least a top edge, a leg portion and a foot portion, each said leg portion having a flap region, a mid region, an enlarged ankle region, and an enlarged calf region; a first waterproof seam formed between said first sheet and said second sheet along said perimeter excluding the top edge, whereby an open top is formed between said top edges of said first sheet and said second sheet and a cavity is defined by said internal surfaces of said first and second sheets; a means of securing said flap region of said first sheet to said mid region of said first sheet comprising a first patch of fastening material securely affixed to said flap region and a second patch of fastening material securely affixed to said mid region whereby said first patch can be secured to said second patch; and a strip having a perimeter, said strip being made of polyurethane and affixed to the calf region of the first sheet.

2. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the strip is affixed to the first sheet by a second waterproof seam formed between the strip and the first sheet along the perimeter of the strip, said second waterproof seam being comprised of a plurality of positions; and further comprising one or more waterproof seams formed between the strip and the first sheet, starting at a first position on the second waterproof seam and ending at a second position on the second waterproof seam, whereby one or more sealed compartments are formed between the strip and the first sheet.

3. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the strip is affixed to the first sheet by a second waterproof seam formed between the strip and the first sheet along the perimeter of the strip, said second waterproof seam being comprised of a plurality of positions; and further comprising a support material within said compartment.

4. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 3, wherein: the support material further comprises a bottom surface facing the first sheet and a top surface facing the strip, said top surface having reflective properties.

5. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the first sheet and the second sheet are made of polyurethane having antimicrobial properties.

6. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the first waterproof seam is a double seam comprised of two relatively parallel waterproof seams formed between the first sheet and the second sheet along the perimeter excluding the top edge, whereby an open top is formed between said top edges of said first sheet and said second sheet and a cavity is defined by said internal surfaces of said first and second sheets.

7. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a sole unit, said sole having cushioning properties, and said sole being affixed to the internal surface of the first sheet at the foot region and to the internal surface of the second sheet at the foot region.

8. A waterproof bootsock as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the sole unit further comprises a foot warmer.

9. A waterproof bootsock comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet of waterproof material, said first sheet and said second sheet being identical to each other, each said first sheet and said second sheet made of polyurethane, each said first sheet and said second sheet having two surfaces, said surfaces being an internal surface facing the other said sheet and an external surface, each first sheet and said second sheet having a perimeter defining a predetermined shape including at least a top edge, a leg portion and a foot portion, said external surface of said leg portion of said first sheet having a flap region, a mid region, an ankle region, and an enlarged calf region; a first waterproof seam formed between said first sheet and said second sheet along said perimeter excluding the top edge, whereby an open top is formed between said top edges of said first sheet and said second sheet and a cavity is defined by said internal surfaces of said first and second sheets; a means of securing said flap region to said mid region comprising a first patch of fastening material securely affixed to said flap region and a second patch of fastening material securely affixed to said mid region whereby said first patch can be secured to said second patch; a strip adjacent to the calf region of the first sheet having a perimeter and being made of polyurethane; and a second waterproof seam formed between the strip and the first sheet along the perimeter of the strip, whereby a sealed compartment is formed between the strip and the first sheet; and a support material within said compartment.

10. A waterproof bootsock comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet of waterproof material, said first sheet and said second sheet being identical to each other, each said first sheet and said second sheet made of polyurethane, each said first sheet and said second sheet having two surfaces, said surfaces being an internal surface facing the other said sheet and an external surface, each first sheet and said second sheet having a perimeter defining a predetermined shape including at least a top edge, a leg portion and a foot portion, said external surface of said leg portion of said first sheet having a flap region, a mid region, an ankle region, and an enlarged calf region; a first waterproof seam formed between said first sheet and said second sheet along said perimeter excluding the top edge, whereby an open top is formed between said top edges of said first sheet and said second sheet and a cavity is defined by said internal surfaces of said first and second sheets; a means of securing said flap region to said mid region comprising a first patch of fastening material securely affixed to said flap region and a second patch of fastening material securely affixed to said mid region whereby said first patch can be secured to said second patch; a strip having a perimeter, said strip being made of polyurethane and affixed to the calf region of the first sheet by a second waterproof seam formed between the strip and the first sheet along the perimeter of the strip, said second waterproof seam being comprised of a plurality of positions; and one or more waterproof seams formed between said strip and said first sheet, said seams extending from one position on the second waterproof seam to another position on the second waterproof seam, whereby one or more sealed compartments are formed between the strip and the first sheet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side view of a first side of the bootsock in accordance with the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of a second side of the bootsock of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of a first side of the bootsock of FIG. 1, as it would be secured in use.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of a first side of a second embodiment of the bootsock in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(6) While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings that are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein to specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous decisions specific to any particular implementation must be made to achieve the developers' goals, such as compliance with regulatory constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

(7) The bootsock components discussed herein may be composed of any of a number of sufficiently strong materials and may be formed or constructed by any of a number of processes. Nothing in the descriptions of the embodiments below is intended to be a limitation in the possible materials to be used in constructing any form of this invention.

