Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
.
2073665
~ PROTECTIVE COVER FOR 8HOE8, BOOT8 AND THE LIKE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a flexible protective
cover for shoes, boots and the like and, more particularly, to
a cover made of fibers which binds a chainsaw and a cover
which is secured to the shoe or boot in a manner to preclude
separation therefrom when contacted by the blade of a
chainsaw.
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 major 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
4,079,527 Antonius 03/21/78
4,503,566 Wheeler 03/12/85
4,526,828 Fogt et al. 07/02/85
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 trouser's 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 wearer from the shock of falling
objects and to guard against spills.
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
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.
Antonius discloses a shoe having a flap, tab, or strap to
maintain a constant tautness across the toes, arch, and ankle
of the wearer. A continuous variable attachment means is
provided.
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' 8 shoe.
Fogt et al. disclose a protective material for gloves,
leggings, aprons, sleeves, and the like. The material
comprises a textile base material, an intermediate layer of
para aramid fiber having large pores, and an outer layer of an
elastomeric material. The elastomeric material extends
through the pores of the intermediate layer.
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.
~ ~ 7 ~
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
U.K. Patent No. 4084 issued to Budischowsky, March 31,
1904 discloses a cloth on leather gaiter formed of two pieces
sewn together. A strip is provided to encircle the wearer's
ankle so the gaiter can be worn over the user's shoe.
The Applicant is aware of one type of protective device
designed for use with ~-hAincaws 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 para
aramid chainsaw chaps. 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 chAincaws.
U.K. Patent Application No. 2,219,727A disclosed an item
of protective clothing having a layer which is designed to
"strand" when contacted by a chAincAw blade. The length of
any strand of the material is considerably longer than the
length or breadth of the actual fabric layer.
A satisfactory device to provide protection to the shoe,
boot, and ankle of a chainsaw operator was disclosed in United
States Patent No. 5,172,493 issued December 22, 1992. In that
disclosure, a protective cover is provided having a para
aramid fabric lining and designed to be worn over a shoe or
boot. However, there still exists room for improvement of the
structure of the protective cover to provide greater safety to
the operator of a chainsaw.
It is very important to adequately and positively secure
the protective cover to the shoe or boot of the r-hAinsaw
operator in a manner to assure that the protective cover is
not separated from the shoe or boot as a result of the forces
applied to the cover by contact with the high speed blade of
~ ~ .!.
207366~
~~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
the chainsaw. The protective cover must be held firmly about
the ankle of the wearer so that movement of the protective
cover away from the ankle is prevented. Also, the cover
cannot have open sides and must be held close to the shoe or
boot so that, while worn, underbrush and other objects cannot
enter between the boot and the cover and hinder the normal
walking of the wearer. Furthermore, the front of the shoe or
boot must be held firmly in place. Contact of this portion of
the cover, which is the most probable point of contact by a
chainsaw, will result in separating of the cover from the shoe
or boot if the cover is not held adequately in place.
SUMMARY OF T~ T~VENTION
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
firmly secured 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 abrasi-on resistant.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
a protective cover for shoes and the like which is securely
held on the user's shoe and prevented from dislodgement when
the cover is contacted by a chainsaw.
In accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, there is disclosed a cover intended to protect the
foot of a person, particularly when the person is using a
chainsaw to cut timber and the like. The cover is wrapped
around the shoe or boot on the person's foot. The shoe or
boot includes a toe portion, an instep, a sole plane, side
portions joining the instep and sole plane, respectively, and
a back portion. The cover includes a flexible multi-layer
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
unitary member including an inner fabric layer, an outer
fabric layer, and a lining means therebetween. The lining
means grabs the chainsaw and substantially binds the same in
the event the chainsaw is accidentally brought into contact
with the cover and cuts into the cover. The cover further is
contiguous to the toe portion and instep of the shoe or boot.
