U.S. patent application number 12/581882 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for boot assembly.
Invention is credited to RICHARD KERR MYERSCOUGH.
Application Number | 20110088280 12/581882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43878200 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MYERSCOUGH; RICHARD KERR |
April 21, 2011 |
BOOT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external
boot assembly and a dual-layered insert. The external boot
comprises a reinforced upper portion and a back portion having a
reinforced outside surface and an inside surface. The boot is
connected to a pant leg by a top connecting cuff. The dual-layered
insert comprises an inner fabric sock for over-foot wear and a
waterproof outer elastomeric sock for nesting in the inner fabric
sock in a water-tight manner.
Inventors: |
MYERSCOUGH; RICHARD KERR;
(Victoria, CA) |
Family ID: |
43878200 |
Appl. No.: |
12/581882 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/10 ; 36/25R;
36/43; 36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43C
11/1493 20130101; A43B 3/06 20130101; A43B 19/00 20130101; A43B
5/08 20130101; A43B 1/0054 20130101; A43C 11/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/10 ; 36/43;
36/25.R; 36/50.1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 17/00 20060101
A43B017/00; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38; A43B 13/00 20060101
A43B013/00; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00 |
Claims
1. A boot assembly for use with a dry suit, said dry suit
comprising an outer pant and an inner pant, said assembly
comprising: a. An external boot comprising: i. A reinforced upper
portion and a back portion having a reinforced outside surface and
an inside surface; ii. a durable outer sole and an inner sole; iii.
a reinforced outer heel portion and an inner heel; and, iv. a top
connecting cuff for connection by first connection means to said
dry suit outer pant leg bottom cuff; and, b. a dual-layered insert
comprising: i. An inner fabric sock for over-foot wear; ii. A
waterproof outer elastomeric sock for nesting said inner fabric
sock in a water-tight manner; iii. Wherein said waterproof outer
elastomeric sock includes a cuff connected by second connection
means to said dry suit inner pant leg bottom cuff; and, iv. Wherein
said second connection means affords a water-tight seal between the
waterproof outer elastomeric sock and the dry suit inner pant leg
bottom cuff so that said inner fabric sock remains dry when the
assembly is submerged in water.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first connection means
comprises a permanent sewn connection
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said first connection means
comprises a temporary connection means comprising one of a hook and
loop connection means; a zipper, a magnetic connection or a quick
disconnect ring-seal.
4. The assembly of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the second
connection means comprises a permanent sewn connection.
5. The assembly of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the second
connection means comprises a temporary connection comprising one of
a hook and loop connection means, a zipper, a magnetic seal or a
quick disconnect ring-seal.
6. The assembly of claims 1 to 5 wherein the outer elastomeric sock
conforms substantially to the shape of the waterproof external
boot.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the outer elastomeric sock
nested within the external boot creates an intermittent void
between them, and wherein said intermittent void is water filled
when the assembly is submerged.
8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the external boot comprises at
least one drainage hole proximate to said durable sole portion
thereof, said at least one drainage hole adapted for draining said
water from the intermittent void when the assembly is removed from
water.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the outer elastomeric sock
comprises a cuff, a heel having an outside surface, a back panel
having an outside surface, a gusset, a sole having an outside
surface, a toe and an instep.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the outer elastomeric sock and
the external boot are temporarily fixed together by fixing
means.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said temporary fixing means
comprises a hooks and loops fastening system.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said external boot inner sole
is covered in said hooks and said outer elastomeric sock outside
surface is covered in said loops from said heel to said toe.
13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said inside surface of said
external boot back portion includes a strip of hooks running from
the cuff to the heel and wherein said back panel outside surface of
the outer elastomeric sock includes a strip of loops running from
the cuff of the outer elastomeric sock to the heel of the outer
elastomeric sock.
14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the outer elastomeric sock is
inserted into the external boot so that the hooks on the boot and
the loops on the elastomeric sock mesh to hold the elastomeric sock
to the boot.
15. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said external boot top
connecting cuff first connection means comprises a circumferential
outer ring of hooks and a plurality of tabs spaced radially around
the connecting cuff, wherein each of said tabs has an inside
surface comprising fastening hooks and a clean outside surface.
16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the dry suit outer leg bottom
cuff comprises a circumferential ring of loops disposed on the dry
suit bottom cuff inside and outside surfaces.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said circumferential ring of
loops inside surface meshes with said outer ring of hooks and
wherein said circumferential ring of loops outside surface meshes
with said inside surfaces of the plurality of tabs thereby creating
a temporary connection.
18. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer elastomeric sock
includes a stiffening insole inserted therein so that the sole of
the outer elastomeric sock will engage the adjacent inside surfaces
of the external boot and provide resistance to lifting of the
elastomeric sock within the external boot.
19. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the external boot further
includes a tightening strap on the outer surface thereof for
constricting said upper portion.
20. A boot assembly comprising: a. An external boot comprising: i.
A reinforced upper portion and a back portion having a reinforced
outside surface and an inside surface; ii. a durable outer sole and
an inner sole; iii. a reinforced outer heel portion and an inner
heel; and, iv. a top connecting cuff for connection by connection
means to; b. a dual-layered insert comprising: i. An inner fabric
sock for over-foot wear; ii. A waterproof outer elastomeric sock
for nesting said inner fabric sock in a water-tight manner; iii.
Wherein said waterproof outer elastomeric sock includes a cuff
connected by said connection means to said external boot thereby
affording a water-tight seal between the external boot and said
outer elastomeric sock.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/106,574 filed in the USPTO on Oct. 18,
2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of boots, shoes and
leggings and more particularly to a boot assembly used in
diving.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Diving boots are often fixed to diving pants in a permanent
combination. The diving boot will often experience greater wear
than the pant because it is the base upon which diver stands.
Furthermore, the diver will be placing fins on and off the boot
which will cause additional wear. In situations where the boots are
permanently fixed to the diving pant leggings, the boots cannot be
replaced without cutting them off of the pant leggings and fixing a
new pair of boots to the pant leggings. This is a costly and
time-consuming process. Additional problems arise in trying to find
a set of new boots of the proper size for the diver. Therefore,
there is a continuing need for a diving boot assembly that can be
used as replacements for worn boots and come in a size that is
adaptable to most divers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] To overcome the deficiencies in the prior art and to provide
a boot assembly for use with a dry suit comprising an outer pant
and an inner pant my invention comprises a boot assembly comprising
an external boot assembly and a dual-layered insert. The external
boot comprises a reinforced upper portion and a back portion having
a reinforced outside surface and an inside surface. The external
boot has a durable outer sole, an inner sole, a reinforced outer
heel portion and an inner heel. The boot is connected to a pant leg
by a top connecting cuff. The dual-layered insert comprises an
inner fabric sock for over-foot wear and a waterproof outer
elastomeric sock for nesting in the inner fabric sock in a
water-tight manner. The waterproof outer elastomeric sock includes
a cuff connected to the dry suit inner pant leg bottom cuff
creating a water-tight seal between the waterproof outer
elastomeric sock and the dry suit inner pant leg bottom cuff so
that said inner fabric sock remains dry when the assembly is
submerged in water. In one embodiment of the invention the outer
sock is sewn to the pant cuff. In another embodiment of the
invention a temporary connection can be used such as one of a hook
and loop connection means; a zipper, a magnetic connection or a
quick disconnect ring-seal. In one embodiment of the invention, the
outer elastomeric sock nests within the external boot and creates
an intermittent void between them. This void is water filled when
the boot assembly is submerged.
