U.S. patent application number 11/622242 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for waterproof foot covering.
Invention is credited to Christian D. Lavers.
Application Number | 20070163145 11/622242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38261777 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070163145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lavers; Christian D. |
July 19, 2007 |
Waterproof Foot Covering
Abstract
A waterproof foot covering is provided that is disposable in a
preferred embodiment. The foot covering may be a single layer of a
thin, resilient, waterproof material or may consist of two layers,
an outer layer of a thin resilient, waterproof material and an
inner layer of fabric or some other material. Means to provide air
pockets between the inner layer and the outer layer are provided.
Preferred embodiments include additional features to secure the
foot covering on the leg and foot, provide additional warmth and
ventilation and prevent slippage. The foot covering is particularly
helpful to athletes playing outdoors or to those who work outside
in wet weather in preventing discomfort caused by cold and wet
feet.
Inventors: |
Lavers; Christian D.;
(Milwaukee, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHYTE HIRSCHBOECK DUDEK S C
555 EAST WELLS STREET, SUITE 1900
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
38261777 |
Appl. No.: |
11/622242 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60758909 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/4 ; 36/8.1;
36/9R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/005 20130101;
A41B 11/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/4 ; 36/8.1;
36/9.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 1/10 20060101
A43B001/10; A43B 5/08 20060101 A43B005/08; A43B 3/10 20060101
A43B003/10 |
Claims
1. A foot covering, being generally in the shape of a sock, at
least partially manufactured of water-resistant material.
2. The foot covering of claim 1 made of waterproof material.
3. The foot covering of claim 1 made of a material selected from
the group consisting of latex, vinyl, nitrile, plastic or other
polymer.
4. The foot covering of claim 1 having means of tightening the sock
around the foot or leg when worn.
5. The foot covering of claim 4 having at least one piece of
plastic tape as tightening means.
6. The foot covering of claim 1 having means of holding the sock in
place on the foot when worn.
7. The foot covering of claim 1 having an inside wall and an
outside wall wherein at least one ventilation strip is imbedded
therein, thereby allowing air to circulate between the inside wall
and the outside wall.
8. The foot covering of claim 1 wherein the foot covering has a leg
portion and a foot portion and further wherein the foot portion has
a sole portion having a heel portion and a toe portion, wherein the
covering is reinforced for strength and comfort in the heel portion
and the toe portion.
9. The foot covering of claim 8 wherein the sole portion has at
least one anti-slip nub affixed thereto.
10. The foot covering of claim 8 wherein the sole portion has at
least one anti-slip strip affixed thereto.
11. The foot covering of claim 1 wherein the foot covering has a
sole portion and wherein the covering is reinforced in the sole
portion.
12. The foot covering of claim 1 having an arch portion wherein the
covering is tapered around the arch.
13. The foot covering of claim 1 wherein it is form fitting.
14. The foot covering of claim 1 manufactured of an elastic
material.
15. A foot covering being generally in the shape of a sock, having
an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the outer layer is made
of waterproof material.
16. The foot covering of claim 15 wherein the inner layer is made
of fabric.
17. The foot covering of claim 15, having means to provide air
pockets between the inner layer and outer layer.
18. The foot covering of claim 17 wherein the inner layer has ribs
to provide air pockets between the inner layer and the outer
layer.
19. The foot covering of claim 17 wherein the outer layer has ribs
to provide air pockets between the inner layer and the outer
layer.
20. The foot covering of claim 15 having an open end, wherein the
inner layer and the outer layer are attached to each other only at
the open end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/758,909,
filed Jan. 13, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] In general, the inventive arrangements relate to foot
coverings and, more specifically, to waterproof foot coverings.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to foot coverings, and, in particular,
water-resistant or waterproof foot coverings or socks that may be
disposable in a preferred embodiment. The socks described herein
are particularly helpful to soccer players and others who are
required to be outside in wet weather or to participate in athletic
competition on wet grass or turf. A significant problem encountered
when playing soccer or other sports outside in wet weather on a
grassy surface is getting wet and cold feet. This is also a problem
encountered by those who hike outdoors in wet weather or work
outdoors.
[0004] Soccer shoes are typically worn tight on the foot because
the tight fit allows the player maximum "feel" of the ball.
Particularly when a shoe is tight, the player becomes uncomfortable
when the sock gets wet because the wetness of the sock presses
against the foot. The toes then become cold and the player is
uncomfortable. Furthermore, when the foot is cold and wet, the
player's feel of the ball is diminished.
[0005] Similarly, because of both the need for a tight fit in
soccer shoes and the need for maximum "feel" of the ball, wearing
additional layers of socks, or wearing thick socks, in an attempt
to keep the feet warm and dry is not feasible when playing soccer.
These factors combine to make soccer players significantly
uncomfortable when the outside conditions are both wet and cold and
places them at a significant playing disadvantage.
