PROTECTIVE GARMENT

Abstract

A protective garment (10, 50, 60, 70) for protecting at least a wearer's lower leg and foot from at least one of dirt, debris and moisture, the protective garment comprising two tubular leg portions (12), each having an upper end (18) and a lower end (26), the tubular leg portions (12, 52, 62, 76) having an enclosed circumference within which one of the wearer's leg is receivable, the tubular leg portions having a protective outer surface on at least a frontward side thereof; and a foot covering portion (24) which extends outwardly from the lower end (26) of each of the tubular leg portions on the frontward side thereof to cover at least a majority of an upper surface of the wearer's foot, the foot covering portion (24) being self-supporting and being free from fastening straps, such that the foot covering portion (24) rests on top of the wearer's foot (30) without being fastened thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of PCT/CA2008/000665 filed Jul. 4, 2008, which claims priority on U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/910,371 filed Apr. 5, 2007, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to outerwear garments, such as one-piece suits, pants, chaps, leggings and the like. Particularly, the present invention relates to a garment providing protection of at least the lower legs and feet of a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protective outerwear garments exist in a variety of different forms, and are used for an equally large variety of applications. Protective trousers and pants, for example, are used by workers in a number of fields in order to protect both the user's own legs and their clothing.

Certain specific activities tend to particularly cause damage and/or cause user's clothes and shoes to become wet, dirty, etc. One such activity is cutting, trimming or “weed wacking” grass and other foliage, during which the user's shoes and legs tend to become wet, messy, moist and/or dirty from the grass and vegetation clippings created. Further, if larger plants or foliage are being cleared, there exists the risk causing injury to the user's leg, if no protective garments are worn. Another such activity is painting, during which one's shoes can become splattered with paint even if protective trousers or suits are worn.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an improved protective garment which will help protect at least the lower legs and shoes of a wearer, particularly during such activities as painting, and cutting and trimming grass and other foliage, for example using a lawn mower, a “weed wacker”, and the like. Improvements are thus needed in order to provide a new and improved type of lightweight, low cost, lower leg and foot covering and protecting outerwear garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved protective garment.

Therefore, in accordance with a first broad aspect, there is provided a protective garment for protecting at least a wearer's lower leg and foot from at least one of dirt, debris and moisture, the protective garment comprising two tubular leg portions, each having an upper end and a lower end, the tubular leg portions having an enclosed circumference within which one of the wearer's leg is receivable, the tubular leg portions having a protective outer surface on at least a frontward side thereof, and a foot covering portion which extends outwardly from the lower end of each of the tubular leg portions on the frontward side thereof to cover at least a majority of an upper surface of the wearer's foot, the foot covering portion being self-supporting and being free from fastening straps, such that the foot covering portion rests on top of the wearer's foot without being fastened thereto.

In accordance with a second broad aspect, there is provided a protective garment for preventing at least one of dirt, debris and moisture from coming into contact with at least lower legs and foot of a wearer, the protective garment comprising two protective sleeves, each enveloping at least a wearer's ankle and a wearer's lower leg, at least a front section of each one of the protective sleeves being made of a protective material; and a foot covering portion connected to a lower end of each one of the protective sleeves and extending along a wearer's foot, the foot covering portion covering at least a majority of the wearer's foot, the foot covering portion being self-supporting and being free from mechanical fasteners in order to stay in position on top of the wearer's foot.

In accordance with a third broad aspect, there is provided a garment for protecting a wearer's shoe and at least a wearer's lower leg, the garment comprising two leg covering members, each covering at least a front portion of a wearer's ankle and a wearer's lower leg; and a foot protector connected to a lower end of each one the two leg covering members, the foot protector covering at least a majority of a forepart of a wearer's shoe, the foot protector being structurally self-supporting and configured to retain its shape and remain in place on a top surface of the wearer's shoe without being fastened thereto

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a right-leg protective legging in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a pair of the protective leggings of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the protective leggings of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a lower, foot-covering portion of one of the protective leggings of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a pair of protective trousers in accordance with an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of protective overalls in accordance with an alternate embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a protective one-piece suit in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the protective garment 10 in accordance with one embodiment comprises two protective leggings 11, of which only the right-leg legging is visible in FIG. 1. The protective garment 10 constitutes a lower body protective garment which helps to protect and keep clean and dry at least the lower legs and the feet/shoes of a wearer. The protective garment 10 comprises, as best seen in FIG. 2, a pair of separate protective leggings 11, namely one for the right leg and one for the left leg of the user. In this embodiment, the separate leggings 11 are not attached together or otherwise inter-engaged in any way. Each is separately put on by the wearer.