[0005] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the ensuring description and
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a diver wearing a diving suit having
diving boots.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side external view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention showing the inside of the boot.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of the elastomeric
outer sock.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a view of one embodiment of a sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 and one embodiment of the
invention is illustrated comprising a boot assembly 14 for use with
a dry suit 12 worn by a diver 10. A dry suit 12 comprises a
waterproof inside portion and a permeable outside portion. The
inside portion keeps the diver 10 warm and dry and the outside
portion provides for a thermal and physical barrier between the
water and the inside portion. The dry suit is typically a single
piece suit having the torso and legs joined as a single unit. The
dry suit pants will have the same waterproof inside pant leg and
water permeable outside pant leg.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 2, in this illustrated embodiment of the
invention the boot assembly 14 comprises an external boot 15
comprising a reinforced upper portion 17 and a back portion 19
having a reinforced outside surface 20. There is tensioning strap
16 for tightening the upper portion of the boot around the lower
leg and ankle of the diver. The external boot further comprises a
durable outer sole 26 and an inner sole, a reinforced outer heel
portion 24 and an inner heel. There is also and a top connecting
cuff 28 for connecting by first connection means 30 to the dry suit
12 outer pant leg 13 bottom cuff 11. Above the outer sole 26 here
is positioned a drainage port 22 for draining water from inside the
boot.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a top perspective view
of the boot assembly 14 comprising an external boot 15 comprising a
reinforced upper portion 17 and a back portion 19 having a
reinforced outside surface 20. There is tensioning strap 16 for
tightening the upper portion of the boot around the lower leg and
ankle of the diver. The external boot further comprises a durable
outer sole 26 and an inner sole, a reinforced outer heel portion 24
and an inner heel. There is also and a top connecting cuff 28 for
connecting by first connection means 30 to the dry suit 12 outer
pant leg 13 bottom cuff 11. Above the outer sole 26 there is
positioned a drainage port 22 for draining water from inside the
boot. This top perspective view of the boot assembly also
illustrates the inside surface 34 of the boot.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown a top view of the boot
assembly 14 comprising an external boot 15. The external boot
further comprises a durable outer sole 26 and an inner sole. There
is also a top connecting cuff 28 for connecting by first connection
means 30 to the dry suit 12 outer pant leg 13 bottom cuff 11. This
top view of the boot assembly also illustrates the inside surface
34 of the boot and the inner sole 40 of the boot.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated one embodiment
of the dual-layered insert 42 comprising an inner fabric sock 44
(not illustrated in this diagram) that is worn over the foot of the
diver and a waterproof outer elastomeric sock 46 for nesting the
inner fabric sock 44 in a water-proof manner. The waterproof outer
elastomeric sock 46 includes a cuff 48 connected by second
connection means 50 to the dry suit inner pant leg 52 bottom cuff
54. Second connection means 50 affords a water-tight seal between
the waterproof outer elastomeric sock 46 and the dry suit inner
pant leg 52 bottom cuff 54 so that the inner fabric sock on the
foot of the diver remains dry when the assembly is submerged in
water.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 inclusive, in one embodiment of
the invention the first connection means 30 comprises a permanent
sewn connection. In another embodiment of the invention the first
connection means comprises a temporary connection means comprising
one of a hook and loop connection means; a zipper, a magnetic
connection or a quick disconnect ring-seal. Other suitable
connection means can be used as long as they are adapted for
underwater applications. For example, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, the tab shown at 30 could have hooks on its inside surface
adapted to mate with loops on the outside surface of the diving
suit pant leg. As well, the diving suit lower cuff inside surface
could have hooks adapted to mate with loops around the outside
surface of the top cuff of the boot shown at 28.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention second connection means
50 comprises a permanent sewn connection. In another embodiment of
the invention second connection means comprises a temporary
connection comprising one of a hook and loop connection means, a
zipper, a magnetic seal or a quick disconnect ring-seal. Other
connections means can be used as long as they are suitable for
underwater use.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown in this embodiment
the elastomeric sock 46 nested within the external boot 15. The
elastomeric sock conforms substantially to the shape of the
external boot. The elastomeric sock when nested within the external
boot creates an intermittent void 60 between them. The void is
intermittent because it will shift as the diver moves his foot
inside the external boot. The void will be filled with water when
the assembly is submerged. To quickly drain the assembly when it is
lifted out of the water, the external boot 15 further comprises at
least one drainage port 22 proximate to the durable sole portion
26.
