US20150079353A1 - Thermal foot cover - Google Patents
Thermal foot cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150079353A1 US20150079353A1 US14/548,026 US201414548026A US2015079353A1 US 20150079353 A1 US20150079353 A1 US 20150079353A1 US 201414548026 A US201414548026 A US 201414548026A US 2015079353 A1 US2015079353 A1 US 2015079353A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- scrim
- side panel
- radiant
- top panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 abstract description 108
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 139
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 99
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 41
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 31
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 31
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 29
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 22
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 21
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 20
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 20
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 20
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 17
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 12
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 12
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000272814 Anser sp. Species 0.000 description 1
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- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/08—Footwear characterised by the material made of metal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/163—Overshoes specially adapted for health or hygienic purposes, e.g. comprising electrically conductive material allowing the discharge of electrostatic charges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/02—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with heating arrangements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24479—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including variation in thickness
- Y10T428/24612—Composite web or sheet
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T442/00—Fabric [woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile or cloth, etc.]
- Y10T442/10—Scrim [e.g., open net or mesh, gauze, loose or open weave or knit, etc.]
Definitions
- FIG. 17 is a side view of the first side panel shown in FIG. 1 ;
- the thermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and a bottom panel 20 .
- the upper cover portion 11 is attached to the bottom panel 20 at attachment seam 15 of FIG. 7 by sewing or gluing.
- the upper cover portion 11 comprises a radiant bubble barrier 68 sandwiched between an outer covering 56 and an inner covering 64 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the bottom panel 20 comprises a radiant bubble barrier 68 sandwiched between an outer covering 56 and an inner covering 64 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the outer covering 56 and the inner covering 64 used in the upper cover portion 11 and the bottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors.
- the elastic threads 65 cause the upper cover portion 11 to have a corrugated or gathering effect in the area of the ankle portion 17 .
- the elastic threads 65 allow the ankle portion 17 to expand which enlarges the opening 14 to accommodate the insertion of the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot into the thermal boot cover 10 .
- the radiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material.
- the preferred radiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form the radiant barrier 60 .
- the radiant barrier' 60 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable.
- the two polymeric sheets with the plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil.
- the radiant bubble barrier 68 traps air between the two aluminum sheets to further enhance the insulating effectiveness of the bottom panel 20 .
- the radiant bubble barrier 68 also provides padding to the bottom panel 20 to increase the comfort of wearing the thermal foot cover 10 .
- the radiant bubble barrier 68 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable.
- the outer covering 56 and the inner covering 64 used in the bottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors.
- the body heat reflecting cloth may be formed by applying a single aluminized coating to the reinforcing scrim.
- the scrim is coated with heated aluminized plastic. This may be accomplished, for example, by pressing the heated aluminized plastic onto the scrim between rollers which apply pressure to the scrim and the coating.
- the coating material temperature is selected to cause the coating to adhere to the scrim.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A cloth includes a scrim backing and an aluminized coating heat pressed to either or both sides of the scrim, preferably between rollers which apply pressure to the scrim and the coating at a temperature selected to cause the coating to adhere to the scrim. If the scrim is dimpled, the heated aluminized plastic flows into the dimples, enhancing the bonding of the coating to the scrim and also at least partially filling the dimples to provide a smoother reflective finish than the uncoated surface of the scrim. If the scrim is not already dimpled, the surface of the pressing rollers can be selected to provide the desired dimpling. The scrim strengthens the cloth against tearing, stretching and distortion. The coating provides a radiant barrier. The resulting cloth is thin, lightweight, easily manipulated, thermally efficient, extremely “quiet” and especially well suited to hunting or other natural-environment activities.
Description
- The present invention relates to a thermal foot cover that can be worn over a shoe-encased or a boot-encased foot, or can be worn in place of a shoe or a boot to protect the wearer's foot from the effects of cold temperatures.
- The cooling of the extremities, particularly the feet, has long been recognized as a serious deterrent to performing activities in cold temperatures and various proposals have been advanced for dealing with this problem. Most previous footwear, which has been designed for use in cold weather, has utilized hard and heavy materials on the sole and sometimes on the uppers as well. For instance, hard rubber soles are most commonly used for winter boots and overboots. Since such footwear is generally constructed with rigid sole structures, carrying and storing the footwear can be difficult.
