Convertible Boot Band

Abstract

A convertible boot band includes an interior band extending from a first to a second end from a first to a second border and having front and back, first and second end loops coupled proximate the interior band first and second ends, and at least a first gripping portion connected to the interior band back surface. The apparatus may include an exterior layer of pliant material overlaying the interior hand front surface. The apparatus may include the end loops formed into the exterior layer. The apparatus may include a removable clip, including a closure coupling.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/004,223 filed May 29, 2014, and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to closure bands for boots.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Boots leave a gap around the boot top which allows debris and water to intrude, among other annoyances. For example, the movement of the boot against a pant leg may cause the pant leg to bunch up. Many persons simply find the boot top gap aesthetically unappealing, and would prefer a means to cover it and/or add a decorative accent. Generally, decorative bands for boot tops are designed solely to go around the boot itself; and not to span the gap, and do not function well when positioned to overlap both the boot top and the leg. Such a band should provide for secure attachment, but be easy to put on and off, and allow use with a variety of interchangeable clip styles to provide flexibility in use. Additionally, conventional solutions use elastic material. The elastic is required in conventional solutions in order to keep the band tightly engaged around the boot and leg so as to prevent movement. The primary problem with this is that the tight elastic tends to cut off circulation in the user's legs. The elastic material also wears out quickly and loses its ability to hold the band.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a boot band which: (1) does not use elastic which cuts off blood circulation; (2) is easily put on and off; (3) securely covers the gap at the boot top; (4) comfortably engages against both the boot top and the user's leg; (5) provides aesthetic/decorative accent; (6) provides for secure clips which can be easily inserted and removed.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

[0005] An convertible boot band includes an interior band extending longitudinally and widthwise, end loops connected to the interior bands proximate its opposite ends, the end loops configured to receive interchangeable clips to hold the convertible boot band closed, and a gripping portion coupled to the interior band back surface which holds the convertible boot band in place against the boot and leg. A convertible boot band may include a single gripping portion extending substantially across the width of the interior band, or in an alternating pattern back-and-forth across the width of the interior band in a serpentine pattern, so as to be able to engage against the user's leg and a boot top. A convertible boot band may include first and second gripping portions, each extending along the length of the interior band and spaced apart laterally so that one gripping portion engages against the user's leg and the other gripping portion engages against a boot top. Gripping portions may include interposed spaces, allowing the interior band to stretch freely without restriction from the gripping portions. An convertible boot band may include an exterior layer overlaid against the interior hand outer surface, which may extend past the ends of the interior band in order to overlap and/or hide the interior band. The end loops may be formed into the exterior layer ends, and may be formed by folding the exterior layer ends over and connecting them to the ends of the interior band and the back side of the exterior layer by a transverse seam.

[0006] An convertible boot band may include a removable clip for holding it closed, the clip adapted to slip easily into and out of the end loops. The clip may be of generally "U" shape, "N" shape or "O" shape. The dip may include a closure coupling, with a receiving cavity having an interior lip on one part and a protrusion on an opposed part, the protrusion including a shoulder to frictionally engage the interior lip in order to hold the closure coupling closed when compressed together.

[0007] The disclosed invention presents numerous advantages, including: (1) does not use elastic which cuts off blood circulation; (2) is easily put on and off; (3) securely covers the gap at the boot top; (4) comfortably engages against both the boot top and the user's leg; (5) provides aesthetic/decorative accent; (6) provides for secure clips which can be easily inserted and removed.

[0008] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Further benefits and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment, twisted to show both sides.

[0011] FIG. 1A shows a detail view of a portion of a first embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows plan view of a first embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows plan view of a second embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a clip of a first embodiment, in the closed condition.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a first perspective view of a clip of a first embodiment, in an open condition.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a second perspective view of a clip of a first embodiment, in an open condition.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a view of a pair of convertible boot bands of a first embodiment in use.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows a clip of a fifth embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a clip of a sixth embodiment.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN DRAWINGS

[0022] Turning now descriptively to the drawings; in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures:

