FOOTWEAR WARMING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND KITS

Abstract

Footwear warming devices, systems, and kits. In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion, and a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion, wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer, wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear, and wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/752,810, filed Jan. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure.

BACKGROUND

When engaging in outdoor activities in cold weather, such as hunting or camping, oftentimes a person's feet will get cold, especially if the person is sitting for long periods of time, such as in a tree stand. In view of the same, devices, systems, and kits that would be useful to make a person's feet warm, while wearing shoes or boots, and maintain that warmth over time would be well received in the marketplace.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion, and a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion, wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer, wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear, and wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket. In another embodiment, the device further comprises a security portion coupled to one or more of the top portion, the first side portion, the second side portion, and/or a flap portion coupled to the top portion, the security portion configured to secure the warmer within the warmer pocket. In yet another embodiment, the device further comprises at least one coupler coupled to one or more of the top portion, the flap portion, and/or the security portion, the at least one coupler configured to secure the top portion to the flap portion.

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device further comprises a first strap coupled to the first side portion and having a first clasp portion coupled thereto, the first strap sized and shaped to fit around a relative back of the footwear and so the first clasp portion can couple to a second clasp portion to secure the device about the footwear. In an additional embodiment, the device further comprises the second strap coupled to the second side portion and having a second clasp portion coupled thereto. In yet an additional embodiment, the device further comprises an adjuster configured to adjust a length of the first strap from the first side portion to the first clasp portion. In another embodiment, the device comprises a heat reflective material within at least part of the footwear pocket.

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device further comprises an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch so that when the device is positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, the elastic portion stretches so that the device is held in place upon the at least a front part of the footwear. In an additional embodiment, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion are regions of the unitary portion and are not coupled to one another. In yet an additional embodiment, the device further comprises an overhang section extending from the top portion, the overhang section configured to fit within a pant leg. In another embodiment, the device further comprises one or more couplers coupled to or defined within the first side portion and/or the second side portion.

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device forms a system with the warmer. In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device forms a kit with one or more of the warmer, a second device, and a second warmer.

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion, a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion, an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch, a first strap coupled to the first side portion and having a first clasp portion coupled thereto, and a second strap coupled to the second side portion and having a second clasp portion coupled thereto, wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer, wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear, wherein the device comprises a heat reflective material within at least part of the footwear pocket, wherein the first strap is sized and shaped to fit around a relative back of the footwear and so the first clasp portion can couple to the second clasp portion, and wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a footwear warming device, comprising a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion, and a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion, wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer, and also comprises a warmer configured to fit within the warmer pocket, wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear, and wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket. In another embodiment, the warmer comprises a first warmer portion and a second warmer portion, the first warmer portion and/or the second warmer portion defining a chamber therein, the chamber configured to receive at least one heating element. In yet another embodiment, the at least one heating element comprises at least one charcoal stick. In an additional embodiment, at least one of the first warmer portion and/or the second warmer portion defines a plurality of apertures therethrough. In yet an additional embodiment, the warmer further comprises a hinge coupled to the first warmer portion and the second warmer portion. In another embodiment, the device further comprises an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch so that when the device is positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, the elastic portion stretches so that the device is held in place upon the at least a front part of the footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 show various exemplary configurations of portions of devices, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a kit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a device positioned on footwear, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show views of warmers, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows an outer layer of material according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows multiple layers of material, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a unitary portion, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a top view of a top portion, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of a bottom portion and an elastic portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 shows a left device and a right device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

An overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various couplers, etc., as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

An exemplary footwear warming system of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, system 50 comprises one or more devices 100 and one or more warmers 200. Devices 100 and/or warmers 200 can be sold individually, in pairs, together, or together in pairs. For example, and should a user wish to purchase an initial starter kit 800 (as shown in FIG. 8), such a kit 800 would include at least two devices 100 and at least two warmers 200.

Devices 100, as described herein, are configured to fit around/about part of a user's shoe, boot, or other footwear (generally referred to herein as footwear 75), and when used in conjunction with an activated warmer 200, said system 50 is operable to warm a user's foot for a period of time, such as for several hours.