- Also, previous footwear, designed for use in cold weather, has utilized conventional insulating materials, such as goose down, stiff insulating foam, or synthetic fibers to reduce the loss of heat from the wearer's foot. While these insulating materials attempt to minimize the heat loss from the wearer's foot, none of these insulating materials reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the footwear. Also, these insulating materials are not readily washable. Another disadvantage of these insulating materials is that they increase the bulk of the footwear, which makes the footwear more difficult to carry and store.
- A foot cover that is easy to manufacture, is easy to use, is lightweight, is easy to carry, is easy to store, is washable, and is highly effective at keeping the wearer's feet warm would be of considerable value.
- Instead of using conventional insulating materials to slow the loss of body heat that occurs when the wearer's feet are exposed to a cold temperature, the invention provides an insulation system that reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the thermal foot cover to keep the wearer's feet warm for extended periods, even when the temperature on the outside of the thermal foot cover is very cold. The invention is flexible, lightweight, easy to carry, easy to store, and readily washable due to the material used in the construction of the thermal foot cover.
- In one embodiment of the invention, a thermal foot cover comprises an upper cover portion, a bottom panel, a cavity enlargement means, and a means for fastening the cavity enlargement means. The upper cover portion is comprised of an outer covering, a radiant barrier, and an inner covering. The radiant barrier comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form the radiant barrier. The radiant barrier provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable. The radiant barrier reflects the heat from the wearer's foot back inside the thermal foot cover to keep the wearer's foot warm even when temperatures on the outside of the thermal foot cover are very cold.
- The bottom panel is attached to the upper cover portion to form the bottom of the thermal foot cover. The combination of the upper cover portion and the bottom panel define a cavity for receiving a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or only the wearer's foot inside the thermal foot cover. The bottom panel comprises an outer covering, a radiant bubble barrier, and an inner covering. The radiant bubble barrier comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil and two sheets of polymeric material with a plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets. The two polymeric sheets with the plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil. The air trapped between the two sheets of polymeric material and the two sheets of aluminum foil in the radiant bubble barrier, used in the bottom panel, enhance the insulating effectiveness of the bottom panel. The radiant bubble barrier also provides padding to the bottom panel to increase the comfort of wearing the thermal foot cover. The radiant bubble barrier provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable.
- The cavity enlargement means and the means for fastening the cavity enlargement means are attached to the upper cover portion such that they cooperate with the upper cover portion to provide a larger opening for receiving a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot, or only the wearer's foot inside the thermal foot cover and to close up the opening, once the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot is received inside the cavity of the thermal foot cover, to prevent the wearer's body heat from escaping from the thermal foot cover.
- It is the object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that reflects the wearer's body heat back inside the thermal foot cover to increase the effectiveness of keeping the wearer's feet warm when encased by the thermal foot cover. Reflecting the wearer's heat back into the thermal foot cover is accomplished in a novel way by using a radiant barrier or a combination of a radiant barrier and a radiant bubble barrier instead of using normal insulating materials.
- It is the object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that is easy to manufacture and can be manufactured at a low cost.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that is of a one-piece design that is effective and is simple to use.
- It is still another object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that is lightweight and can be stored in a small space and is easy to carry.
- It is still another object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that accommodates a wide range of footwear sizes and arrangements.
- It is still another object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that has a bottom panel exterior coating that provides a non-slip surface on the bottom of the thermal foot cover.
- It is yet another object of the invention to provide a thermal foot cover that has a separate sole attached to the bottom panel, to the lower part of the first side panel, and to the lower part of the second side panel to allow the wearer to walk over varied terrain without damaging the thermal foot cover.
