Garment Protector

Abstract

A garment protector for securing a pant leg to a boot so that the pant leg does not become ensnared or dirty is provided herein. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible pant leg retainer designed so that it presses the end of the pant leg against a piece of footwear, such as a boot, in a tight, secure manner. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped retainer that secures a pant leg to a boot by sliding over the pant leg and around the rear portion, heel, of the boot. Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer with decorative features that are visible from the rear or sides of the retainer. Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with strap attachments located on the end of each arm of the retainer.

Claims

1. an apparatus comprising: a base component that secures the leg of a garment to an item of footwear; a decorative area that is attached to base component; wherein the base component is shaped in an elongated u-shape with two sides and a curved rear portion, the base component being shaped so that the leg of a garment contacts both sides and the curved rear portion when base component is securing the leg of a garment to the item of footwear, the base component being shaped so that the leg of the garment is secured to the item of footwear by compressive force; the decorative area being attached to some or all of the top side of the base component; and the decorative area being attached to the base component in a location that causes the decorative area to provide less compressive force upon the leg of a garment than the compressive force provided by the base component.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base component is shaped so that it can be slid over the leg of a garment and over the heel of the item of footwear.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein base component is constructed of metal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the garment is a pair of pants or jeans and wherein the item footwear is a shoe or boot.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the decorative area is a mesh.

6. The Apparatus of claim 1 wherein the decorative area is constructed of metal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising decorative items that are attached to the decorative area.

8. A device that secures a pant leg to a boot comprising; An elongated u-shaped base component that is shaped so that it can be slid simultaneously over a pant leg and over the boot; the base component being shaped so that it generates a compressive force that secures the pant leg to the boot; a decorative area that provides aesthetic value to the device; wherein the decorative area is attached to the top or outer side of the base component; wherein the decorative area provides less, if any, compressive force on the pant leg when the device is being used to secure the pant leg to the boot; and wherein the decorative area is a mesh, a frame, or a solid surface.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the base component is constructed of wood, plastic, or metal.

10. The device of claim 8 further comprising decorative items that are attached to the decorative area.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the decorative items are rhinestones, plastic, glass, or semi-precious stones.

12. The device of claim 8 further comprising a boot strap attachment that is attached to the front part of the base component.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the boot strap attachment is a button or rivet.

14. The device of claim 8 wherein a frame decorative area is a metal frame.

15. An apparatus that protects a pant leg from dirt by securing the pant leg to an item of footwear through compressive force wherein: an elongated u-shaped base component that is shaped and sized so that it generates compressive force when placed over the pant leg and footwear; the base component having an inner contact side that contacts the pant leg when the apparatus is in use; the base component having a decorative area attached to its top or outer side; the decorative area being a solid surface, a mesh, or a frame; the decorative area providing less compressive force on the pant leg than the base component, wherein the offset between the decorative area and the inner contact side causes the decorative area to provide less compressive force; and decorative items are attached to the decorative area.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a boot strap attachment that attaches the apparatus to a boot strap.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the boot strap attachment is a button or rivet.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the button or rivet of the boot strap is shaped so that it can pass through a buttonhole of a boot strap.

19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the base component is made of metal, wood, or plastic.

20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the base member is shaped so that a user may slide it on or off over a pant leg that is covering a portion of the footwear.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of a garment protector with a mesh decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an outside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative and a metal plate with a boot strap attachment as according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area and boot strap attachments attached directly to the solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the accompanying description. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of methods for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the illustrations and the following description. The figures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following detailed description, reference is made to specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0028] The word exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms embodiment(s) of the invention, alternative embodiment(s), and exemplary embodiment(s) do not require that all embodiments of the method(s) or apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use.

[0029] There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that any embodiments of the present invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] Further, the purpose of the Abstract herein is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0031] Referring now to the present invention, there is introduced a garment protector comprised of an elongated u-shaped base component, a rear decorative area, and in some embodiments, attachments for attaching a boot strap. For the purpose of clarity, all like elements mentioned in this description will have the same designations. The terms garment protector, protector, retainer, apparatus, invention, and present invention may be used interchangeably. In addition to the functions, features, components, and abilities of the invention already discussed in this specification, the invention may also have, but not be limited to, the following features contained within the description below.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, that will be discussed together, there are shown views of embodiments of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an elongated u-shaped base component (100), hereinafter referred to as a base component (100), a decorative area (101, 106, 107), and decorative items (102). The base component (100) is of sufficient structural rigidity that it secures embodiments of the present invention to articles of footwear, such as boot or shoes (103). The base component (100) also possess sufficient flexibility to allow embodiments of the present invention to be slid on and off of the heel area of the footwear (103).

[0033] The present invention secures the leg of garments, such as pants, jeans, or the like, to the heel of the footwear (103). The base component (103) is designed to slide over the leg of a garment while the leg of the garment is over an item of footwear (103) and hold the garment leg in place. The base component (100) is shaped so that it contacts the leg of the garment along the inner portion of its sides and along the inner portion of the curved rear area. The parts of the base component (100) that contact the leg of the garment can be collectively referred to as the base component's inner contact side, or inner side.

[0034] Friction generated by the compressive force between the base component (100) and the footwear (103) prevents the garment leg from coming loose or slipping out of the invention. By securing the leg of garments to the heel of footwear (103), the present invention prevents the garment leg from contacting the ground, becoming dirty, or entangling in foreign objects. The garment leg is kept clean and damage free.

[0035] The base component (100) is constructed of a material that provides sufficient gripping force to prevent the invention from inadvertently dislodging from the footwear (103) or allowing the leg of a garment to unwantedly come loose. However, the base component (100) material allows the invention to be easily removed by a user when the user is finished using the invention. Materials that the base component (100) can be constructed of include, but are not limited to: metal (including steel), plastic, rubber, wood, or mixtures of different materials.