Exemplary devices 100 of the present disclosure have several portions/sections, such as a bottom portion 102, a first side portion 104, a second side portion 106, a front portion 108, a top portion 110, and a flap portion 112, as shown completely in FIGS. 2-4 and partially in FIGS. 5-7. The various portions may be naturally formed together from a unitary piece of material 90, or may be stitched together from one or more pieces of material 90. The various portions may also be adjacent to one another from one or more unitary pieces of material 90 in several configurations, such as, for example, those configurations shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, where the dotted lines represent folds, bends, and/or locations where portions may be connected to one another such as by way of stitches 150, shown in FIG. 5. The configurations of devices 100 shown in FIGS. 2-4 are not drawn to scale, but are depicted in general block form, showing the various portions of exemplary devices 100, as actual devices 100 would have portions sized and shaped to suitably fit around/about part of a user's footwear 75.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of an exemplary device whereby a top surface 120 of top portion 110 is shown adjacent to an inner surface 122 of flap portion 112. The dotted line shows where flap portion 112 can be folded over to meet top portion 110, for example, so that top surface 120 faces inner surface 122. Various stitches 150, which may be individual stitches or a traditional sewing line, for example, are also shown where top portion 110 is connected to one or more other portions of device 100 (that are not shown in the figure), forming one or more seams 124. By folding flap portion 112 over to meet top portion 110, and then coupling a portion of a perimeter of flap portion 112 to top portion 110, a pocket 130 is formed, which is sized and shaped (configured) to receive at least one warmer 200, as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 11, pocket 130 can be formed solely within top portion 110, such as between layers of material forming portion 110. For example, and in at least one embodiment, pocket 130 can be formed between an outer layer of material 1300 and an inner layer of material 1310, an outer layer of material 1300 and a middle layer of material 1305, a middle layer of material 1305 and an inner layer of material 1310, or between other layers of material, so that flap portion 112 is not required to form pocket 130.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary system 50 of the present disclosure, whereby a warmer 200 is positioned in pocket 130 formed in device 100. FIG. 6 also shows couplers 132, existing in various device 100 embodiments of the present disclosure, which can be eyelets (as shown) or another type of coupler, including, but not limited to, a snap, a button, a rivet, a hook, or other fastening mechanism known in the art, so that a strap 134 (such as shown in FIG. 7) and/or a lace 136 (as shown in FIG. 6) can be used to connect two portions of device 100, such as first side portion 104 and second side portion 106, to one another around the back of footwear 75. Straps 134 and/or laces 136 can be traditional straps, belts, shoelaces, or other items useful to secure device 100 around/about part of a user's boot (exemplary footwear 75), for example. Couplers 132 can be defined in or attached to one or more portions of device 100. Device 100, as shown in FIG. 6 and other figures of the present disclosure, form, create, or define a footwear pocket 140 that is configured to receive a front portion of a user's shoe or boot (exemplary footwear 75). As referenced herein, straps 134 and/or laces 136 can also be affixed to portions of device 100, such as using stitches 150 to couple strap 134 to first side 104, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 6 also shows an optional security portion 114, which can be connected to another portion, or formed adjacent to another portion, of device 100, and be partially tucked into pocket 130 or otherwise coupled to device 100 by way of a security coupler 116 (such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap, a button, a rivet, or a hook, for example) so that warmer 200 is secured within pocket 130.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary device 100 embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, exemplary device 100 has a bottom portion 102, a first side portion 104, a second side portion 106, a front portion 108, and a top portion 110. An inner surface 126 of top portion 110, in at least one embodiment, comprises a heat-reflective material 160 (such as a flexible metallic material, which is represented by the dots in the figure), that is used to help heat from warmer 200 transfer to the users boot, for example, in an effective manner. An elastic portion 170 is also shown in FIG. 7, coupled to first side portion 104 and second side portion 106, and is used to aid in securing device 100 to a user's boot or shoe (exemplary footwear 75). As the overall inner portion of device 100 would be smaller than the boot or shoe (in various embodiments), placement of the device 100 over the front of the boot or shoe would cause elastic portion 170 to stretch and aid/assist in holding device 100 in place. FIG. 7 also shows an exemplary strap 134 coupled to a portion of device 100 (such as the first side wall 104, as shown in the figure), whereby a first clasp portion 180 positioned at a relative end 182 of strap 134 can engage a second clasp portion 184 coupled to another portion of device 100 (such as the second side wall 106, as shown in the figure). A relative length of strap 134 can be adjusted by way of an optional adjuster 190, for example.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary kit 800 of the present disclosure. As shown therein, kit 800 comprises two devices 100 and two warmers 200. Additional kit embodiments may comprise one or more of a device 100, a warmer 200, and a heating element 1200, as provided in further detail herein.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary device 100 embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown therein, an exemplary device 100 has a top portion 110 coupled to a unitary portion 900 extending around the sides and front of said device 100. Viewed differently, first side portion 104, second side portion 106, and front portion 108 are present in this embodiment, each forming sections/portions of unitary portion 900. Phrased differently, an exemplary device 100 of the present disclosure may comprise a) a first side portion 104 and a second side portion 106, each coupled to a front portion 108, or b) a unitary portion having regions/locations of or for a first side portion 104, a second side portion 106, and a front portion, each region/location existing at the relative sides, in the case of first side portion 104 and second side portion 106, and the relative front, in the case of front portion 108, of device 100. Various seams 124 may exist along device 100, such as to connect top portion 110 (not shown) and/or flap portion 112 with unitary portion 900, and to reinforce a relative end of top portion 110, which can be by using several stitches 150 to form said seam 124 as generally discussed herein. A reinforcement 902, such as a length of plastic material, can also be positioned within seam 124, as shown in FIG. 9, to reinforce/strengthen device 100 at the seam 124.

