PROTECTIVE COVER FOR SHOES, BOOTS AND THE LIKE

COUVERCLE DE PROTECTION POUR ARTICLES CHAUSSANTS

English Abstract

A flexible protective cover for boots, shoes and
the like having a lining of woven and non-woven aramid
fabric between an inner layer and an outer layer of
durable fabric. The protective cover is folded to
conform to the instep of the shoe and extend to the
ankle. A strap and fasteners are attached to the cover
to permit the cover to be secured over the shoe in a
rapid and easy manner. The protective cover is
fabricated by cutting patterns for the outer and inner
layers and for the aramid linings. The components are
sewn together such that the aramid linings are joined
so that a sharp edge or blade is prevented from
penetrating the cover. A bias binding is sewn about
the joined patterns. The straps and fasteners are sewn
to the joined patterns.

Claims

- 17 -
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A flexible protective cover to protect feet, shoes
or boots having an arch, a back, a sole, a heel, an outer
side, an inner side and an instep, the protective cover
comprising:
a multiple layer fabric body which is substantially
flat and, when folded, is contoured as a curve to conform to
the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle, the folded
body extending from the instep of the shoe, on both the outer
side and the inner side of the shoe, downwardly to the sole of
the shoe and backwardly to the back of the shoe;
releasable means for securing the multiple-layer
folded fabric body around the arch of the shoe;
the multiple layer fabric comprising at least a
first, outer layer and a second, inner layer having an aramid
lining therebetween, the aramid lining further having at least
a woven fabric first layer and at least a non-woven fabric
adjacent second layer such that the cover is lightweight and
pliable and may be worn comfortably for extended periods and
when so used, is cut and abrasion resistant;
the multiple layer fabric body, when folded, having
a front and a rear, further having a first side on the outer
side of the shoe and a second side on the inner side of the
shoe, each side having a respective upper portion and a
respective lower portion, the upper portion of each side
curving downwardly toward the rear of the body, the lower
portion of each side curving upwardly towards the rear of the
body; a tab extending outwardly from the first side of the
fabric body beyond the back of the shoe, the tab extending
substantially continuously from the upwardly curved portions
to the downwardly curved portions of the sides of the body,
the second side of fabric body having a loop means attached
thereto wherein the tab may be extended across the back of the
shoe, the tab inserted through the loop means, the tab pulled
through the loop means and folded back substantially 180° to
accommodate the protective cover to the size of the shoe;
means for connecting the tab to first side of the cover to
secure the folded body around the back of the shoe; thereby
providing a releasable means for securing the multiple-layer

- 18 -
folded fabric body around the back of the shoe, and thereby
providing a secure mounting of the multiple-layer folded
fabric body to the shoe and precluding an undesirable
separation therebetween upon initial contact with a chainsaw
or the like.
2. The flexible protective cover of claim 1, wherein
the multiple layer fabric body comprises at least a first
portion and a second portion joined together.
3. The flexible protective cover of claim 2, wherein
the first portion and the second portion are sewed together.
4. The flexible protective cover of claim 1, wherein
the multiple layer fabric body when folded, further having a
first side on the outer side of the shoe, and a second side on
the inner side of the shoe; means for securing the folded body
around the arch of the shoe comprise a strap connected to the
first side of the fabric body, the strap having an end
extending around the arch of the shoe and means for releasably
attaching the end of the strap to the second side of the
fabric body such that the folded body is secured around the
arch of the shoe.
5. The flexible protective cover of claim 4, wherein
the means for releasably attaching the end of the strap to the
second side of the fabric body comprises hook and loop
fasteners.
6. The flexible protective cover of claim 4, wherein
the means for releasably attaching the end of the strap is a
buckle connected to the fabric body.
7. A flexible protective cover to protect feet, shoes
or boots having an arch, a back, a sole, a heel, an outer
side, an inner side and an instep, the protective cover
comprising:
a multiple layer fabric body which, when folded, is
contoured as a curve to conform to the instep of the shoe and
extend to the ankle, the folded body extending from the instep
of the shoe, on both the outer side and the inner side of the

- 19 -
shoe, downwardly to the sole of the shoe and backwardly to the
back of the shoe;
releasable means for securing the folded body around
the arch of the shoe;
the multiple layer fabric body, when folded, further
having a first side and a second side, each side having a
respective upper portion and a respective lower portion, the
upper portion of each side curving downwardly toward the back
of the shoe, the lower portion of each side curving upwardly
toward the back of the shoe; a tab extending outwardly from
the first side of the fabric body beyond the back of the shoe,
the tab extending substantially continuously from the upwardly
curved portions to the downwardly curved portions of the sides
of the body; means for connecting the tab to the second side
of the fabric body around the back of the shoe and folding the
tab back to connect the tab to the first side of the fabric
body such that the folded body is secured around the back of
the shoe.
8. The flexible protective cover of claim 7, wherein
the tab has a side having hook or loop fasteners thereon, the
first side of the fabric body having hook or loop fasteners
thereon adjacent to the tab, the second side of the fabric
body having a rigid loop means attached thereto such that the
tab may be extended across the back of the shoe, the tab
inserted through the rigid loop means, the tab returned to the
first side of the fabric body and the hook and loop fasteners
engaged, thereby releasably securing the fabric body of the
cover around the back of the shoe.
9. A flexible protective cover for use with chainsaws
for protection of feet, shoes or boots having an arch, a back,
a sole, an outer side, an inner side and an instep, the
protective cover comprising:
a multiple layer fabric body which is substantially
flat and, when folded, is contoured as a curve to conform to
the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle, the folded
body extending from the instep of the shoe, both on the outer