- Still yet, another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved thermal foot cover which provides some of the advantages found in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with respect to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an opposite side perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the invention taken along the line 8-8 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the invention taken along the line 9-9 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the invention taken along the line 10-10 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 11 is an isometric perspective sectional view of the invention taken from the area shown onFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11A is an isometric perspective sectional view of the ankle portion of the invention taken from the area shown onFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 is an isometric perspective sectional view of the invention taken from the area shown onFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 13 is an isometric perspective bottom view of a second embodiment of the invention comprising a bottom panel exterior coating on the exterior of the bottom panel; -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the invention taken along the line 14-14 ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is an isometric perspective bottom view of a third embodiment of the invention comprising a separate sole attached to the bottom panel, the lower part of the first side panel, and the lower part of the second side panel; -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of the invention taken along the line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 is a side view of the first side panel shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 18 is a side view of the second side panel shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 19 is a side view of the first top panel shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 20 is a side view of the second top panel shown inFIG. 1 . - Referring to the figures of the drawings, wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout the several views, particularly to
FIG. 1 , there is shown athermal foot cover 10 for receiving a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot, or a wearer's foot in order to keep the wearer's foot warm when the wearer is subjected to cold temperatures. As shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 7 , thethermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and abottom panel 20, defining acavity 13 for receiving a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. Anopening 14 allows insertion of the shoe-encased or a boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot inside thethermal foot cover 10. - In one embodiment, the upper cover portion 11 is attached to the
bottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises anouter covering 56 and, in at least a portion of the upper cover portion 11, aradiant barrier 60. Thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56 only. Theouter covering 56 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. Theradiant barrier 60, used in at least a portion of the upper cover portion 11, is attached to the inside of theouter covering 56. - The
radiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. The preferredradiant barrier 60 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable. Theradiant barrier 60 reflects the heat from a wearer's foot back inside thethermal foot cover 10 to keep the wearer's foot warm even when temperatures on the outside of thethermal foot cover 10 are very cold. - In another embodiment of the
thermal foot cover 10, the upper cover portion 11 is attached to thebottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises anouter covering 56 only. Thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56 and a radiant barrier. Theradiant barrier 60, used in thebottom panel 20, is attached to the inside of theouter covering 56. Theouter covering 56 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. - The
radiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. - In another embodiment of the
thermal foot cover 10, thethermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and abottom panel 20. The upper cover portion 11 is attached to thebottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and aradiant barrier 60. Thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56 and aradiant barrier 60. Theouter covering 56 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The radiant barrier used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is attached to the inside of theouter covering 56. Theradiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. - In another embodiment, the
thermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and abottom panel 20. The upper cover portion 11 is attached to thebottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises aradiant barrier 60 sandwiched between anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 as shown inFIG. 11 . Thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. Theradiant barrier 60 used in the upper portion 11 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. - In another embodiment, the
thermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and abottom panel 20. The upper cover portion 11 is attached to thebottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises aradiant barrier 60 sandwiched between anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 as shown inFIG. 11 . Thebottom panel 20 comprises aradiant barrier 60 sandwiched between anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 as shown inFIG. 11 . Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. Theradiant barrier 60 used in the upper portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. - In yet another embodiment of the
thermal foot cover 10, thethermal foot cover 10 comprises an upper cover portion 11 and abottom panel 20. The upper cover portion 11 is attached to thebottom panel 20 atattachment seam 15 ofFIG. 7 by sewing or gluing. The upper cover portion 11 comprises aradiant bubble barrier 68 sandwiched between anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 as shown inFIG. 12 . Thebottom panel 20 comprises aradiant bubble barrier 68 sandwiched between anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 as shown inFIG. 12 . Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in the upper cover portion 11 and thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material combined with a sheet of bubble-pack type material. The preferredradiant bubble barrier 68 comprises two sheets of thin aluminum foil and two sheets of polymeric material with a plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets. The two polymeric sheets with the plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 traps air between the two aluminum sheets to further enhance the insulating effectiveness of thethermal foot cover 10. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 also provides padding to thethermal foot cover 10 to increase the comfort of wearing thethermal foot cover 10. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable. - In another embodiment, the