Device 100, as shown in FIG. 9 and in various other device 100 embodiments, comprises a second clasp portion 184 configured to couple/connect to first clasp portion 180 (not shown, but shown in FIG. 7) that is itself coupled to strap 134 (not shown, but also shown in FIG. 7). A second strap 904, as shown in FIG. 9, may be used to connect to second clasp portion 184 and may be attached to device 100, such as first side portion 104, second side portion 106, unitary portion 900, or another part of device 100, and may be secured using stitches 150, for example.

In addition, and as shown in FIG. 9, exemplary devices 100 of the present disclosure can have an overhang section 950, such as an extension from top portion 110 that exists on the relative inside top portion of device 100 as shown in the figure. Such an overhang section 950 may be at or about 1″, 2″, 3″, or less or more in length as compared to or extending beyond other portions of device 100, or may be longer or shorter as desired. Overhang section 950, when tucked under the bottom of a pant leg of the user, can operate as a chimney, funneling heat from device 100 into the pant leg of the user. Overhang section 950 can be configured to fit within a pant leg and/or otherwise be configured to funnel heat from device 100 to the inside of the pant leg.

Various devices 100 of the present disclosure can have other features/components other than described and/or shown herein, including those shown and described within U.S. Patent Application No. 61/752,810, filed Jan. 15, 2013, such as, for example, one or more of a “standing moccasin rib”, two 2″ elastic portions (exemplary elastic portions 170), a 3″ “camo bottom” (an exemplary bottom portion 102), a 1″ overhang (an exemplary overhang section 950), 7″-9″ long and 2¾″ high side portions (exemplary side portions 104, 106), a 3-ply top panel (an exemplary top portion 110), comprising a camouflaged patterned upper portion (an exemplary outer layer of material 1300), a fiber insulative middle portion (an exemplary middle layer of material 1305), and reflective bubble material (an exemplary inner layer of material 1310) on the inside (such as exemplary heat reflective material 160), various stress point reinforcements (such as seams 124 and/or stitches 150), and/or other elements/features as shown in the aforementioned priority application.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary device 100 of the present disclosure. As shown therein, a relative bottom of device 100 comprises a bottom portion 102 and an elastic portion 170. Other elements, such as strap 134, first clasp portion 180, second strap 904, and second clasp portion 104, are also shown therein. As shown therein, and in various device 100 embodiments, elastic portion 170 is coupled to unitary portion 900 on a relative bottom of device 100, and bottom portion 102 is also coupled to unitary portion 900 on a relative bottom of device, with bottom portion 102 being positioned closer to front portion 108, and with elastic portion 170 being positioned adjacent to bottom portion 102 but closer to the back of device 100 (terminating at the access of the footwear pocket 140).

