CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63/299,696, filed on January 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the clothing arts and, more particularly, to a gaiter and related methods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In many outdoor activities, it is desirable to wear a gaiter. Such gaiters typically run from the bottom of the foot to mid-calf and are made with sturdy weather-resistant materials. This design and fabrication protects the foot and lower leg from deep snow, wet underbrush or debris that you can pick up while hiking, cross-country skiing or mountaineering, as well as from insects and the elements.

[0004] Many past designs of gaiters suffer from several limitations. For one, they can be difficult to put on, especially over footwear. For this reason, they are often made oversized, and thus do not stay up, especially when worn under extreme conditions, such as wilderness hiking or in inclement weather. Past gaiters also lack any means of holding or storing objects, which would be especially useful to provide ready access.

[0005] Accordingly, a need is identified for a gaiter that addresses the foregoing issues and possibly others that have yet to be discovered.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, an apparatus includes a gaiter including a connector for connecting one or more accessories.

[0007] According to a second aspect, an apparatus includes a gaiter including an adjustable strap including a retainer for connecting with a lace of an item of footwear. [0008] According to a third aspect, an apparatus includes a gaiter including an adjustable stirrup.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus includes a gaiter including an upper end having a drawstring.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect, a method of using a gaiter in connection with footwear, the method includes adjusting the length of a loop associated with the gaiter.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect, a method of using a gaiter includes attaching at least one accessory to a connector on the gaiter.

[0012] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a front perspective view of a gaiter, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a rear perspective view of the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a partial view of a drawstring and lock for the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0018] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a partial view of a stirrup for the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0019] FIG. 3C schematically depicts a partial view of a strap for attaching the gaiter of FIG. 1 to footwear, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0020] FIG. 3D schematically depicts a partial view of the strap of FIG. 3C being attached to the gaiter, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0021] FIG. 3E schematically depicts a partial view of a high friction surface provided on the inner surface of the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0022] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the gaiter of FIG. 1 with gear attached to the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for using the gaiter of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and like numerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that process or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2, which depict a gaiter 10 according to one aspect of the disclosure. As can be understood, the gaiter 10 includes an elongated body 12 with a front flap 12a designed to overlap with the remainder of the body and form a tubular sleeve. The elongated body 12 includes an upper end 13a and an opposite lower end 13b, where the tubular sleeves has openings at the upper end 13a and the lower end 13b for a user to extend a leg therethrough. The front flap 12a may extend along the body 12 between the upper end 13a and the lower end 13b, and may connect to the body 12 by a releasable or removable connector, such as for example a hook and loop (i.e., Velcro) arrangement. For example, as depicted in Figures 3C and 3D, a first male connector (hook) in the form of an elongated strip 14a may be provided on the body 12, and a female connector (loop) also in the form of a strip 14b provided along the corresponding interior surface of the flap 12a for selectively coupling to the strip 14a. However, it is contemplated and possible that the arrangement could be reversed, or other connectors such as snaps, magnets, or the like, could be used.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the gaiter 10 may also include side flaps 12c, 12d that extend from the lower end 13b of the body 12 to be configured for covering an upper sidewall of the footwear corresponding to the wearer’s ankle. The gaiter 10 may include a stirrup 20 that extends between the side flaps 12c, 12d, which is designed to loop around the wearer’s foot and retain the lower end 13b of the body 12 in contact or proximity with the wearer’s shoe. Referring to Figures 3 and 3B, the stirrup 20 may include a connector at each end adapted to connect with a similar, but oversized (at least in length) connector on the gaiter 10, such as for example mating hook and loop fasteners 22, 24.

[0027] A cover 26, or flap, may also be provided for covering the connection once established, which may be along an inside surface of the side flaps 12c, 12d of the gaiter 10. The cover 26 may also comprise a connector for connecting with the fasteners on the cover, the gaiter, or both. Again, this allows for the length of the stirrup 20 to be readily adjusted to accommodate different situations in terms of size of the corresponding midsection of the footwear.