- 20 -
side and the inner side of the shoe, downwardly to the sole of
the shoe and backwardly to the back of the shoe;
releasable means for securing the folded body around
the arch of the shoe;
releasable means for securing the folded body around
the back of the shoe; and
the multiple layer fabric comprising at least a
first, outer layer and a second, inner layer having an aramid
lining therebetween, the aramid lining further having at least
a woven fabric first layer and at least a non-woven fabric
adjacent second layer such that the cover is lightweight and
pliable and may be worn comfortably for extended periods and
when so used, is cut and abrasion resistant; wherein the
multiple layer fabric body comprises at least a first portion
and a second portion joined together; the multiple layer
fabric body when folded, further having a first side on the
outer side of the shoe, and a second side on the inner side of
the shoe each side having a respective upper portion and a
respective lower portion, the upper portion of each side
curving downwardly toward the back of the shoe, the lower
portion of each side curving upwardly toward the back of the
shoe; means for securing the folded body around the arch of
the shoe comprising a strap connected to the first side of the
fabric body, the strap having an end extending around the arch
of the shoe and means for releasably attaching the end of the
strap to the second side of the fabric body such that the
folded body is secured around the arch of the shoe; a tab
extending outwardly from the first side of the fabric body
beyond the back of the shoe, the tab extending substantially
continuously from the upwardly curved portions to the
downwardly curved portions of the sides of the body; means for
connecting the tab to the second side of the fabric body
around the back of the shoe such that the folded body is
secured around the back of the shoe.
10. A protective cover for the foot of a person using a
chain saw, wherein the foot is covered by shoes or boots

- 21 -
having an instep, an arch, and a back portion, the protective
cover having first and second sections which are substantially
identical to one another, each of the sections being
substantially flat and having a lower edge, a rearward edge, a
forward curved edge that is concave, the first and second
sections being joined together at their respective forward
curved edges, the cover, when laid out, forming a
substantially flat body having an upwardly projecting portion,
the first and second sections being substantially flexible so
that the cover may be easily and conveniently wrapped around
the person's foot, such that the respective forward curved
edges which are joined together will substantially conform to
the instep of the person's shoe, and cover the ankle of the
person, first fastening means carried by the cooperative lower
edges of the first and second sections, respectively, for
detachably securing the first and second sections together
around the arch of the person's foot, the lower edges of the
first and second sections curving upwardly toward the rearward
edge of each respective section, a tab extending outwardly
from the rearward edge of the first section, a loop means
attached to rearward edge of the second section such that the
tab may be received in the loop means and folded back
approximately 180° about the loop means, means for detachably
connecting the tab to the first section for securely attaching
the first and second sections together around the back of the
person's foot, such that the cover may be adjusted to fit the
person's foot comfortably and the cover does not interfere
with the person's tasks, each of the sections having a
multiple ply construction including an outer layer, an inner
layer, and a layer of an aramid lining secured between the
inner and outer layers, the inner and outer layers being
substantially tough and abrasion resistant, and the aramid
lining having at least a woven fabric first layer and at least
a non-woven fabric adjacent second layer, the aramid lining
being fully capable of stopping a chainsaw in the event the
outer layer is cut by the saw.

- 22 -
11. A method for fabricating a protective cover
for a shoe, boot and the like including the steps of:
providing a sheet of fabric;
cutting two patterns from the fabric sheet, an
inside for a first section of the shoe cover and an
outside for the first section of the shoe cover, each
pattern having a respective tab edge and an opposite
respective concave edge;
cutting two patterns from the fabric sheet, an
inside for a second section of the shoe cover and an
outside for the second section of the shoe cover, each
pattern having a respective back edge and an opposite
respective concave edge;
providing a sheet of woven aramid fabric;
cutting at least one pattern from the woven aramid
fabric to provide a lining for the first section of the shoe
cover, each pattern having a concave edge;
cutting at least one pattern from the woven aramid
fabric to provide a lining for the second section of the shoe
cover, each pattern having a concave edge;
providing a sheet of non-woven aramid fabric;
cutting at least one pattern from the non-woven
aramid fabric to provide additional lining for the first
section of the shoe cover, each pattern having a concave edge;
cutting at least one pattern from the non-woven
aramid fabric to provide additional lining for the second
section of the shoe cover, each pattern having a concave edge;
butting the respective concave edge of the outside
of the first section with the concave edge of the outside of
the second section and sewing said concave edges together to
form a seam such that when the sewn sections are opened and
laid flat to form a first portion having an upper surface and
a lower surface, a selvage edge for each respective section is
formed, the selvage edges extending from the lower surface,
the selvage edges being folded away from the seam such that
each selvage edge is parallel to each respective section;

- 23 -
placing the pattern for the non-woven aramid fabric
for the first section and the pattern for the woven aramid
fabric for the first section on the pattern for the fabric
sheet for the inside of the first section such that the
respective concave edges are substantially coincidental;
placing the pattern for the non-woven aramid fabric
for the second section and the pattern for the woven aramid
fabric for the second section on the pattern for the fabric
sheet for the inside of the second section such that the
respective concave edges are substantially coincidental;
butting the respective concave edges of the inside
of the first section and the woven aramid lining and the non-
woven aramid lining thereon with the respective concave edges
of the inside of the second section and the woven aramid
lining and the non-woven aramid lining thereon and sewing said
concave edges together to form a seam, said seam extending
through the woven aramid lining, the non-woven aramid lining,
the inside of the first section of fabric, and through the
inside of the second section of fabric, the non-woven aramid
lining and the woven aramid lining such that when the sewn
sections are opened and laid flat to form a second portion, a
selvage edge is formed on each of the inside of the first
section, the woven aramid lining and the non-woven aramid
lining on the inside of the first section, the inside of the
second section, the woven aramid lining and the non-woven
aramid lining on the inside of the second section, the
respective selvage edges extending from the seam, the selvage
edges being folded away from the seam such that each selvage
edge is parallel to each respective section,
placing the first portion adjacent to the second
portion such that the woven aramid lining and the non-woven
aramid lining are disposed between the first portion and the
second portion, further such that the seams of the sewn
together sections are substantially coincidental, the tab edge
of the inside of the first section being substantially
coincidental with the tab edge of the outside of the first

