BOOT WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE POUCH

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Traditional boots, such as western-style boots, riding boots, work boots, and hiking boots, are well known and primarily designed for protection, durability, and comfort. However, these traditional boots typically lack storage solutions for small personal items, often requiring a wearer to employ external bags or pockets for carrying essentials such as keys, cards, or other small objects. Such solutions may not always be practical or desirable, especially in environments where carrying additional items is cumbersome or when the wearer seeks to maintain a streamlined or discrete appearance.

Thus, traditional boots are ineffective in providing adequate storage solutions for personal items, as they lack compartments or pouches capable of securely storing belongings. A need, therefore, exists for footwear with an integrated and discrete storage pouch for the storage of personal items of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a boot comprising an integrated storage pouch disposed on an inner surface of a shaft and configured to be accessible by a wearer from an outer surface of the shaft.

The pouch may be accessible from the outer surface of the boot, offering a discreet storage solution while preserving an original appearance of the boot. The pouch is designed to securely hold and store one or more personal items without requiring additional closure mechanisms, thereby preventing bulging or distortion of the appearance of the boot.

The present disclosure encompasses various embodiments, including boots in different styles (e.g., western, riding, work, hiking) and configurations (e.g., pairs of boots with pouches disposed in each boot of the pair of boots, or alternatively, a pouch disposed in only one of the boots of the pair of boots). The presently disclosed footwear comprising the integrated storage pouch maintains a traditional external appearance of the boot, ensuring acceptance by consumers who prefer classic boot styles while offering enhanced utility and convenience.

By integrating the pouch in such manners, the present disclosure provides solutions to the problem of carrying small personal items securely, conveniently, and discreetly within the boot, thus enhancing both utility and desirability of the boot in various settings and applications.

Several devices are also disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a boot with an integrated storage pouch is provided. In this embodiment, the boot may comprise a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion. The boot may further comprise a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end may be connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer. The boot may further comprise an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, wherein the outsole may further comprise a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft.

In a further embodiment, the boot may be selected from the group consisting of a western-style boot, riding boot, work boot, hiking boot, tactical boot, hunting boot, rain boot, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the boot may be a pair of boots, wherein a respective pouch is disposed on the inner surface of the shaft of each boot of the pair of boots. Stated differently, each boot of the pair of boots may comprise a respective integrated storage pouch, thereby presenting the wearer with two pouches for storage of items. Alternatively, only one boot of the pair of boots may comprise the integrated storage pouch. Such boot and integrated storage pouch configurations permit customizability and versatility.

In a further embodiment, the pouch may be connectable to the inner surface of the shaft via stitching, the stitching connecting a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft. The stitching may further comprise a first material, the first material being sewn down to secure the first, second, and bottom edges of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft and to provide a sealed barrier between the pouch and the shaft of the boot.

The boot may further comprise an open upper edge defined in the pouch, the open upper edge accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft of the boot. Furthermore, the boot may comprise a slot defined in the shaft, the slot being aligned with the open upper edge of the pouch to provide access to the pouch from the outer surface of the boot.

In a further embodiment, the shaft may include an edge attachable to the outer surface of the shaft around the slot, the edge being configured to cover the slot.

In another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the pouch may be configured to store one or more personal items. Furthermore, the pouch may be configured to conceal the upper edge of the pouch and the slot integrated into the shaft of the boot. Further still, the pouch may be constructed from a durable, breathable material, wherein the durable, breathable material includes neoprene. In another embodiment, the durable, breathable material includes perforations formed therein to enhance breathability, and a thickness of the durable, breathable material is between 1 mm and 5 mm. In a further embodiment, the durable, breathable material has a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side forms an outer face of the pouch, and the opposing second side forms an inner face of the pouch.

In a further embodiment of the pouch, the pouch may be dimensioned to prevent bulging when the pouch contains the one or more personal items. Additionally, the items may be securable in the pouch without requiring a closure mechanism. Further still, the shaft may be dimensioned such that an external appearance of the boot remains consistent with traditional boot designs despite inclusion of the pouch.