[0028] A retainer 28 may also be provided for retaining the stirrup 20 on the gaiter 10, where the retainer 28 may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the respective side flap 12c, 12d, to allow for the stirrup 20 to extend therethrough. While FIG. 3B depicts the fasteners 22, 24 and the cover 26 attached to side flap 13a, the gaiter 10 similarly includes fasteners 22, 24 and the cover 26 on the side flap 13b.

[0029] Referring again to Figures 3C and 3D, adjacent to the portion of the body 12 including the strip 14a is an adjustable strap 16 adapted to receive a retainer 18, such as a clip, with a hook 18a for engaging a shoe or boot lace L. The strap 16 may be coupled to the body 12 at one end of the strap 16 to extend from the body 12 and have a free end for attaching the body 12 to the wearer’s footwear. The free end of the strap 16 may extend through an eyelet 18b of the retainer 18 and then attach to the flap 12a to retain the retainer 18 on the strap 16. However, it is contemplated and possible that each end of the strap 16 is removably attachable to the body 12.

[0030] The strap 16 includes a connector 16a adapted to connect with the strip 14a, and thus may loop back to a suitable location in order to form a connection once the lace L is engaged. The flap 12a may then be secured in place, engaging the connector 16a with the strips 14a, 14b, thus protecting the strap 16 from becoming dislodged and releasing the retainer 18. With both ends of the strap 16 attached to the body 12 with the retainer 18 coupled thereto, the retainer 18 may be engaged with the wearer’s footwear by hooking the hook 18a onto a lace or other feature on the footwear. The ability to adjust the length of the loop formed and thus the position of the retainer 18 allows for adjustments to be made to ensure a proper fit, which helps to ensure the gaiter remains in a proper position.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3 A, along the upper end 13a of the gaiter 10 that will lie adjacent to the wearer’s knee, an adjustable retainer may also be provided, which may take the form of a drawstring 30 with a suitable lock 32. The drawstring 30 may extend through a passage in the gaiter 10 to be coupled to the gaiter 10, and thus be used to cinch and lock it at a particular diameter. Referring to FIG. 3E, an opposite inner surface 12e of the body 12 may also be provided with a tacky material or “grippy” surface that has a friction that is greater than a friction of rest of the body 12 for retaining the upper end 13a of the body 12 in position. This feature, together with the drawstring 30, helps to prevent the gaiter 10 from falling down along a lower portion of the leg of the wearer. The high friction surface may be in the form of a strip that is formed of a material with a friction that restricts the gaiter 10 from moving relative to the wearer, such as, for example, a rubber. Such a surface may also be provided along the lower open end of the gaiter 10.

[0032] Figure 3 also illustrates that the body 12 of the gaiter 10 may comprise more than one material. For example, a lower portion of the body 12 for partially covering the foot and ankle may comprise a thicker, more durable/semi -rigid material, such as OOD Cordura fabric. The upper portion may instead comprise a soft-shell, breathable fabric, such as smoothfaced, stretchy, tightly-woven fabric that usually consists of nylon blended with elastane, in order to promote comfort.

[0033] Turning back to Figures 3 and 4, it can also be understood that various connectors 40 may be provided for connecting accessories or gear 50 to the gaiter 10. The connectors may comprise a plurality of so-called Molle loops 42, which may be approximately 1.5” (3.8 cm) wide and located approximately 1” (2.5 cm) apart from each other. Multiple rows of such loops (four shown, but more or fewer may be provided) may be located along an outer side of the gaiter 10, such as coupled to and extending along a sidewall 52 of the gaiter 10, coupled to and extending along the front flap 12a, or both, which thus allows for an object to be connected by being passed or woven through the loops. The loops 42 may also be provided along the front flap 12a of the body 12, and the drawstring 30 may pass through one of these loops on the front flap, such as the uppermost one. The connectors 40 may include a plurality of spaced rows of the loops 42 along both the front flap 12a and the sidewall 52.