TABLE-US-00001 Ref. Nr. Description 10 First Embodiment 12 Interior band 14 Interior band First End 16 Interior band Second End 18 Interior band First Border 20 Interior band Second Border 22 Interior band Front Surface 24 Interior band Back Surface 26 First End Loop 28 Second End Loop 30 First Gripping Portion 32 First Gripping Portion First End 34 First Gripping Portion Second End 36 Second Gripping Portion 38 Second Gripping Portion First End 40 Second Gripping Portion Second End 50 Exterior Layer 52 Exterior Layer First End 54 Exterior Layer Second End 56 Exterior Layer First Border 58 Exterior Layer Second Border 60 Exterior Layer Front Surface 62 Exterior Layer Back Surface 64 First End Loop 66 Second End Loop 68 First End Seam 70 Second End Seam 72 Removable Clip 74 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion 76 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion 78 Removable Clip Connecting Portion 80 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion First End 82 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion First End 84 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion Second End 86 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion Second End 88 Removable Clip Closure Coupling 90 Removable Clip Closure Coupling First Part 92 Removable Clip Closure Coupling Second Part 94 Closure Coupling First Part Receiving Cavity 96 Closure Coupling First Part Receiving Cavity Interior Engagement Lip 98 Closure Coupling Second Part Projecting Portion 99 Closure Coupling Second Part Projecting Portion Exterior Shoulder 110 Second Embodiment 112 Interior band 114 Interior band First End 116 Interior band Second End 118 Interior band First Border 120 Interior band Second Border 124 Interior band Back Surface 126 First End Loop 128 Second End Loop 130 Gripping Portion 142 Gripping Portion First Edge 144 Gripping Portion Second Edge 168 First End Seam 170 Second End Seam 210 Third Embodiment 212 Interior Band 218 Interior Band First Border 220 Interior Band Second Border 226 First End Loop 228 Second End Loop 230 Gripping Portion 242 Gripping Portion First Lateral Region 244 Gripping Portion Second Lateral Region 310 Fourth Embodiment 312 Interior Band 318 Interior Band First Border 320 Interior Band Second Border 326 First End Loop 328 Second End Loop 330 First Gripping Portion 332 First Gripping Portion Interposed Spaces 336 Second Gripping Portion 338 Second Gripping Portion Interposed Spaces Fifth Embodiment 472 Removable Clip 474 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion 476 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion 478 Removable Clip Connecting Portion 480 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion First End 482 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion First End 484 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion Second End 486 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion Second End 490 Removable Clip First Retaining Portion 492 Removable Clip Second Retaining Portion Sixth Embodiment 572 Removable Clip 574 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion 576 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion 578 Removable Clip Connecting Portion 580 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion First End 582 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion First End 584 Removable Clip First Elongated Portion Second End 586 Removable Clip Second Elongated Portion Second End 590 Removable Clip First Retaining Portion 592 Removable Clip Second Retaining Portion 594 Removable Clip Connecting Portion First End 596 Removable Clip Connecting Portion Second End

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention, mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like reference materials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding, or similar components in differing figure drawings. The figure drawings associated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

[0024] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, 6 and 7-9, a first embodiment of a convertible boot band 10 is provided. In a first embodiment, a convertible boot band 10 includes an interior band 12 extending lengthwise from a first end 14 to a second end 16, and extending widthwise from a first border 18 to a second border 20, the interior band 12 further including opposed front and back surfaces, 22 and 24 respectively, extending at least between the interior band first and second ends, 14 and 16 respectively, and first and second borders 18 and 20 respectively. First and second end loops, 26 and 28 respectively, are coupled to the interior band 12 and proximate the respective interior band first and second ends 14 and 16 respectively. Interior band first and second ends, 14, 16, may extend past end loops 28, 28, to overlap each other when the boot band is closed around a boot/leg.

[0026] In the first embodiment 10, a first gripping portion 30 connected along the interior band back surface 24 is provided. Gripping portion 30 is disposed lengthwise from a first end 32 to a second end 34 along at least a portion of the length of the interior band back surface 24. A second gripping portion is 36 is provided, disposed lengthwise along interior band back surface 24 from a first end 38 to a, second end 40. First and second gripping portions 30 and 36 are spaced apart laterally, and proximate the interior band first and second borders 18 and 20 respectively, such that first gripping portion 30 grippingly engages the user's leg above the boot top, and second gripping portion 36 grippingly engages the boot top, thereby holding the convertible boot band 10 in place.

[0027] In the embodiment, interior band 12 is composed of polyester-fabric-backed polyester foam material, which provides body and form to maintain the shape of the boot band 10. Using a material such as polyester foam in combination with the gripping portion 30 and/or 36 allows the boot band 10 to maintain position and functionality, but without affecting blood circulation in the user's leg or other discomfort associated with the use of elastic.

[0028] In the first embodiment 10, first and second gripping portions 30, 36 are layers of silicone rubber bonded directly to interior band back surface 24. The reference to a "layer" in describing the gripping portions, e.g. 30 and 36, does not necessarily mean a single stratum of material. Each gripping portion "layer" may comprise a single or multiple strata of homogeneous or heterogeneous material.

[0029] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 9, a first embodiment includes an exterior layer of pliant material 50 extending lengthwise from a first end 52 to an opposite second end 54, and widthwise from a first border 56 to an opposite second border 58, and having opposed front and back surfaces 60 and 62, respectively. Exterior layer 50 is connected to interior band 12, overlaying the front surface 22 of the interior band 12 with the exterior layer back surface 62 facing the interior band front surface 22. Exterior layer first and second ends 52, 54 extend lengthwise past the interior band first and second ends 14 and 16, respectively.

[0030] In the embodiment, first and second end loops 64 and 66, respectively, are formed into the exterior layer first and second ends, 52 and 54, respectively. Interior band 12 is connected to exterior layer 50 at least by first and second end seams 68 and 70 extending widthwise across and proximate to the interior band first and second ends 14 and 16, respectively. Exterior layer first and second ends 52, 54 are connected to the interior band 12 and at least the exterior layer back surface 62 at the first and second end seams 68 and 70 respectively, thereby forming the first and second end loops 64 and 66.

[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7-9, a first embodiment includes a removable clip 72. Removable clip 72 includes at least a first elongated portion 74, a second elongated portion 76, and a connecting portion 78. Each of the respective first and second elongated portions 74 and 76 extend from a first end 80 and 82, respectively, to a second end 84 and 86, respectively. First and second elongated portions 74 and 76 are coupled at their first ends 80, 82 by the connecting portion 78. In the embodiment, first elongated portion 74, second elongated portion 76, and connecting portion 78 are disposed relative to each other to form a U-shape with the first elongated portion first end 80 proximate the second elongated portion first end 82.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7-9, in the first embodiment a closure coupling 88 is provided for removable clip 72. Closure coupling 88 includes a first part 90 and a second part 92, the closure coupling first part 90 mounted to the first elongated portion 74 proximate the second end 84, and the closure portion second part 92 mounted to the second elongated portion 76 proximate the second end 86. Closure coupling first part 90 includes a receiving cavity 94 having an interior engagement lip 96 defining an interior diameter and the closure coupling second part 92 includes a projecting portion 98 including an exterior shoulder 99, the shoulder perimeter size 99 selected to frictionally engage the engagement lip interior diameter 96 when compressed together.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, a second embodiment 110 is shown, including an interior band 112 extending lengthwise from a first end 114 to a second end 116, and extending widthwise from a first border 118 to a second border 120, the interior band 112 further including opposed front and back surfaces extending at least between the interior band first and second ends, 114 and 116 respectively, and first and second borders 118 and 120 respectively. First and second end loops, 126 and 128 respectively, are coupled to the interior band 112 and proximate the respective interior band first and second ends 114 and 116 respectively, connected along first and second end seams 168, 170. Gripping portion 130 is connected to interior band back surface. In the embodiment, gripping portion 130 forms a, continuous layer extending from a first edge 142 to a second edge 144, proximate interior band first and second borders 118 and 122 respectively.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, a third embodiment 210 is shown, the third embodiment including gripping portion 230 extends in an alternating lateral direction between a, first region 242 proximate the interior band 212 first border 218 to a second region 244 proximate the second border 220, forming a substantially serpentine pattern. The serpentine pattern extends far enough laterally to engage against the boot top and the user's leg above the boot top. End loops 226 and 228 are provided to receive a clip 72 or 472 or 572.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment 310 is shown, the fourth embodiment including first and second gripping portions 330 and 336, which include interposed spaces 332 and 338, respectively. The interposed spaces allow for use of materials for gripping portions 330 and 336 which have mechanical properties significantly different than interior band 312 without negatively affecting the elastic characteristics of interior band 312. For example, a stiffer rubber material could be used for gripping portions 330 and/or 336, which without the interposed spaces would effectively reduce the elasticity of interior band 312 to that of the stiff rubber gripping portion material. End loops 326 and 328 are provided to receive a clip 72 or 472 or 572

