Footwear, Article, Method for Keeping Foot and Sock Dry

Abstract

Described herein is a footwear and an article for keeping a foot dry, and a related method. A footwear member may have an exterior surface defining an exterior of the footwear member, an internal surface defining an internal cavity sized to receive the foot and at least portions of the removable membrane, and a footwear size. The removable membrane may be made of a non-rigid, disposable, resilient material that is impermeable to water. The removable membrane may have a membrane exterior surface, a membrane interior surface, and a membrane size corresponding to the footwear size. The removable membrane configured to conform to a shape and a size of the foot. The method may include providing a footwear assembly including a footwear member and a removable membrane, placing the provided membrane over the foot, and positioning the removable membrane with the foot inserted therein within the boot.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/568,092 filed Dec. 11, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention pertains to the field of articles for preventing wet feet, particularly under harsh labor conditions.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Numerous well-known problems arise from wet feet. For example, leaving feet in wet shoes and socks for prolonged periods may cause maceration, resulting in skin becoming sore, itchy, soft, and prone to blistering and—once the macerated skin dries out—painful cracking. Wet feet can also become colder more quickly than dry feet. Feet that are exposed to cold and damp conditions for long periods of time experience more serious problems, such as trench foot. Wet shoes and socks may also expose feet to odor-causing bacteria and fungi infections.

Certain active shoe environments of shoes are not only wet and cold, but may also require stepping through dirt and grime, which can be transferred into shoes, socks, and lower pant legs, where it may stick to and irritate a person's skin. Such harsh conditions and resulting wet and/or dirty states may frustrate the main purposes for wearing socks, such as for example keeping feet clean, providing foot-support, comfort, warmth, and preventing blistering (that may otherwise occur when the skin repeatedly rubs, sticks or slides within a shoe). When shoes are used in particularly dirty and wet environments, a person's socks may also be contaminated to such a degree that it is virtually impossible to restore them through washing to a state of perceived cleanliness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods, footwear assemblies, and apparatuses are described for keeping a foot dry. According to at least one embodiment, a method of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly may include a step of providing a footwear assembly including a footwear member and a removable membrane. The footwear member may have an exterior surface defining an exterior of the footwear member, an internal surface defining an internal cavity sized to receive the foot and at least portions of the removable membrane, and a footwear size. The removable membrane may include a non-rigid, disposable, resilient material that may be impermeable to water. The removable membrane may also have a membrane exterior surface, a membrane interior surface, and a membrane size corresponding to the footwear size. The removable membrane may include a closed toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section. The removable membrane may also be configured to conform to a shape and a size of the foot.

The method may also include the step of placing the provided membrane over the foot so that the toe section covers toes of the foot, the heel section covers a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the membrane exterior surface may face away from the foot and lower leg, and the membrane interior surface may face towards and contact the foot when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane. The method may further include the step of positioning the removable membrane with the foot inserted therein within the boot, the removable membrane preventing water located within the footwear member from contacting the foot.

In one example, the membrane exterior may include a same membrane material as the membrane interior. In some examples, the membrane material may include polyurethane. In some examples, the membrane material may include 100% polyurethane.

In some examples, the membrane may include, near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down. In some examples, the method may include, after the membrane is placed over the foot, placing the membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down along the lower leg section so that water is prevented from entering the top opening.

In some examples, the membrane may be a first membrane and the membrane size may be a first membrane size. In some examples, the method may include removing the boot from over the first membrane and the foot, and removing the first membrane from over the foot. The method may also include identifying a non-rigid, resilient second membrane impermeable to water and made of disposable material, having a second membrane exterior surface and a second membrane interior surface, having a second membrane size associated with the boot size, and configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot, and placing the identified second membrane over the foot, thereby replacing the first membrane with the second membrane.

In some examples, the first membrane size may be the same as the second membrane size. In some example, the membrane may include a discrete layer independent of another layer that is configured to cover the lower leg section or another layer that includes a sock. In some examples of the method, the placing may occur prior to the positioning.

According to at least one embodiment, footwear to keep a foot dry is also described. In some examples, the footwear may include a toe portion, a heel portion, and a first layer defining a boot exterior surface and a boot interior surface. In some examples, the boot interior surface may be distinct from the boot exterior surface and may define an internal cavity sized to receive the foot. The footwear may also include a removable membrane positioned in the internal cavity and having an exterior membrane surface and an interior membrane surface. In some examples, the exterior membrane surface may be at least in part contiguous to the boot interior surface, and the removable membrane may include a non-rigid, resilient, disposable material that may be impermeable to water and configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot. In some examples, the removable membrane may include a closed toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section. The footwear may also include a second layer having material for at least one of keeping the foot dry and keeping the foot warm. In some examples, the second layer may have an interior second layer surface and an exterior second layer surface, and the interior second layer surface may be at least in part contiguous to the foot, and the exterior second layer surface may be at least in part contiguous to the interior membrane surface.

In some examples, when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane, the toe section may cover the toes of the foot, the heel section may cover the heel of the foot, the body section may cover the body of the foot, the lower leg section may cover at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the exterior membrane surface may face away from the of the foot, and the interior membrane surface may face towards the foot. In some examples the removable membrane may be a discrete layer independent of the first and second layers, and the removable membrane may prevent water within the internal cavity to contact the second layer and the foot.

In some examples, the disposable material may include polyethylene. In some examples, the disposable material may include 100% polyethylene. In some examples of the footwear, the second layer may include, near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down the lower leg of the foot. In some examples, the lower leg section may include a height so that at least one of the top opening may remain situated above an ankle of the foot or the top opening may remain situated between a knee and the ankle or the top opening may remain situated above an ankle and below a knee. In some examples, the toe section of the membrane may be configured to be form-fitted to the toes, and the heel section of the membrane may be configured to be form-fitted to the heel.