In another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the pull strap may be configured for the wearer to don the boot without interference with the pouch. Additionally, the pull strap may further comprise two pull straps, wherein the two pull straps are disposed at the second end of the shaft.

In one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the pouch may further comprise a lift tab, the lift tab having a first end disposed proximate a bottom of the pouch and a second end disposed proximate the slot and open upper edge of the pouch such that the lift tab permits the wearer to lift the one or more personal items from the pouch. The lift tab, which may also be referred to as an action tab, facilitates convenient access to the one or more personal items contained within the pouch. In an alternate embodiment, the second end of the lift tab may be connectable to the slot such that when the slot is opened by the wearer, the lift tab, which is further connectable to the bottom of the pouch, lifts upward from the bottom of the pouch the one or more personal items contained within. In a further embodiment, the wearer may engage with the lift tab to manually lift upward and access the one or more personal items contained within the pouch.

In an alternate embodiment, a boot with an integrated storage pouch is provided. In this embodiment, the boot may comprise a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion. The boot may further comprise a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end may be connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer. The boot may further comprise an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, wherein the outsole may further comprise a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft, and a slot maintained in the outer surface of the shaft to conceal the pouch and permit access to the pouch from the outer surface of the shaft.

In a further embodiment, a boot with an integrated storage pouch is provided. In this embodiment, the boot may comprise a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion. The boot may further comprise a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end may be connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer. The boot may further comprise an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, wherein the outsole may further comprise a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft. Further, the boot may also comprise stitching connecting a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft, wherein the stitching further comprises a first material, the first material being sewn down to secure the first, second, and bottom edges of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft and to provide a sealed barrier between the pouch and the shaft of the boot.

While the disclosure provides certain specific embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to those embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the description herein that modifications can be made to the described embodiments and therefore that the specification is broader in scope than the described embodiments. All examples are therefore non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a left-side elevational view of a boot with integrated storage pouch in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a partial, sectional view of the boot taken along lines II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of the boot with integrated storage pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the boot with integrated storage pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view of the boot with integrated storage pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view of the boot with integrated storage pouch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a right-side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a boot with integrated storage pouch;

FIG. 8 shows a partial, sectional view of the boot taken along lines III-III in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a front elevational view of a pair of boots with integrated storage pouches in one embodiment; and

FIG. 10 shows a rear elevational view of the pair of boots with integrated storage pouches of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular elements. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there are a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this disclosure prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly “an example,” “exemplary,” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about,” when used in connection with a numerical value, refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “involving,” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”), and the like may be used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States Patent Law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etc. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including but not limited to.”

