FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH REMOVABLE SCENT BLOCKING PORTIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE

Abstract

A footwear assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a footwear product, such as a boot, shoe, overshoe, etc., with a scent blocking extension member removably attached to an upper of the footwear product. The extension member can be tightened around the lower leg or ankle of a user to block scent from exiting the inside of the footwear product. The extension member can be made from material that is treated or otherwise configured to block scent (e.g., human scent). The extension member can be removably attached to the footwear product to allow the user to remove the extension member if not required, or to wash the extension member separate from the footwear product.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional US patent application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/175,248, titled FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH REMOVABLE SCENT BLOCKING PORTIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE, filed May 4, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear assemblies with scent blocking features.

BACKGROUND

Hunting equipment and accessories are carefully designed to provide the hunters with the best opportunity for success. Camouflage has been used extensively to provide the hunters with an advantage by visually blending into the environment while hunting. While animals can detect a hunter or other humans in the area visually, the animals often detect the humans with a keen sense of hearing and/or smell. Humans have a scent that can be detected by an animal even when the human is not visual or audibly detectable. Accordingly, hunters or other people trying to get close to animals in the wild often employ various techniques to block or mask their human scent from detection from the animals.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to footwear assemblies including a scent blocking portion removably attached to the upper of a footwear product. A footwear assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a footwear product, such as a boot, shoe, overshoe, etc., with a scent blocking extension member removably attached to an upper of the footwear product. The extension member can be tightened around the lower leg or ankle of a user to block scent from exiting the inside of the footwear product. The extension member can be made from material that is treated or otherwise configured to block scent (e.g., human scent). Moreover, the extension member can be removably attached to the footwear product to allow the user to remove the extension member if not required, or to wash the extension member separate from the footwear product.

In another embodiment provides a footwear assembly comprising an upper having an interior area configured to contain the human scent when the footwear assembly worn by the user. The upper is constructed of one or more materials substantially impervious to passage of the human scent therethrough. The upper has an open top portion that provides access into the interior area. The top portion has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a first connector thereon. The outer layer is moveable between unfolded and folded positions. In the unfolded position, the outer layer covers the inner layer. In the folded position, a portion of the outer layer is folded over onto itself and away from the inner layer to uncover and expose the inner layer and the first connector on the inner layer. An extension member is coupled to the top portion of the upper. The extension member is a generally tubular member with a lower portion configured to at least partially overlap and removeably connect to the inner layer. The extension member has a second connector that connects to the first connector to securely attach the extension member to the upper. The outer layer is movable to the unfolded position when the extension member is connected to the inner layer to cover the intersection between the extension member and the upper. The extension member is made of one or more materials substantially impervious to the human scent from passing therethrough. The extension member has a flexible upper edge portion that has an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly. The extension member has a closure member coupled to the flexible upper edge portion and is adjustable to change the size of the opening so the flexible upper edge portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially blocks the human scent in the interior area of the upper from escaping between the extension member and the lower leg through the opening.

In another embodiment, a footwear assembly is provided that comprising an upper having an interior area configured to contain the human scent of a wearer when the footwear assembly worn. The upper has a top portion that provides access into the interior area. The top portion has first connectors thereon. The top portion has a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is moveable between a first position wherein the second layer covers the first layer, and a second position wherein at least a portion of the second outer layer is positioned away from the first layer to uncover and expose the first connector. A scent blocking member is attached to the upper. The scent blocking member has a lower portion removeably connected to at least one of the first and second layers. The scent blocking member has a second connector engaging the first connector to securely retain the scent blocking member on the upper. The scent blocking member is made of one or more materials that substantially blocks the human scent from passing therethrough. The scent blocking member has a engaging portion defining an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly. The scent blocking member has a closure member coupled to the engaging portion and that is adjustable to change the size of the opening so the engaging portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially blocks the human scent in the interior area of the upper from escaping from the footwear assembly between the extension member and the lower leg through the opening.