FIG. 11 shows a side view of footwear 75 having an exemplary device 100 of the present disclosure positioned thereon. As shown in the figure, first clasp portion 180 and second clasp portion 184 have engaged one another so that strap 134 is positioned from one side of the device 100, around the back of footwear 75, and to the other side of device 100, to secure device 100 to footwear 75. This can occur after being seated in a tree stand, for example, so to keep the user's feet warm when warmer 200 is activated

As generally referenced herein, exemplary devices 100 of the present disclosure are capable of keeping a user's feet warm, preventing cold and potentially even frostbitten feet. Exemplary warmers 200 can be activated and inserted into pocket 130 of device, and in various embodiments, warmers can reach a temperature, outside the boot (footwear 75), of or near 120° F. Other warmers 200 can reach a temperature under 120° F. and higher than 120° F., such as up to 140° F., up to 150° F., up to 165° F., and up to 180° F., or higher.

Exemplary warmers 200, as shown and described herein, can utilize one or more heating elements 1200, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, to activate said warmers. One or more charcoal sticks (exemplary heating elements 1200), for example, can be lit/activated, placed within a chamber 1202 within warmer 200, and warmer 200 can be placed within pocket 130 of device 100 to warm said device 100. Depending on the size, number, and configuration of charcoal sticks, for example, they can last for up to 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hours after being lit/activated. A suitable warmer 200 for such a heating element 1200 would be made of one or more metals, and could itself last a lifetime.

Devices 100, as generally referenced herein, are or form an “overboot sock” that is configured to receive a front portion of a user's shoe or boot (exemplary footwear 75) by way of inserting said part of footwear 75 into a footwear pocket 140 of device 100. An activated warmer 200, when placed in a device 100 and when device 100 is positioned over footwear 75, can keep the user's foot warm for several hours, such as when the user is engaged in cold-weather activities, such as hunting or camping.

Exemplary warmers 200, such as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, can have a first warmer portion 1250 and a second warmer portion 1252, whereby one or both of portions 1250, 1252 form or define one or more chambers 1202 configured to receive one or more heating elements 1200. One or more warmer apertures 1275 can be defined within/through warmer 1200 to allow for heat escape from chamber 1202 and/or to allow oxygen to enter chamber 1202 to help heating element 1202 remain warm, depending on the type of heating element 1202 used. One or more hinges 1260 can be used to connect portions 1250, 1252. Warmers 200 would be configured to fit within pockets 130 of devices 100. Oxygen can also enter into pocket 130 as needed/desired.

Charcoal sticks (exemplary heating elements 1200), as referenced above and in at least one embodiment, are elongated and can be lit with a match or lighter at one or both ends. Once lit, the charcoal sticks will generate heat (similar to charcoal briquettes used for outdoor grilling), and can be placed within one or more chambers 1202 of warmer 200 and secured within warmer 200.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary outer layer of material 1300, having indicia 1302 thereon, such as, for example, a camouflage design. Outer layer of material 1300 can be used as part of one or more of the bottom portion 102, the first side portion 104, the second side portion 106, the front portion 108, the top portion 110, the flap portion 112, and/or the unitary portion 900.

FIG. 14 shows various material layers useful to prepare exemplary devices 100 of the present disclosure, as desired. For example, various portions of devices 100, such as one or more of the bottom portion 102, the first side portion 104, the second side portion 106, the front portion 108, the top portion 110, the flap portion 112, and/or the unitary portion 900, can comprise one or more of an outer layer of material 1300, an inner layer of material 1310, and a middle layer of material 1305. An inner layer of material 1300 can comprise a heat reflective material 160, for example, or another type of material. An outer layer of material 1300 can comprise vinyl, leather, and/or a number of different other materials. A middle layer of material 1305, when used with various device 100 embodiments, can be an insulative material. Inner layer of material 1310 can also be insulative, such as providing an R-value of 12 or more.