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “vamp” means a front, external covering portion of a boot that covers one or more toes of a wearer and overlays a metatarsal area of a foot of the wearer. The vamp may extend from the front portion of the boot, commonly referred to as a toe of the boot, to a lower portion of a shaft of the boot and is typically made from a durable material such as leather, providing both structural support and protection.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “western-style boot” means a type of footwear characterized by a high shaft extending above an ankle, a moderately high slanted or underslung heel, and a pointed or broad square toc. An upper portion of the boot, commonly referred to as the shaft of the boot, often includes decorative stitching and is typically made of leather or similar durable material. Western-style boots, also commonly referred to as “cowboy boots,” originated in the mid-1800s, designed for cowboys to drive cattle to market, and are used today for horseback riding, ranch work, or as a fashion accessory.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “traditional boot design(s)” means a boot that visually conforms to well-known and widely accepted designs or styles commonly associated with traditional footwear, such as western-style boots, work boots, or other boot types. Any additional features of the boot, as described in this specification, do not obstruct, detract from, take away, or otherwise alter an overall appearance of the boot in a way that deviates from its recognizable, traditional form. Accordingly, the presently disclosed boot and variations thereof described herein retain essential characteristics and appearance of a traditional boot, regardless of any added elements or modifications.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “personal item(s)” means any object or article typically carried by an individual for personal use, convenience, or protection. Personal items may include, but are not limited to, items selected from the group consisting of a wallet, phone, money, cosmetic product, firearm, knife, writing implement, medication, one or more keys, one or more cards, pepper spray, glasses, identification card, flashlight, driver's license, jewelry, ammunition, and combinations thereof. This list is non-exhaustive, and other suitable objects that serve similar purposes, embody substantially similar sizes, weights, configurations, and dimensions may also be considered personal items within the scope of this definition.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “external appearance [of the boot]” means that an outward visual characteristic of the boot conforms with traditional boot designs, such that any additional features or subsequent modifications, including an integrated storage pouch, do not alter or change a recognizable external appearance of the boot as a traditional boot style.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “banded leather edge” means and may be substantially similar to the term “edge” and may further be used interchangeably to refer to a decorative edge treatment that covers a slot defined in the shaft of the boot. This banded edge serves both to cover and reinforce entry to the integrated storage pouch, providing a finished appearance while both enhancing durability of and disguising the edge.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term “durable, breathable material” means a type of material that possesses both durability and breathability characteristics suitable for use in a construction of the presently described boot and variations thereof. The term “durable” refers to a material that is resistant to wear, tear, and damage over time, ensuring that the boot maintains its structural integrity and performance under various conditions. This durability is achieved through the use of high-quality, robust materials that withstand physical stress and environmental factors. The term “breathable” refers to an ability of the material to allow passage of air and moisture vapor, which helps in maintaining comfort by reducing moisture buildup and regulating temperature inside the boot. Breathable materials facilitate airflow to keep feet dry and comfortable during use.

Examples of materials that may qualify as “durable, breathable materials” include, but are not limited to, neoprene, mesh fabrics, leather, and certain advanced synthetic textiles. Material choice affects performance of the boot by enhancing comfort, longevity, and functionality, particularly in environments where both durability and moisture management are critical.

FIG. 1 shows a left-side elevational view of a boot with integrated storage pouch in an exemplary configuration and is broadly designated by element number 100. The boot with integrated storage pouch 100 may further be described with reference to a boot 102 and an integrated storage pouch 120. Beginning with the boot 102, the boot 102 of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of a western-style boot, riding boot, work boot, hiking boot, tactical boot, hunting boot, rain boot, and combinations thereof. The boot 102 may further comprise a vamp 104 which may be configured to cover a foot of a wearer (not shown). The vamp 104 may be constructed from any suitable material such as leather, suede, one or more synthetic materials, rubbers, other textiles, and combinations thereof. The vamp 104 further comprises a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108. The top portion 106 of the vamp 104 covers a top portion of the foot of the wearer and is connectable to a first end 116 of a shaft 110, whereas the bottom portion 108 of the vamp 104, which is disposed below the foot of the wearer, is connectable to an outsole 130. In some embodiments, the vamp 104 may further comprise a protective toe covering portion (not shown) commonly referred to as a “steel toe” or “composite toe.” As such, the vamp 104 may serve as either or both a stylistic and functional clement of the boot 102.

The shaft 110 may further comprise the first end 116, an opposing second end 118, an outer surface 112, and an inner surface (shown as 114 in FIG. 2). The shaft 110 is configured to cover a portion of a leg (not shown) disposed above the foot of the wearer. An interior lining (shown as 160 in FIG. 4) may be disposed within the shaft 110 and vamp 104 of the boot 102 to provide an additional layer of material for comfort, construction, and inclusion of the integrated storage pouch 120. The shaft 110 may further comprise decorative stitching 154 to promote a cosmetic appearance of the boot 102 and to further disguise inclusion of the integrated storage pouch 120. The decorative stitching 154 may also comprise embroidery, sequins, feathers, tooling, inlays and/or overlays of additional materials, beading, embossing, patches, and the like. The shaft 110 may also serve to protect the portion of the leg of the wearer disposed above the foot and may further comprise laces (not shown) or other tying or tightening devices to adjust comfort and fitment of the boot 102. Additionally, at least one pull strap 150 may be disposed at the second end 118 of the shaft 110 to aid in donning and removing the boot 102.