The shoe or boot is received within the cover as the cover is
wrapped around the shoe or boot. The cover has a toe portion
and respective side portions including a first side portion
and a second side portion. Each side portion has a respective
upper portion and a respective lower portion. The upper
portion of each side curves downwardly toward the back portion
of the shoe and the lower portion of each side curves upwardly
toward the back portion of the shoe or boot. The first side
portion has a rearwardly-extending tab formed thereon. The
tab has a vertical height extending substantially between the
upwardly curving portion and the downwardly curving portion of
side portions of the cover. The second side portion has a
bail thereon through which the tab is received. The tab is
grasped and pulled through and approximately 180~ around the
bail to tighten the cover on the shoe or boot. Quick-release
fastening means are provided between the tab and the first
side portion of the cover to secure the cover to the shoe or
boot longitudinally thereof. Means are provided for securing
the toe portion of the cover to the sole plane of the shoe or
boot. In this manner, the cover is precluded from being
separated from the shoe or boot upon initial contact between
the chainsaw and the cover.
The lining means may be at least one layer of a woven
para aramid fabric and at least one adjacent layer of a non-
woven para aramid fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the
lining means and the side portions of the cover are joined
together by stitching in a quilt-like pattern.
207366~
'~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
A cord of lining means material is attached to the lower
edge of the cover where contact is made with the chainsaw so
that the cord may bind the chainsaw.
It is preferred that means be provided for detachably
securing the lower portion of each side portion of the cover
to the sole plane of the shoe or boot.
In another preferred embodiment, the means for securing
the toe portion of the cover to the sole plane of the shoe or
boot is the sewing of the lower edge of the toe portion to the
sole plane of the shoe or boot.
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
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.
FIG. lB is a perspective view, in enlarged scale, showing
the para 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 one embodiment 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 exte~;ng around the back of the boot to secure the
cover and also showing the strap extending under the arch of
the boot.
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 2 showing
the strap secured to the side of the protective cover and
exten~ing 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.
FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing the outside of the
first section and the outside of the second section prior to
.
olnlng .
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 para aramid lining and woven
para aramid lining to be placed thereon, and the inside of the
second section, non-woven para aramid lining and woven para
aramid lining to be placed thereon in position prior to
joining of the components.
2073665
~~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
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 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 showing 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.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of
the protective cover of the present invention showing two tabs
and two bails to secure the cover around the back of the boot.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of
the protective cover of the present invention showing two tabs
and one bail to secure the cover around the back of the boot.
FIG. 26 is a back view of the protective cover of a still
further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a front view of the protective cover of FIG.
26 showing the quilt-like stitching to secure the lining
means.
2073665
- Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken across the lines
28-28 of FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 28 showing a
chainsaw blade being jammed by the lining means in the
compartment.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the multiple
layers, the folded segment of lining means, and a cord of
lining means attached to the lower edge of the side portion of
the invention of FIG. 26.
FIG. 31 is a right side elevational view of the
protective cover of the invention of FIG. 26 showing spaced-
apart flaps having fastening means thereon.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the multiple
layers, the folded segment of lining means, and a cord of
lining means attached to the lower edge of the side portion of
the invention of FIG. 26.
FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of a boot showing
spaced-apart fastening means in the sole plane of the boot.
FIG. 34 is an exploded view showing a transverse
fastening means to secure the lower edge of the cover of the
invention of FIG. 26 to openings in the sole plane of the
shoe.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the protective
cover of the present invention permanently secured to the toe
portion of the shoe or boot.
FIG. 36 is an exploded view showing the protective cover
of the present invention and the boot to which said cover is
secured.
FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken across
the lines 37-37 of FIG. 35.
FIG. 38 is a top view showing the protective cover of the
present invention permanently secured to the boot.
FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view showing the protective
cover of the present invention partially removed from the
boot.
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the protective cover 10 i5 shown
as it is worn on a typical shoe or boot 11. The protective
cover 10 is a unitary flexible multiple layer fabric body
which is substantially flat and has a central forwardly-
disposed upwardly-projecting portion. When the body is
folded, it is 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
plane (side of 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 lining means 32 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. 4 shows that the
multiple layer body has an outer layer 30 and an inner layer
31 with lining means 32 therebetween. The outer layers 30, 31
may be nylon or other suitable fabric which is durable. The
lining means must be formed from a high modulus fiber, as
known in the textile industry, having a tensile modulus in
excess of approximately 2Og/denier. Para-aramid fiber sold by
E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. under the registered
trademark "Kevlar" has been used satisfactorily as the lining
means 32. Another satisfactory lining means 32 is a high
modulus polyethylene/polypropylene composite fiber which is
sold by DSM High Performance Fibers BV, the Netherlands under
the Registered Trademark "DYNEEMA"R and sold by Allied
Corporation, Petersburg, Virginia under the Registered
Trademark "SPECTRA"R.