Various device 100 embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured for a right foot and a left foot (right and left footwear 75). For example, strap 134 can be coupled to first side portion 104 (or a left/first side of unitary portion 900) for a left foot, and strap 134 can be coupled to a second side portion 106 (or a right/second side of unitary portion 900) for a right foot, if desired. Similarly, pocket 130 can open from opposite sides of device 100 depending on which device 100 is used (left or right).

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

An exemplary embodiment of a device 100, used with warmer 200 to form a system 50, of the present disclosure is expressly described as follows.

Device 100, in at least one embodiment, comprises a unitary portion 900, as shown in FIG. 9, comprising an outer layer of material 1300 laminated to an inner layer of material 1310. FIG. 15 shows a top view of such an outer layer of material 1300 coupled to an inner layer of material 1310. As shown in FIG. 15, unitary portion 900 has two side regions (first side portion 104 and second side portion 106) and a front region (front portion 108), noting, however, that in this embodiment unitary portion 900 is one contiguous piece. Unitary portions 900, in various other embodiments, may comprise one or more of bottom portion 102, first side portion 104, second side portion 106, front portion 108, top portion 110, and/or flap portion 112, and is intended to encompass all embodiments that would include those various portions (which would be considered relative sections of unitary portion 900, and not individual pieces of unitary portion), so to form portions of device 100. For example, and in embodiments of devices 100 that have top portion 110 as part of unitary portion 900 along with first side portion 104, second side portion 106, and front portion 108, a separate top portion 110 would not be required, as, for example, stitches 150 could be used to form one or more seams 124 to connect top portion 110 to other portions of unitary portion 900. Such embodiments of unitary portions 900 could be considered as the device 100 portions shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, for example. In other embodiments, for example, two or more of first side portion 104, second side portion 106, and/or front portion 108 may be coupled to one another, such as by using stitches 150 to form one or more seams 124. In this exemplary embodiment, outer layer of material 1300 comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric, and inner layer of material 1310 comprises insulated bubble wrap, so to provide an overall R-value of at least 12. Unitary portion 900, as shown in FIG. 15, starts at a relative end of one side and wraps around to a relative end of the other side. An at least one exemplary embodiment, unitary portion is at or near 3″ tall and at or near 20″ long, but other sizes may be used as well.

An exemplary top portion 110, as shown in a top view in FIG. 16, is coupled (sewn/stitched) to unitary portion 900 so to form a relative top of device 100. An opening (pocket 130) can be formed by not coupling (not sewing or stitching) part of top portion 110 to unitary portion 900, such as at a relative inside portion of a boot when the device 100 is being worn. Pocket 130 not only allows a warmer 200 to be inserted into the proper area over the boot toe to warm the boot (footwear 75) and foot/toes, but also provides enough open space to allow air into pocket 130, which can also be referred to as a combustion chamber. A security portion 114, as shown in FIG. 6, can be used to secure warmer 200 within pocket 130. An overhang section 950, extending past the relative ends of unitary portion 900, can allow excess heat to rise up under the pant leg so to warm the leg in addition to the feet.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of portions of an exemplary device 100, namely bottom portion 102 and elastic portion 170. Bottom portion 102, along with top portion 110 and unitary portion 900, can be formed of a two-ply material (such as outer layer of material 1300 and inner layer of material 1310), a three-ply material (such as outer layer of material 1300, middle layer of material 1305, and inner layer of material 1310), a single layer of material, or even more layers of material. Bottom portion 102 is coupled (sewn/stitched) to unitary portion 900 near a relative front/middle of unitary portion 900, while elastic portion 170 is coupled (sewn/stitched) to unitary portion 900 near a relative middle/back of unitary portion 900, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, for example. Coupling bottom portion 102 to unitary portion 900, for example, can help maintain the overall shape of device 100. Elastic portion 170 also helps to maintain device 100 shape, and permits, for example, for a “one size fits all” claim for device 100, as elastic portion 170 can stretch as needed to fit various sizes of footwear 75 within footwear pocket 140.

