WO2004023915A1 - Transparent overshoe - Google Patents

Abstract

An overshoe worn over existing footwear for protection from rain, sand, irritants or for antistatic use. The overshoe is transparent to enable the existing footwear to be displayed. A flap-based opening with a strap and buckle enable the overshoe to be adjusted to fit different size footwear, and a friction base increases the grip of the overshoe on the ground.

Description

TRANSPARENT OVERSHOE

Description of the JEAN Walker

Unlike traditional boots which are worn over the feet, the JEAN Walker is worn over existing footwear. Boots only protect feet. However, the JEAN Walker protects both the feet and the shoes.

And unlike boots which are often worn by fishmongers, construction workers and other blue-collared workers, the JEAN Walker is not a pair of boots. It is a protective footwear that is trendy and fashionable and requires little than just slip it on over existing footwear, and tightening it with straps. Made with suitable rubber/plastic it is flexible and fits snugly around the shoes of the wearer.

It is unsightly to see a man/lady in corporate wear wearing boots. To allow the wearer to remain fashionable and trendy, the JEAN Walker is transparent/translucent. The JEAN walker being transparent/translucent reveals the existing footwear that the individual is wearing without compromising on the wearer's overall looks and adds unto him/her that tinge of class.

ABSTRACT

Title: Jean Walker - Transparent "boots" worn over existing footwear for protection from rain, sand, irritants and/or for antistatic usage.

(Refer to Figure 1 to be published upon patent approval)

Field of Invention

The JEAN WALKER, is a casual yet trendy and fashionable device that can be worn by any individual to shield the feet and shoes from Rain, provide an Anti-Static shield to prevent static transmission through workers in electronic manufacturing related areas and for Protection from elements such as sand, dust and other harmful chemicals.

Background

It is common for people to reach their destinations during rainy seasons with wet and soggy shoes and feet. Most people carry only umbrellas which are only capable of shielding the head and torso and about half the length of the pants during heavy rain. This leaves the lower portion of the legs and feet exposed to rain water, causing the shoes, feet and shin to be drenched in rain. Overtime, these shoes will wear out faster because rainwater will cause the adhesion in shoes to be reduced. Also, the wet feet if not dried soon enough will cause foot problems/infirmities and smell. A form of protection that keeps the shoes and feet completely dry is consequently needful in such a situation. The JEAN Walker works as it forms a layer of shield for the shoes and/or feet (and lower shin).

In many electronic related manufacturing industries/areas, many workers and visitors are required to change their shoes into slippers or other anti-static footwear to reduce static transmission through their bodies and onto the electronic objects which they may come into contact with. This requirement is highly unproductive, as many workers need to sit down to change their shoes on and off. A faster way of protection is to wear the JEAN Walker to provide the same level of protection and yet not having the need for one to remove one's existing footwear.

Places that have chemicals and dirt/sand often restrict and discourage people from entering. It is also common for owners of private premises to request visitors to remove their shoes before entering. The JEAN walker can be worn in such instances too, as it prevents chemicals, sand or particles from going in between toes, into shoes and causing discomfort.

Claims

CLAIMS (see Figure 1) Parts of JEAN Walker

1) Translucent/Transparent Body with possible light colouring

2) Contour Strap/Buckle

3) Flab Design/Entry Flab

4) Shin Strap/Buckle

5) Friction Base

The JEAN Walker intended to be worn over existing footwear with its translucent/transparent look will not impede/deteriorate the look of the existing footwear. It shall provide a substantially good view of the existing footwear/foot.

A Contour Strap/Buckle between the toe and ankle region shall provide the grip for different types of footwear as the height and length of soles between different shoes differ. With the contour strap/buckle, a good fit will be made over the base of the existing footwear. Wearers of the JEAN Walker need only tighten the buckle according to their need.

The Flab Design on the JEAN Walker will allow a wide opening at its front to allow users to easily fit their feet/shoes into the Walker. The Flab will be folded and creased from the opening to the toe region of the walker. Allowing expansion as and when needed.

The Shin Strap/Buckle will be used to tighten the grip on the shin area of the wearer. This will improve the protection of the feet/shoes and allow a comfortable and snug fit over the shin.

The Friction Base of the JEAN Walker shall offer additional ground grip for better friction and also be used for protection of the base.