In this embodiment, unlike many chaps and/or other leg protection garments which exist, each of the leggings 11 wraps around the entire circumference of the wearer's leg, i.e. it is not an open-backed type of chap, but rather each is an enclosed pant leg. As such, each of the leggings 11 is formed by tubular leg portions which have an enclosed circumference. Existing chaps typically cover only the front portions of the wearer's legs, and thus have open-backs which require a number of straps, buckles, etc. to close and to fasten the chaps in place on one's leg. The protective leggings 10 however completely encircle the wearer's legs, from a point near the midpoint or upper end of the wearer's thigh. In this embodiment, the protective garment 10 thus constitutes only lower-body protection.

In contrast, each of the leggings 11 of the protective garment 10 includes leg portions 12, which are tubular and full-circumference, and therefore resemble more like detached pant legs which the user will have to put their feet through and pull up in order to put them on. At least the frontward facing side of the tubular leg portions 12 have a protective outer surface and/or or made of a material which is preferably lightweight, waterproof and relatively flexible, such as to be comfortable to wear. Any suitable material may be used, however preferably is one of relatively good resistance to wear and tear, given that grass, sticks, and other materials may be projected thereon by a mower, weed wacker, or other device which the wearer may be operating. The material may also be breathable in order to make the leggings more comfortable for wear outside in warm weather. Both the front (i.e. covering the front of the wearer's leg) and back (i.e. covering the back of the wearer's leg) sides of the leg portions 12 may be made of the same material, however alternately the back side may be made of a different material, for example one which is perhaps less protective, waterproof, and/or more breathable. As best seen in FIG. 3, the rear of the leg portions 12 may be provided with an opening 14 along a portion of their length, the opening 14 being preferably covered with a mesh or screen-type material 16, or alternately another material which is more breathable than that of the main surfaces of the leg portions 12. The mesh 16 is advantageous as it allows improved ventilation and breathability, while nonetheless preventing insects from easily being able to bit the wearer's legs. It is to be understood that the mesh covered opening 14 in the back surface of the leg portions 12 may be larger or smaller, as required.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, at the upper end 18 of each of the leg portions 12 is provided an attachment member 20 used to removably fasten the legging 11 to an article of clothing of the wearer, such as a belt for example. In at least one embodiment, this attachment member 20 includes a single strap 21 which extends upwards and is wrapped around the wearer's belt and then fastened to the outer surface of the side of the legging, such as by using a Velcro™ type releasable attachment 22 having one part disposed on the inside of the strap 21 and the other mating part disposed on the outer surface of the side of the legging. Although in the present embodiment the attachment member 20 is disposed on the outer sides of each of the leg portions 12, they can be similarly located further toward the front or back of each of the leg portions 11. The strap 21 is preferably integrally formed with the material of the leg portions 12, however could also be made of a separate strap material which is fastened in place on the upper end 18 of the leg portions 12.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of the protective leggings 11 includes a foot or shoe covering portion 24, which is fixed to a lower end 26 of the leg portions 12. In one embodiment, the foot covering portion 24 has a greater rigidity than that of the leg portion 12 and offers a greater protection that does the outer surface of the leg portion 12. Alternatively, both the foot covering portion 24 and the leg portion 12 have the same rigidity and offer a comparable protection. They can either be made of the same material or of different materials. The foot covering portion 24 extends outwardly from the base of the pant leg portion 12 in order to cover at least a majority of the instep of the wearer's foot. Preferably, the foot covering portion 24 extends completely the length of the wearer's foot, such as to reach to or just over the toes (or more specifically the tips of the shoes) of the wearer. Alternatively, the foot covering portion 24 covers completely the forepart of the wearer's shoe, including a part of the shoe's sole. However, the foot covering portion 24 is not attached to the wearer's shoe at any location, but remains in place thereon due to its self supporting structure as described further below. The foot covering portion can also cover and protect the rear part of the wearer's foot, including the heel by descending completely to the ground level proximate the wearer's heel. The foot covering portion 24 is self supporting, in that it retains its shape and structure without requiring it to be fastened, such as be straps or the like, directly to the wearer's foot. In at least one embodiment, the foot covering portion 24 comprises a more padded material relative to that of the pant leg portions 12. Alternately, a rigid, or semi-rigid reinforcing insert may be provided within the enclosed material of the foot covering portion 24, in order to provide improved protection and resistance to impacts, etc. For example, the reinforcing insert can be a plate having a form adapted to cover at least the forepart of the wearer's foot and to be self-supporting. This plate can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, composites, metal or any combination thereof. In this case, the reinforcing plate offers a greater rigidity than that of the remainder of the foot covering portion 24. In one embodiment, the reinforcing insert is removable from the enclosed material. The cut and shape of the panels making up the foot portion 24 are also preferably formed such that the overlying foot portion 24 of the leggings 11 retains its shape and remains substantially in place on top of the shoe or boot 30 of the wearer, as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the foot covering portion 24 is retained in place, without the need of any fastening means, such as heel, instep or toe straps for example. The foot covering portion therefore merely sits on top of the instep of the wearer's foot, permitting a good range of motion and freedom of movement for the wearer's foot, angle and leg.