[0034] Using this arrangement, it can be appreciated that the gaiter 10 not only performs its protective function, but also serves as a location for holding or storing accessories, such as for example a knife in a sheath (see Figure 4, noting connected pouch 50). As can be appreciated, this provides a removable storage system on the lower leg for survival gear, knives, tourniquets etc., so such accessories are readily accessible when needed, and without the need to remove root through a pocket or search a pack.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the gear 50 may be a protector 54 for attaching to the connectors 40 of one of the front flap 12a and the sidewall 52 to provide protection for the wearer’s legs. The protector 54 may be formed of a material that absorbs impact to the wearer’s legs, such as when climbing over solid structures, the material being, for example, such as rubber. In embodiments, the protector 54 may be a 0.5 inch thick serrated strip pad that attaches to the connectors 40 along the front flap 12a to protect a length of a shin of the wearer. In other embodiments, the protector 54 may be a shin-guard that is, for example, made of a rigid material such as plastic, metal, or the like, and attachable to one or more of the connectors 40.

[0036] Referring to Figure 5, a flowchart of a method 100 for using the gaiter 10 is depicted. The method 100 includes, at step 102, adjusting the length of the stirrup 20 by moving the stirrup 20 relative to the loop fastener 22 and attaching the loop fastener 24 attached to the stirrup 20 to the loop fastener 22, and covering the loop fasteners 22, 24 with the cover 26. The method 100 may farther include adjusting a length of the strap 16 and retainer 18 by moving the strap 16 relative to the flap 12a and attaching the connector 16a to the connector 14a on the body 12 of the gaiter 10. The method 100 may farther include adjusting a length of the drawstring 30 by moving the drawstring 30 through the lock 32 and releasing the lock 32 to lock the drawstring 30 in place. The method 100 includes, at step 104, attaching an accessory, such as gear 50, to one of the connectors 40 on the gaiter 10.

[0037] This disclosure may be considered to relate to any of the foregoing items alone or in any combination:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a gaiter including a connector for connecting one or more accessories.

2. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the gaiter comprises a sidewall that the connector is coupled to, a front flap that the connector is coupled to, or both.

3. The apparatus of item 1 or item 2, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of loops.

4. The apparatus of any of items 1-3, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of spaced rows of loops.

5. An apparatus, comprising: a gaiter including an adjustable strap including a retainer for connecting with a lace.

6. The apparatus of item 5, wherein the adjustable strap comprises a releasable connector for connecting to the gaiter.

7. The apparatus of item 5 or item 6, farther including a flap for covering the adjustable strap when connected to the gaiter.

8. The apparatus of any of items 5-7, wherein the adjustable strap comprises a second removable connector.

9. An apparatus, comprising: a gaiter including an adjustable stirrup.

10. The apparatus of item 9, wherein the adjustable stirrup comprises a removable connector for connecting to the gaiter.

11. The apparatus of item 9 or item 10, farther including a flap for covering the removable connector when connected to the gaiter. 12. The apparatus of item 11, wherein the flap comprises a second removable connector.

13. An apparatus, comprising: a gaiter including an upper end having a drawstring.

14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein an inner surface of the upper end of the gaiter includes a high friction material for retaining the upper end in position.

15. A combination, comprising: the apparatus of any one of items 1-14 and the apparatus of any other of items 1-14.

16. A method of using a gaiter in connection with footwear, comprising: adjusting the length of a loop associated with the gaiter.

17. The method of item 17, wherein the loop comprises a stirrup for engaging the footwear.

18. The method of item 17, wherein the loop comprises a retainer for engaging a lace of the footwear.

19. The method of item 17, wherein the loop comprises a drawstring.

20. A method of using a gaiter, comprising: attaching at least one accessory to a connector on the gaiter.

21. The method of item 20, wherein the connector comprises a MOLLE connector.

[0038] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0039] “A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0040] “About,” “substantially,” or “approximately,” as used herein referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, including +/-10% or less, +/-5% or less, +/-1% or less, and +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0041] “Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of’ as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0042] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it embraces all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the appended claims’ spirit and scope. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.