--10--
2073665
- Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
In a preferred embodiment, the para aramid lining 32
comprises both woven 32' and non-woven 32" fabric. At least
one layer of woven para aramid 32' is placed adjacent to at
least one layer of non-woven para aramid 32". In an
especially preferred embodiment, two (2) woven para aramid 32'
layers are in an alternating pattern with two (2) non-woven
para aramid 32" layers. The combination of woven and non-
woven lining material is preferred because the non-woven
layers are stiffer and offer a more supportive base for the
woven layers. This support tends to hold the woven layers in
a more structured manner when engaged by the chainsaw blade
and permits filaments of the woven layer to be more readily
disengaged from the woven layers. The filaments cause the
chainsaw blade to join.
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 directly to the
second side of the cover 20 by means of hook and loop
fasteners, buckles, snap, or other suitable fasteners. This
means of 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 has a segment 27 which curves downwardly toward the
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
rear of the cover 10 and the lower portion of each side 19, 20
has a segment 28 which curves upwardly toward the rear of the
cover 10. The first side of the cover 19 has a tab 25
exte~;ng outwardly therefrom (FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 8). When
the cover 10 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 bail or loop means 26 attached to the second side of the
cover 20. The tab 25 is then returned approximately 180~ to
the first side of the cover 19, thereby closing the second
opening 18 in the cover 10 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. Alternate releasable means such as buckles or
snap fasteners and straps 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' (FIGS. 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, 41'. A sheet of woven para aramid fabric is
provided. Referring to FIG. 14, at least one pattern 41 is
cut from the woven para aramid fabric to provide a lining for
-12-
2073665
~- Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
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 para aramid 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 para aramid fabric is provided. At
least one pattern 45 is cut from the non-woven para 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 para 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 para
aramid fabric for the first section 45 and the pattern for the
woven para 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 para aramid fabric for the second section 47 and the
pattern for the woven para 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.
Referring to FIG. 15, the respective concave edges of the
inside of the first section 36 and the-woven para aramid
2073665
~~ Docket NO. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
lining 42 and the non-woven para aramid lining 46 are butted
with the respective concave edges of the inside of the second
section 40' and the woven para aramid lining 44 and the non-
woven para 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 para aramid lining 41,
the non-woven para 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 para aramid lining 47, and
the woven para 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 para aramid lining 45 and the
woven para aramid lining 41, the inside of the second section
38, the non-woven para aramid lining 43 and the woven para
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 para
aramid lining 45, 47 and the woven para aramid 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 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
-14-
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
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 S0) 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 para aramid lining 63, the
selvage edge of the woven para aramid lining 65, the woven
para aramid lining 43, the non-woven para 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 para aramid lining 62, the
selvage edge of the woven para 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 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 para aramid
patterns and to form selvage edges, assures that the para
aramid linings 43, 47, 41, 45 are butted together and there
-15-
2073665
~~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
are no open spaces between the para 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 para 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.
The above method is directed toward the use of para
aramid lining means 32. In all instances, high modulus lining
means such as polyethylene/polypropylene composite fibers can
be used.
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 bail 26 secured to the second section
and folded back onto the outside section. This embodiment is
used to secure the back opening 18 of the cover 10 around the
shoe. It would be apparent to persons skilled in the art to
use a buckle or other means to secure the back opening 18.
-16-
20736~5
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
In an alternate embodiment, the lining between the first
portion 50 and the second portion 56 is a plurality of
alternating woven para aramid linings and non-woven para
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.
In a preferred embodiment, the side portions 19, 20 have
a maximum height as determined by the size of the gaiter to
ensure coverage of the boot and hence, protection for the
ankle. The upper portions of the side portions 19, 20 have
segments 27 which curve downwardly to the tab 25 and the lower
portions of the side portions 19, 20 have segments 28 which
curve upwardly to the tab 25. In this manner, the tab 25
secures the cover 10 about the rear portion of the shoe or
boot and there are no segments of the side portions 19, 20
which are available to be ensnared by underbrush or other
projecting objects as the wearer of the cover 10 is walking on
a job site. The outer periphery of the cover 10 is smoothly
contoured to conform to the foot of the wearer. The tab 25
has a height which extends substantially between the upwardly
curved portions and the downwardly curved portions of the
respective sides 19, 20. It has been found that the tab 25
should have a height which is approximately 30-60% of the
maximum height of the side portions 19, 20 in order to assure
the desired closure of the gaiter 10. It is particularly
-17-
2~73665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
preferred that the height of the tab 25 be approximately 45%
of the maximum height of the side portions 19, 20.
