Protective gaiter

Abstract

A protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state. In the closed state the gaiter includes an essentially frustoconical shaped body. The gaiter includes an at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening in the closed state, and a lower edge forming a large diameter lower opening in the closed state. The gaiter further includes a zipper fastener extending between the upper edge and the lower edge for selectively joining and separating opposing side edges of the body, thereby allowing the gaiter to alternate between the closed and open states.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates in general to the field of wearable protective coverings. More specifically, the present invention relates to a protective covering for the lower leg and shoe uppers.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]When performing outdoor work such as gardening, construction, etc., or any outdoor activity such as camping or hiking a person may be exposed to dirt, gravel, dust or other debris, as well as to objects such as cut grass, fallen leaves or twigs. During the performance of such work, a person may remain outside during harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow or sleet, for extended periods of time. As a result, one's shoes, socks and / or lower pants often become worn faster than had they not been subject to such conditions or foreign objects.[0003]In particular, debris may enter the shoe and tear apart the sock; twigs may puncture a hole in socks, work shoes or pants; and rain may soak the shoes, thereby requiring a spare pair of shoes to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The present invention relates to a protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the gaiter comprises an essentially frustoconical shaped body. The gaiter comprises an at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening in the closed state and a lower edge forming a large diameter lower opening in the open state, and further comprises a zipper fastener extending between the upper edge and the lower edge for selectively joining and separating opposing side edges of the body, thereby allowing the gaiter to alternate between the closed state and the open state.

Problems solved by technology

During the performance of such work, a person may remain outside during harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow or sleet, for extended periods of time.

In particular, debris may enter the shoe and tear apart the sock; twigs may puncture a hole in socks, work shoes or pants; and rain may soak the shoes, thereby requiring a spare pair of shoes to work in while the water-logged ones dry.

There have been various attempts to provide means for protecting these areas, however, all of these attempts have one or more drawbacks associated with them.

The combination of the tubular shape, the tightly fit flap and the strap result in reducing the range of motion of the user's ankle, which may hinder performance of his work at maximum efficiency.

However, since hook and loop fasteners wear with time, the means for joining the opposing edges will loosen, and a snake will be able to insert its head easily between the opposing edges.

However, the opposing sides themselves are not joined together, thereby allowing the undesirable debris or elements to enter therein.

It is well known that repetitive use of a Velcro™ fastener substantially wears the hook and loops.

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