- 24 -
section, the back edge of the inside of the second section
being substantially coincidental with the back edge of the
outside of the second section;
sewing the outside of the first section of the first
portion to the inside of the first section of the second
portion by forming a seam substantially parallel to, and
adjacent to the seams forming the respective first portion and
second portion such that the seam between the outside of the
first section and the inside of the first section intercepts,
in sequence, the outside of the first section, the selvage
edge of the outside of the first section, the selvage edge of
the inside of the first section, the selvage edge of the non-
woven aramid lining, the selvage edge of the woven aramid
lining, the woven aramid lining, the non-woven aramid lining
and the inside of the first section;
sewing the inside of the second section of the
second portion to the outside of the second section of the
first portion by forming a seam substantially parallel to, and
adjacent to, the seams forming the respective first section
portion and second portion such that the seam between the
outside of the second section and the inside of the second
section intercepts, in sequence, the outside of the second
section, the selvage edge of the outside of the second
section, the selvage edge of the inside of the second section,
the selvage edge of the non-woven aramid lining, the selvage
edge of the woven aramid lining, the woven aramid lining, the
non-woven aramid lining and the inside of the second section;
providing bias binding;
sewing the bias binding around the joined together
first portion and second portion to overlap the tab edges and
the back edges of the respective sections such that a body for
a shoe is formed wherein the aramid linings in the first
section are joined to the aramid linings in the second section
to prevent penetration of sharp edges therebetween;
providing a strap having a one end and an other end,
providing means for attaching the one end of the strap to the

- 25 -
pattern for the outside of the first section of the shoe
cover;
providing means for removably attaching the other
end of the strap to the pattern for the outside of the second
section of the shoe cover; and
providing means for attaching the tab edge of the
pattern for the first section to the back edge of the pattern
for the second section.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the means for
removably attaching the other end of the strap to the outside
of the second section is an eyelet attached to the outside of
the second section through which the other end of the strap
may be drawn and secured.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the means for
removably attaching the other end of the strap to the outside
of the second section is a buckle to secure the other end of
the strap.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the means for
removably attaching the other end of the strap to the outside
of the second section are hook and loop fasteners attached to
the strap and to the outside of the second section.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheet of fabric
is nylon.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the lining between
the outside and inside of the respective sections is comprised
of unwoven aramid, woven aramid, unwoven aramid and woven
aramid and all seams intercept each of the woven aramid and
non-woven aramid linings.
17. A method for fabricating a protective cover for a
shoe, boot and the like including the steps of:
providing two patterns of durable fabric each having
a concave edge, securing the patterns together along the
respective concave edges to form a first portion having a
first seam between the patterns;
providing two additional patterns of durable fabric
each having a concave edge, providing at least

26
two patterns of non-woven aramid fabric each having a concave
edge, providing at least two patterns of woven aramid fabric
each having a concave edge, placing at least one pattern of
non-woven aramid fabric and at least one pattern of woven
aramid fabric on each of the respective additional patterns of
durable fabric such that the respective concave edges of each
pattern are substantially coincidental;
sewing the respective patterns together along the
concave edges to form a second portion having a second seam
between the patterns;
placing the first portion adjacent to the second
portion such that the aramid patterns are disposed between the
portions and such that the first seam and second seam are
substantially coincidental;
sewing the first portion to the second portion by
forming a third seam and a fourth seam, said seams being
substantially parallel and adjacent to the first seam and the
second seam;
providing a bias binding and sewing the bias binding
around the joined first portion and second portion; and
providing means for removably attaching the
cover to a shoe.
18. A flexible protective cover for use with chainsaws
to protect feet, shoes or boots having an arch, a toe, a back,
a sole, an outer side, an inner side and an instep, the
protective cover comprising a multiple layer fabric body
which, when laid out, is substantially flat having an upwardly
projecting portion and, when folded, is contoured as a curve
to conform to the instep of the shoe and extend to the ankle,
the upwardly projecting portion conforming to the toe of the
shoe, the folded body extending from the instep of the shoe,
on both the outer side and the inner side of the shoe,
downwardly to the sole of the shoe and backwardly to the back
of the shoe, wherein the cover may fit a wide variety of shoe
sizes; releasable means for securing the folded body around
the arch of the shoe; the multiple layer fabric body, when

- 27 -
folded, further having a first side and a second side, each
side having a respective upper portion and a respective lower
portion the upper portion of each side curving downwardly
toward the back of the shoe, the lower portion of each side
curving upwardly toward the back of the shoe; a tab extending
outwardly from the first side of the fabric body beyond the
back of the shoe, the tab extending substantially continuously
from the upwardly curving portions to the downwardly curving
portions of the sides of the body; means for releasably
connecting the tab to the second side of the fabric body
around the back of the shoe, such that the folded body is
secured around the back of the shoe; and the multiple layer
fabric comprising at least a first outer layer, a second inner
layer, and an aramid lining therebetween, such that the cover
is lightweight and pliable and may be worn comfortably for
extended periods, and such that the cover is cut and abrasion
resistant.
19. The flexible protective cover of claim 18, wherein
the tab has a side having hook or loop fasteners thereon, the
first side of the fabric body having hook or loop fasteners
thereon adjacent to the tab, the second side of the fabric
body having a loop means attached thereto such that the tab
may be extended across the back of the shoe, the tab being
inserted through the loop means, the tab being returned to the
first side of the fabric body and the respective hook and loop
fasteners being engaged, thereby releasably and adjustably
securing the fabric body of the cover around the back of the
shoe.
20. A removable cover intended to protect the foot of a
person, particularly when the person is using a chainsaw to
cut timber, the cover being wrapped around the shoe on the
person's foot and being substantially universal for a variety
of shoe sizes, wherein the shoe includes a toe portion, an
instep, a sole, side portions joining the instep and sole,
respectively, and a back portion, the cover comprising a
flexible multi-layer unitary member including an aramid lining

