Waterproof boot to pant connection

Abstract

An article includes a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second. The waterproof fastener includes: a first annular gasket, coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket including a flexible substrate and a continuous groove radially oriented on the first garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the first garment, and a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket including a second flexible substrate and a continuous rib radially oriented on the second garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the second garment. The continuous groove is configured to receive the continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present invention relates to a fastening device that creates a waterproof seal between garments, fabrics and other materials.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts frequently encounter water crossings when hiking or hunting. If the water is higher than the top of a waterproof piece of footwear the user will get water inside the boots. This leads to wet feet, heat loss, and increases the chance of blisters through softening of wet skin. If the water temperature and / or outside temperature is cold enough it can also present a serious safety issue through rapid heat loss and difficulty to warm up the lower extremities. Conventionally, a hiker needs to remove boots, socks and possibly pants or outerwear if the water is high enough to keep from getting their gear wet. This leads to carrying extra “water shoes” or crossing barefoot in difficult rocky and / or swift water conditions with potentially heavy packs. It also greatly reduc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to garments that can be made from waterproof materials, waterproof breathable materials, thermally protective waterproof breathable materials, or materials that can provide protection against chemical and / or biological threats.

Problems solved by technology

This leads to wet feet, heat loss, and increases the chance of blisters through softening of wet skin.

If the water temperature and / or outside temperature is cold enough it can also present a serious safety issue through rapid heat loss and difficulty to warm up the lower extremities.

This leads to carrying extra “water shoes” or crossing barefoot in difficult rocky and / or swift water conditions with potentially heavy packs.

It also greatly reduces the users' rate of travel in the mountains due to the time required to don / doff boots, socks and pants at each water crossing.

It is not uncommon to have multiple crossings per day so that water crossings represent an inconvenience and potential safety issue depending upon weather and water conditions.

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