TACTICAL IMPACT MITIGATION FOOTWEAR COVER

Abstract

A footwear cover that includes a sole portion that includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define at least a first interior space therebetween, at least a first bladder member disposed in the first interior space, and an upper connected to the sole portion. The first bladder member defines a bladder interior that includes a non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein. The upper includes at least a first securement strap for securing the footwear cover in a closed position.

Claims

1. A footwear cover comprising: a sole portion that includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define at least a first interior space therebetween, at least a first bladder member disposed in the first interior space, wherein the first bladder member defines a bladder interior, wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in the bladder interior, and an upper connected to the sole portion, wherein the upper includes at least a first securement strap for securing the footwear cover in a closed position.

2. The footwear cover of claim 1 wherein the first bladder member includes a plurality of cells defined therein, wherein each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein.

3. The footwear cover of claim 2 wherein each cell has a honeycomb shape.

4. The footwear cover of claim 3 wherein each cell defines a cell axis, wherein the outer layer of the sole portion defines an outer surface, and wherein the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the outer surface.

5. The footwear cover of claim 1 wherein the first bladder member is made of a polymer.

6. The footwear cover of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of bladder members that are enclosed in a plurality of pockets defined in the sole portion.

7. The footwear cover of claim 1 wherein the upper includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a toe portion, a heel portion and a top portion, wherein the top portion includes a medial closure portion and a lateral closure portion, and wherein the first securement strap is connected to one of the medial closure portion or lateral closure portion.

8. The footwear cover of claim 7 wherein the upper includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define a second interior space therebetween, wherein at least a second bladder member is disposed in the second interior space, wherein the second bladder member defines a bladder interior, wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in the bladder interior.

9. The footwear cover of claim 8, wherein the second interior space is defined at least partially in the toe portion, the heel portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion, and wherein the second bladder member is positioned in one or more of the toe portion, the heel portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion.

10. A footwear cover comprising: a sole portion that includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define at least a first interior space therebetween, at least a first sole bladder member disposed in the first interior space, wherein the first sole bladder member defines a bladder interior, wherein the first sole bladder member includes a plurality of cells defined therein, wherein each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid disposed therein, wherein each cell has a honeycomb shape, and an upper connected to the sole portion, wherein the upper includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a toe portion, a heel portion and a top portion, wherein the upper includes an inner layer and an outer layer that cooperate to define a second interior space therebetween, wherein the second interior space is defined in the toe portion, the heel portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion, wherein one or more upper bladder members are positioned in the second interior space and in the toe portion, the heel portion, the medial portion and the lateral portion, wherein each of the upper bladder members define a bladder interior, and wherein a non-Newtonian fluid is disposed in each bladder interior, wherein the top portion includes a medial closure portion, a lateral closure portion and at least a first securement strap for securing the footwear cover in a closed position, wherein the first securement strap is connected to one of the medial closure portion or lateral closure portion.

11. The footwear cover of claim 10 wherein the top portion does not include a bladder member therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 in the open position;

[0051] FIG. 3 is a medial side elevational view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 4 is a lateral side elevational view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sole portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 1; and

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the article of footwear taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0056] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0057] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0058] It may be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

[0059] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0060] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, may control.

[0061] It may be appreciated that terms such as front, back, top, bottom, side, short, long, up, down, aft, forward, inboard, outboard and below used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] The following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example systems. Also, the following description includes various examples of the invention, which are referenced and reference is made to the associated drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration example environments and usage the invention may be employed. It is to be stated that other configurations, usages, aspects of use, parts, portions, example systems may be used and structural and functional modifications or alterations may be made without taking leave from the scope of the present invention. Terms, such as around, through, top, bottom, side, above, below, underneath, over, clear, transparent, inner, outer, impact, engaging, fluids, soft, pliable, wicking, single, double, force, impact, linear, rotational, angular, acceleration, mitigation, cowl, engagement, etc. may be used to describe the invention, and the various examples, and example aspects, facets, features, elements of the invention; these terms are used herein as a matter of descriptors and for practicality and expediency based upon the example orientations as shown in the illustrations. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention.

[0063] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0064] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0065] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0066] It may be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

[0067] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0068] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, may control.