- 28 -
to grab the chainsaw and substantially bind the same in the
event the chainsaw is accidentally brought into contact with
the cover and cuts into the cover, the cover further
comprising a substantially-flat member having a central
forwardly-disposed upwardly projecting portion slipped over
the toe portion and instep of the shoe, the shoe being
received within the cover as the cover is wrapped around the
shoe, the cover having respective side portions including a
left side portion and a right side portion, each side having a
respective upper portion and a respective lower portion, the
upper portion of each side curving downwardly toward the back
portion of the shoe, the lower portion of each side curving
upwardly toward the back portion of the shoe, one of the side
portions having a rearwardly-extending tab formed thereon, the
tab extending substantially continuously from the upward
curving portion to the downwardly curving portion of side
portions of the cover, the other side portion having a loop
means thereon through which the tab is received, the tab being
grasped and pulled through and around the loop means to
tighten the cover on the shoe, first quick-release fastening
means between the tab and the one side portion of the cover to
secure the cover to the shoe longitudinally thereof, a strap
carried by one of the side portions of the cover and extending
downwardly therefrom substantially from the instep to the sole
of the shoe, and second quick-release fastening means between
the strap and the other of the side portions of the cover,
thereby further securing the cover to the shoe transversely
thereof.
21. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the means
for connecting the tab to the first side of the cover
comprises hook or loop fasteners on the tab and cooperating
hook or loop fasteners on the first side of the cover.
22. A protective gaiter for the operator of a chainsaw,
the gaiter being removably attached to an operator's shoe or
boot and comprising a substantially-flexible unitary article
including an aramid lining intended to substantially retard

- 29 -
the chainsaw in the event the chainsaw inadvertently comes
into contact with the operator's shoe or boot and, in
particular, to front or side thereof, thereby protecting the
operator against a very serious injury, the gaiter having a
front and a rear and further including a pair of side sections
integrally joined together at the front thereof, thereby
forming an opening at the rear, such that the gaiter may be
disposed over the shoe or boot, each of the side sections of
the gaiter having an upper portion and a lower portion, means
for removably securing the lower portion of each side section
to the operator's shoe or boot, the upper portion of each side
section of the gaiter curving downwardly towards the rear of
the shoe or boot, the lower portion of each side section of
the gaiter curving upwardly towards the rear of the shoe or
boot, such that when the gaiter is attached to the operator's
shoe or boot, the gaiter will not substantially impede nor
interfere with the operator's normal movements in walking, one
of the side sections of the gaiter having a tab integrally
joined thereto and extending rearwardly thereof, the tab
having a vertical height which is substantially equal to the
vertical height of the rear of the gaiter between the upwardly
and downwardly curved portions of the respective side sections
of the gaiter, the other side section of the gaiter having a
loop secured thereto, such that when the gaiter is attached to
the operator's shoe or boot, the tab is inserted into the loop
and the tab is pulled therethrough and folded back on itself
towards the one side section of the gaiter, and detachable
fastening means between the tab and the one side section of
the gaiter, thereby providing a secure detachable mounting of
the gaiter to the operator's shoe or boot and precluding an
undesirable separation therebetween upon the initial
inadvertent or accidental contact between the chainsaw and the
front or side sections of the gaiter.
23. The protective gaiter of claim 23, wherein the
aramid lining comprises at least a woven aramid fabric first

layer and at least a non-woven aramid fabric adjacent second
layer.
24. The protective gaiter of claim 23, wherein the
operator's shoe or boot has an arch, and wherein the means for
removably securing the lower portions of the respective side
sections of the gaiter to the operator's shoe or boot,
comprises a strap means attached to the lower portion of one
side section, the strap having an end extending around the
arch of the operator's shoe or boot, and means for releasably
attaching the end of the strap to the other side section of
the gaiter.

Description

-- 2029921
PROTECTIVE COVER~FOR SHOES, BOOTS AND T~ LIKE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a flexible
protective cover for shoes, boots and the like and,
5more particularly, to a cover made of aramid fibers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The widespread use of chainsaws and similar high
speed cutting devices, both commercially and
individually, has resulted in many serious injuries to
the users. The frequency and magnitude of these
injuries have been a ma~or concern to safety
organizations, employers and insurance companies.
Numerous protective and safety measures and devices
have been proposed to protect the users of these
devices.
Of interest to the present invention are the
following:
U.S. Patent No. Inventor(s) Date of Issue
2,757,460 Bufis 08/07/56
2,872,745 Finegan 02/10/59
2,902,779 Cook 09/08/59
2,945,308 Pence 07/19/60
3,003,261 Graham et al 10/10/61
3,128,565 Graham et al 04/14/64
4,503,566 Wheeler 03/12/85
D 288,382 Birchwood 02/24/87
4,665,633 Edgerton 05/19/87
Bufis discloses a pants protector formed of a thin
waterproof material adapted to be fitted over the lower
portion of the trousers leg and the upper part of the
shoe to protect the same against the elements.
Finegan discloses a spat-like protector of
duckbill design having a cuff of pliable leather to
wrap around the ankle and a foot covering portion of
tough flexible leather. The device is to protect the J-
~