A single tab 25 is preferred since donning and removal of
the gaiter 10 is simplified by the wearer's needing only to
connect or disconnect the single tab 25. This can be
performed by one hand of the wearer. However, the gaiter 10
may be secured about the back of the shoe by a plurality of
tabs 25A, 25B and a plurality of bails 26A, 26B as shown in
FIG. 24. A further ~rho~iment, as shown in FIG. 25, has a
plurality of tabs 25A, 25B and a single bail 26. The tabs
25A, 25B secure the gaiter 10 near the downwardly curving
segment 27 of the side portions 19, 20 and near the upwardly
curving segments 28 of the side portions l9, 20, respectively.
These embodiments require that the wearer connect and
disconnect two tabs 25A, 25B in order to place the gaiter lO
on the boot or to remove the gaiter lO from the boot.
Another feature of the tab 25, 25A, 25B is that, due to
the tab's being returned about the bail 26, the fastening
means is not directly stressed by the engagement of the
chainsaw. The tab 25 after passing through the bail 26 and
returning to the side portion l9 is fastened to the side
portion 19, preferably by mating hook and loop fasteners 22
for simplicity of use by the wearer, although other fastening
means may be used. Each fastener has a respective separate
hook portion and loop portion. The hook portion may be on the
tab 25 or on the side portion 19 with the cooperating loop
portion on the corresponding side portion 19 or tab 25,
respectively. When the protective cover 10 is stressed, the
forces are directed against the tab 25, 25A, 25B as it is
wrapped about the bail 26. The tab 25, 25A, 25B is pulled in
a direction substantially parallel to the side portion 19 of
the cover lO and shear forces are directed against the hook
and loop fasteners 22. According to product information
provided by 3M Industrial Specialties Division, the suppliers
of a commercially available hook and loop type fastener, the
-18-
Docket No. 2225-FPA
Inventor: Diaz
sheer strength is seven (7) to eight (8) times greater than
the lengthwise peel strength of the fastener. Typically, the
hook and loop fasteners are used in the lengthwise peel manner
because of the ease of opening and are not used in an
application where shear forces are applied. In the present
invention, a pure tensile load is placed on the backing of the
hook and loop fasteners thereby placing the hooks and loops in
a pure dynamic sheer character where maximum closure strength
is actually obtained. Thus, the longitudinal closure of the
present invention about the rear portion of the boot
withstands the forces applied by power equipment.
Furthermore, the tab 25 is disposed on the cover so that
it substantially is across the back of the shoe when the cover
10 is worn (FIG. 26). The fasteners 22 are substantially in
the center of the back of the shoe. This structure is
preferred because the closed tab 25 is protected from being
inadvertently opened by being caught on underbrush and other
objects while the wearer is walking. If the edge of the tab
25 were farther toward the toe, on the outer side portion 19,
or on the inside of the foot, it would be possible for the tab
25 to be so engaged and opened accidentally.
It is also preferred that the multi-layer member of the
protective curve 10 be joined together with stitching in a
quilt-like pattern 80 to secure the outer layer 30, the inner
layer 31, and the lining means 32 therebetween (FIG. 27). In
a preferred embodiment, the quilt-like pattern 80 is a
plurality of spaced-apart rows of stitching exten~ng radially
from the seam formed between the toe portion and the instep by
joining of the side portions 19, 20. The rows of stitching
extend to the outer periphery of the cover 10 on both sides of
the cover 10. The blade 78 of the chainsaw becomes entangled
with filaments of the lining means 32 which jam the blade 78
and stop movement of the blade. The quilt-like stitching 80
secures the cover into a plurality of compartments from which
the filaments are easily disengaged from the woven lining
--19--
2073665
~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
means 32 within the respective compartment (FIGS. 28-29). In
the absence of quilting, the lining means 32 tends to be
displaced within the outer layer 30 and the inner layer 31 of
the cover, and the lining means 32 bunches so that the
filaments are not easily disengaged from the lining means 32.