[0069] A non-Newtonian fluid system, a honeycomb system, four engaging impact members and apparatus designed to protect the wearer from injury resulting from static line paratrooper landing impacts in which acceleration, angular, linear, rotational, extension or flexion/extension motion resulting from an impact force requires an impact force energy attenuation footwear over boot device. The method embodies an inherent honeycomb system housing the non-Newtonian fluid in four engaging impact members that is engaged with resulting impact force at the point of compression resulting in the non-Newtonian fluid energy attenuating impact force including both linear and rotational velocity and acceleration in the disposable tactical impact over boot.

[0070] A disposable tactical impact over boot technology system/member and apparatus designed to protect the wearer from injury resulting from static line paratrooper landing impacts in which linear acceleration, angular, and/or rotational acceleration, deceleration or velocity resulting from an impact force, as well as hyper-flexion or hyper-extension requires engagement of the non-Newtonian fluid coupled with the honeycomb system in four engaging impact members at impact. A disposable tactical impact over boot technology system/member and apparatus designed to protect the wearer from injury resulting from static line paratrooper landing impacts in which linear acceleration, angular, and/or rotational acceleration, deceleration or velocity resulting from an impact force, as well as hyper-flexion or hyper-extension requires engagement of the non-Newtonian fluid coupled with the honeycomb, and the four engaging impact members in an over boot system when the wearer lands on a flat surface, or an angular or uneven surface energy attenuating the impact force to the wearer.

[0071] Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot system for safety in static line paratrooper jumps, and other uses. The figures generally illustrate examples of the invention, and the description describes how the tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot system fits over the wearer's combat boots. The impact mitigation system using honeycomb may occupy one or more placements within the base, toe, heel, and two sides of the impact engaging portion of the over boot system. The non-Newtonian fluid may occupy one placement within the base, toe, heel, and two sides of the impact engaging portion of the over boot system.

[0072] The tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot system may be formed from a variety of comfortable textile wicking materials already in use in today's market, and may be formed with a variety of characteristics in the prior art.

[0073] The tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot system four impact engaging member portions of the over boot contains the non-Newtonian fluid system, contained within the honeycomb cell system, including each individual honeycomb enclosed and sealed cell may hold non-Newtonian fluid independently, all distributed uniformly and throughout the entirety of the impact engaging four member system of the over boot system starting at the sole of the over boot to the toe of the over boot system, to the heel of the over boot system, and to the two sides of the over boot system. The depth of the honeycomb may be greater/thicker at the base or sole of the impact engaging member of the over boot system. The ground contact base portion of the over boot system may be formed to have a design to grip the ground used in the prior art. The toe and heel portions of the impact engaging member of the over boot system, which are continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may not need to be as great/thick as the base or sole, and the two sides of the over boot system, also continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may be as great/thick as the sole member to address hyper-extension/hyper-flexion of the wearers ankle, rolling and snapping the wearer's ankle, and more. The crown or arch portion of the over boot system is stitched, glued, or some form of contact to maintain positioning into the four impact engaging members of materials of the over boot. The Velcro straps to secure the over boot to the wearers foot may be located at three locations starting at the toe area crossing over the arch to secure in front of the wearers ankle, the middle strap starts at the mid-arch crossing over to secure just under the wearer ankle, and the top strap starts at the base of the tibia/fibula crossing over to secure above the wearers ankle. The opening or cowl neck of the upper portion makes it easier for the wearer to slip their boots or footwear into the over boot system.

[0074] The honeycomb with non-Newtonian fluid system of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy from 1% up to 100% of the four impact engaging member portions of the sole, top, heel, and two side engaging members of the over boot system, i.e., up to 100%, of the four impact engaging members of the over boot system and region or area. The crown or arch system of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy a portion of the entire over boot system of at least 10% or up to 50%, of the over boot system and region or area. The Velcro straps system of an example embodiment of the invention may occupy a portion of the entire over boot system, i.e., at least 5%, or up to 50%, of principally the crown, upper, or arch portion of the over boot system and region or area.

[0075] As already described, the one or more protrusions included in the over boot system and the sole or base impact engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form.

[0076] Also, the one or more protrusions included in the over boot system and the toe impact engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form.

[0077] Also, the one or more protrusions included in the over boot system and the heel impact engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form. Also, the one or more protrusions included in the over boot system and the two sides impact engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form. Also, the one or more protrusions included in the over boot system and the crown, arch, or upper impact engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form.