In yet another embodiment, a hunting boot is provided that comprises a rubber outsole, and a neoprene and vulcanized rubber upper connected to the rubber outsole. The upper is being substantially impervious to passage of the human scent therethrough. The upper has an interior area configured to contain the human scent when the footwear assembly worn by the user. The upper has a top portion that provides access into the interior area. The upper has an open top portion that provides access into the interior area. The top portion having with an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a first connector thereon. The outer layer is moveable between an unfolded position wherein the outer layer covers the inner layer, and a folded position wherein a portion of the outer layer is folded over onto itself and away from the inner layer to uncover and expose the inner layer and the first connector on the inner layer.

A scent blocking member is to the top portion of the upper. The scent blocking member is a generally tubular member with a lower portion configured to at least partially overlap and removeably connect to the inner layer so the lower portion of the scent blocking member is positioned between the inner and outer layers when the outer layer is in the unfolded position. The scent blocking member has a second connector that connects to the first connector to securely attach the scent blocking member to the upper. The outer layer of the upper is movable to the unfolded position when the scent blocking member is connected to the inner layer to cover an intersection between scent blocking member and the upper. The scent blocking member includes a material substantially impervious to the human scent from passing therethrough. The scent blocking member has a flexible upper edge portion that has an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly. The scent blocking member has a closure member coupled to the flexible upper edge portion and is adjustable to change the size of the opening so the flexible upper edge portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially contains the human scent in the interior area of the upper and substantially prevents the human scent from escaping from the interior area between the scent blocking member and the lower leg through the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a rear view of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded side view of the footwear assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4I are a series of photographs illustrating several features of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Footwear assemblies with removable scent blocking portions and associated methods for using and making such assemblies and devices are described in detail herein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain details are set forth in the following description and Figures to provide a thorough and enabling description of various embodiments of the disclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and components often associated with footwear assemblies and methods of forming such assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure.

Many of the details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of components, and/or other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, sizes, and/or features without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, certain features described with reference to specific embodiments may be combined with other embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, further embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without several of the details described below, while still other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional details and/or features.

FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a rear view of a footwear assembly 100 (“assembly 100”) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B together, the illustrated assembly 100 includes a footwear product or boot 102 configured to block human scent from exiting otherwise escaping from the boot 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the boot 102 is a hunting boot. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, however, the footwear product or boot 102 can include any article of footwear (e.g., a shoe, overshoe, etc.) and is not limited to the illustrated embodiment or any specific type of footwear. The boot 102 includes a lower portion 104 with a sole portion 106 configured for walking in different types of terrain. The boot 102 also includes an upper 108 extending from the lower portion 104. The upper 108 includes a reversible portion or cuff 110 that can be folded toward the upper 108 as explained below with reference to FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the upper 108 and the lower portion 104 can be made from rubber, such as neoprene and vulcanized rubber that blocks or otherwise prevents human scent from passing through the body of the boot 102. In other embodiments, the upper 108 and/or the lower portion 104 can be made from other materials suitable for footwear assemblies used for hunting or other applications. In the illustrated embodiment, the boot 102 can be similar to an Alpha® style rubber boot available from LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., 17634 NE Airport Way, Portland Oreg. 97230.

According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100 also includes a scent blocking gator or extension member 120 extending from the upper 108 of the boot 102. The extension member 120 is made from a flexible fabric, cloth, or similar material that can at least partially conform to a user's leg. The material of the extension member 120 is also configured to block human scent from exiting the boot 102 and/or the extension members. For example, in certain embodiments the extension member 120 is impregnated with or otherwise provided with a scent blocking or scent controlling materials and/or chemicals (e.g., charcoal). The extension member 120 includes a tightening member 124 that can be used to cinch or tighten the extension member 120 around a user's leg. For example, the tightening member 124 can be a strap, drawstring, an elastic cord, such as a bungee cord, or other closure device near the top of the extension member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening member is positioned in a sleeve 122 formed by a stitched portion 121 near the top of the extension member to retain the tightening member in a desired location. The tightening member 124 also passes through a locking member 126 so that a user can tighten and then lock or retain the tightening member 124 around the user's leg. In this manner, the assembly 100 includes a durable boot 102 and the extension member 120 at least partially prevents any human scent from exiting the footwear assembly 100. In one embodiment, the rubber boot 102 blocks scent and is waterproof and otherwise durable for various walking conditions, such as hunting in wet or rough conditions. The extension portion 120 at the top of the boot forms an enclosure around and against the user's legs (e.g. against the user's leg or a pant leg or other clothing worn over the leg) thereby containing the wearer's human scent and substantially preventing or blocking the scent from exiting the foot assembly and extension portion.