-2- 2 02 99 21
wearer from the shock of falling objects and to guard
against spills.
Two piece rigid leggings constructed of resinous
fiber reinforced plastic which encircle the leg from
the knee to the vamp of the shoe are disclosed by Cook.
Pence discloses a metal snake guard comprised of
two contoured sides hinged by leather strips. The
protector extends from the knee to the ankle.
Graham et al, in both references, disclose a
hunting boot protector having two pieces; a foot
covering member and a leg covering member attached to
the foot covering member. The device is constructed of
a fiber impregnated resin plastic.
Wheeler discloses a device to protect feet and
legs against molten metal contact comprising a
two-piece upper portion which wraps around a user's
lower leg and a stiff flare portion to cover the top of
the user's shoe.
Birchwood discloses a flexible shoe/boot heel
protector.
Edgerton discloses a shoe top cover formed of a
single thickness of flexible fabric to protect the shoe
upper from paint or plastic dripping.
None of these references are directed toward
providing protection to users of high speed cutting
tools and which also permit the user to wear the
protective device while engaged in normal walking and
working situations. Even leather boots and so-called
"safety shoes" do not provide protection against a high
speed chainsaw.
The applicant is aware of one type of protective
device designed for use with chainsaws which is a
protective chaps type of garment. The chaps are more
fully described in Specification 6170-4D, January 1989
for Chaps, Chainsaw, published by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Forest Service which covers the
requirements for nylon covered aramid chainsaw chaps.

2Q29921
The chaps, which are intended for use by workers
operating chainsaws, are cut resistant and provide
protection for the legs and lower torso area. These
chaps are widely used by employees in the lumber
industry, but despite this use, there is still a
disturbingly high incidence of serious injuries to the
feet of employees caused by accidents with chainsaws.
Thus, there exists an urgent need to provide a
protective device to cover the feet and ankles,
including shoes and the like, of persons using high
speed cutting devices such as chainsaws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present
invention to protect the user of high speed cutting
devices such as chainsaws from serious injury by
providing a cover for feet, ankles, shoes and the like.
It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a protective cover for shoes and the like which
is simple and easy to secure over the shoe, which will
remain in place, and which may be worn comfortably for
extended periods.
It is yet a further object of the present
invention to provide a protective cover for shoes and
the like which is cut and abrasive resistant.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide a method of manufacture for a protective
covering for shoes and the like which is economical and
conducive to mass production.
In accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, there is disclosed a flexible protective
cover for use with chainsaws and the like to protect
feet, ankles, shoes, boots and the like.
The shoe has an arch, a back, a sole, an outer
side, an inner side and an instep. The cover is a
multiple layer fabric body which, when folded, is

--4--
` 2029~21
contoured as a curve to conform to the instep of the
shoe and extend to the ankle. The folded body extends
from the instep of the shoe, on both the outer side and
the inner side of the shoe, downwardly to the sole of
the shoe and backwardly to the back of the shoe.
Releasable means are provided for securing the folded
body around the arch of the shoe. Releasable means are
also provided for securing the folded body around the
back of the shoe. The multiple layer fabric comprises
at least a first, outer layer and a second, inner
layer. An aramid lining is therebetween such that the
cover is lightweight and pliable and may be worn
comfortably for extended periods. When so used, the
cover is cut and abrasion resistant.
The multiple layer fabric body comprises at least
a first portion and a second portion joined together.
The first portion and the second portion may be sewn
together. The multiple layer fabric body when folded,
further has a first side on the outer side of the shoe
and a second side on the inner side of the shoe. Means
for securing the folded body around the sole of the
shoe include a strap connected to the first side of the
fabric body. The strap has an end extending around the
arch of the shoe and means are provided for releasably
attaching the end of the strap to the second side of
the fabric body.
A tab extends outwardly from the first side of the
fabric body beyond the back of the shoe. Means are
provided for connecting the tab to the second side of
the fabric body around the back of the shoe such that
the folded body is secured around the back of the shoe.
A protective cover for the foot of a person using
a chainsaw or the like is disclosed, wherein the foot
is covered by a shoe or boot having an instep, an arch,
and a back portion. The protective cover has first and
second sections which are substantially identical to
one another. Each of the sections is substantially

\ - ~
2029921
flat and has a lower edge, a rearward edge and a
forward curved edge that is concave when viewed from
beyond the protective cover. The first and second
sections are ~oined together at their respective
5 forward curved edges. The first and second sections
are substantially flexible so that the cover may be
easily and conveniently wrapped around the person's
foot, such that the respective forward curved edges
which are joined together will substantially conform to
the instep of the person's shoe, and cover the ankle
and the person. First cooperative fastening means are
carried by the cooperative lower edges of the first and
second sections, respectively, for detachably securing
the first and second sections together around the arch
f the person s foot. Second cooperative fastening
means are carried by the respective rearward edges of
the sections, respectively, for detachably securing the
first and second sections together around the back of
the person's foot, such that the cover fits the
person's foot comfortably and does not interfere with
the person's tasks. Each of the sections has a
multiple ply construction including an outer layer, an
inner layer, and a layer of an aramid lining secured
between the inner and outer layers. The inner and
outer layers are substantially tough and abrasion
resistant, and the aramid lining is fully capable of
stopping a chainsaw in the event the outer layer is cut
by the saw.
The protective cover is fabricated by cutting a
durable fabric into two patterns which are joined along
respective concave edges to form a first portion. Two
additional patterns are cut from the same fabric.
Patterns are cut from woven aramid fabric and non-woven
aramid fabric. The aramid patterns are placed in
alternating non-woven/woven lining on the respective
additional patterns and are joined together along
respective concave edges to form a second portion. The