Turning back to the outsole 130, the outsole 130 may be constructed from rubber, leather, plastics, cork, one or more synthetic materials, and combinations thereof. The outsole 130 is a portion of the boot 102 that resides below the foot of the wearer and contacts a surface, such as a floor, ground, stair tread, etc. The outsole 130 further comprises a rear portion 132, wherein a heel 134 is attachable at the rear portion 132 of the outsole 130. The heel 134 may embody various heights, materials of construction, and connection fasteners depending on boot style. For instance, a western-style boot may comprise a stacked leather heel 134, and the heel 134 may be connected to the outsole 130 via glue, nails, screws, pins, etc. In an alternate embodiment, the outsole 130 and heel 134 may be constructed from the same material or molded as a single unit. Height of the heel 134, measured from the rear portion 132 of the outsole 130 to the surface, may depend on a type and style of boot 102 as well as preference of the wearer. Furthermore, shape, size, and configuration of the heel 134 may be selected to engage with stirrups of a saddle to prevent the wearer's foot from slipping off or sliding forward in the stirrups while riding an animal such as a horse.

The integrated storage pouch 120, which may also be referred to simply as the pouch 120, may be disposed on the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 of the boot 102 and is configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface 112 of the shaft 110 of the boot 102. Stated differently, the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 is an inward facing side of the shaft 110, whereas the outer surface 112 is an opposing, outward facing side of the shaft 110. The pouch 120 may be positioned such that it faces away from the leg of the wearer to provide accessibility to the pouch 120 from the outer surface 112 of the shaft 110 of the boot 102, rather than an inward facing configuration. In the present embodiment, the integrated storage pouch 120 may be configured to store one or more personal items. A non-limiting list of personal items includes items selected from the group consisting of a wallet, phone, money, cosmetic product, firearm, knife, writing implement, medication, one or more keys, one or more cards, pepper spray, glasses, identification card, flashlight, driver's license, jewelry, ammunition, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the integrated storage pouch 120 may be dimensioned to prevent bulging when the pouch 120 contains an item, such as one or more of the personal items listed above. Additionally, the item, such as the one or more personal items listed above, may be securable in the integrated storage pouch 120 without requiring a closure mechanism. Examples of closure mechanisms include snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and friction linings. Due to a design and construction of the integrated storage pouch 120, one or more personal items may fit securely and discretely in the pouch 120 without a need for securing the pouch 120 via one or more closure mechanisms.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a partial, sectional view of the boot 102 and shaft 110 taken along lines II-II in FIG. 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the outer surface 112 of the shaft 110 has been removed for illustrative purposes. Here, the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 is more clearly shown. In this embodiment, the boot 102 comprises the shaft 110, one or more pull straps 150, and the storage pouch 120.

In this embodiment, the shaft 110 further comprises the first end 116 connectable to the top portion (not shown) of the vamp (not shown) and the opposing second end 118 at which the wearer can insert or remove his foot from the boot 102. The storage pouch 120 may be affixed to the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 via stitching, cementing, and/or gluing. In one embodiment, stitching may connect a first edge 124, a second edge 126, and a bottom edge 128 of the integrated storage pouch 120 to the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 of the boot 102. Note that an upper edge 122 of the integrated storage pouch 120 remains open, meaning it does not comprise stitching across its length which permits the wearer to add and/or remove one or more personal items from the integrated storage pouch 120. The open upper edge 122 communicates with a slot (shown at 236 in FIG. 7) to allow the wearer to access the integrated storage pouch 120 from the outer surface 112 of the shaft 110 of the boot 102. The stitched edges 124, 126, 128 of the integrated storage pouch 120 may be integrated into design elements of the boot 102 such as the decorative stitching 154 or may be hidden from view via an alternate stitching or attachment means. Such alternate attachment means may include gluing, cementing, bonding, riveting, heat scaling, lacing, braiding, and combinations thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the attachment means may further comprise a first material, wherein the first material is sewn down to secure the first edge 124, the second edge 126, and the bottom edge 128 of the integrated storage pouch 120 to the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110 and may further provide a sealed barrier between the pouch 120 and the shaft 110 of the boot 102. The first material may also be referred to as a gasket and may serve to waterproof the integrated storage pouch 120.