[0078] The honeycomb system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or element to alter or adjust characteristics of the honeycomb impact receiving device. For example, the pliable and durable honeycomb system may be formed out of some polymer, such as flexible plastic, including, but not limited to plastics, thermoplastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, plus polytetrafluoroethylene, plus rubber, vulcanized neoprene, and other materials.

[0079] The Velcro system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or elements to alter or adjust characteristics of the Velcro securement system. The upper, crown, or arch portion of the over boot system may be formed of a variety of materials and/or include a variety of features or elements to alter or adjust characteristics of the upper portion of the over boot system. Other securing systems, such as buttons, snaps, straps, dial closures, ratchet systems may also be used.

[0080] Also, the one or more protrusions included in the ground contact base over boot system engaging member of the over boot system as an example of the embodiment of the invention, all of which may extend laterally, vertically, may have depth, may have height, and may be in three dimensional form. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of providing and methods of using over boot systems.

[0081] For example, to insert the non-Newtonian fluid system wherein the cells of the honeycomb contains the non-Newtonian fluid, wherein the non-Newtonian fluid is 100% enclosed and sealed within the honeycomb system, and wherein the honeycomb is contained within the engaging impact members including the sole or base member, top member, heel member and two sides members.

[0082] To insert the honeycomb system containing the non-Newtonian fluid, wherein the non-Newtonian fluid is contained within each individual honeycomb cell, and wherein the non-Newtonian fluid is 100% enclosed or sealed in each individual honeycomb cell, and wherein the entirety of the honeycomb cell structure is a honeycomb system, and wherein the honeycomb is contained within the engaging impact members including the sole or base member, top member, heel member and two sides members.

[0083] To insert and/or attach the crown, arch, or upper layer of the over boot system, wherein the upper portion member of the over boot system is attached to the four impact engaging members to close the over boot system over the wearers footwear.

[0084] To insert and/or attach the Velcro straps to the crown, arch, or upper layer of the over boot system, wherein the Velcro straps may be attached using stitching, adhesive, or some combination therein or other methods of attachment. One or more protrusions extending from the Velcro straps to the crown, arch, or upper layer of the over boot system.

[0085] The over boot system receiving device when worn with other footwear, including the four impact engaging members containing the non-Newtonian fluid contained within the honeycomb system may not present the human or a wearer with an abnormal feeling of fit, comfort, or the like. Optimally, the invention may be worn with other footwear.

[0086] Specific examples of the invention and the structures according to the examples of the invention are described in greater detail below. The reader should be aware that these specific examples and structures are set forth simply to illustrate the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0087] Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to the wearers safety protection systems, for protective equipment for safety in static line paratrooper jumps and landings, and other uses. The non-Newtonian fluid system, may occupy one or more placements within the over boot system of the tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system. The non-Newtonian fluid system may occupy one or more placements within the over boot. The non-Newtonian fluid system may occupy one or more placements within the honeycomb contained within the over boot. The outer and inner layers, and/or closed/sealed honeycomb, and outer and inner layers made of plastics materials, including, but not limited to polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, high density open cell urethane foam, a microcellular ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polyethylene foam, a viscoelastic plasticized polyurethane polymer, a viscoelastic urethane rubber polymer, a vulcanized neoprene, or other highly elastic materials able to withstand impact force, temperature changes also ensuring proper stability in function, or any polymeric material may occupy one or more placements within the over boot system, and the upper layer may be made from a variety of textiles that may also be breathable and stretchable wicking material layer of the over boot system.

[0088] The tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system upper layer may be formed from a variety of comfortable textiles and/or wicking materials already in use in today's market, and may be formed with a variety of characteristics in the prior art.

[0089] The tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system honeycomb layers may be formed from a variety of plastic materials plastics, rubber, vulcanized neoprene, polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, and more system may be formed from a variety of materials. The outer and inner layers, or closed/sealed members made of plastics, rubber, vulcanized neoprene, polyurethanes, polyolefins or any polymeric material, and more system may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0090] Aspects of the invention relate to safety systems in static line paratrooper jumps and landings and relates to a tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system means any device that a user places on or over some portion of the human or wearers foot and footwear to mitigate impact forces derived from a paratroopers, or jumpers landing on the ground, or the like. The tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system receiving device, (i.e. a tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system designed to protect the users foot, ankle, knee, hip, and spine areas through impact mitigation), which is a tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system and apparatus including an over boot system with four impact engaging member portions of the over boot contains the non-Newtonian fluid system, contained within the honeycomb cell system, including each honeycomb enclosed and sealed cell may hold non-Newtonian fluid independently, all distributed uniformly and throughout the entirety of the impact engaging four member system of the over boot system starting at the sole of the over boot to the toe of the over boot system, to the heel of the over boot system, and the two sides of the over boot system. The depth of the honey comb may be greater/thicker at the base or sole of the impact engaging member of the over boot system. The ground contact base portion of the over boot system may be formed to have a design to grip the ground used in the prior art. The toe and heel portions of the impact engaging member of the over boot system, which are continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may not need to be as great/thick as the base or sole, and the two sides of the over boot system, also continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may be as great/thick as the sole member to address hyper-extension/hyper-flexion, etc. of the wearer's ankle. The crown or arch portion of the over boot system is stitched, glued, or some form of contact to maintain positioning in to the four impact engaging members of materials of the over boot. The Velcro straps to secure the over boot to the wearers foot may be located at three locations starting at the toe area crossing over the arch to secure in front of the wearer's ankle, the middle strap starts at the mid-arch crossing over to secure just under the wearer ankle, and the top strap starts at the base of the tibia/fibula crossing over to secure above the wearers ankle. The cowl neck of the opening of the upper or crown portion is designed to easily receive the wearers' boots or footwear.

[0091] The over boot system receiving device when worn independently, may not present the user or a wearer with an abnormal feeling of fit, comfort, or the like. The over boot is used to mitigate impact forces derived from a paratrooper, or sky dive jumper landing on the ground, or the like.

[0092] The over boot system in the form of an over boot may be used for impact protection and mitigation and other various uses in today's markets is used as a base shape or design in the examples of the invention. When the same reference number is used and appears in one or more drawings, then that reference number is used consistently throughout in this specification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0093] The application illustrates examples of a tactical impact mitigation disposable over boot technology system that includes an over boot system with four impact engaging member portions and contains a honeycomb cell system with each honeycomb enclosed and sealed cell that holds non-Newtonian fluid independently, all distributed uniformly and throughout the entirety of the impact engaging four member system of the over boot system starting at the sole of the over boot to the toe of the over boot system, to the heel of the over boot system, and the two sides of the over boot system. Preferably, the depth of the honey comb is be greater/thicker at the base or sole of the impact engaging member of the over boot system. The ground contact base portion of the over boot system are formed to have a design to grip the ground. The toe and heel portions of the impact engaging member of the over boot system, which are continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may not need to be as great/thick as the base or sole, and the two sides of the over boot system, also continuous from the sole portion of the over boot system may be as great/thick as the sole member to address hyper-extension/hyper-flexion of the wearers ankle. The crown or arch portion of the over boot system is stitched, glued, or some form of contact to maintain positioning in to the four impact engaging members of materials of the over boot. The Velcro straps secure the over boot to the wearers foot may be located at three locations starting at the toe area crossing over the arch to secure in front of the wearers ankle, the middle strap starts at the mid-arch crossing over to secure just under the wearer ankle, and the top strap starts at the base of the tibia/fibula crossing over to secure above the wearers ankle. The cowl neck of the opening of the upper or crown portion is designed to easily receive the wearers' boots or footwear.

[0094] The protective over boot is preferably comprised of four impact engaging members, an outer layer, an inner layer, a honeycomb layer containing non-Newtonian fluid, an upper layer secured to the wearer with three Velcro straps. The four impact engaging members having a sole member, a toe member, a heel member, and two side members. The four impact engaging members having an outer layer fabricated principally out of some form of plastic, rubber, or some similar material used in the prior art, with the sole member also containing a honeycomb sole containing non-Newtonian fluid, with the toe member also containing a honeycomb sole containing non-Newtonian fluid, with the heel member also containing a honeycomb sole containing non-Newtonian fluid, and with the two side members also containing a honeycomb sole of the cross-referenced patents. The four impact engaging members are all connected via stitching, adhesive, or some combination therein, or fabricated as one compete unit as seen in the prior art. The upper layer is a textile from the prior art, and is stitched and/or glued together via an adhesive. The over boot is secured using three Velcro straps with the cowl neck of the opening of the upper or crown portion is designed to easily receive the wearers' boots or footwear.

[0095] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-6 show embodiments of an over boot, article of footwear or footwear cover that include a non-Newtonian fluid therein in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in a preferred embodiment, the footwear cover 10 generally includes a sole portion 12, an upper 14 and treads 15. In a preferred embodiment, the upper 14 includes an inside or medial portion 18, an outside or lateral portion 20, a toe portion 22, a heel portion 24, and a top portion 25 that includes a medial closure portion 26, a lateral closure portion 28 and a plurality of securing straps 30.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show the footwear cover 10 in the closed (FIG. 1) and open (FIG. 2) positions. In a preferred embodiment, the opening 32 defined when the footwear cover 10 is in the open position (when the medial closure portion 26, a lateral closure portion 28 are separated from one another) is large enough for a user to slip their foot and footwear (e.g., boot) into the boot receiving space 14 with little effort. In a preferred embodiment, the securing straps 30 include Velcro (hook and loop fastener) thereon, which connect to the top portion 25 to secure the footwear cover in the closed position. The securing straps 30 can extend from either the medial closure portion 26 or the lateral closure portion 28 and are connected to the other of the medial closure portion 26 and the lateral closure portion 28.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the footwear cover 10 includes a non-Newtonian disposed in the sole portion 12 and one or more of the medial portion 18, lateral portion 20, toe portion 22 and/or heel portion 24. In FIGS. 1-4, line 34 represents the separation between the top portion 25 (which preferably does not include non-Newtonian fluid therein and the medial portion 18, lateral portion 20, toe portion 22 and heel portion 24, which (one or more of) preferably do include non-Newtonian fluid therein. Line 34 may be where the top portion 25 is stiched, adhered or otherwise attached to the lower portions of the upper. However, in another embodiment, the entire upper 14 (top portion 25 and the medial portion 18, lateral portion 20, toe portion 22 and heel portion 24 may comprise the same piece of material). In a preferred embodiment, the top portion does not include an interior space nor a bladder member therein.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the portions of the footwear cover 10 that include non-Newtonian fluid therein. In a preferred embodiment, the non-Newtonian fluid is encased in one or more bladder members 16. Preferably, the bladder member 16 defines a bladder interior 36 and the non-Newtonian fluid 38 is disposed in the bladder interior 36. In a preferred embodiment, the non-Newtonian fluid comprises corn starch and non-toxic antifreeze. However, any non-Newtonian fluid is within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] The bladder member 16 is preferably made of a polymer so that it is malleable and durable. The bladder member 16 can be completely open on the inside thereof (i.e., a single cavity) and have the non-Newtonian fluid 38 distributed throughout. In another embodiment, the bladder member 16 can include a plurality of cells or pockets therein. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, in a preferred embodiment, the bladder member 16 includes a plurality of honeycomb cells 40 and each cell includes the non-Newtonian fluid 38 disposed therein.

[0101] The bladder member 16 or members are disposed in the sole portion 12 and the upper 14 within pockets or an interior space 42 defined between inner and outer layers 44 and 46. A single bladder member may extend from the sole portion 12 and up and into the medial portion 18, lateral portion 20, toe portion 22 and heel portion 24. Or, a separate bladder member can be used in each of the sole portion 12, medial portion 18, lateral portion 20, toe portion 22 and heel portion 24. In another embodiment, a first bladder portion 16 can be included in the sole portion 12 and a second bladder portion 16 can be used in the desired portions of the upper 14. Different embodiments can have bladder members in different locations, as desired and any combination is within the scope of the present invention.

[0102] It will be appreciated that the interior space 42 defined by the inner and outer layers 44 and 46 can be continuous or may include dividers therein that define separate various portions of the interior space into separate pockets for the inclusion of bladder members therein. In a preferred embodiment, soft layers or foam layers 50 can be included between the inner and outer layers 44 and 46 and the bladder member 16. The foam layers 50 surround the bladder member 16 and provide cushioning and comfort. The foam member can be omitted if desired or it can be made of other soft materials that are not foam.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, each cell 40 defines a cell axis A1 that extends generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the wearer's skin. In other words, the cell axes are oriented generally perpendicular to the surfaces of the inner and outer layers 44 and 46. In another embodiment, the cells can be oriented so that the cell axes are not perpendicular to the wearer's skin. In another embodiment, there can be multiple layers of cells.

[0104] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. As used herein, the terms connected, coupled, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word or in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0105] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art may recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0106] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

[0107] Any patents and/or patent applications and other references are articles noted above or herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, charts or figures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0108] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0109] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.