Two straps (namely strap 134 and second strap 904) and two clasps (namely first clasp portion 180 and second clasp portion 184), as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, are also used with exemplary device 100 embodiments. As generally referenced herein, strap 134 can be secured (sewn/stitched) to a relative back edge of one relative side (left or right) of unitary portion 900, depending on the desired configuration. Strap 134, when used with a first clasp portion 180, can itself be adjustable (or can include a separate adjuster 190), and first clasp portion 180 can engage a second clasp portion 184 used with a second strap 904, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Second strap 904, in various embodiments, can be relatively shorter than strap 134, and when first clasp portion 180 and second clasp portion 184 engage one another, device 100 can be secured to the heel of footwear 75 to allow device 100 to operate as desired.

A security portion 114, as shown in FIG. 6, can be secured (sewn/stitched) over pocket 130, which, in various embodiments, may extend at or about 3″ from one end (near the front big toe area) to the back. Security portion 114 (also referred to as a flap, damper, or vent) is allowed to swing into and out of pocket 130 as if on a hinge, with the position of security portion allowing for increased air exchange into and out of pocket 130 such as, for example, to control the temperature and direction of warmed air. In embodiments where a left device 100 and a right device 100 are used, and with both devices 100 including security portions 114, security portions 114 would generally face one another when devices 100 are worn on left and right footwear 75, respectively, such as shown in FIG. 18. Such a configuration allows a user to put them on by crossing one leg over the opposite knew to insert the warmer 200 and buckle clasp portions 180, 184 to one another.

While various embodiments of footwear warming devices, systems, and kits and methods of using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered as non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the content thereof.

Further, in describing representative embodiments, the present disclosure may have presented a method and/or a process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth therein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described, as other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A footwear warming device, comprising:

a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion; and

a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion;

wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer;

wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear; and

wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a security portion coupled to one or more of the top portion, the first side portion, the second side portion, and/or a flap portion coupled to the top portion, the security portion configured to secure the warmer within the warmer pocket.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising:

at least one coupler coupled to one or more of the top portion, the flap portion, and/or the security portion, the at least one coupler configured to secure the top portion to the flap portion.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first strap coupled to the first side portion and having a first clasp portion coupled thereto, the first strap sized and shaped to fit around a relative back of the footwear and so the first clasp portion can couple to a second clasp portion to secure the device about the footwear.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

the second strap coupled to the second side portion and having a second clasp portion coupled thereto.

6. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

an adjuster configured to adjust a length of the first strap from the first side portion to the first clasp portion.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a heat reflective material within at least part of the footwear pocket.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch so that when the device is positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, the elastic portion stretches so that the device is held in place upon the at least a front part of the footwear.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion are regions of the unitary portion and are not coupled to one another.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

an overhang section extending from the top portion, the overhang section configured to fit within a pant leg.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more couplers coupled to or defined within the first side portion and/or the second side portion.

12. The device of claim 1, forming a system with the warmer.

13. The device of claim 1, forming a kit with one or more of the warmer, a second device, and a second warmer.

14. A footwear warming device, comprising:

a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion;

a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion;

an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch;

a first strap coupled to the first side portion and having a first clasp portion coupled thereto; and

a second strap coupled to the second side portion and having a second clasp portion coupled thereto;

wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer;

wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear;

wherein the device comprises a heat reflective material within at least part of the footwear pocket;

wherein the first strap is sized and shaped to fit around a relative back of the footwear and so the first clasp portion can couple to the second clasp portion; and

wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

15. A footwear warming system, comprising:

a footwear warming device, comprising: a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion; and a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion; wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer; and

a warmer configured to fit within the warmer pocket;

wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear; and

wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the warmer comprises a first warmer portion and a second warmer portion, the first warmer portion and/or the second warmer portion defining a chamber therein, the chamber configured to receive at least one heating element.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one charcoal stick.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first warmer portion and/or the second warmer portion defines a plurality of apertures therethrough.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the warmer further comprises a hinge coupled to the first warmer portion and the second warmer portion.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the device further comprises an elastic portion coupled to the first side portion and the second side portion, the elastic portion configured to stretch so that when the device is positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, the elastic portion stretches so that the device is held in place upon the at least a front part of the footwear.