-6- ~ 2 0299 2 1
method of joining is a seam sewn through the respective
additional fabric patterns and the woven and non-woven
aramid patterns. In this manner, the aramid linings on
the additional fabric patterns are joined edge to edge
such that a sharp edge or blade is prevented from
penetrating the portion. The first portion is placed
on the second portion such that the aramid linings are
therebetween and the seams are substantially
coincidental. The first and second portions are sewn
together by two additional seams which are
substantially parallel and adjacent to the seams which
join the patterns. The additional seams are on
opposite sides of the seam joining the patterns. The
additional seams intercept the fabric selvage edges of
the durable fabric, the selvage edges of the woven and
non-woven aramid, the woven and non-woven aramid
linings and the additional fabric. These seams further
strengthen the joining of the several portions and
further assure that a sharp blade is prevented from
penetrating the joined patterns. A binding is sewn
around the body which has been formed. Means such as a
strap, tab, loop, and/or hook and loop fasteners are
attached to the body such that when the body is folded,
it may be worn on a shoe, boot or the like.
These and other objects of the present invention
will become apparent from a reading of the following
specification, taken in conjunction with the enclosed
drawings.
^~' BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
3o Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a user holding a
chainsaw and wearing protective chaps and the
protective cover for shoes of the present invention.
Fig. lA is a perspective view of the operating
chainsaw accidentally contacting the protective cover
of the present invention.

-7- ~ 2029921
~ Fig. lB is a perspective view, in enlarged scale,
showing the aramid fabric jamming the teeth of chainsaw
and providing protection to the wearer of the
protective cover of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the protective
cover of the present invention showing the means of
wearing the cover on a boot.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the protective
cover taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the protective
cover taken along lines 4-4 of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a right side elevational view of Fig. 2
showing the tab extending around the back of the boot
to secure the cover and also showing the strap
extending under the arch of the boot.
Fig. 6 is a left side elevational view of Fig. 2
showing the strap secured to the side of the protective
cover and extending under the arch of the boot to
secure the protective cover.
Fig. 7 is a front view of the protective cover of
the present invention showing the strap secured to the
side of the cover and extending from the side of the
cover.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the protective
cover of the present invention showing the tab drawn
through the rigid loop such that the tab may be folded
back to secure the cover around the back of the boot
and be held in place by the hook and loop fasteners.
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the protective cover
of the present invention, wherein the cover has been
laid open and flattened out showing the tab, the rigid
loop, the strap and the hook and loop fasteners.
Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of the protective
cover of the present invention, wherein the cover has
been laid open and flattened out showing the tab and
the strap extending outwardly from the body.

` 2029921
--8--
Fig. 11 is a top plan view showing the outside of
the first section and the outside of the second section
prior to joining.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the joining
of the sections of Fig. 11 along their respective
concave edges.
Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing the
sections of Fig. 11 sewn together along their
respective concave edges.
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged for
the sake of clarity, taken across the lines 13-13 of
Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is an exploded top plan view showing the
inside of the first section, non-woven aramid lining
and woven aramid lining to be placed thereon, and the
inside of the second section, non-woven aramid lining
and woven aramid lining to be placed thereon in
position prior to joining of the components.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the
components of Fig. 14 sewn together along their
respective concave edges.
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged for
the sake of clarity, taken across the lines 16-16 of
Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the
assembling of the joined outside sections of Fig. 12A
with the joined inside sections of Fig. 15 and further
showing a partial cut-away view to illustrate the
layers comprising the body.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the
respective inside first section sewn together with the
respective outside first section.
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged for
the sake of clarity, taken across the lines 19-19 of
Fig. 18.
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the protective
cover of Fig. 18 showing the respective inside second

- 20299~1
section sewn together with the respective outside
second section.
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view, enlarged for
the sake of clarity, taken across the lines 21-21 of
Fig. 20.
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the protective
cover of Fig. 20 ~howing a bias binding sewn around the
protective cover.
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the protective
cover of Fig. 22 showing the addition of the strap,
eyelet, hook and loop fasteners and rigid loop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE Pk~r~R~ EMBODIM~NTS
Referring to Figs. 1-8 the protective cover 10 is
shown as it is worn on a typical shoe or boot 11. The
protective cover 10 is a multiple layer fabric body
which is folded to be contoured as a curve to conform
to the instep 15 of the shoe 11. When so folded, the
protective cover-10 extends, in a gaiter-like manner,
over the ankle of the
wearer and extends from the instep of the shoe, on both
the outer side and the inner side of the shoe,
downwardly to the sole 14 of the shoe 11 and backwardly
to the back 13 of the shoe 11. A strap 21 is attached
to the first side of the cover 19 and is extended
around the arch 12 of the shoe 11. Figs. lA and lB
show the use of the protective cover 10 in a typical
accident in which a chainsaw contacts the protective
cover 10. The teeth of the chainsaw are jammed by the
aramid and the cutting action of the chainsaw is
stopped.
As shown in Fig. 3, the protective cover 10
protects the entire upper surface of the shoe 11. Fig.