thermal foot cover 10, as described in the embodiments above, would further comprise a cavity enlargement means 30 comprising astrap 32 which releases and secures a firsttop panel 24 of the upper cover portion 11 to a secondtop panel 28 of the upper cover portion 11 as shown inFIG. 1 . The cavity enlargement means 30 increases the size of thecavity 13 to facilitate insertion of a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot into thethermal foot cover 10, and decreases the size of thecavity 13, once insertion is completed, to provide a tight, secure fit around the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot, or the wearer's foot and ankle, when the cavity enlargement means 30 is secured, to help keep the wearer's body heat from escaping out of the top of thethermal foot cover 10. In another embodiment, the cavity enlargement means 30 comprises an elastic material in the ankle portion of the upper cover portion 11, shown generally as 17. An example of an elastic material in theankle portion 17 is shown inFIG. 11A . As shown inFIG. 11A , theelastic threads 65 cause the upper cover portion 11 to have a corrugated or gathering effect in the area of theankle portion 17. Theelastic threads 65 allow theankle portion 17 to expand which enlarges theopening 14 to accommodate the insertion of the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot into thethermal boot cover 10. Once the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot is received inside thethermal boot cover 10, theelastic threads 65 contract which causes theankle portion 17 of the upper cover portion 11 to secure thethermal foot cover 10 to the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot and ankle of the wearer to minimize the loss of the wearer's body heat from the top of thethermal foot cover 10. - As shown in
FIG. 1 through 7 , another embodiment of thethermal foot cover 10 comprises afirst side panel 12, asecond side panel 16, abottom panel 20, a firsttop panel 24, a secondtop panel 28, atrim element 52, a means for fastening thetop panels 42, a cavity enlargement means 30, and a means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34. As shown inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 6 , thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 are attached together, preferably by sewing these pieces together, to form the upper cover portion 11 of thethermal foot cover 10. As shown inFIG. 9 andFIG. 11 , thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 are comprised of anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 64. Theradiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. The radiant barrier' 60 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable. Theradiant barrier 60 reflects the heat from a wearer's foot back inside thethermal foot cover 10 to keep the wearer's foot warm even when temperatures on the outside of thethermal foot cover 10 are very cold. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. - As shown in
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 6 , thethermal foot cover 10 can have atrim element 52 that is attached to edges of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28. Thetrim element 52 covers the exposed edges of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 to provide an improved appearance for thethermal foot cover 10. - As shown in
FIG. 4 andFIG. 7 , thebottom panel 20 is attached to thefirst side panel 12 and thesecond side panel 16, preferably by sewing these pieces together, to form the bottom of thethermal foot cover 10. As shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 12 , thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant bubble barrier 68 and aninner covering 64. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material combined with a sheet of bubble-pack type material. The preferredradiant bubble barrier 68 comprises two sheets of thin aluminum foil and two sheets of polymeric material with a plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets. The two polymeric sheets with the plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 traps air between the two aluminum sheets to further enhance the insulating effectiveness of thebottom panel 20. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 also provides padding to thebottom panel 20 to increase the comfort of wearing thethermal foot cover 10. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 provides an insulation system that is flexible, lightweight, water-resistant, and washable. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in thebottom panel 20 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. - As shown in
FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 , the cavity enlargement means 30 comprising astrap 32 where one end of thestrap 32 is attached to thefirst side panel 12 and the firsttop panel 24, near the top of thethermal foot cover 10, at the seam where thefirst side panel 12 and the firsttop panel 24 are attached together. Thestrap 32 is of a predetermined length to allow thestrap 32 to lay over the top of the firsttop panel 24, the secondtop panel 28, and part of thesecond side panel 16. - The means for fastening the
top panels 42 and the cavity enlargement means 30, and the means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34 are used to facilitate the insertion of the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot into thecavity 13 of thethermal foot cover 10 and to provide a tight, secure fit around the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot and ankle when secured to prevent the wearer's body heat from escaping from thethermal foot cover 10. - To better illustrate the new and unique features of the present invention, the following will provide a detailed description of different embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of thethermal foot cover 10. In this embodiment, thethermal foot cover 10 comprises afirst side panel 12, asecond side panel 16, abottom panel 20, a firsttop panel 24, a secondtop panel 28, anopening 14, atrim element 52, a means for fastening thetop panels 42, a cavity enlargement means 30, and a means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34, defining acavity 13 for receiving a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot. Theopening 14 allows the insertion of the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot into thethermal foot cover 10. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 5 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 9 ,FIG. 11 , andFIG. 17 , thefirst side panel 12 is substantially L-shaped and generally conforms to the shape of a shoe or a boot with a first side panel topstraight edge 78, a first side panel topcurved edge 80, a first side panelbottom edge 84, a first side panelfront edge 88, and a first side panelrear edge 92. The first side panel comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 64. Theouter covering 56 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred outer covering 56 material is a cotton cloth that has been treated to be water-resistant. Theradiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. Theinner covering 64 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred inner covering 64 material is a cotton cloth. As shown inFIG. 9 andFIG. 11 , theouter covering 56 is attached to one side of theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 is attached to the opposite side of theradiant barrier 60, thereby sandwiching theradiant barrier 60 between theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64. The preferred method of attaching theouter covering 56 to theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 to theradiant barrier 60 is by sewing these three pieces together at one time. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 can also be attached to theradiant barrier 60 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 5 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 9 ,FIG. 11 , andFIG. 18 , thesecond side panel 16 is substantially L-shaped and generally conforms to the shape of a shoe or a boot with a second side panel straighttop edge 94, a second side panel topcurved edge 96, a second side panelbottom edge 100, a second side panelfront edge 104, and a second side panelrear edge 108. Thesecond side panel 16 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 64. Theouter covering 56 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred outer covering 56 material is a cotton cloth that has been treated to be water-resistant. Theradiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. Theinner covering 64 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred inner covering 64 material is a cotton cloth. As shown inFIG. 9 andFIG. 11 , theouter covering 56 is attached to one side of theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 is attached to the opposite side of theradiant barrier 60, thereby sandwiching theradiant barrier 60 between theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64. The preferred method of attaching theouter covering 56 to theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 to theradiant barrier 60 is by sewing these three pieces together at one time. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 can also be attached to theradiant barrier 60 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 17 , andFIG. 18 , the first side panelfront edge 88 is attached to the second side panelfront edge 104 to form the toe of thethermal foot cover 10. As shown inFIG. 5 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 17 , andFIG. 18 , the first side panelrear edge 92 is attached to the second side panelrear edge 108 to form the heel of thethermal foot cover 10. The preferred method of attaching the edges of thesecond side panel 16 to the edges of thefirst side panel 12 is by sewing these edges together. The edges of thesecond side panel 16 can also be attached to the edges of thefirst side panel 12 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 4 andFIG. 7 , thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 60 that is substantially oval in shape. Theouter covering 56 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred outer covering 56 material is a cotton cloth that has been treated to be water-resistant. Theradiant barrier 60 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material. The preferredradiant barrier 60 comprises two thin sheets of aluminum foil, extruded polymer, and a reinforcing scrim. The extruded polymer and the reinforcing scrim are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil to form theradiant barrier 60. Theinner covering 64 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred inner covering 64 material is a cotton cloth. As shown inFIG. 9 andFIG. 11 , theouter covering 56 is attached to one side of theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 is attached to the opposite side of theradiant barrier 60, thereby sandwiching theradiant barrier 60 between theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64. The preferred method of attaching theouter covering 56 to theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 to theradiant barrier 60 is by sewing these three items together at one time. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 can also be attached to theradiant barrier 60 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 10 andFIG. 12 , another embodiment of thebottom panel 20 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant bubble barrier 68 and aninner covering 64 that is substantially oval in shape. Theouter covering 56 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred outer covering 56 material is a cotton cloth that has been treated to be water-resistant. Theradiant bubble barrier 68 can be made from a variety of materials such as metal foil, metallized textiles, or metallized flexible polymeric material combined with a sheet of bubble-pack type material. The preferredradiant bubble barrier 68 comprises two sheets of thin aluminum foil and two sheets of polymeric material with a plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets. The two polymeric sheets with the plurality of air bubbles between the polymeric sheets are sandwiched between the two sheets of aluminum foil. Theinner covering 64 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. The preferred inner covering 64 material is a cotton cloth. As shown inFIG. 12 , theouter covering 56 is attached to one side of one of theradiant bubble barrier 68 and theinner covering 64 is attached to the opposite side of theradiant bubble barrier 68, thereby sandwiching theradiant bubble barrier 68 between theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64. The preferred method of attaching theouter covering 56 to theradiant bubble barrier 68 and theinner covering 64 to theradiant bubble barrier 68 is by sewing these three pieces together at one time. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 can also be attached to theradiant bubble barrier 68 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the first side panelbottom edge 84 and the second side panelbottom edge 100 are attached to the edge of thebottom panel 20 atseam 15 to form the bottom of thethermal foot cover 10. While the preferred method of attaching the edge of thebottom panel 20 to the first side panelbottom edge 84 and to the second side panelbottom edge 100 is by sewing these pieces together, they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 19 , the firsttop panel 24 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 64 that is substantially rectangular in shape with a first top panel top edge 112, a first top panelbottom edge 116, a first top panelfront edge 120, and a first top panelrear edge 124. Theouter covering 56, theradiant barrier 60, and theinner covering 64 used in the firsttop panel 24 and the method of attaching these three pieces are the same as used in thefirst side panel 12 and thesecond side panel 16. As shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 17 , andFIG. 19 , all of the first top panelbottom edge 116 and most of the first top panelfront edge 120 are attached to the first side panel topcurved edge 80. As shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 19 , a small part of the first top panelfront edge 120, next to the first top panel top edge 112, is attached to the second side panel topcurved edge 96. While the preferred method of attaching the first top panelbottom edge 116 and the first top panelfront edge 120 to the first side panel topcurved edge 80 and to the second side panel topcurved edge 96 is by sewing these pieces together, they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 20 , the secondtop panel 28 comprises anouter covering 56, aradiant barrier 60, and aninner covering 64 that is substantially rectangular in shape with a second top panelbottom edge 128, a second top paneltop edge 132, a second top panelfront edge 136, and a second top panelrear edge 140. Theouter covering 56, theradiant barrier 60 and theinner covering 64 used in the secondtop panel 28 and the method of attaching these pieces are the same as used in thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, and the firsttop panel 24. As shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 18 , andFIG. 20 , all of the second top panelbottom edge 128 and most of the second top panelfront edge 136 is attached to the second side panel topcurved edge 96. As shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 4 , andFIG. 6 , a small part of the second top panelfront edge 136, next to the second top paneltop edge 132, is attached to the first side panel topcurved edge 80. The first top panelbottom edge 116, the first top panelfront edge 120, the second top panelbottom edge 128, and the second top panelfront edge 136 are attached to the first side panel topcurved edge 80 and the second side panel topcurved edge 96 such that the firsttop panel 24 overlaps the secondtop panel 28 to form the top of thethermal foot cover 10. While the preferred method of attaching the second top panelbottom edge 128 and the second top panelfront edge 136 to the first side panel topcurved edge 80 and to the second side panel topcurved edge 96 is by sewing these pieces together, they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 6 , thethermal foot cover 10 has atrim element 52. Thetrim element 52 is a thin sheet of material made from textiles, flexible polymeric material, animal skins, or a combination of these materials in a variety of colors. Thepreferred trim element 52 material is a cotton cloth that has been treated to be water-resistant, which is similar to theouter covering 56. Thetrim element 52 is folded into a U-shape so that thetrim element 52 can cover the exposed edges of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 to provide an improved appearance for thethermal foot cover 10. Thetrim element 52 is attached to theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 along the first side panel topstraight edge 78, along the second side panel topstraight edge 94, along the first top panel top edge 112, along the first top panelrear edge 124, along the second top paneltop edge 132 and along the second top panelrear edge 140. While the preferred method of attaching thetrim element 52 to thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 is by sewing these pieces together, they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 , andFIG. 6 , the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 are connected together by a means for fastening thetop panels 42. The means for fastening thetop panels 42 cooperates with the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 to enlarge thecavity 13 to facilitate insertion of a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot into thethermal foot cover 10 and provides a tight, secure fit around the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot by the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 to prevent the loss of the wearer's body heat. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for fastening thetop panels 42 comprises a firsttop panel fastener 44 and a secondtop panel fastener 48. The firsttop panel fastener 44 is attached to theinner covering 64 of the firsttop panel 24. The secondtop panel fastener 48 is attached to the outer covering 56 of the secondtop panel 28. The preferred method of attaching the firsttop panel fastener 44 to the firsttop panel 24 and of attaching the secondtop panel fastener 48 to the secondtop panel 28 is by sewing the fasteners onto the panels. The firsttop panel fastener 44 and the secondtop panel fastener 48 can also be attached to the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. The preferred firsttop fastener 44 and secondtop panel fastener 48 are VELCRO hooks and loops fasteners which will allow the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 to be held tightly together when the firsttop panel fastener 44 and the secondtop panel fastener 48 are fastened, and will allow easy disconnection of the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 to enlarge thecavity 13 to facilitate insertion of a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot into thethermal foot cover 10 when the firsttop panel fastener 44 and the secondtop panel fastener 48 are unfastened. Other means of fastening thetop panels 42 include snaps, zippers, and buttons. - As shown in