[0036] Referring to FIG. 10, a fifth embodiment showing a removable clip 472 usable with a convertible boot band is shown. Removable clip 472 includes at least a first elongated portion 474, a second elongated portion 476, and a connecting portion 478. Each of the respective first and second elongated portions 474 and 476 extend from a first end 480 and 482, respectively, to a second end 484 and 486, respectively. First and second elongated portions 474 and 476 are coupled at their first ends 480, 482 by the connecting portion 478. In the embodiment, first elongated portion 474, second elongated portion 476, and connecting portion 478 are disposed relative to each other to form a U-shape with the first elongated portion first end 480 proximate the second elongated portion first end 482. First and second retaining portions, 490 and 492 respectively, are coupled proximate the respective elongated portion second ends 484 and 486, respectively. In the embodiment, first and second retaining portions 490, 492, each project laterally away from its respective elongated portion 474, 476, sufficient to extend outside end loops 26/28, 126/128, 226/228, 326/328 when inserted into the respective end loops to engage a convertible boot band.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 11, a sixth embodiment showing an open clip 572 usable with a convertible boot band is shown. Removable clip 572 includes at least a first elongated portion 574, a second elongated portion 576, and a connecting portion 578. Each of the respective first and second elongated portions 574 and 576 extend from a first end 580 and 582, respectively, to a second end 584 and 586, respectively. First and second elongated portions 574 and 576 are coupled at their first ends 580, 582 by the connecting portion 578. In the embodiment, first and second elongated portions 574, 576 are oriented in opposed directions, and connecting portion 578 is an elongated member extending from a first end 594 to a second end 596, defining an "N" shape. First and second retaining portions, 590 and 592 respectively, are coupled proximate the respective elongated portion second ends 584 and 586, respectively. In the embodiment, first and second retaining portions 590, 592, each project laterally away from its respective elongated portion 574, 576, sufficient to extend outside end loops 26/28, 126/128, 226/228, 326/328 when inserted into the respective end loops to engage a convertible boot band.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 7-9, the operation of a first embodiment 10 is shown. The user pulls the convertible boot band 10 longitudinally to stretch the band, wraps the band around the user's leg with the first gripping portion 30 engaged against the top of the boot B and the second gripping portion 36 engaged against the user's leg L, thereby enclosing the gap space G between the boot B and leg L to keep out objects and dirt, and also holding the user's pants leg in place relative to the boot B, if the user is wearing pants.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the invention, in its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: an interior band extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, and extending widthwise from a first border to a second border, the band further including opposed front and back surfaces extending at least between the first and second ends and first and second borders; first and second end loops coupled to the interior band proximate the respective interior band first and second ends, a first gripping portion connected to the interior band, the gripping portion disposed lengthwise along at least a portion of the length of the back surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second gripping portion disposed along at least a portion of the length of the back surface, the second gripping portion spaced apart laterally from the first gripping portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: wherein the first and second gripping portions are disposed proximate the respective interior band first and second borders.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the first gripping portion extends laterally from a first edge to an opposed second edge, each of the first and second edges proximate the respective interior band first and second borders.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the first gripping portion also extends in an alternating lateral direction between a first region proximate the first border to a second region proximate the second border, forming a serpentine pattern.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: wherein the respective gripping portions include interposed spaces.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an exterior layer of pliant material extending lengthwise from a first end to an opposite second end and widthwise from a first border to an opposite second border and having opposed front and back surfaces, the exterior layer connected to the interior band and overlaying the front surface of the interior band with the exterior layer back surface facing the interior band front surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: wherein the first and second end loops are formed into the exterior layer first and second ends, respectively.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: the exterior layer first and second ends extending lengthwise past the interior band first and second ends; the interior band connected to the exterior layer at least by first and second end seams extending widthwise across and proximate to the interior band first and second ends, respectively; the exterior layer first and second ends connected to the interior band and exterior layer back surface at the first and second end seams, respectively, thereby forming the first and second end loops.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: wherein at least one of the exterior layer first or second ends extends past the respective first or second end loop.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 or 7, further comprising: a removable clip including at least a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a connecting portion, each of the respective first and second elongated portions extending from a respective first end to a respective second end, the first and second elongated portion connected at their first ends by the connecting portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, the clip further comprising a closure coupling: wherein the first elongated portion, second elongated portion, and coupling portion are disposed relative to each other to form a U-shape with the first elongated portion first end proximate the second elongated portion first end; the closure coupling comprising a first part and a second part, the closure coupling first part mounted to the first elongated portion proximate the second end, and the closure portion second part mounted to the second elongated portion proximate the second end, the closure coupling first part including a receiving cavity having an interior engagement lip defining an interior diameter and the closure coupling second part including a projecting portion including an exterior shoulder, the shoulder perimeter size selected to frictionally engage the engagement lip interior diameter when the closure coupling first and second parts are compressed together.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the interior band is formed from a material comprising polyester-fabric-backed polyester foam.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, the clip further comprising: first and second retaining portions, each connected to its respective first and second elongated portions proximate the respective elongated portion second ends, each of the first and second retaining portions projecting laterally outward relative to its respective elongated portion, the projection length of each retaining portion sufficient to project outside an end loop when the clip is inserted through the first and second end loops.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: the connecting portion comprising an elongated member extending from a first end to a second end, the connecting portion connected proximate its first end to the first elongated portion proximate the first elongated portion first end, and the connecting portion connected proximate its second end to the second elongated portion proximate the second elongated portion first end.