[0006] The waterproof foot covering described herein solves these
problems. It is exceptionally thin so that the fit of the shoe is
unaffected and the player's "feel" of the ball is undiminished,
while the player's feet stay dry and warm. Furthermore, the
invention is preferably disposable so that every sock is "brand
new" and thus totally waterproof, dry and clean.
[0007] Soccer players typically are required to wear team socks as
a part of their uniform. These team socks cover the shin guards
that are worn to protect the legs from injury. Some players wear
two socks on each foot to prevent friction and resulting blisters,
namely, a very thin undersock and a team sock. The disposable
waterproof sock described herein could be worn either over or under
the team sock. Where both an undersock and a team sock are worn,
the invention alternatively could be worn over both of the socks,
over the foot but under both socks, or over the under sock but
under the team sock.
[0008] As described, it is desirable to provide a water-resistant
or waterproof foot covering of very thin material to protect the
feet of soccer players when playing outdoors on wet grass or turf.
It would also be advantageous to provide a waterproof foot covering
for use by others who work or play out of doors in wet weather. It
would also be desirable to provide a waterproof foot covering that
is inexpensive to manufacture and is disposable after use.
[0009] It is also advantageous to provide a waterproof foot
covering having a thin layer of fabric, thereby enhancing the
warmth and comfort of the user. It is also desirable to provide a
waterproof foot covering having two layers with air pockets
therebetween to enhance warmth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
water-resistant or waterproof foot covering of very thin material
allowing users to wear their "normal" shoes comfortably in wet
conditions.
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide a
waterproof foot covering that is disposable after use.
[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
waterproof foot covering for use by soccer players or others who
work or play outdoors in wet weather.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a
waterproof foot covering that is inexpensive.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a
waterproof foot covering having a thin layer of fabric to provide
further comfort for the user.
[0015] It is also an object of the invention to provide a
waterproof foot covering having two layers and air pockets
therebetween to provide additional warmth to the user.
[0016] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art from the following detailed description taken together with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following drawings, which are provided for
illustrative purposes only. The drawings illustrate a best mode
contemplated for carrying out the invention. In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of the waterproof foot covering;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole portion of one
embodiment of the waterproof foot covering of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the sole portion of another
embodiment of the waterproof foot covering shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the waterproof foot covering, in
cross-section along the length thereof.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the two layers
of the waterproof foot covering shown in FIG. 4; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a foot showing the waterproof foot
covering in phantom lines on the foot and leg of the wearer.
[0024] Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] As generally shown in FIG. 1, the invention consists of a
water-resistant or waterproof foot covering or sock 1, made of
thin, resilient, stretchable resin material such as latex, vinyl,
nitrile, plastic or similar material, formed in the general shape
of a foot and a portion of a lower leg, and therefore similar in
overall shape to a sock. The material used to manufacture the sock
1 is ideally of a similar thickness to that of plastic produce bags
available at grocery stores. The sock 1 is sealed except for open
end 2. The sock 1 is pulled onto the user's foot by inserting the
user's foot through the open end 2. In this manner, the sock 1 can
be pulled onto the foot and up over the ankle in the same way that
other socks are put on and worn. The sock 1 can be manufactured in
various sizes if desired and the leg portion can vary in height up
the calf, but should be long enough to reach the ankle and,
ideally, to extend up to the mid-calf portion of the leg, as shown
in FIG. 6.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the sock 1 can be manufactured
from elastic or stretchable plastic or elastic mesh to allow the
sock 1 to be more formfitting around the foot. Elasticity in the
material used in manufacture also decreases possible tearing and
enhances durability. In another embodiment, the sock 1 is made of
fabric or mesh adhered to or combined with the resin material,
thereby providing a "formfitting" sock and increasing its
durability in active use. Alternatively, the sock 1 is made of
fabric sprayed with a waterproof material.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a preferred embodiment of the
sock 1 has two layers. The inner layer 4 would be preferably a
fabric of thin, moisture-wicking fiber so that internal moisture is
wicked away from the foot, whereas the outer layer 5 in this
embodiment would be of a waterproof material. This two-layer sock 1
may also incorporate tiny external "ribs" 3 in the inner layer 4 to
create small air pockets between the inner layer 4 and outer layer
5 of the sock 1, thereby pulling moisture away from the foot while
trapping heat within the sock 1. Alternately, the outer layer 5
could have ribs 3 projecting toward the inner layer 4.
[0028] Where a two-layered sock 1 is desired, a preferred
embodiment would allow the inner layer 4 and the outer layer 5 to
be, at least partially, separated so that the sock 1 could be
washed and dried if the sock 1 is not disposed of. Alternative
embodiments could provide for complete separation of the two layers
or for a seal between the two layers around the open end 2 only so
that the inner layer 4 could be pulled out of the outer layer 5 for
drying purposes. The use of an inner layer 4 of fabric, while
adding some thickness and cost to the manufacture of the sock 1,
would add additional comfort and reinforcement.