The lining of the present invention is preferably formed
from multi-layers of para aramid fabric or high modulus
polyethylene/polypropylene composite fabric. It is
particularly preferred that the lining means 32 be arranged as
shown in FIG. 30 with the outer layer 30, two adjacent layers
of woven para aramid, fabric 90, 91, one layer of non-woven
para aramid fabric 92, two adjacent layers of woven para
aramid fabric 93, 94, and layer of non-woven para aramid
fabric 95, two adjacent layers of woven para aramid fabric 96,
97 and the inner layer 31. In this manner, eight (8) layers
of para aramid fabric are disposed to comprise the lining
means 32. However, other embodiments may be made using layers
of lining means 32 which are greater than eight (8) or less
than eight (8). In order to further restrain the chainsaw
blade, a segment of woven para aramid fabric 98 is folded
about the respective edge of the lower portion of each layer
and is attached thereto, preferably by a thread 99 sewn
through all of the layers and through the segment 98 folded
about the ends of the layers. The folded segment 98 extends
inwardly approximately 2-3 inches from the lower edge of the
multiple layers of the lining means 32 toward the instep of
the gaiter 10. In this manner, the segment 98 covers the
lower edges of all the layers of the lining means and provides
additional filaments to jam the blade of the chainsaw and
results in further protection against injury by the chainsaw
blade.
The most common accident with a chainsaw occurs when the
operator of the chainsaw is standing with one foot in an
elevated position, the foot resting on a felled tree or
workpiece. The chainsaw inadvertently is brought in contact
-20-
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
with the elevated foot and the initial point of contact is
diagonally across the side of the foot near the sole plane of
the boot or across the instep of the boot. In order to
provide greater protection from this type of accident, in
addition to the folded segment 90, the lower portion of each
side 19, 20 of the protective cover 10 is further provided
with a cord 82 formed of the lining means 32 attached to the
lower edge 83 thereof (FIG. 30). Preferably, the cord 82 is
braided, however, twist or multiple strands may be used. The
cord 82 provides additional protection to the wearer of the
gaiter 10 by engaging the blade of the chainsaw along the
gaiter 10 directly adjacent to the sole plane 14 of the boot.
Thus, lining means 32 is immediately available to bind the
chainsaw blade. The cord 82 may be a component of the bias
binding 75.
The front of the gaiter 10, which is protecting the toe
and instep portions of the cover in a preferred embodiment, is
secured to the sole plane or side of the sole of the boot or
shoe by a removable fastening means. Preferably, the
fastening means can be easily fastened and unfastened by the
wearer of the gaiter 10 using only the wearer's hands without
requiring any tools or instruments. The gaiter 10 has a
plurality of spaced-apart fastening means 85 attached to the
lower edge 83 of the side portions 19, 20 of the cover 10.
These fastening means 85 cooperate with a corresponding
plurality of spaced-apart fastening means 86 on the sole plane
14 of the shoe or boot (FIGS. 31-34). A plurality of flaps 87
is attached to the lower edges 83 of the side portions 19, 20
and, in one embodiment, a male snap-type fastener 85 is
attached to each respective flap. This fastener 85 cooperates
with a female snap-type fastener 85 which is connected to the
sole plane 14 of the shoe or boot. Although the male and
female fasteners may be reversed, i.e., the male fastener in
the shoe and the female fastener on the gaiter 10, the female
fastener is preferred in the shoe to reduce problems which
-21-
2073665
~- Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
could occur due to projections from a male fastener extending
from the sole plane 14 of the shoe or boot and interfering
with the walking of the wearer of the shoe or boot. This
positive fastening means assures that the cover 10 is secured
to the front portion of the shoe or boot and that the cover 10
is not detached or separated from the shoe or boot under the
forces applied to the cover 10 when contacted by the high
speed blade of the chainsaw. Other types of positive
fastening means may be used besides the male and female snap-
type fasteners. Preferably, the fastening means aretransverse to the sole plane 14 of the shoe or boot and the
fastening means in the sole plane of the shoe is mounted in a
bore or opening in the side of the sole (FIG. 34). The sole
plane 14 of the shoe or boot may have threaded opening 88
formed therein and a cooperating threaded shaft 89 may be
attached to the lower edge 83 of the side portions 19, 20.