According to at least one embodiment an article for keeping a foot dry after a boot, into which the foot is inserted, is punctured, is also described. The boot may be of the type having a boot exterior surface and a boot interior surface distinct from the boot exterior surface and having a boot membrane that in an initial state is impermeable to water and when punctured is no longer impermeable to water. In some examples, the article may include a non-rigid, resilient membrane impermeable to water that be made of disposable material. In some examples, the membrane may have a membrane exterior surface and a polyethylene membrane interior surface, and may be conformed to the shape and size of the foot and may include a toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section. The membrane may be configured for placement over the foot so that the toe section may cover toes of the foot and the heel section may cover a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section may cover at least a portion of a lower leg so that the polyethylene membrane exterior surface may face exteriorly away from the foot and the interior membrane surface may face towards the foot and at least some of the interior membrane surface may touch the foot while the membrane is placed over the foot and within the boot. In some examples, the membrane may include a discrete layer independent of another layer that may be configured to cover the lower leg section or another layer that may include a sock.

In some examples, the apparatus may include, near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down when the foot is placed in the article and the article is placed in the boot with the punctured boot membrane. In some examples, the membrane may be configured for placement over the foot and inside the boot so that water having entered through the punctured boot membrane and into the interior of the boot may be prevented from passing through the membrane, and also water may be prevented from entering the top opening, so that the foot may remain dry while in the boot.

In some examples, the fit of the article may be configured to prevent sliding of the foot in the article with the article and foot placed in the boot. In some examples, the article may be configured for covering both the foot and a sock placed over the foot. In some examples, the article may be configured for covering the foot and at least two dry socks placed over the foot. In some examples, the article may include an inner liner for absorbing moisture off of the foot while in contact with at least a portion of the foot and configured to cover only a bottom portion of the foot. In some examples, the bottom portion may include nylon.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The above description and listed alternative embodiments are considered that of some embodiments only. It is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described below are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit scope. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. Alterations and modifications, therefore, and such further applications as would occur to those skilled in the relevant art(s), are also contemplated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

FIG. 1 illustrates a waterproof polyethylene disposable foot and sock cover article.

FIG. 2 illustrates the article of FIG. 1 in an environment of use inside a boot and over a sock.

FIG. 3 illustrates a boot and article that have been punctured by a nail.

FIG. 4 illustrates a replacement article being conveniently distributed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a punctured boot with an intact replacement article therein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second smaller embodiment of the article shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an article embodiment comprising an internal liner.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view of a footwear to keep a foot dry.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a footwear to keep a foot dry.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart for a method of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates another flowchart for a method of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly.

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Over the years, certain articles and methods have been utilized to try and prevent wet feet. Plastic bags, for example, have sometimes been placed over socks and inside shoes, with several critical disadvantages. For example, ordinary plastic bags are not made to cover feet and are therefore not uniquely adapted to the shape of a foot. Consequently, such bags have excess plastic material that is not only wasteful, but can fold and bunch up inside the shoe in an unequally-distributed and irregular manner, making a good fit of the foot within the shoe more difficult to achieve, and also increasing pressure at certain points of the bag inside the shoe, which can more easily lead to compromises in the plastic membrane. Such excess material may also hang loosely out of the shoe, increasing the likelihood that it be punctured, or that water or dirt particles will enter therein through a top opening. More specifically, such plastic bags are obviously not designed to hold up the top opening in an elevated position, and such a loose plastic fit—even if the bag had enough length to cover more of the leg than simply the shoe—due to the force of gravity and the absence of an effective means for maintaining the top opening in an elevated position, cannot stay extended upward covering a substantial area of the lower leg above the shoe for a substantial period of time, but rather falls back down towards the shoe, where it may loosely rest. Among the problems presented by such a design (or lack of a strategically predetermined design), such loose plastic bag-like coverings provide a lower point of entry for water and dirt particles. Once such water and dirt particles enter the plastic bag, the sock and foot can become contaminated and/or wetted by such particles. The potentially substantially impermeable plastic bag can then make matters worse, moreover, by trapping the moisture and dirt inside the bag.

In addition to makeshift plastic bags, some allegedly “waterproof” socks have been created with the objective of preventing wet feet. While some such socks may absorb less water, or dry out faster, or be designed to pull moisture away from the skin more than other socks, they are often not waterproof in the true sense of the term but more accurately semi-permeable or simply “repellant” to water. Even if some existing socks do have membranes that are in fact substantially impermeable to water, such membranes may often and easily become compromised at certain spots (allowing water to pass through) or lose their waterproof (or water resistant) qualities with time and use. When such socks become more permeable to water and then become wet or immersed in water, the feet inside of course also become wet. In addition to either having membranes that become compromised or that otherwise lose their waterproof qualities over time, such waterproof socks are often made out of somewhat complex types of fabric, making them expensive to manufacture, purchase, and (once compromised or rendered less effective) replace. In addition, some such socks have other limitations, such as not being able to be worn frequently, since the needed washing (or washing using fabric softener) may substantially reduce the effectiveness and life of the socks.

Other devices, while not socks per se, have been created with similar objectives as waterproof socks, yet similarly have disadvantages. Waterproof boot rubber liners, for example, while designed to keep feet dry inside footwear, may be made from woven fabric that is permeable not only to air but also (at least eventually) to water. Like some of the aforementioned “waterproof” socks, some such boot liners lose their waterproof qualities over time. Predictably, such boot liners are also generally limited in size to the height of the boots, and do not extend much beyond the height of the boot's upper collar. In some cases this limited height may not only leave the lower leg exposed to dirt and water but may also constitute a less elevated opening into which gravity and the surface of the skin may pull water and dirt. In addition, boot liners may suffer from some of the disadvantages of shoe liners generally. By way of specific example, the boot liners are made to conform to the contours of the boot rather than a foot, and therefore the act of inserting the foot into the shoe can displace the desired position of the liner, leading to liner material bunching up within the boot in unintended spots and also lead to an improper fit of the foot within the boot.