[0036] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a decorative area (101, 106, 107) that provides aesthetic value to the invention. The decorative area (101, 106, 107) is attached to some or all of the top of the base component (100). The top of the base component (100) is considered to be the side of the base component (100) that is roughly opposite of the side that faces the ground when the invention is in use. That is, the top of the base component (100) can be said to be the side of the elongated u-shaped base component (100) that faces up when the invention is securing a garment leg to an item of footwear (103). The decorative area (101, 106, 107) is configured differently for different embodiments. Some embodiments provide a solid decorative area (101). The solid decorative area (101) may be constructed from leather, metal, or plastic, depending on the requirements of the specific embodiment. It should be noted that steel and variations thereof, such as stainless, carbon, alloy, and tool steel are considered to be metal for purposes of this Description.

[0037] It should be noted that the decorative are (103) is secured to the base component (100) on an area of the base component (100) so that the decorative area (103) exerts less compressive pressure on the leg of a garment when the invention is in use. In some embodiments, the decorative area (103) is attached to the midpoint of the upper side of the base component (100) thereby setting the decorative area (103) back from the inner, contact edge of the base component (100). The offset between the leading edge, or side, of the base component (100) causes the decorative area (103) to exert less, if any, compressive force on the leg of a garment when the invention is in use.

[0038] In other embodiments of the present invention, the decorative area (103) is attached to the outer side of the base component (100) so that the decorative area (103) provides less, if any, compressive force upon the leg of a garment than the inner contact side of the base component (100).

[0039] A plurality of decorative items (102) can be attached to the solid decorative area (101). The decorative items (102) further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the present invention. The decorative items (102) can be rhinestones, buttons, jewels, beads, or any other item that aesthetically enhances the invention. Furthermore, the decorative items may be a homogeneous collection, or a heterogeneous mixture of varying items.

[0040] Other embodiments of the present invention provide a mesh decorative area (106). The mesh decorative area (106) is attached to the base component (106) directly, such as by welding or gluing, or can be attached by fasteners such as screws or rivets. It should be noted that garment legs may or may not contact the decorative areas (101, 106, 107). Contact with the decorative areas (101, 106, 107) is not required for proper functioning of the invention. Although pictured without decorative items (102), some embodiments provide mesh decorative areas (106) with decorative items (102) attached.

[0041] Still other embodiments of the present invention provide a frame decorative area (107). The frame decorative area (107) provides a pattern of solid components that, when taken together, constitute a frame. The frame decorative area (107) can have decorative items (102) attached at a plurality of locations, such as at the junctions of the frame components. The frame decorative area (107) can be constructed of metal, plastic, wood, or the like. Portions of the frame decorative area (107) can have decorative items (102) affixed thereto. The decorative items (102) may improve the aesthetics of the invention.

[0042] Some embodiments of the present invention are configured to attach to a boot strap (104). A boot strap (104) is traditionally used with equine footwear to secure spurs on to a boot. Embodiments of the present invention have a boot strap attachment (105) affixed to the front part of the base component (100). The front part of the base component (100) is considered to be either, or both, of the leading edges of the base component (100). The leading edges of the base component (100) are the ends of each side that are the first to be slid over a pant leg when the device is in use. That is, the front part is either one, or both, of the ends of the u-shaped base component (100).

[0043] The boot strap attachment (105) comprises one or more components that allow the invention to be detachably attached to a boot strap (104). In an embodiment of the present invention, a metal D-ring is welded on to the base component (100). A steel plate is wrapped around the D-ring in a manner that allows the plate to rotate around the D-ring, but does not allow the plate to come loose from the D-ring. A portion of the plate has a button or rivet attached, the button or rivet being inserted into the boot strap.

[0044] It should be noted that a boot strap (104) is not required as the single means for securing the present invention to a boot, or for the invention to properly secure the leg of a garment to a boot. The boot strap attachment (105) and the purpose of attaching the invention to a boot strap serves the dual purpose of improving the aesthetic value for a user wearing the invention, and provides an additional means of securing the invention to a boot (103).

[0045] Referring specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10, some embodiments of the present invention provide a metal plate attached directly to the base component (100). The metal plate provides an anchoring point for the boot strap attachment (105). Other embodiments may provide anchoring points for the boot strap attachment (105) on other areas of the present invention.

[0046] In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the boot strap attachment (105) can attach directly to the invention without the need for a metal plate or other type of anchoring point. A steel plate, comprising any one or combination of types of steel, is considered a type of metal that can be used with this invention. Such an embodiment can be seen in FIG. 10 where the boot strap attachment (105) is a rivet or a button that attaches directly to the decorative area (103). The boot strap attachment (105) could also attach directly to the base member (100) or a frame decorative area (107).

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention the boot strap is attached to the boot strap attachment (105) and extended underneath the sole of the boot. The placement of the boot strap attachments (105) on the invention allow for the boot strap to be placed under the boot without difficulty.

[0048] There are described and illustrated new and improved garment protector. The inventive portions of the garment protector include several components and steps that, when taken together, constitute an embodiment of the present invention. The above detailed description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that its contributions to the art may be better appreciated.

[0049] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that this description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0050] Although certain example methods, apparatus, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this application is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this application covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the invention either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0051] Directional terms such as front, forward, back, rear, in, out, downward, upper, lower, top, bottom, upper, lower and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described herein. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description and do not necessarily apply to the position in which components or items within the present invention may be used.

[0052] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of a garment protector. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the garment protector to the exact construction and operation