(8) FIG. 1 is a side view of a first side of an embodiment of a bootsock 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of a second side of Bootsock 100. Bootsock 100 is comprised of two sheets, sheet 102 being forward facing in FIG. 1 and sheet 103 being forward facing in FIG. 2. Sheets 102 and 103 are comprised of appropriate material depending on intended use. For condition in which fully waterproof coverage is desired, the Sheets are comprised of polyurethane that is at least 0.003 inches thick. Alternatively, where breathability is desirable, the Sheets 102 and 103 are comprised of a material that prevents liquid from entering the Bootsock through the Sheets while permitting moisture to escape from the cavity of Bootstock 100 across the Sheets 102 and 103. Without doubt, any of a number of other materials meeting the requirements and characteristics of the preferred material could be employed.

(9) Either the first side or the second side may be described as the left side or right side of Bootsock 100 as worn on a foot. Similarly, as worn on a foot, either the first side or the second side may be described as the interior or exterior of the foot and leg upon which Bootsock 100 is worn.

(10) Bootsock 100 has the general shape of an oversized traditional sock or stocking with a wider opening than is traditionally provided. This embodiment of bootsock 100 further diverges from a traditional sock shape by providing an enlarged calf region 104 and enlarged ankle region 105. As worn, calf region 104 creates a recess into which the wearer's calf will situate. Calf region 104 will surround the wearer's calf, providing a more comfortable fit and additional support against sagging.

(11) Bootsock 100 may be provided in a range of foot or shoe sizes with the understanding, however, that Bootsock 100 is oversized relative to the size of the intended foot to which it will be applied. Wearer's foot will rest within bootsock 100 adjacent to region 106.

(12) The profile of Bootsock 100 is defined by an top edge 110 and seam 120 along the remaining perimeter of Bootsock 100. Seam 120 is a so-called double seam formed by heat sealing, radio frequency (RF) welding, ultrasonic welding or a similarly effective means of manufacture that produces a durable, watertight seal. The spacing between the two seams of seam 120 may vary. A larger spacing is depicted in the figures for the sake of clarity. As an artifact of manufacture, seam 120 may appear to continue along top edge 110. However, sheets 102 and 103 are not joined at top edge 110. Top edge 110 defines the opening to the cavity of Bootsock 100 into which a wearer's foot would be inserted.

(13) Patches 135 and 136 comprise a complementary fastening system. Any of a number of systems capable of selective securing Patch 135 to Patch 136, including hook and loop systems and selective adhesive systems would be appropriate. For purposes of this embodiment using a hook and loop system, patch 135 comprises a first fastening material with a loop surface and patch 136 comprises a second fastening material with a hook surface. For purposes of these specifications, a patch refers to the coverage of an area with one or more portions of the described material.

(14) Reinforcing strip 160 is securely affixed to sheet 102 in the vicinity of calf region 104. When reinforcing strip 160 is affixed by means of seam 161 along the perimeter of reinforcing strip 160, sealed compartment 165 is formed between reinforcing strip 160 and sheet 102.

(15) Alternatively, reinforcing strip 160 may be comprised of a thicker material than Sheets 102 and 103 to provide additional vertical support to Bootsock 100.

(16) An item may be placed between reinforcing strip 160 and sheet 102, such that when seam 161 is formed, such item would be sealed within compartment 165. Where additional vertical support is desired, such item would be comprised of a rigid material. Where additional visibility is desired, such item would comprise a highly visible surface.

(17) FIG. 3 is a side view of a first side of a Bootsock 100 as it would appear in use.

(18) Bootsock 100 is secured about a wearers leg by folding the portion of Bootsock 100 with patch 136 onto the portion of Bootsock 100 with patch 135. The fit of Bootsock 100 may be adjusted by pulling patch 136 and selectively attaching it along the expanse of patch 135. This individual adjustment allows the wearer to adjustably secure Bootsock 100 about a range of calf sizes and to customize the positioning to conform to wearer's desired fit.

(19) The rigidity of patches 135 and 136, individually and when secured together, prevents flap region 153 of Bootsock 100 from sagging about wearer's calf and ankle. The rigidity of reinforcing strip 160 prevents Bootsock 100 from sagging about wearer's calf and ankle. Region 106 remains loose about wearer's foot before and after being secured.

(20) Once secured, Bootsock 100 remains in place about wearer's foot, ankle, and calf, and protects wearer's foot. The wearer may then insert a Bootsock-enclosed foot into any other footwear. The low friction properties of sheets 102 and 103 allow the Bootsock and foot to be slipped into footwear with minimal resistance. Alternatively, as Bootsock 100 protects wearer's foot as well as any foot covering, the Bootsock may be used in lieu of footwear.

(21) FIG. 4 is a side view of a first side of a second embodiment of Bootsock 100.

(22) In this second embodiment, patches 135 and 136 continue to comprise a hook and loop fastening system used to selectively secure Bootsock 100 about wearer's ankle.

(23) Reinforcing strip 160 is securely affixed to sheet 102 by means of seam 161 along the perimeter of reinforcing strip 160 and one or more seams 162 across reinforcing strip 160. A plurality of sealed compartments 166 are formed between reinforcing strip 160 and sheet 102. One or more items may be placed between reinforcing strip 160 and sheet 102, such that when seam 161 and seams 162 are formed, such items would be sealed within compartments 166. The contents of the compartments can vary with the intended uses of Bootsock 100. In some applications, brightly colored or reflective materials or a light emitter may be included in one or more compartments to provide increased visibility for the wearer. In other applications, the compartments may contain survival gear such as water purification tablets, fire-starters, or rescue transmitters.

(24) The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. The invention should not be construed as limited to the specific form shown and described, but instead as set forth in the following claims.