Rubber hip waders and some waterproof boots may be substantially effective in keeping the feet dry, but, like the aforementioned “waterproof” boot liners and socks, may not be adequate for physically demanding activities in somewhat harsh conditions, such as performing work on construction sites, etc. Specifically, when performing work on many construction sites, it is a common occurrence that a worker's boots may become punctured by sharp objects, such as nails. Such puncturing often irreparably compromises the waterproof membrane, which may then allow water to seep into the boot. Due to the substantial costs of replacing said specialized waterproof boots, once the boots are punctured, some workers (at least for a time) may simply continue wearing and using the punctured boots notwithstanding their resulting wet and potentially cold feet. In addition to puncturing the boots, such nails on construction sites may also pierce the purportedly waterproof membranes of waders, boot liners, and socks that may be inside the boots, not only allowing the feet to get wet but also ruining such also potentially-expensive articles.

It would clearly be desirable if an article existed that could overcome one of more of the aforementioned disadvantages—for example, by keeping the feet dry yet not be prohibitively expensive or difficult to replace once loss of waterproof effectiveness has been experienced (whether from multiple uses or from a waterproof membrane being compromised, such as by puncturing). It would further be beneficial if such an article could allow punctured construction boots, whether or not intended to be waterproof when not in a punctured state, to be used by a person without feet becoming wet (which might avoid having to replace originally-waterproof boots).

Described herein is a method, foot assembly, and waterproof disposable foot and sock cover article for overcoming at least some of the aforementioned problems. The article may have a toe section opposite to a heel section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, and an ankle/lower leg section above the heel section, with a top opening above the ankle/lower leg section heel section for insertion of a foot and the lower leg (and also a sock over the foot) therein.

The article may come in a variety of sizes. The sizes may correspond, for example, to one or more of a foot, a sock, or a boot. For instance, U.S. standard: (1) sock sizes 3-8.5 may generally correspond to U.S. children shoe sizes 00-131/2; (2) sock sizes 8.5-12.5 may correspond to U.S. women shoe sizes 2½-13 (with sock sizes 9-11 corresponding, for example, to U.S. women shoe sizes 5-10); (3) sock sizes 8.5-16 may generally correspond to men and boys shoe sizes 1-18. By way of further example, U.S. men medium sock sizes 9-11 may correspond to U.S. men shoe sizes 7-8½, men large sock sizes 10-13 may correspond to U.S. men shoe sizes 8-12½, and extra-large sock sizes 13-15 may correspond to U.S. men shoe size 12-14. Thus, the article may correspond to a particular sock size or specific shoe size—e.g., 3-16, women sizes 4-12, men sizes 6-16, or simply small, medium, and large sizes. In one example, the sizes may correspond to average-dimensioned feet corresponding to a particular shoe or sock size (for example, average dimensions according or related to the Mondopoint system).

Some article embodiments may also feature different styles or dimensions within a particular article size corresponding to at least one of a foot, sock, or shoe size. For example, the article width may vary similar to some shoe sizes that have varying widths to better accommodate particular feet of varying widths. Specifically, U.S. shoes may sometimes be available in narrow (e.g., “B”), medium (e.g., “D” or “M”), wide (e.g., “EE,” “EW,” or “W”), and extra wide (e.g., “EEE”) widths. In some examples the article width sizes may increase or decrease by predetermined increments (e.g., 3/16 inch). In addition, some article embodiments may have wider lower leg section, which may for example accommodate different calf sixes (e.g., a 21-inch calf circumference instead of 18-inch calf circumference).

The article may also be made of a variety of materials. For example, the article may be made of waterproof material forming a membrane that is impermeable to water (and in some examples, impermeable to air). For example, the material may be polymeric and/or elastomeric. In some examples, the material may include one or more of a synthetic elastomer, latex, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, chloroprene, neoprene, nitrile rubber, isoprene (e.g., polyisoprene), or a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (C2H4)nH2.

In some examples, the article material may exhibit elastic properties. In some examples, a stretch ratio (the ratio between a final length and an initial length L of a material line) of two or greater may be sustained before failure or irreversible, severe deformation. In some examples, the material may be hyper-elastic. The article may further be configured to conform to the shape and size of a foot. The conforming may for example be based at least in in part on the elasticity of the material. In some examples, the elasticity of the article may be the same throughout, and in other examples, the elasticity of certain sections of the article may vary (e.g., at or about the lower leg section with increasing elasticity going up towards the top opening until reaching the membrane retainer, which in some examples may have greater elasticity).

In some examples, the article may also be made of a thicker, more resilient material, which may provide greater tensile strength and make the article less susceptible to membrane penetration. Such thickness and resiliency may be beneficial in certain physically-strenuous and wet environments (such as certain construction projects or certain outdoor locations), where shoes and feet may be subject to somewhat-constant and substantial external forces, and also have frequent exposure to water. The thickness or gauge of the material may in some examples be based at least in part on available space within a boot between the interior surface (facing interiorly) of an interior liner of the boot, and a person's sock and foot. Thus, by way of further example, as such space may vary depending on location within the boot, the thickness of the material may also vary for different parts of the article membrane.

In some examples, the thickness of the material from which the article is made may be uniform throughout. Because, for example, when a person wears two socks there is then less space between the interior surface of the interior lining of the boot and the person's socks and foot, a less thick membrane may be used while maintaining a somewhat similar level of comfort and fit within the boot. However, using two socks may in some circumstances keep a person's foot warmer within the boot. In some examples, one article may have a material thickness (e.g., gauge) twice that of another article that otherwise may have the same article size and dimensions. In some examples, the thickness of the article may affect the force required for a given amount of elongation of the article helpful for conforming to the shape and size of the foot.