-- 10 --
` 2029921
4 ~hows ~hat the multiple layer ~ody has ~n ~uter layer
30 and an inner layer 31 with an aramid fiber lining 32
therebetween. The outer layers 30, 31 may be nylon or
other suitable fabric which is durable. Para-aramid
fiber sold by E. I. ~uPont de Nemours ~ Co., Inc. under
the registered trademark ~Kevlar~ has been used
satisfactorily as the lining material. In a preferred
embodiment, the aramid lining 32 comprises both woven
32' and non-woven 32" fabric. At least one layer of
woven aramid 32' is placed adjacent to at least one
layer of non-woven aramid 32". In an especially
preferred embodiment two (2) woven aramid 32' layers
are in an alternating pattern with two (2) non-woven
aramid 32" layers.
As seen in Figs 6-7, an eyelet 23 having an
opening therein is attached to the second side of the
cover 20. The end of the strap 21 is inserted through
the opening in the eyelet 23 and folded back on itself
and adjustably held thereon by hook and loop fasteners
on the end of the strap and on the body of the strap.
Alternately, the eyelet 23 may be omitted and the strap
21 may be fastened airectly to the second side of the
cover 20 by means of hook and loop fasteners, buckles,
snap or other suitable fasteners. This means o
securing the cover 10 around the arch 12 of the shoe 11
permits adjustment to accommodate shoes of varying
sizes and also is a simple and rapid means for securing
the cover 10 to the shoe 11. Further, by securing the
cover 10 around the arch 12 of the shoe 11, the cover
10 conforms to the shoe 11 to provide the needed
protection and also permits wearing of the cover 10
under all types of walking and working conditions.
Each side 19-20 of the protective cover 10 has a respective
upper portion and a respective lower portion. As seen in Figs. 2,
5, 6 and 8, the upper portion of each side 19, 20 curves downwadly
toward the rear of the cover 10 and the lower portion of each side
19, 20 curves upwardly toward the rear of the cover 10.

lOa . 2029921
The first ~ide of the ~over 19 has a *ab 25
extending outwardly therefrom (Figs. 2, 5, 6 and 8).
~he t~b 25 further hac a height whlch extends sub~t~ntially between
the upwardly ~ Ld portions ~nd the dc~ r-rdly ~ulved portions of
5 - the respective 6ides 19, 20.
When the cover lO is folded and placed over the shoe
11, the tab 25 extends outwardly beyond the back of the
shoe 13. The tab 25 is extended across the second
opening 18 and is inserted into a rigid loop means 26
attached to the second side of the cover 20. The tab
25 i8 then returned approximately 180to the firRt side of the
cover 19, thereby closing the second opening 18 in the cover 10

` 2029921
`_
and securing the cover 10 about the back 13 of the shoe
11. The tab 25 is secured to the first side of the
cover 19, preferably by means of hook and loop
fasteners 22. Alternately, a buckle, snap or other
suitable fasteners could be used. Also, the tab may be
a strap or other means and may be attached with
suitable fasteners directly to the second side of the
cover 20 rather than be returned to the first side of
the cover 19. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that alternate means may be used for
securing the cover 10 around the back 13 of the shoe
11 .
As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the cover 10 is a body
having a first portion and a second portion which are
joined together. Preferably, the portions are sewn
together.
A method for fabricating a protective cover 10 for
a shoe 11, boot and the like includes the steps of
providing a sheet of fabric and cutting two patterns
from the fabric sheet. An outside pattern 33 is cut
for the first section of the shoe cover and an inside
pattern 34 is cut for the first section of the shoe
cover 10. Each pattern has a respective tab edge 35,
35' and an opposite respective concave edge 36, 36'
(Fig. 11 and 14). The fabric may be nylon or other
material with sufficient durability. Two additional
patterns are cut from the fabric sheet. An outside
pattern 37 is cut for the second section of the shoe
cover and an inside pattern 38 is cut for the second
section of the shoe cover 10. Each pattern has a
respective back edge 39, 39' and an opposite respective
concave edge 40, 40'. A sheet of woven aramid fabric
is provided. Referring to Fig. 14, at least one
pattern 41 is cut from the woven aramid fabric to
provide a lining for the first section of the shoe
cover 10. Each pattern has a concave edge 42. At
least one pattern 43 is cut from the woven aramid

-12-
fabric to provide a lining for the second section of
the shoe cover 10. Each pattern has a concave edge 44.
A sheet of non-woven aramid fabric is provided. At
least one pattern 45 is cut from the non-woven aramid
fabric to provide additional lining for the first
section of the shoe cover. Each pattern has a concave
edge 46. At least one pattern 47 is cut from the
non-woven aramid fabric to provide additional lining
for the second section of the shoe cover. Each pattern
has a concave edge 48.
Referring to Fig. 12, the respective concave edge
36 of the outside of the first section 33 is butted
with the respective concave edge 40 of the outside of
the second section 37 and said concave edges 36, 40 are
sewn together to form a seam 49. (Fig. 12A) When the
sewn sections are opened and laid flat, a first portion
50 is formed having an upper surface and a lower
surface. A selvage edge 52, 53 for each respective
section is formed (Fig. 13), the selvage edges
extending from the lower surface. The selvage edges
52, 53 are folded away from the seam such that each
selvage edge 52, 53 is parallel to each respective
section 33, 37.
As shown in Fig. 14, the pattern for the non-woven
aramid fabric for the first section 45 and the pattern
for the woven aramid fabric for the first section 41
are placed on the pattern for the fabric sheet for the
inside of the first section 34 such that the respective
concave edges 42, 46, 36' are substantially
coincidental. The pattern for the non-woven aramid
fabric for the second section 47 and the pattern for
the woven aramid fabric for the second section 43 are
placed on the pattern for the fabric sheet for the
inside of the second section 38 such that the
respective concave edges 48, 44, 40' are substantially
coincidental.