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 6 , thethermal foot cover 10 has a cavity enlargement means 30. The cavity enlargement means 30 cooperates with the firsttop panel 24 and the secondtop panel 28 to enlarge thecavity 13 to facilitate insertion of a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot into thethermal foot cover 10 and provides a tight, secure fit around the shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or the wearer's foot and ankle when secured. The preferred cavity enlargement means 30 is astrap 32. Thestrap 32 comprises anouter covering 56 and aninner covering 64 that is substantially rectangular in shape where the longer sides form the top and bottom of thestrap 32 and the shorter sides form the first end and the second end of thestrap 32. Theouter covering 56 and theinner covering 64 used in thestrap 32 are the same as used in thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28. Theouter covering 56 is attached to theinner covering 64. While the preferred method of attaching theouter covering 56 to theinner covering 64 is by sewing these two pieces together, they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. As shown inFIG. 3 andFIG. 4 , the first end of thestrap 32 is attached to thefirst side panel 12 and the firsttop panel 24, near the top of thethermal foot cover 10, at the seam where the first side panel topcurved edge 80 and the first top panelbottom edge 116 are attached together. The preferred method of attaching the first end of thestrap 32 to thefirst side panel 12 and the firsttop panel 24 is by sewing these pieces together, but they can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. Thestrap 32 is of a predetermined length to allow thestrap 32 to lay over the firsttop panel 24, the secondtop panel 28, and part of thesecond side panel 16. - As shown in
FIG. 1 andFIG. 8 , a means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34 cooperates with the cavity enlargement means 30 and thesecond side panel 16 to allow the cavity enlargement means 30 to hold thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 tightly against the ankle of the wearer when the means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34 is engaged. As shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , where the cavity enlargement means 30 is astrap 32, the means for fastening the cavity enlargement means 34 comprises afirst strap fastener 36 and asecond strap fastener 40. As shown inFIG. 1 , thefirst strap fastener 36 is attached to theinner covering 64 of thestrap 32, on the second end of thestrap 32. As shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 8 , thesecond strap fastener 40 is attached to the outer covering 56 of thesecond side panel 16, near the top of thesecond side panel 16 and near the seam where the second side panel topcurved edge 96 and the second top panelbottom edge 128 are attached. The preferred method of attaching thefirst strap fastener 36 to thestrap 32 and of attaching thesecond strap fastener 40 to thesecond side panel 16 is by sewing the fasteners onto thestrap 32 and thesecond side panel 16. Thefirst strap fastener 36 and thesecond strap fastener 40 can also be attached by any other conventional means of attachment such as gluing. The preferredfirst strap fastener 36 andsecond strap fastener 40 are VELCRO hooks and loops fasteners, which will allow thestrap 32 to hold the firsttop panel 24, the secondtop panel 28, and thesecond side panel 16 tightly together, when thefirst strap fastener 36 and thesecond strap fastener 40 are fastened, so that thethermal foot cover 10 will be closed tightly around the ankle of the wearer to prevent heat loss; and will allow easy separation of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 12, the firsttop panel 24, and the secondtop panel 28 to enlarge thecavity 13 to receive a shoe-encased or boot-encased foot or a wearer's foot, when thefirst strap fastener 36 and thesecond strap fastener 40 are unfastened. Other means of fastening the cavity enlargement means 34 include shoelaces and eyes, ties, clamps, snaps, zippers, and buttons. - An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in
FIG. 12 andFIG. 14 , which includes the features discussed above with the addition of a bottompanel exterior coating 72 attached to the outer covering 56 of thebottom panel 20. The bottompanel exterior coating 72 can completely cover theouter covering 56 or can partially cover theouter covering 56 such as comprising a plurality of strips of the bottompanel exterior coating 72 or comprising a plurality of dots of the bottompanel exterior coating 72 attached to thebottom panel 20. The preferred bottompanel exterior coating 72 is a plurality of small polymeric dots attached to thebottom panel 20, which will give the thermal foot cover 10 a non-skid bottom to assist with walking while wearing thethermal foot cover 10. - The
thermal foot cover 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 throughFIG. 12 is not provided with a separate sole. It has been found that a separate sole on thethermal foot cover 10 is not generally necessary in that prolonged walking is not anticipated while thethermal foot cover 10 is being worn. However, as shown inFIG. 15 andFIG. 16 , this embodiment of thethermal foot cover 10 provides for a sole 72 so that the wearer can walk while wearing thethermal foot cover 10. The sole 72 is attached to the bottom part of thefirst side panel 12, the bottom part of thesecond side panel 16, and thebottom panel 20. The preferred method of attaching the sole 72 to thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, and thebottom panel 20 is by gluing the sole 72 to the outer covering 56 of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16, and thebottom panel 20. The sole 72 may also be attached to the outer covering 56 of thefirst side panel 12, thesecond side panel 16 and thebottom panel 20 by any other conventional means of attachment such as sewing. While the sole 72 can be made from any conventional materials, such as animal skins like leather, polymer materials, or fabric, the preferred material for the sole 72 is rubber, similar to the rubber used for the sole of a tennis shoe or an athletic shoe, which will make the sole 72 water-resistant and provide additional insulation for thethermal foot cover 10. - In another embodiment of the invention, the sole 72 replaces the
bottom panel 20. While the sole 72 can be made of animal skins such as animal skins like leather, polymer materials, or fabric, the preferred sole 72 material is rubber similar to the type found in tennis shoes or athletic shoes because of its water-resistant characteristics. - The body heat reflecting cloth may be formed by applying a single aluminized coating to the reinforcing scrim. Preferably, the scrim is coated with heated aluminized plastic. This may be accomplished, for example, by pressing the heated aluminized plastic onto the scrim between rollers which apply pressure to the scrim and the coating. The coating material temperature is selected to cause the coating to adhere to the scrim.