The thickness (e.g., gauge) of the material may vary according to embodiment and preference. For example, for use in certain geographical locations accustomed to cold winter weather, less thickness (e.g., gauge) may be preferable in the winter to allow use with more than one layered sock within the same shoe for greater warmth of the user. On the other hand, a thinner gauge of material may not last as long in some working environment entailing somewhat harsh conditions (sometimes only lasting for one day, whereas a thicker gauge may last two to three times as long).

The thickness of the material may be variable within a given article. For example, the material along the bottom side that is positioned along the bottom of the foot may be thicker than an upper side that is positioned along the top side of the foot. Providing increased thickness along the bottom of the article may provide additional cushioning, improve durability and other advantages.

Near the opening at the top of the sock the article may also include a membrane retainer to prevent the top of the sock from falling down the lower leg (due to gravity and movement). In one embodiment, said membrane retainer may expand and contract in the horizontal direction but not necessarily in the longitudinal direction, and may exhibit elastic-like properties. Although the degree to which the membrane retainer may apply inward pressure against the leg may vary, it should be sufficient to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling to a lower position. In some examples, the membrane retainer may be loose enough to not be uncomfortable around and not irritate or leave marks on the skin of the lower leg. With the lower leg section and top opening nevertheless kept relatively tightly against (but not necessarily directly against) the skin and at a higher elevated point, the opportunity for water and dirt to enter may be decreased. In one example, the membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section from falling may include a sealing mechanism against the skin to assist in preventing water and/or dirt particles from entering through the top opening. In some examples, the membrane retainer may include an elastic or elastic material, a lace (which can be tightened and tied), etc.

The article may further be configured so that, when placed over a foot and a sock, and then the article, foot and sock are placed in a boot, there may be little or no excess article material not conformed to the shape and size of the foot. Thus, in some examples, the fit of the boot may be only slightly altered by the presence of the article inside the boot. In some examples, the article described herein, in contrast to some previous “waterproof” articles, may be form-fitted to the toes and heel and body of the foot, and to the lower leg, so that excess material does not bunch up in improper places. Some examples may have some small amounts of excess material conformed to the shape and size of the foot, which small excess may assist in placing the article over the foot (or over the foot and a sock). However, in such examples, unlike some previous articles or methods, there would be little if any excess material not conformed to the shape of the foot once the article is placed over the foot (including e.g., over the foot and a sock—thus the article in some examples may have elastic properties). For instance, in some such previous articles or methods where the articles are not configured to closely conform to the shape and size of the foot—once the article is placed over the foot and positioned inside the boot, the excess material (and evens large areas of the excess material) may fold within the boot. In contrast to such previous article or method, while article may be placed over the foot and the sock and within the boot, in some examples no portion of the heel section or the body section of the membrane of the article may be folded against another portion of the membrane (which may in some examples be referred to as an “unfolded state”). Thus, an “unfolded state” of the membrane may be different than simply the bunching up of some portions of the membrane in the toe section (or in other sections).

Moreover, the folding of one portion of the membrane against another portion of the membrane may be different than, for example, mere wrinkles in the membrane. For example, a boot may have a boot exterior surface essentially always facing exteriorly (from the cavity of the boot, into which the foot may be positioned). The boot may also have a boot interior surface, which boot interior surface may always face interiorly (towards the cavity of the boot). The boot exterior surface may be distinct from the boot interior surface. In some examples the boot interior surface may include an inner boot liner. The article membrane may also have an exterior membrane surface (configured to mostly face away from a foot, when the article is placed on the foot) and an interior membrane surface (configured to mostly face towards the foot, when placed on the foot). In some examples, an unfolded membrane may be thought of as different from wrinkles in that, when the membrane is folded it may create essentially three parallel layers of the folded membrane (e.g., a first membrane layer of one portion of the membrane, a second membrane layer of another portion of the membrane, and a third membrane layer of yet another portion of the membrane). In other words, the folded membrane may include a first membrane layer of one portion of the membrane having an exterior first membrane surface followed by an interior first membrane surface contiguous to or parallel with a second membrane layer of another portion of the membrane having an exterior second membrane surface followed by an interior second membrane surface contiguous to or parallel with a third membrane layer of yet another portion of the membrane having an exterior third membrane surface followed by an interior third membrane surface contiguous or touching the sock or foot.

In some examples, the article may be configured so that, when placed over a foot (and in some examples a sock), and then being placed in a boot, there may be little or no excess article material not conformed to the shape and size of the foot, may among other benefits decrease the likelihood that the lower leg section of the article will fall down. In some examples, moreover, the article, and e.g., the lower leg section thereof, may have a predetermined size for fitting not just over the sock but also over parts of the leg. In one example, the article and e.g., the lower leg section thereof, may have a predetermined size for also fitting over a lower pant leg, thus keeping the pant legs and socks, and feet and lower legs, dry as well as clean.

The article may also be intentionally and strategically disposable. More specifically, the material comprising the article may be economically replaceable, such that it may be replaced numerous times by a consumer for less than the cost of replacing waterproof boots, waders, or other purportedly-waterproof liners or socks (which as mentioned above may often be comprised of woven or synthetic fabrics that are much more expensive to produce and replace). The strategic disposability of the article may be beneficial in at least several respects. First, the article may not be required to be machine washed, which machine washing may be problematic and limit the frequency of use of certain prior art articles intended to keep feet dry. Rather, the article may simply be disposed of and replaced. Second, disposability may also assist in avoiding the problem, common among certain prior art articles (especially those comprising a “waterproof” membrane comprised at least partially of some sort of fabric), of loss over time with use of waterproof, water repellant, and/or water-resistant qualities, since the disposable article may simply and economically be replaced at the outset of or prior to any such degeneration. Third, the strategically-designed disposability of the article may be particularly beneficial in harsh working environments where certain conditions make breaches of waterproof membranes virtually inevitable regardless of the article for keeping feet dry. For example, as mentioned above, for times when a boot and even the article described herein is punctured by a nail on a construction site, the article may be easily and affordably replaced whereas the replacement of many prior art articles (e.g., the entire previously waterproof boot) is more costly. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a plurality of disposable and replaceable articles may be purchased together and distributed conveniently (e.g., from a box—in one embodiment similar to a tissue box), which might be more easily and quickly accessible in certain work environments, such as a construction site. In addition to being disposable, the article may also in one embodiment be biodegradable and environmentally-friendly.

The article may also be worn with and over socks. The article may have one objective to preserve a sock in a dry state and therefore able to continue performing at least some of the intended and beneficial purposes of socks generally, including keeping moisture from settling against the skin of the foot (in contrast to some so-called “waterproof” socks that are applied directly to the skin and may nevertheless allow the feet to become wet). Stated differently, since the article may enable a sock to remain dry even in an externally wet environment, at least some of the functions of the sock are accomplishable that would otherwise not be possible with a wet sock. In addition, unlike certain waterproof socks that may be made of material that is somewhat uncomfortable against the skin, here the article allows the wearer the option of wearing socks selected according to the user's preference.

In some examples, the membrane may not be attached to (e.g., may be free from attachment from) another structure or layer (such as, for example, a sock). In other words, the membrane may in an example be a unitary piece. In addition, although as mentioned the article may keep a sock (as well as a foot) dry inside the article, possibly to accommodate increased foot perspiration, the article may nevertheless include in one embodiment a liner for absorbing excess moisture such as sweat and also for assisting the sock in preventing the foot from acquiring undesirable odor-causing bacteria. Although the material including the liner may vary, in some embodiments the liner material may comprise a satin-like material, cotton, nylon, mesh, lycra, or polyester, or a combination thereof. In some example, the liner of the article may comprise materials that are commonly used in socks and may be considered a sock or an integrated sock with the waterproof portions of the article.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a waterproof polyethylene disposable foot and sock cover article 7, conformed to the shape of a foot, and for placement over a sock 8 (that may also be placed over a foot, as shown in FIG. 2). The article 7 may include a toe section 9, a body section 15, and a heel section 10, and a lower leg section 11 above the heel section 10. Above the lower leg section 11 may be a top opening 12 for insertion therein of a sock 8 (and of a foot 19 as shown in FIG. 2, with the sock 8 placed over a foot 19 and lower leg 22). Near the top opening 12 may also be a means 13 for preventing the top opening 12 from falling down, which in the embodiment shown may comprise a band having elastic properties 13, allowing it to expand and contract laterally. The article 7 may further include an outer membrane 14 substantially impermeable to water, comprised of a thicker gauge high density polyethylene (C₂H₄)_nH₂.

As shown in FIG. 2, the article 7 may enable a sock 8 and a foot 19 therein to remain dry even in an externally wet environment 16. More specifically, the article 7 may have application inside the environment of a boot 17, which boot 17 may be used in a wet environment 16, and may be used over a sock 8 (with the sock 8 inside the boot 17). Since the shape of the article 7 conforms to the shape of a foot 19, the toe section 9 may fit snugly over the toes 20 of the foot 19, and the heel section 10 tightly over the heel 21 of the foot 19, and the lower leg section 11 fitted over the lower leg 22 (with the sock 8 over all or some of said parts 20, 21 of the foot 19 and leg 22, and in between said parts 20, 21, 22 and said sections 9, 10, 11 of the article 7), so that with the article 7 placed over the foot 20 and sock 8 and within the boot 17, there may be little or no excess material in the interior of the boot 18 so that the skin of the foot 19 may not be aggravated by a poor fit and blisters do not form from for example a poor fit and/or sliding of the foot 19 within the boot 17. Such a tight and snug fit of the article 7 inside the boot 17 and the absence of excess material may further assist in preserving the higher elevated position of the lower leg section 11 and top opening 12. Such an advantageously elevated position may also be maintained by the assistance of the means 13 for preventing the lower leg section 11 from falling, which means 13 may substantially seal somewhat tightly (but without irritating or damages the skin of the lower leg 22) against the sock 8 and/or the lower leg 22 to assist in preventing water 16 from entering through the top opening 12.

The article 7 may also be intentionally and strategically disposable and may accordingly be made of material that is economical to replace, which feature may be beneficial in certain circumstances and environments of use. For example, consider the harsh working conditions of certain construction environments, which may not only commonly feature puddles of water 16, but also numerous sharp and dangerous objects 23 (FIG. 3) that may inevitably puncture otherwise waterproof membranes regardless of the type of article chosen intended to keep feet dry. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, there may frequently be instances when an otherwise effective waterproof boot 29 membrane 24 may be punctured by a nail 23, breaching and leaving a hole 27 in the membrane 24 and allowing water 16 to seep through to the interior and to be exposed to both the sock 31 and foot 19. Another pair of waterproof boots 29 may not be immediately available, nor easily/economically-practicably replaceable, yet the prolonged and potentially repeated exposure of the foot 19 to water 16, especially in certain cold conditions, might lead to discomfort, blisters, macerated skin, or other health hazards, and may also result in a worker completing his or her work tasks with less than optimal efficiency as with both feet dry. In addition, where the puncture has ruptured the skin of the foot 19, continuing exposure to a wet environment of water 16 and a soaked sock 31 (FIG. 2) can lead to even greater risk of health hazard. Even where the article and article membrane 26 is worn inside the boot 29, the waterproof article and membrane 26—as well as the purportedly waterproof membrane of any prior art article for keeping feet dry—may of course also be punctured 30 so that it is irreparably breached, as shown in FIG. 3. However, in contrast to prior art articles, the article 26 may be economically, conveniently, and expeditiously replaced by another replaceable article 26. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a dispenser 25 of replaceable articles 26, which may be bought in bulk, stored compactly and kept at a place where they may be predictably and conveniently accessible, such as a dry spot on a construction worksite. Thus, a worker 28 having a boot 29 with a waterproof membrane 24 (as shown in FIG. 3) having a puncture 27, and/or an article 26 (or prior art article) with a membrane that has been punctured 30, may simply acquire a replacement article 26 and (as shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 5, place it over a dry foot 19 and dried-out or new dry sock 31, and work may continue with the foot able to stay dry, notwithstanding the puncture 27 of the membrane 24 of the previously-waterproof boot 29, and notwithstanding water 16 seeping into the interior of said boot 29.