The shaft 89 may be inserted through openings in the lower
edge 83 of the side portions 19, 20 or through openings in the
flaps 87. The unthreaded end of the shaft 89 may have a head
of any desired configuration such as coin shape, hexagonal,
wing, slotted, etc. This fastening means would not permit the
wearer of the gaiter 10 to fasten and unfasten the fastening
means very rapidly and might require a tool or instrument to
perform the threading connection. Hook and loop type
fastening means would not be effective-as a fastening means
between the gaiter and the side of the sole since the forces
applied by the chainsaw to the gaiter would overcome the
fastener.
The attachment of the gaiter 10 to the front portion of
the shoe is further supplemented by the strap means 21 which
extends around the arch of the shoe or boot and is releasably
attached to the second side portion 20 of the cover 10. A
strap means 21 is preferred over an elastic band to assure
that the cover is firmly secured and will not be detached from
the shoe under the forces produced by contact of the cover by
-22-
2n73665
~~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
a chainsaw blade. An elastic band permits movement of the
cover 10. Furthermore, an elastic band connected to both side
portions 19, 20 would restrict the wearer in putting on the
gaiter 10 since the gaiter 10 would have to be slipped over
the toe of the shoe or boot.
The method of fabricating the particularly preferred
embodiment is very similar to the fabrication of the
embodiments as previously described. The patterns for the
outside cover 30 and the inside cover 31 are substantially
unchanged. Also, the patterns formed from lining means 32
such as woven and non-woven para aramid are substantially
unchanged. The particularly preferred embodiment, however, is
fabricated from eight layers of lining means 32, an outer
layer 30, an inner layer 31, a folded segment 98 of lining
means, and a bias binding 75 about the periphery of the gaiter
as shown in FIG. 28. The folded segment 98 is sewn to the
multiple layers of lining means 32 by a basting-type stitch
99. Also, the cord 82 of lining means 32 is attached to the
cover on the lower edge of each side portion by being sewn to
the bias binding 75. Further, the inner cover 31, the outer
cover 30, and the layers of lining means 32 are joined
together with a quilt-like stitching 80 as shown in FIG. 27.
The lower portion of each side portion 19, 20 of the
particularly preferred embodiment also has attached thereto a
plurality of spaced-apart flaps 87. Preferably, these flaps
87 are sewn to the lower portion of each side portion after
the bias binding 75 has been sewn on the gaiter. The
fastening means 85 are attached to the respective flaps 87 by
a means which is dependent on the type of fastener. A snap
type fastener is press fitted into the flap. For use with a
shaft-type fastener, an opening is formed in the flap to
receive the shaft, the opening being smaller than the head of
the shaft-type fastener.
Thus, the present invention discloses an effective
protective cover for the feet and ankles of persons using
207366~
~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
ch~ i nc~ws 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 6izes. The cover is easily
fabricated without the need of special equipment.
The permanent securing of the toe portion of the gaiter
to the shoe or boot about the toe thereof permits the wearer
of the shoe or boot to be protected against high speed cutting
devices such as chainsaws at all times when the shoe or boot
is worn. Thus, the wearer need not take tim~ to place the
gaiter on the shoe or boot before use of the chainsaw.
Frequently, for a variety of reasons, persons using chainsaws
are reluctant, negligent, or forgetful and do not take proper
safety precautions. The present invention provides the
protection for the wearer's foot or ankle and overcomes these
human failings.
Furthermore, in the event the shoe or boot with the
attached gaiter requires repair such as replacement of a worn
heel or sole, the shoe or boot with gaiter can be repaired and
the gaiter retained on the shoe or boot. Similarly, in the
event the gaiter becomes damaged as, for example, by
accidental contact with a chainsaw, the shoe or boot with
attached gaiters can be returned to the manufacturer, and a
replacement gaiter can be attached to the same shoe or boot.
Thus, the present invention provides not only safety but
economy of use.