- The scrim may be, but is not necessarily, dimpled. If the scrim is dimpled, the heated aluminized plastic flows into the dimples in the scrim, enhancing the bonding of the coating to the scrim and also at least partially filling the dimples to provide a smoother reflective finish than the uncoated surface of the scrim. If the scrim is not dimpled and dimpling is desirable, the surface of the pressing rollers can be selected to provide the desired dimpling.
- The scrim strengthens the cloth against tearing, stretching and distortion and the coating provides the radiant barrier. This results in a barrier cloth which is not only thin, lightweight, easily manipulated and thermally efficient, but is also extremely “quiet” and well suited to hunting or other activities in which the wearer desires to minimize the possibility of introducing unnatural sounds into the environment.
- The finished cloth can be perforated to allow the material to breathe, non-perforated to function as a water barrier and used alone or as the heat reflecting barrier layer of a multi-layered cloth. The coating may be applied to both sides of the scrim so that, however the cloth is applied, there will be a heat reflective barrier on the wearer side of the scrim.
- Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently it is intended to cover such modifications and equivalents.
Claims (4)
1. A cloth for use in making thermal clothing comprising:
a scrim backing; and
an aluminized coating heat pressed to one side of said scrim.
2. A cloth according to claim 1 , said scrim being dimpled.
3. A cloth for use in making thermal clothing comprising:
a scrim backing;
a first aluminized coating heat pressed to one side of said scrim; and
a second aluminized coating heat pressed to another side of said scrim.
4. A cloth according to claim 3 , said scrim being dimpled.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/548,026 US20150079353A1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2014-11-19 | Thermal foot cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/235,267 US6185845B1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 1999-01-22 | Thermal foot cover |
US09/768,969 US6973742B2 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2001-01-24 | Thermal foot cover |
US29952805A | 2005-12-12 | 2005-12-12 | |
US201213567708A | 2012-08-06 | 2012-08-06 | |
US14/548,026 US20150079353A1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2014-11-19 | Thermal foot cover |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US201213567708A Continuation | 1999-01-22 | 2012-08-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150079353A1 true US20150079353A1 (en) | 2015-03-19 |
Family
ID=52668204
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/548,026 Abandoned US20150079353A1 (en) | 1999-01-22 | 2014-11-19 | Thermal foot cover |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20150079353A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140317958A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2014-10-30 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon Rubber Healthcare Footwear Article with Silicon Rubber Insole and Its Manufacturing Method |
US20160113349A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2016-04-28 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon Rubber Healthcare Footwear Article with Silicon Rubber Insole and Its Manufacturing Method |
US20160360832A1 (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2016-12-15 | Ronie Reuben | Insulated sole for article of footwear |
Citations (4)
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US3707433A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1972-12-26 | King Seeley Thermos Co | Insulating material |
US4896438A (en) * | 1985-10-07 | 1990-01-30 | Debease Catherine | Water-resistant boot for athletic footwear |
US5009043A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-04-23 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Acoustic panel |
US5955175A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 1999-09-21 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Infra-red reflective coverings |
-
2014
- 2014-11-19 US US14/548,026 patent/US20150079353A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3707433A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1972-12-26 | King Seeley Thermos Co | Insulating material |
US4896438A (en) * | 1985-10-07 | 1990-01-30 | Debease Catherine | Water-resistant boot for athletic footwear |
US5009043A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-04-23 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Acoustic panel |
US5955175A (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 1999-09-21 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Infra-red reflective coverings |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140317958A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2014-10-30 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon Rubber Healthcare Footwear Article with Silicon Rubber Insole and Its Manufacturing Method |
US9226541B2 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2016-01-05 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon rubber healthcare footwear article with silicon rubber insole and its manufacturing method |
US20160113349A1 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2016-04-28 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon Rubber Healthcare Footwear Article with Silicon Rubber Insole and Its Manufacturing Method |
US9795182B2 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2017-10-24 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon rubber healthcare footwear article with silicon rubber insole and its manufacturing method |
US10258101B2 (en) * | 2013-04-28 | 2019-04-16 | Hongguang YANG | Silicon rubber healthcare footwear article with silicon rubber insole and its manufacturing method |
US20160360832A1 (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2016-12-15 | Ronie Reuben | Insulated sole for article of footwear |
US9788605B2 (en) * | 2015-06-10 | 2017-10-17 | Ronie Reuben | Insulated sole for article of footwear |
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