Another feature of the illustrated assembly 100 is that the extension member 120 removably attaches to the boot's upper 108 to allow a user to easily remove and wash the extension member 120 separate from the boot 102. FIG. 2, for example, is an exploded side view of the assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown in FIG. 2, the cuff 110 can be folded in the direction of arrow 215 towards the boot's upper 108. Folding down the cuff 110 exposes an inner layer 212 of the boot 102 extending from the boot's upper 108. Although not shown in the Figures, the inner layer 212 can line the interior of the boot 102. In certain embodiments, the inner layer 212 is made from neoprene or other rubberized foam material. The inner layer 212 can be lined or unlined. The boot 102 also has an outer rubber portion of the boot 102 that can be vulcanized or otherwise attached to the neoprene inner layer 212.

The boots upper 108 includes first fasteners 214 (e.g., buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) that can be removably attached to corresponding second fasteners 228 (e.g., buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) on the extension member 120. In the illustration, the fasteners 214 are attached to the top area of the inner layer 212 of the boots upper adjacent to the cuff 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the cuff 110 is configured to be positioned in a flat arrangement or position roughly parallel to the top area of the boot's inner layer so the top area of the inner layer (and the first fastener thereon) is substantially covered by the cuff. The cuff can be folded down to expose the top area of the boot's inner layer, thereby exposing the fasteners. When the cuff is in the folded-down position and the first fasteners 214 are attached to the corresponding second fasteners 228, the cuff 110 can be rolled or folded back up to the cover the inner layer's top area (i.e., in a flat position) shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this manner, the cuff 110 at least partially covers the bottom portion of the extension member 120 and the second fasteners 228 to prevent the bottom edge of the extension member 120 from snagging and unintentionally unfastening the second fasteners 228. Moreover, although the illustrated embodiment shows the first fasteners 214 carried by the inner layer 212, in other embodiments the cuff 110 can carry the first fasteners 214.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a footwear assembly 300 (“assembly 300”) configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. The illustrated assembly 300 includes several features that are generally similar in structure and function to corresponding features of the assembly 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2. For example, the assembly 300 includes a boot 302 having a lower portion 304, and an extension member 320 extending from an upper 308. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the exterior surfaces of the boot 302 and the extension member 320 are at least partially covered with patterns. The boot 302, for example, includes patterned portions 330 that can have designs suitable for specific applications. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the patterned portions 330 can have a camouflage pattern to resemble or blend with foliage or other selected environment. In other embodiments, however, the patterned portions 330 can have other designs including, for example, camouflage. Moreover, as shown on the extension portion 320, portions of the assembly 300 can be shaded in a solid pattern 332. By way of example, portions of the assembly 300 can be shaded in dark green for use in a forest, in black for use at night, in tan for use in the desert, etc. In addition to the visual design patterns, the boot 302 and/or the extension member 320 can also include textured surfaces. For example, the patterned portions 330 on the boot can have a bark-like texture in addition to the visual pattern.

According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment, the boot 302 has a first height h₁ and the extension member 320 has a second height h₂ projecting from the top of the boot 102. In one embodiment the first height h₁ can be at least approximately 14 inches, and the second height h₂ can be at least approximately 4 inches. In other embodiments, however, the first height h₁ can be greater than or less than 14 inches, and the second height h₂ can be greater than or less than 4 inches.