Given the relative simplicity of the protective leggings 10, the lack of a multitude of fastening straps required to keep them in place, as well as their flexibility and light weight, these protective leggings are much more comfortable and less complex and time consuming to put-on, take-off and wear.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a protective garment 50 in the form of a pair of trousers of an alternate embodiment is shown. The protective garment 50 comprises two leg portions 52 connected together at the level of a wearer's crotch. A pelvis covering portion 54 covers at least the front surface of the wearer's pelvis and is connected to each one of the leg portions 52. Alternatively, the pelvis covering portion 54 can cover both the front and back surfaces of the wearer's pelvis. Each one of the two leg portions 52 is provided with a self-supporting foot covering portion 24. The foot covering portion 24 is exactly as that described above with respect to the leggings 10. The leg portions 52 are tubular to completely encircle a wearer's legs. The rear of the leg portions 52 may be provided with an opening along a portion of their length and this opening can be covered with a breathable material. Any mechanical fastening means, such as a belt, a strap, a zipper, buttons, etc, can be used to fasten the protective garment 50 on the wearer.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a protective garment having the form of an apron or overall 60. The overall 60 comprises two leg portions 62 and a bib 64 which covers at least part of the wearer's torso. The leg portions 62 are tubular to completely encircle the wearer's legs. The protective garment 60 is provided with a self-supporting foot covering portion 24 at the end of each leg portions. The foot covering portion 24 is exactly as that described above with respect to the leggings 10. The bib 64 covers at least a front portion of the wearer's chest and can also cover a portion of the wearer's back. A pair of suspenders 66 extend over a wearer's shoulders are used to fasten the overall 60 in place. Alternatively, a neck strap can be used in replacement of the suspenders 66. The rear of the overall 60 can be made of a material being less resistant than the front. Additionally, openings can be provided in the rear side of the overall 60 and these openings can be covered by a breathable material.

FIG. 7 illustrates a one-piece suit protective garment 70 according to another embodiment. The protective garment 70 comprises a trunk covering portion 72, two arm covering portions 74 and two leg portions 76. The covering portions 72, 74, and 76 are connected together such that the assembly form a one piece suit such as an overall. The trunk covering portion 72 covers both the chest and the back of the wearer. Each one of the arm covering portions 74 and the leg covering portions 76 is tubular to completely encircle the wearer's arm and leg, respectively, and the arm covering portions 74 cover at least a portion of the wearer's arms. The protective garment 70 is provided with a foot covering portion 24 at the end of each leg portions 76. The foot covering portion 24 is exactly as that described above with respect to the leggings 10.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 offer a greater protection to the wearer in comparison to the protective leggings 10 and trousers 50 as they also cover at least part of the wearer's chest. For example, the one-piece suit protective garment 70 can be used to protect entirely the wearer from paint splashes.

The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary. Those skilled in the art will therefore appreciate that the forgoing description is illustrative only, and that various alternatives and modifications can be devised without departing from the present invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, the present is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective garment for protecting at least a wearer's lower leg and foot from at least one of dirt, debris and moisture, the protective garment comprising:

two tubular leg portions, each having an upper end and a lower end, the tubular leg portions having an enclosed circumference within which one of the wearer's leg is receivable, the tubular leg portions having a protective outer surface on at least a frontward side thereof; and

a foot covering portion which extends outwardly from the lower end of each of the tubular leg portions on the frontward side thereof to cover at least a majority of an upper surface of the wearer's foot, the foot covering portion being self-supporting and being free from fastening straps, such that the foot covering portion rests on top of the wearer's foot without being fastened thereto.

