Boot Top Cover With Integrated Storage Pouch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Boots are vulnerable to external elements and pests when left unattended, as the open top allows entry of moisture, debris, insects, and rodents, making it difficult to determine if they are occupied before use, and existing solutions like boot inserts are not readily storable.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a removable boot top cover with a pouch and anchor that secures to the boot, allowing the cover to be stored when not in use and easily deployed for protection, optionally incorporating a survival kit within the pouch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a boot insert with a skirt is used to cover the boot opening, then the boot is protected from external elements, but the insert and skirt are not readily storable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from external elementsVSAvoidstorability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is stored inside the pouch, which is attached to the boot. When not in use, the cover is neatly contained within the pouch, making it compact and readily storable. When needed, the cover can be quickly removed from the pouch and placed over the boot opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch serves multiple functions: it stores the cover when not in use, attaches to the boot, and can potentially hold other small items. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the boot top opening is left uncovered, then the boot is easily accessible, but foreign objects can enter the boot

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidentry of foreign objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is pre-positioned in the pouch attached to the boot, ready for immediate deployment. When the boot needs protection, the cover is simply removed from the pouch and placed over the opening, providing quick protection without requiring the user to search for or retrieve a separate covering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the boot interior and external environment. It can be deployed to block the entry of foreign objects while allowing the boot to remain accessible when the cover is not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the wearer inserts a hand or foot to inspect the boot interior, then they can determine if the boot is empty, but they risk being bitten by creatures nesting in the boot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidrisk of bites

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover prevents creatures from entering and nesting in the boot in the first place, eliminating the need for inspection and the associated risk of bites. By maintaining a barrier between the external environment and boot interior, the cover proactively prevents the harmful situation rather than requiring reactive inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of operation

If boots are stored outdoors permanently, then they are readily accessible, but they are exposed to rain, debris, bugs and other elements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidexposure to elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10085518B2Boot top opening covers

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 FLAHERTY JOSEPH

AI summary

A top covering for a boot includes an anchor having two ends with a length between, the two ends each having an attachment member, the anchor adapted to secure to a front side of the boot. The top covering also includes a pouch having a pocket and two ends with a length between, the two ends each having an attachment member that cooperate with the attachment members on the two ends of the anchor for securing the pouch around the boot, and a fastener for alternately opening and closing the pocket. The top covering further includes a cover adapted to prevent objects from entering the boot and having a tightening member for tightening the cover around the top of the boot when in use, the cover capable of being stored in the pouch when not in use so that it does not impede the wearer.