[0022] Referring back to FIG. 5, the outer elastomeric sock 46
comprises a cuff 48, a heel 62 having an outside surface 64, a back
panel 66 having an outside surface 68, a sole 70 having an outside
surface 72 and a toe 74.
[0023] In one embodiment of the invention the outer elastomeric
sock 46 and the external boot 15 are temporarily fixed together by
fixing means. In one embodiment of the invention the temporary
fixing means comprises a hook and loop fastening system. For
example, in FIG. 5, panel 66 outside surface 68 could comprise
hooks adapted to mate with loops on the inside surface of the boot.
A similar placement of hooks and loops could be placed on the
outside surface 72 of the sole of the elastomeric sock and the
inside surface of the sole of the boot.
[0024] In FIG. 5, and in one embodiment of the invention the
external boot 15 inner sole 40 is covered in hooks and the outer
elastomeric sock 46 sole 70 outside surface 72 is covered in loops
from heel 74 to the toe 74. The back portion inside surface 80
(FIG. 3) of the external boot 15 could includes a strip of hooks
running from the cuff 28 to the heel 24. The back panel 66 outside
surface 68 of the outer elastomeric sock 46 could includes a strip
of loops running from the cuff 48 to the heel 62. Hence, when the
outer elastomeric sock is inserted into the external boot the hooks
on the boot and the loops on the elastomeric sock mesh to hold the
elastomeric sock to the boot. This prevents the sock from lifting
as the diver walks and permits the diver to remove her foot from
the sock without pulling the sock out of the boot.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 7, and in one embodiment of the invention
the external boot 15 top connecting cuff 28 first connection means
30 comprises a circumferential outer ring of hooks 90 and a
plurality of tabs 92 spaced radially around the connecting cuff.
Each of the tabs 92 has an inside surface comprising fastening
hooks and a clean outside surface. The dry suit outer leg 13 bottom
cuff 11 comprises a circumferential ring of loops disposed on the
dry suit bottom cuff inside and outside surfaces. The
circumferential ring of loops inside surface meshes with the outer
ring of hooks on the cuff of the external boot. The circumferential
ring of loops outside surface meshes with the inside surfaces of
the plurality of tabs 92 thereby creating a temporary connection
between the external boot and the outer leg of the dry suit.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 8, and in one embodiment of the invention
the outer elastomeric sock 46 includes a stiffening insole 96
inserted into the sock. The stretched sole of the elastomeric sock
will engage the adjacent inside surfaces of the external boot 15
and provide resistance to lifting of the elastomeric sock within
the external boot. The diver will be able to remove her foot from
the assembly without pulling the elastomeric sock from the external
boot.
[0027] In one embodiment of the invention the external boot further
includes a tightening strap 16 on the outer surface thereof for
constricting the upper portion.
[0028] In another embodiment of the invention there is contemplated
a boot assembly for wearing as an all weather boot, winter boot or
fishing boot. In this embodiment there is a boot assembly
comprising an external boot comprising a reinforced upper portion
and a back portion having a reinforced outside surface and an
inside surface. The boot has a durable outer sole and an inner
sole, a reinforced outer heel portion and an inner heel. The boot
further has a top connecting cuff for connection by connection
means to a dual-layered insert. The dual layer insert comprises an
inner fabric sock for over-foot wear and a waterproof outer
elastomeric sock for nesting the inner fabric sock in a water-tight
manner. The waterproof outer elastomeric sock includes a cuff
connected by connection means to the external boot thereby
affording a water-tight seal between the external boot and the
outer elastomeric sock.
[0029] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
present preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *