[0001] The present invention relates to a gaiter which is intended particularly for use
in mountain sports, of the type comprising a band of waterproof material which can
be closed on itself to form a tube which surrounds the lower part of the leg and at
least the collar region of the footwear worn by the person wearing the gaiter.
[0002] The primary object of the invention is to produce a gaiter which provides a better
seal against the penetration of snow and water into the footwear.
[0003] Another object is to produce a gaiter which is more easily adaptable to footwear
of different sizes, for example to a ski boot and to a walking boot, whilst at the
same time retaining its sealing characteristics.
[0004] These objects are achieved by virtue of a gaiter of the type mentioned above, characterised
in that the end portion of the band which is intended to surround at least the collar
region of the footwear is constituted by a resilient strip of expanded elastomeric
material.
[0005] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear
from the detailed description which follows with reference to the appended drawings,
provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaiter according to the invention in its configuration
of use fitted to a boot,
Figure 2 is a section taken on the line II-II of Figure 1,
Figure 3 is a partially-sectioned elevation taken on the arrow III of Figure 1, and
Figure 4 is a plan view showing the shape of the gaiter of Figure 1.
[0006] With reference to the drawings, a gaiter according to the invention, generally indicated
1, is constituted by a band 2 of relatively unextendable waterproof or waterproofed
material. The material constituting the band 2 is of conventional type, such as for
example, polyamide, Goretex (registered trade mark) or Cordura (registered trade mark).
[0007] A strip 3 of resiliently stretchable expanded elastomeric material is sewn to the
band 2. More particularly, the polychloroprene synthetic rubber known by the trade
name Neoprene is a suitable material for the strip 3. The material constituting this
strip conveniently has a surface skin 8 on both faces for preventing the penetration
of water and the consequent impregnation of its internal microcellular structure.
The surface of the strip which faces outwardly in use is preferably covered by a sheet
9 of two-way stretch fabric.
[0008] The configuration of the gaiter shown in Figure 1, which is intended particularly
for use in combination with a mountaineering boot, has a strip 3 of a depth sufficient
to cover the collar region of the footwear and which is so shaped as also to extend
over the region of the instep and at least part of the upper of the footwear.
[0009] The gaiter is preferably provided with first closure means 4a, 4b constituted, for
example, by a sliding-clasp fastener which extends along the longitudinal edges of
the band 2, and second, independent closure means constituted, for example, by two
microhook strips (VELCRO (registered trademark)) 5a and 5b which extend along the
entire depth of the gaiter enabling the separate closure of the strip into a tubular
shape.
[0010] The transverse dimension of the strip is such that, in its closed configuration,
it is resiliently stretched so that the strip adheres closely to the footwear, preventing
any penetration.
[0011] It is understood that the gaiter is provided with all the conventional closure and
hook means such as for example, a hook member 6 which enables the strip to be fixed
to the footwear and a strap 7 of known type.
1. A gaiter, particularly for mountaineering activities, of the type comprising a
band (2) of waterproof material which can be closed on itself to form a tube which
surrounds the lower portion of the leg and at least the collar region of the footwear,
characterised in that the end portion of the band which is intended to surround at
least the collar region of the footwear is constituted by a resilient strip (3) of
expanded elastomeric material.
2. A gaiter according to Claim 1, characterised in that the strip is constituted by
an expanded elastomeric material having a surface skin (8) at least on the outwardly-facing
surface of the strip.
3. A gaiter according to Claim 2, characterised in that the strip includes a layer
of two-way stretch fabric (9) adhering to the surface skin.
4. A gaiter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that first
closure means (4a, 4b) extend along the longitudinal edges of the band finishing adjacent
the strip and second closure means (5a, 5b) extend along the entire longitudinal edge
of the gaiter.