2. The protective garment as defined in claim 1, wherein the foot covering portion has a rigidity that is greater than that of the tubular leg portions.

3. The protective garment as defined in claim 1, wherein the foot covering portion providing greater protection that does the protective outer surface of the tubular leg portions.

4. The protective garment as defined in claim 3, wherein the foot covering portion is padded.

5. The protective garment as defined in claim 3, wherein the foot covering portion extends from a wearer's ankle to wearer's toes and also covers part of a front and lateral surface of the wearer's foot.

6. The protective garment as defined in claim 2, wherein the foot covering portion comprises a reinforcing member disposed therein, the reinforcing member having a form adapted to cover at least the majority of the upper surface of the wearer's foot.

7. The protective garment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the reinforcing member includes a plate having a rigidity greater than that of a remainder of the foot covering portion.

8. The protective garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two protective leggings are independent the one of the other and each one of the two protective leggings further comprises a single fastening strap.

9. The protective garment as claimed in claim 8, wherein the single fastening strap is integrally formed with the upper end of the tubular leg portion, the fastening strap being adapted to be wrapped around an article of clothing of the wearer and being removably fastened to the upper end of the leg portion, in order to removably fasten the protective legging in place on the wearer's leg.

10. The protective garment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pelvis covering portion connected to the upper end of the tubular leg portions, the tubular leg portions being connected together at a level of a wearer's crotch, the pelvis covering portion and the protective leggings forming a pair of trousers.

11. The protective garment as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a bib connected to the pelvis covering portion, the bib covering at least a portion of a wearer's chest.

12. The protective garment as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a trunk covering portion connected to an upper end of the pelvis covering portion, the trunk covering portion covering a wearer's chest and a wearer's back.

13. The protective garment as claimed in claim 12, further comprising two arm covering portions connected to the trunk covering portion, each arm covering portion extending from the trunk covering portion to cover at least a portion of a wearer's arm.

14. A protective garment for preventing at least one of dirt, debris and moisture from coming into contact with at least lower legs and foot of a wearer, the protective garment comprising:

two protective sleeves, each enveloping at least a wearer's ankle and a wearer's lower leg, at least a front section of each one of the protective sleeves being made of a protective material; and

a foot covering portion connected to a lower end of each one of the protective sleeves and extending along a wearer's foot, the foot covering portion covering at least a majority of the wearer's foot, the foot covering portion being self-supporting and being free from mechanical fasteners in order to stay in position on top of the wearer's foot.

15. The protective garment as defined in claim 14, wherein the foot covering portion has a rigidity that is greater than that of the protective sleeves.

16. The protective garment as defined in claim 14, wherein the foot covering portion provides greater protection that does the front section of the protective sleeves.

17. The protective garment as defined in claim 16, wherein the foot covering portion is padded.

18. The protective garment as defined in claim 16, wherein the foot covering portion comprises a reinforcing member disposed therein.

19. The protective garment as claimed in claim 18, wherein the reinforcing member includes a plate having a rigidity greater than that of a remainder of the foot covering portion.

20. A garment for protecting a wearer's shoe and at least a wearer's lower leg, the garment comprising:

two leg covering members, each covering at least a front portion of a wearer's ankle and a wearer's lower leg; and

a foot protector connected to a lower end of each one the two leg covering members, the foot protector covering at least a majority of a forepart of a wearer's shoe, the foot protector being structurally self-supporting and configured to retain its shape and remain in place on a top surface of the wearer's shoe without being fastened thereto.

21. The garment as defined in claim 20, wherein the foot protector has a rigidity that is greater than that of the leg covering members.

22. The garment as defined in claim 20, wherein the foot protector provides greater protection that does the leg covering members.

23. The garment as defined in claim 22, wherein the foot protector is padded.

24. The garment as defined in claim 22, wherein the foot protector comprises a reinforcing member disposed therein.

25. The garment as claimed in claim 24, wherein the reinforcing member includes a plate having a rigidity greater than that of a remainder of the foot protector.