The securing of only the toe portion of the gaiter to the
toe of the shoe or boot serves several functions. Firstly,
contact between a chainsaw and the gaiter severely stresses
the gaiter and tends to pull the gaiter in the direction of
movement of the blade of the chainsaw. This force will strip
the gaiter from the shoe or boot unless the gaiter is secured
to the shoe or boot. Although the tab around the back of the
shoe or boot and the strap under the arch of the shoe or boot
contribute to securing the gaiter to the shoe or boot, a more
-24-
2073665
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
positive and complete attachment is achieved by sewing or
otherwise permanently securing the toe portion of the gaiter
to the shoe or boot. Secondly, since only the toe portion is
sewn to the shoe or boot, the sides and back portion of the
gaiter may be separated from the shoe or boot. The protective
cover is thus, partially removable from the shoe or boot.
This permits the wearer to remove dirt, debris, and water from
between the shoe or boot and the gaiter. Water is especially
deleterious to leather and entrapment of water between the
gaiter and the leather portion of the shoe or boot would
severely reduce the use life of the shoe or boot.
As described above, increased protection to the toe and
instep portions of the shoe or boot is provided when the
gaiter 10 is secured to the sole plane 14 of the shoe or boot.
In another preferred embodiment, the toe portion 100 of the
gaiter 10 covers the toe and forward portion of the shoe or
boot 11 (i.e. the vamp of the shoe or boot), is contiguous
with this portion of the shoe or boot and is permanently
secured to the shoe or boot. (FIGS. 35-39)
During the manufacture of a shoe or boot, the upper
leather portion of the shoe or boot is joined to the sole
portion by use of adhesive and by sewing. The sole portion
usually includes a tread member 105 which contacts the walking
surface and a platform 102 which is intermediate between the
tread member and the upper leather portion of the shoe or boot
11. The platform 102 usually is larger than the tread member
105 and extends outwardly from the shoe during the assembly of
the upper portion and the sole portion. This extending
section of the platform 102 is usually removed or reduced to a
minimum by the shoe manufacturer in the finishing of the shoe
for marketing. The present invention utilizes the platform
102 around the toe or vamp 103 of the shoe or boot whereby the
toe portion 100 of the gaiter 10 may be secured to the
periphery of the platform 102 preferably by sewing the gaiter
10 to the platform 102. The extending section of the platform
-25-
2073665
~~ Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
102 has two sides 105, 106 and the toe portion of the gaiter
10 may be secured to either side 105, 106 of said extending
section or, if desired, may be wrapped over the end of said
extending section and may be secured to both sides 105, 106 of
said extending section.
If desired, a welt 108 may also be secured to the
platform 102 preferably between the side portion of the shoe
or boot and the platform 102. The welt 108 serves as a piping
or bead around the sole plane of the shoe or boot 11 which
provides additional support to the shoe or boot when stress is
applied and also contributes to resistance of the shoe or boot
to weathering.
Alternately, the toe portion 100 of the gaiter 10 may be
secured to the shoe or boot 11 by other means and/or by
attachment to the shoe or boot 11 in a different manner. The
toe portion 100 of the gaiter 10 may be disposed between the
upper leather portion of the shoe or boot and the sole portion
during the assembly of the shoe or boot 11 and attached to the
shoe or boot during the manufacturing process. Also, the toe
portion 100 of the gaiter 10 may be sewed or otherwise
permanently secured to the outer edge of the sole of the shoe
or boot which extends about the upper portion (or vamp) of the
shoe or boot.
The back portion of the protective cover 10 is made in
the same manner as the completely removable protective cover
with the tab 25 to close the back of the gaiter 10. In this
manner, the gaiter 10 may be partially removed for donning and
doffing the shoes or boots and for cleaning debris from
between the gaiter 10 and the shoe or boot 11.
When the protective cover 10 is permanently secured to
the toe of the shoe or boot 11, the need for the strap 21
under the arch of the shoe or boot is significantly reduced,
and the strap may be omitted if desired.
Due to the protective and resistant nature of the high
modulus fibers such as para aramid, the protective cover of
-26-
2073l~65
Docket No. 2225-FPA-CIP
Inventor: Diaz
the present invention may also be useful in hazardous tasks
besides chainsaw operation. Thus, persons using sand blasting
equipment and other penetrating devices can obtain protection
for their feet by wearing the protective cover of the present
invention. Since para aramid has a high melting point (427~C,
800~F) and serves as an insulator, a protective cover having a
flame resistant outer layer may be applicable for protection
of persons exposed to fire and extremes of temperature.
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.
-27-