The precise dimensions of different article embodiments may of course vary, and replaceable articles 26 may be available in different sizes, according for example to user foot size and boot design. As shown in FIG. 6, a smaller-size embodiment 107 may comprise a shorter lower leg section 111 above a heel section 110 but may still comprise a means 113 for preventing the top opening 112 from falling down, such as a band 113 that may contract against the surface of the inner sock 8.

Other article embodiments may vary widely and may include additional features. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, one article embodiment 207 may be used (with or) without a sock and may comprise an inner liner 208 for absorbing excess moisture such as sweat and for preventing odor. Like the article 7 shown in FIG. 1, the article embodiment 207 comprising the internal liner 208 may be form-fitted to the foot 19, yet (in the particular embodiment 207 shown) the internal liner 208 may only encompass the area from the toes 20 to the heel, only along the bottom portion 209 of the foot 19.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway view of a footwear 301 to keep a foot 319 dry. The footwear may have a toe portion 313, and a heel portion 314. The footwear 301 may have a first layer 317 defining a boot exterior surface 302 and a boot interior surface 303. The boot interior surface 303 may be distinct in one or more aspects from the boot exterior surface 302. For example, the boot exterior surface 302 may be made of one or more of leather, rubber (e.g., solid, natural, or gum), plastic, canvas, etc., and may be made of different materials at different locations. The boot interior surface 303 may be, for example a boot lining made of certain materials for providing cushion and/or comfort to the foot, or for drawing out moisture. The boot interior surface 303 may form or define an internal cavity 304 sized to receive the foot 319. In some examples, the first layer 317 may be associated with a boot 320.

The footwear 301 may also include a removable membrane 307 that may be positioned in the internal cavity 304. The removable membrane 307 may include a non-rigid, resilient, disposable material that is impermeable to water. The removable membrane 307 may be made from a variety of materials. In some examples, the removable membrane 307 may be made of polyethylene (e.g., 100% polyethylene).

In some examples, the removable membrane 307 may be configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot 319. The removable membrane 307 may include a closed toe section 309 and a heel section 310 opposite to the toe section 309. In some examples, the toe section 309 may be configured to be form-fitted to toes 322 of the foot 319, and the heel section 310 may be configured to be form-fitted to the heel 321. The removable membrane 307 may also include a body section 315 between the toe section 309 and the heel section 310, as well as a lower leg section 311 above the heel section 310. The lower leg section 311 may correspond to a lower leg (e.g., which lower leg may be include that portion of the leg between the foot 319 and the knee and may either include the ankle 319 and/or in some cases the area of a portion of the leg above the ankle 319). The removable membrane 307 may also include a top opening 312 above the lower leg section 311. In some examples, the lower leg section 311 may have a height H so that the top opening 312 may remain situated above an ankle 324 of the foot 319. In some examples, the lower leg section 311 may have a height H so that the top opening 312 may remain situated between a knee (not shown) and the ankle 324.

In some examples, the removable membrane 307 may include, at or near the top opening 312, a membrane retainer 318. The membrane retainer 318 may assist in keeping the removable membrane 307 in place (e.g., in an elevated position some point above the ankle) along the lower leg section 311, and to prevent the top opening 312 from falling down. The removable membrane 307 may also have an exterior membrane surface 305 and an interior membrane surface 306.

In some examples, the footwear 301 may also include a second layer 323, which may include material for at least one of keeping the foot 319 dry and keeping the foot 319 warm. The second layer 323 may have an interior second layer surface 316 and an exterior second layer surface 315. In some examples, the second layer 323 may be associated with a sock 328. However, in other examples (not shown) the footwear 301 may not require a second layer. In some such examples, the removable membrane 307 may also include a membrane moisture absorbing liner (not shown). The membrane moisture absorbing liner may be configured in some examples to cover a portion of the foot 319 that is more likely to have moisture. For example, the membrane moisture absorbing liner may encompass the area from the toe section 309 to the heel section 310 (including the body section 315), but only along a lower portion 322 thereof.

When the foot 319 is inserted into the removable membrane 307, the toe section 309 may cover the toes 322 of the foot 319, the heel section 310 may cover the heel 321 of the foot 319, the body section 315 may cover a body 325 of the foot 319, the lower leg section 311 may cover at least a portion of a lower leg 326 to which the foot 319 is attached. With the foot 319 so inserted into the removable membrane 307, the exterior membrane surface 305 may face away 327 from the foot 319, and the interior membrane surface 306 may face towards 329 the foot 319. Also, when the removable membrane 307 is positioned within the boot 320, and over the foot 319 (and optionally over a sock), the exterior membrane surface 305 may be at least in part contiguous to the boot interior surface 303. And in examples of the footwear 301 including the second layer 323, the interior second layer surface 316 may be at least in part contiguous to the foot 319, and the exterior second layer surface 315 may be at least in part contiguous to the interior membrane surface 306. So-positioned, the removable membrane 307 may prevent water within the internal cavity 304 to contact the second layer 323 and the foot 319.