[0029] Instead of the use of a fabric in the manufacture of the
inner layer 4, the inner layer 4 of sock 1 in another embodiment
could be manufactured of a thicker plastic material, a second layer
of plastic like the outer layer 5 or another type of resin
material. The inner layer 4 and the outer layer 5 could be adhered
together where desired for the purpose of reinforcement and
increased strength and durability. Another preferred embodiment in
either a single layer sock 1 or a two-layered sock 1 may include
powder, such as baby powder, within the inner surface of the sock 1
to absorb moisture and prevent excessive buildup of sweat during
active use, thereby making the sock 1 easier to put on and take
off.
[0030] Because the material used in manufacture of the sock 1 is so
thin, it takes up little space in an athlete's bag, a hiker's pack,
or an outdoor worker's bag and can therefore be easily packed in a
sports bag or knapsack to be available for use if there is an
unexpected change in weather conditions. The invention thereby
enhances safety as well as comfort and is easy to take along in
case it is needed. The sock 1, particularly if manufactured solely
of water-resistant or waterproof material, is quite inexpensive to
manufacture, making it feasible to dispose of the sock 1 after
use.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the invention is improved by
using means of tightening and holding the sock 1 in place around
the user's leg and thereby further keeping moisture away from the
user's foot during use. A preferred means for this purpose is the
use of plastic tape 6, similar to the tape used on disposable
diapers, to wrap the sock 1 at its open end 2 tightly around the
leg, thereby keeping moisture out. In a preferred embodiment, the
plastic tape 6 is attached to the sock 1 and incorporated therein.
Alternatively, Velcro or elastic could be used around the leg or
along the open end 2. Other types of tightening devices, such as a
draw string, could also be used to tighten the sock 1 around the
leg, thereby preventing moisture from leaking in. Tightening the
sock 1 around the leg also helps to keep it in place and in a
comfortable position on the leg when in use.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, alternative embodiments include means to
tighten the sock around the wearer's ankle or calf to lock moisture
out and heat in and to also hold the sock 1 in position during
active use. Additional pieces of plastic tape 6 or other tightening
devices as described above, could be incorporated around the ankle
portion 7 of the sock 1 and/or the arch portion 8 of the sock 1 to
further keep the sock 1 securely in place and to make the sock 1
conform more closely to the shape of the foot. Such additional
features help to maximize comfort and fit of the sock 1 in a tight
shoe.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the sock 1 has a leg portion and
a foot portion and the foot portion has a sole portion. The sole
portion is reinforced around the heel portion 11 and/or the ball
portion 12 of the sock 1 to strengthen the sock 1 and decrease the
likelihood of tearing the sock 1 when in active use. The sock 1
could be reinforced with fabric, gel pads, or heel inserts,
preferably used inside the sock 1, which could either be affixed to
the sock 1 or removable. Alternatively, the sock 1 could be
manufactured with greater thickness in the heel portion 11 or ball
portion 12 of the sock 1 for greater durability.
[0034] A preferred embodiment also includes at least one
ventilation strip 9 above the ankle on either side of the leg
portion 10 of the sock 1 to allow air to pass in and out between
the inside wall of the sock 1 and the outside wall of the sock 1,
thereby enhancing air circulation between the inside and outside of
the sock 1 and reducing moisture inside the sock 1. The strips are
preferably 0.5 to 1.5 inches long and may be two in number on
either side of the leg portion of the sock 1, although varying
sizes, numbers of strips, location and methods of placement are
possible. The ventilation strips may simply be one or more small
perforations in the plastic material of the sock 1.
[0035] Additionally, the shape of the sock 1 could be tapered at
the arch portion 8 for a tighter fit onto the foot. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, alternative embodiments of the sock 1 could also
include one or more anti-slip nubs 13 on either or both the heel
portion 11 or ball portion 12 of the sole portion of the sock 1.
Alternatively, one or more anti-slip strips 14 on the sock 1 could
be included to create better traction when in use. The anti-slip
nubs 13 or anti-slip strips 14 could also be positioned on the
sides 15 of the sock 1 to better keep it in place during use.
[0036] Although the invention is useful for athletes, it is also
useful for anyone who works or exercises outdoors where the feet
are exposed to moisture, including, but not limited to, other
athletes who play outdoors, including by way of example only, those
who play football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and baseball as
well as spectators, coaches and staff. It could also be beneficial
for hikers, runners, firemen, policemen, farmers, foresters, rescue
personnel, airport personnel, boat crews and cleanup crews.
[0037] It should be understood that the various preferred
embodiments are shown and described above to illustrate different
possible features of the invention and the varying ways these
features may be combined. Apart from combining the different
features of the above embodiments in varying ways, other
modifications are also considered to be within the scope of the
invention. Consequently, this application describes exemplary,
representative, and non-limiting embodiments of this invention.
Accordingly, the spirit and scope of this invention are not
intended to be limited to any of these embodiments. Thus, many
changes and modifications--as apparent to those skilled in the
art--are within the scope of this invention without departing from
the spirit hereof, and the inventive arrangements are inclusive
thereof.
* * * * *