FIGS. 4A-4I are a series of photographs illustrating several features of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. More specifically, FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views, FIG. 4C is a front view, FIG. 4D is a rear view, and FIG. 4E is a top view of a footwear assembly including a rubber boot with a neoprene inner layer that is attached to a scent blocking gator or extension member. FIGS. 4F and 4G are exploded side views of the assembly illustrating the extension member detached from the boot. In FIG. 4F, the rubber cuff of the boot is folded down to expose the fasteners carried by the inner layer of the boot. FIGS. 4H and 4I are side views of the scent blocking fabric gator or extension member. In FIG. 41, a portion of the extension member is rolled or folded up to expose the fasteners carried by the extension member and that correspond to the fasteners shown in FIG. 4F.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, although many of the Figures described above illustrate a rubber boot with a fabric extension member, in other footwear assemblies portions of the boot can be fabric or other materials, and portions of the extension member can be rubber or other materials. Further, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, features described with reference to certain embodiments may be combined with other embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A footwear assembly wearable by a wearer having a lower leg, and having a human scent, comprising:

an upper having an interior area configured to contain at least a portion of the wearer's lower leg and the human scent when the footwear assembly worn by the user, wherein the upper is constructed of one or more materials substantially impervious to passage of the human scent therethrough when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly, the upper having an open top portion that provides access into the interior area, the top portion having with an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having a first connector thereon, the outer layer being moveable between an unfolded position wherein the outer layer covers the inner layer, and a folded position wherein a portion of the outer layer is folded over onto itself and away from the inner layer to uncover and expose the inner layer and the first connector on the inner layer;

an extension member coupled to the top portion of the upper, the extension member being a generally tubular member with a lower portion configured to at least partially overlap and removeably connect to the inner layer, the extension member having a second connector that connects to the first connector to securely attach the extension member to the upper, the outer layer of the upper being movable to the unfolded position when the extension member is connected to the inner layer to cover an intersection extension member and the upper, the extension member being made of one or more materials substantially impervious to the human scent from passing therethrough, the extension member having a flexible upper edge portion that has an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly, the extension member having a closure member coupled to the flexible upper edge portion and being adjustable to change the size of the opening so the flexible upper edge portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially blocks the human scent in the interior area of the upper from escaping between the extension member and the lower leg through the opening.

2. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein extension member is a flexible material impregnated with a scent blocking additive.

3. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer layer is made of a first material substantially impervious to human scent passing therethrough, and the inner layer is made of a second material different than the first material.

4. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the inner and outer layers, the body portion is made of a neoprene material with a layer of vulcanized rubber on the neoprene and forming an outer surface of the upper.

5. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the inner and outer layers, the body portion and the outer layer have an exterior surface formed by a vulcanized rubber material.

6. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second connectors are at least one of mating snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

7. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible upper edge portion of the extension member includes a sleeve and the closure member is at least partially disposed in the sleeve.

8. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the closure member is at least one of a strap, drawstring, and elastic cord.

9. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the closure member is a tightening member configure to cinch the extension member against the wearer's lower leg.

10. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein extension member further comprises a locking member connected to the closure member and configured releasably retain the closure member and the flexible upper edge portion in sealable engagement with the wearer's lower leg.

11. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper portion and the extension member are substantially waterproof.

12. A footwear assembly wearable by a wearer having a lower leg and having a human scent, comprising:

an upper having an interior area configured to contain the human scent when the footwear assembly worn by the wearer, the upper having a top portion that provides access into the interior area, the top portion having first connectors thereon, the top portion having a first layer and a second layer, the second layer being moveable between a first position wherein the second layer covers the first layer, and a second position wherein at least a portion of the second outer layer is positioned away from the first layer to uncover and expose the first connector;

a scent blocking member attached to the upper, the scent blocking member having a lower portion removeably connected to at least one of the first and second layers the scent blocking member having a second connector engaging the first connector to securely retain the scent blocking member on the upper, the scent blocking member being made of one or more materials that substantially blocks the human scent from passing therethrough, the scent blocking member having a engaging portion defining an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly, the scent blocking member having a closure member coupled to the engaging portion and being adjustable to change the size of the opening so the engaging portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially blocks the human scent in the interior area of the upper from escaping from the footwear assembly between the extension member and the lower leg through the opening.

13. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein scent blocking member is a flexible material impregnated with a scent blocking additive.

14. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the second layer is made of a first material substantially impervious to human scent passing therethrough, and the first layer is made of a second material different than the first material.

15. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the first and second layers, the body portion is made of a neoprene material with a layer of vulcanized rubber on the neoprene and forming and outer surface of the upper.

16. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the first and second layers, the body portion and the second layer have an exterior surface formed by a vulcanize rubber material.

17. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the first and second connectors are at least one of mating snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

18. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the engaging portion of the scent blocking member includes a sleeve and the closure member is at least partially disposed in the sleeve.

19. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the closure member is at least one of a strap, drawstring, and elastic cord.

20. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein scent blocking member further comprises a locking member connected to the closure member and configured releasably retain the closure member and the engaging portion in sealable engagement with the wearer's lower leg.

21. The footwear assembly of claim 12 wherein the upper portion and the extension member are substantially waterproof.

22. A hunting boot wearable by a wearer having lower leg and a human scent, comprising:

A rubber outsole;

A neoprene and vulcanized rubber upper connected to the rubber outsole and being substantially impervious to passage of the human scent therethrough, the upper having an interior area configured to contain the human scent when the footwear assembly worn by the user, the upper having a top portion that provides access into the interior area, the upper having an open top portion that provides access into the interior area, the top portion having with an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having a first connector thereon, the outer layer being moveable between an unfolded position wherein the outer layer covers the inner layer, and a folded position wherein a portion of the outer layer is folded over onto itself and away from the inner layer to uncover and expose the inner layer and the first connector on the inner layer;

a scent blocking member coupled to the top portion of the upper, the scent blocking member being a generally tubular member with a lower portion configured to at least partially overlap and removeably connect to the inner layer so the lower portion of the scent blocking member is positioned between the inner and outer layers when the outer layer is in the unfolded position, the scent blocking member having a second connector that connects to the first connector to securely attach the scent blocking member to the upper, the outer layer of the upper being movable to the unfolded position when the scent blocking member is connected to the inner layer to cover an intersection scent blocking member and the upper, the scent blocking member including a material substantially impervious to the human scent from passing therethrough, the scent blocking member having a flexible upper edge portion that has an opening that extends around the lower leg when the wearer is wearing the footwear assembly, the scent blocking member having a closure member coupled to the flexible upper edge portion and being adjustable to change the size of the opening so the flexible upper edge portion sealably engages the lower leg of the wearer and substantially contains the human scent in the interior area of the upper and substantially prevents the human scent from escaping from the interior area between the scent blocking member and the lower leg through the opening.

23. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein scent blocking member is a flexible material impregnated with a scent blocking additive.

24. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the second layer is made of a first material substantially impervious to human scent passing therethrough, and the first layer is made of a second material different than the first material.

25. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the first and second layers, the body portion is made of a neoprene material with a layer of vulcanized rubber on the neoprene and forming and outer surface of the upper.

26. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the upper has a body portion integrally connected to the first and second layers, the body portion and the second layer have an exterior surface formed by a vulcanize rubber material.

27. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the first and second connectors are at least one of mating snaps, buttons, zippers, and hook-and-loop fasteners.

28. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the engaging portion of the scent blocking member includes a sleeve and the closure member is at least partially disposed in the sleeve.

29. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the closure member is at least one of a strap, drawstring, and elastic cord.

30. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein scent blocking member further comprises a locking member connected to the closure member and configured releasably retain the closure member and the engaging portion in sealable engagement with the wearer's lower leg.

31. The hunting boot of claim 22 wherein the upper portion and the extension member are substantially waterproof.