In some examples, the removable membrane 307 may be a discrete layer independent of the first and second layers 317, 323.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a footwear 401 to keep a foot 419 dry. The foot 419 may have dimensions typical of the average foot as would be familiar to the person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the foot 419 may have a maximum foot length FL measure as the distance from toes 422 (e.g., from a big toe) of the foot 419 to a heel 421 of the foot 419, and a maximum foot width FW. The footwear 401 may be similar in one or more aspects to the footwear 301 of FIG. 8.

The footwear 401 may include a boot 420. The boot may be a covering for the foot 419. the boot 420 may normally but need not always) reach above the ankle (e.g., the ankle 324 of FIG. 8). The boot may have boot maximum length BL, and an associated shoe size, and a boot maximum width BW. The boot maximum length BL, associated shoe size, and boot maximum width BW may be associated at least in part with the maximum foot length FL and optionally the maximum foot width FW. The boot 420 may include a boot exterior surface 402 and a boot interior surface 403, which may be distinct in one or more aspects from the boot exterior surface 402. For example, the boot exterior surface 402 may include a sturdy sole, while the boot interior surface 403 may include an interior lining. Thus, in some examples, the boot 420 may have an interior lining. The boot interior surface 403 may form or define an internal cavity 404 sized to receive the foot 419.

The footwear 401 may also include a removable membrane 407 that may be positioned in the internal cavity 404, which may be made of non-rigid, resilient, disposable material that is impermeable to water. In some examples, the removable membrane 407 may also be configured to conform to the shape and size (e.g., the maximum foot length FL, and optionally the maximum foot width FW) of the foot 419, and/or have a shape and size corresponding to the shoe size of the boot and/or the boot maximum length BL and/or the boot maximum width BW. Relatedly, the removable membrane 407 may have membrane maximum length ML and/or a membrane maximum width MW. In some examples, the dimensions of the removable membrane 407 may be different depending for example on whether or not the particular removable membrane 407 embodiment is intended to be worn with/over one or more sock 423. For example, the dimensions of the removable membrane 407 may be slightly larger if intended to be worn over a sock 423 rather than over only the foot 419.

The removable membrane 407 may also include a top opening 412. In some examples, the removable membrane 407 may include, at or near the top opening 412, a membrane retainer 418. The membrane retainer 418 may assist in keeping the removable membrane 407 in place (e.g., in an elevated position), and to prevent the top opening 412 from falling down. In some examples, the removable membrane 407 or some portion therefore (e.g., a portion corresponding to a lower leg section 411 of the removable membrane 407) may be made of material having elastic properties, and the membrane retainer 418 may also be made of such material. The removable membrane 407 may also have an exterior membrane surface 405 and an interior membrane surface 406.

In some examples, the footwear 401 may also include a sock 423, which may include material for at least one of keeping the foot 419 dry and keeping the foot 419 warm. The sock 423 may have an interior sock surface 415 and an exterior sock surface 416. The sock may also have a shape and sock size corresponding to the foot 419 (e.g., to the maximum foot length FL, and optionally the maximum foot width FW), and/or may have a shape and size corresponding to the shoe size of the boot and/or the dimensions of the boot (e.g., the boot maximum length BL and/or the boot maximum width BW), and or dimensions related to the removable membrane 423 (e.g., the membrane maximum length ML and/or the membrane maximum width MW). Relatedly, the sock 419 may have a sock maximum length SL and/or a sock maximum width SW.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a method 900 of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly. At block 1005, method 1000 may include providing a footwear assembly including a footwear member and a removable membrane. As mentioned above, the footwear member may have an exterior surface defining an exterior of the footwear member, an internal surface defining an internal cavity sized to receive the foot and at least portions of the removable membrane, and a footwear size. The removable membrane may include a non-rigid, disposable, resilient material that may be impermeable to water. The removable membrane may also have a membrane exterior surface, a membrane interior surface, and a membrane size corresponding to the footwear size. The removable membrane may include a closed toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section. The removable membrane may also be configured to conform to a shape and a size of the foot.

At block 1010, the method 1000 may also include placing the provided membrane over the foot so that the toe section covers toes of the foot, the heel section covers a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the membrane exterior surface may face away from the foot and lower leg, and the membrane interior surface may face towards and contact the foot when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane.

At block 1015, the method 1000 may further include positioning the removable membrane with the foot inserted therein within the boot, the removable membrane preventing water located within the footwear member from contacting the foot. In one example, the membrane exterior may include a same membrane material as the membrane interior. In some examples, the membrane material may include polyurethane. In some examples, the membrane material may include 100% polyurethane.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a method 1100 of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly. At block 1105, method 1100 may include providing a footwear assembly including a footwear member and a removable membrane.

At block 1110, the method 1100 may also include placing the provided membrane over the foot so that the toe section covers toes of the foot, the heel section covers a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the membrane exterior surface may face away from the foot and lower leg, and the membrane interior surface may face towards and contact the foot when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane.

At block 1115, the method 1100 may further include positioning the removable membrane with the foot inserted therein within the boot, the removable membrane preventing water located within the footwear member from contacting the foot. In some examples of the method, the placing 1110 may occur prior to the positioning 1115.

At block 1115, the method 1100 may include, after the membrane is placed over the foot, placing a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down, along the lower leg section so that water is prevented from entering the top opening. In some examples, the membrane may be a first membrane and the membrane size may be a first membrane size.

At block 1120, the method 1100 may include removing the boot from over the first membrane and the foot. At block 1125, the method 1100 may include removing the first membrane from over the foot.

At block 1130, the method 1100 may also include identifying a non-rigid, resilient second membrane impermeable to water made of disposable material. In some examples, the second membrane may have a second membrane exterior surface and a second membrane interior surface. In some examples, the membrane may also have a second membrane size associated with the boot size. In some examples, the membrane may also be configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot.

At block 1135, the method 1100 may also include placing the identified second membrane over the foot. Thus, the first membrane may be replaced with the second membrane.

In some examples, the first membrane size may be the same as the second membrane size. In some example, the membrane may include a discrete layer independent of another layer that is configured to cover the lower leg section or another layer that includes a sock.

Claims

1. A method of keeping a foot dry using a footwear assembly, the method comprising:

providing a footwear assembly including a footwear member and a removable membrane, the footwear member having an exterior surface defining an exterior of the footwear member, an internal surface defining an internal cavity sized to receive the foot and at least portions of the removable membrane, and a footwear size, the removable membrane comprising a non-rigid, disposable, resilient material that is impermeable to water, the removable membrane having a membrane exterior surface, a membrane interior surface, and a membrane size corresponding to the footwear size, the removable membrane comprising a closed toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section, the removable membrane configured to conform to a shape and a size of the foot;

placing the provided membrane over the foot so that the toe section covers toes of the foot, the heel section covers a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the membrane exterior surface is facing away from the foot and lower leg, the membrane interior surface facing towards and contacting the foot when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane;

positioning the removable membrane with the foot inserted therein within the boot, the removable membrane preventing water located within the footwear member from contacting the foot.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane exterior is comprised of a same membrane material as the membrane interior.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the membrane material comprises polyurethane.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the membrane material comprises 100% polyurethane.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises, near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down, the method further comprising:

after the membrane is placed over the foot, placing the membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down along the lower leg section so that water is prevented from entering the top opening.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane is a first membrane and the membrane size is a first membrane size, the method further comprising:

removing the boot from over the first membrane and the foot;

removing the first membrane from over the foot;

identifying a non-rigid, resilient second membrane impermeable to water comprised of disposable material, having a second membrane exterior surface and a second membrane interior surface, having a second membrane size associated with the boot size, and configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot;

placing the identified second membrane over the foot, thereby replacing the first membrane with the second membrane.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first membrane size is the same as the second membrane size.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane comprises a discrete layer independent of another layer that is configured to cover the lower leg section or another layer that includes a sock.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the placing occurs prior to the positioning.

10. A footwear to keep a foot dry, comprising:

a toe portion;

a heel portion;

a first layer defining a boot exterior surface and a boot interior surface, the boot interior surface being distinct from the boot exterior surface and defining an internal cavity sized to receive the foot;

a removable membrane positioned in the internal cavity and having an exterior membrane surface and an interior membrane surface, the exterior membrane surface at least in part contiguous to the boot interior surface, the removable membrane comprising a non-rigid, resilient, disposable material that is impermeable to water and configured to conform to the shape and size of the foot, the removable membrane comprising a closed toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section; and

a second layer comprising material for at least one of keeping the foot dry and keeping the foot warm, and having an interior second layer surface and an exterior second layer surface, the interior second layer surface at least in part contiguous to the foot, and the exterior second layer surface at least in part contiguous to the interior membrane surface;

wherein, when the foot is inserted into the removable membrane, the toe section covers the toes of the foot, the heel section covers the heel of the foot, the body section covers the body of the foot, the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg to which the foot is attached so that the exterior membrane surface is facing away from the foot, the interior membrane surface is facing towards the foot, the removable membrane comprises a discrete layer independent of the first and second layers, and the removable membrane prevents water within the internal cavity to contact the second layer and the foot.

11. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the disposable material comprises polyethylene.

12. The footwear of claim 10, wherein, the disposable material comprises 100% polyethylene.

13. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the second layer further comprises, near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down the lower leg of the foot.

14. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the lower leg section comprises a height so that at least one of the top opening remains situated above an ankle of the foot or the top opening remains situated between a knee and the ankle.

15. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the toe section of the membrane is configured to be form-fitted to the toes, and the heel section of the membrane is configured to be form-fitted to the heel.

16. An article for keeping a foot dry after a boot, into which the foot is inserted, is punctured, the boot having a boot exterior surface and a boot interior surface distinct from the boot exterior surface and having a boot membrane that in an initial state is impermeable to water and when punctured is no longer impermeable to water, the article comprising: wherein, the membrane is configured for placement over the foot and inside the boot so that water having entered through the punctured boot membrane and into the interior of the boot is prevented from passing through the membrane, and also water is prevented from entering the top opening, so that the foot remains dry while in the boot.

a non-rigid, resilient membrane impermeable to water comprised of disposable material, having a membrane exterior surface and a polyethylene membrane interior surface, conformed to the shape and size of the foot and comprising a toe section, a heel section opposite to the toe section, a body section between the toe section and the heel section, a lower leg section above the heel section, and a top opening above the lower leg section;

the membrane configured for placement over the foot so that the toe section covers toes of the foot and the heel section covers a heel of the foot, and the lower leg section covers at least a portion of a lower leg so that the polyethylene membrane exterior surface is facing exteriorly away from the foot and the interior membrane surface is facing towards the foot and at least some of the interior membrane surface touches the foot while the membrane is placed over the foot and within the boot, wherein the membrane comprises a discrete layer independent of another layer that is configured to cover the lower leg section or another layer that includes a sock;

near the top opening, a membrane retainer to prevent the lower leg section and the top opening from falling down when the foot is placed in the article and the article is placed in the boot with the punctured boot membrane;

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the fit of the article is configured to prevent sliding of the foot in the article with the article and foot placed in the boot.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein the article is configured for covering both the foot and a sock placed over the foot.

19. The article of claim 18 wherein the article is further configured for covering the foot and at least two dry socks placed over the foot.

20. The article of claim 16, further comprising an inner liner for absorbing moisture off of the foot while in contact with at least a portion of the foot and configured to cover only a bottom portion of the foot.

21. The article of claim 20, wherein the bottom portion comprises nylon.