-1 32 0 2 9
Referring to Fig. 15 the respective concave edges
of the inside of the first section 36 and the woven
aramid lining 42 and the non-woven aramid lining 46 are
butted with the respective concave edges of the inside
of the second section 40' and the woven aramid lining
44 and the non-woven aramid lining 48 in a manner
similar to that described above (and shown in Figs. 12
and 12A). The concave edges 36', 42, 46, 40', 44, 48
are sewn together to form a seam 55 which extends
through the woven aramid lining 41, the non-woven
aramid lining 45, the inside of the first section of
fabric 34, and through the inside of the second section
of fabric 38, the non-woven aramid lining 47 and the
woven aramid lining 43. When the sewn sections are
opened and laid flat a second portion 56 is formed.
As shown in Fig. 16, a respective selvage edge 60,
62, 64, 61, 63 and 65 is formed on each of the inside
of the first section 34, the non-woven aramid lining 45
and the woven aramid lining 41, the inside of the
second section 38, the non-woven aramid lining 43 and
the woven aramid lining 65. The respective selvage
edges 60, 62, 64, 61, 63, 65 extend from the seam 55,
the selvage edges being folded away from the seam 55
such that each selvage edges 60, 62 and 64 are parallel
to the first section 34 and selvage edges 61, 63 and 65
are parallel to the second section 38.
As shown in Fig. 17, the first portion 50 is
placed adjacent to the second portion 56 such that the
non-woven aramid lining 45, 47 and the woven aramid
3o lining 41, 43 are disposed between the first portion 50
and the second portion 56, in a manner such that the
seams 49, 55 of the sewn together sections are
substantially coincidental. The tab edge of the inside
of the first section 35' is substantially coincidental
with the tab edge of the outside of the first section
35, and the back edge of the inside of the second
section 39' is substantially coincidental with the back

-14-
2029921
edge of the outside of the second section 39.
As shown in Fig. 18, the outside of the second
section 37 of the first portion 50, is sewn to the
inside of the second section 38 of the second portion
56 by forming a seam 70 substantially parallel and
adjacent to the seams 49, 55 which form the respective
first portion 50 and second portion 56.
In this manner, ~Fig. 19) the seam between the
outside of the second section 37 (on the first portion
50) and the inside of the second section 38 (in the
second portion 56) intercepts, in sequence, the outside
of the second section 37, the selvage edge of the
outside of the second section 53, the selvage edge of
the inside of the second section 61, the selvage edge
of the non-woven aramid lining 63, the selvage edge of
the woven aramid lining 65, the woven aramid lining 43,
the non-woven aramid lining 47 and the inside of the
second section 38.
Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, the outside of the
first section 33 of the first portion 50 is sewn to the
inside of the first section 34 of the second portion 56
by forming a seam 71 substantially parallel to, and
adjacent to, the seams 49, 55 which form the respective
first portion 50 and second portion 56. In this
manner, the seam 71 between the outside of the first
section 33 (on the first portion 50) and the inside of
the first section 34 (on the second portion 56)
intercepts, in sequence, the outside of the first
section 33, the selvage edge of the outside of the
first section 52, the selvage edge of the inside of the
first section 60, the selvage edge of the non-woven
aramid lining 62, the selvage edge of the woven aramid
lining 64, the woven aramid lining 42, the non-woven
aramid lining 45 and the inside of the first section
34.
A bias binding 75 is provided and sewn around the
joined together first portion 50 and second portion 56

-15-
2029921
to overlap the tab edges 35, 35' and the back edges 39,
39' of the respective sections. (Fig. 22)
The method of sewing the inside sections 33, 37
together to have the seam 55 intercept the fabric and
aramid patterns and to form selvage edges, assures that
the aramid linings 43, 47, 41, 45 are butted together
and there are no open spaces between the aramid
linings. Thus, sharp edges, such as teeth on a
chainsaw, are prevented from penetrating the sections.
Further, the method of sewing the first portion 50 to
the second portion 56 by having seams 70, 71 sewn
substantially at right angles to the seams 49, 55
connecting the first and second sections, further
assures the integrity of the cover 10. It also further
assures the placement of the aramid layers to prevent
penetration of sharp edges through the protective cover
10 .
As shown in Fig. 23 a strap 21 is provided having
a one end and an other end. The one end of the strap
21 is attached to the outside of the first section 33
on the first portion of the shoe cover 10. A means 23
is provided for removably attaching the other end of
the strap 21 to the outside of the second section 37 on
the first portion of the shoe cover 10. In a preferred
embodiment, the means is an eyelet 23 attached to the
outside 37 of the second section through which the
other end of the strap 21 may be drawn and secured. It
would be apparent to one skilled in the art to use a
buckle attached to outside 37 of the second section or
hook and loop fasteners on the strap and on the cover
10 as means for attaching the strap.
Also shown in Fig. 23 are hook and loop fasteners
22 attached near the tab edge 35 of the outside 33 of
the first section. These fasteners 22 engage the tab
edge 35 after it is inserted through a rigid loop 26
secured to the second section, and folded back onto the
outside section. This embodiment is used to secure the

-16- 2029921
back opening 18 of the cover 10 around the shoe. It
would be apparent to persons skilled in the art to use
a buckle, a strap, or other means to secure the back
opening 18. The design may omit the tab edge 35 and
the rigid loop 26.
In an alternate embodiment, the lining between the
first portion 50 and the second portion 56 is a
plurality of alternating woven aramid linings and
non-woven aramid linings. The seam 55 would intercept
all of these linings in addition to the inside of the
first section 34 and the inside of the second section
38. Further, the seams 70 and 71 would intercept the
selvage edges of each respective lining.
The figures show a pattern for the right foot. In
order to make a cover for the left foot, the pattern as
shown would be cut as a mirror image of those shown as
is well known to those skilled in the art. The method
of sewing the patterns and the linings are the same as
shown in the figures. The means for attaching the
strap 21 and the closure means for the opening of the
back 11 of the cover would be the same as with the
right foot but would be fabricated accordingly.
Thus, the present invention discloses an effective
protective cover for the feet and ankles of persons
using chainsaws and other high speed cutting equipment.
A flexible fabric covering is provided which is easily
and rapidly attached over the shoe/boot of the person
and can be adapted to fit a wide variety of shoe sizes.
The cover is easily fabricated without the need of
special equipment.,
Obviously, many modifications may be made without
departing from the basic spirit of the present
invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that within the scope of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced other
than has been specifically described herein.

Representative Drawing