The integrated storage pouch 120 of FIG. 2 is further defined by one or more perforations 140. The perforations 140 may be included to enhance breathability of the storage pouch 120. Furthermore, the integrated storage pouch 120 may be constructed from a durable, breathable material such as neoprene, leather, or one or more synthetic materials selected for its breathability, durability, malleability, and comfort to the wearer. A thickness of the durable, breathable material may be between 1 mm and 5 mm. Furthermore, the durable, breathable material comprising the pouch 120 may further comprise a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side of the durable, breathable material forms an outer face of the pouch 120, and the opposing second side forms an inner face of the pouch 120. When neoprene is selected as the durable, breathable material, the inner face may be softer than that of the outer face, and the outer face is commonly referred to as a “skin side” of the neoprene material.

FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of the boot 102 with integrated storage pouch 120 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, pull strap 150 and an opposing, second pull strap 152 are disposed at the second end 118 of the shaft 110. The pull straps 150, 152 may be configured for the wearer to don and remove the boot 102 without interfering with the integrated storage pouch 120.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the boot 102 with integrated storage pouch 120 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the interior lining 160 is more clearly shown as well as the inner surface 114 of the shaft 110. Additionally, pull straps 150, 152 can be seen in relation to the interior lining 160, inner surface 114, and integrated storage pouch 120. The interior lining 160 of the boot 102 may be constructed from any suitable material that provides comfort, durability, and breathability to the wearer. Such materials of construction may include calf leather, felt, cotton or canvas fiber, synthetic mesh, fleece or shearling, waterproof or water-resistant membranes, neoprene, wool or wool blends, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view of the boot 102 with integrated storage pouch 120 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, pull strap 150 and opposing, second pull strap 152 are again disposed at the second end 118 of the shaft 110. Here, the heel 134, the outsole 130, and the rear portion 132 of the outsole 130 are more clearly shown.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view of the boot 102 with integrated storage pouch 120 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the shaft 110, outsole 130, rear portion 132 of the outsole 130, and heel 134 are more clearly shown. Also shown are pull straps 150, 152 disposed on the shaft 110.

FIG. 7 shows a right-side elevational view of a boot with integrated storage pouch in an alternate configuration which is broadly designated by element number 200. The boot with integrated storage pouch 200 may be in accordance with the boot with integrated storage pouch 100 described in reference to FIG. 1. The boot with integrated storage pouch 200 shown in FIG. 7 may be further described with reference to a boot 202 and a storage pouch 220. In the present embodiment, the boot 202 further comprises a vamp 204 having a top portion 206 and a bottom portion 208, an outsole 230 further comprising a rear portion 232, and a heel 234 connectable to the rear portion 232 of the outsole 230. A first portion 216 of a shaft 210 may be disposed above and connectable to the top portion 206 of the vamp 204, and an opposing second end 218 of the shaft 210 may comprise one or more pull straps 250. In this embodiment, an outer surface 212 of the shaft 210 is shown. A slot 236 is disposed toward the second end 218 of the shaft 210 and provides access to and concealment of the integrated storage pouch 220. The slot 236 may be aligned with the open upper edge, such as open upper edge 122 of the pouch 120, to provide access to and concealment of the integrated storage pouch 220. The slot 236, open upper edge 122 of FIG. 2, and shaft 210 may be dimensioned such that an external appearance of the boot 202 remains consistent with traditional boot designs despite inclusion of the integrated storage pouch 220. Furthermore, the one or more pull straps 250 disposed at the second end 218 of the shaft 210 of the boot 202 may be configured for the wearer to don and remove the boot 202 without interfering with the integrated storage pouch 220. Decorative stitching 254 is also provided, which may be in accordance with decorative stitching 154 as described in reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a partial, sectional view of the boot 202 and shaft 210 taken along lines III-III in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, storage pouch 220 is shown with one or more perforations 240. The storage pouch 220 and perforations 240 may be in accordance with the storage pouch 120 and perforations 140, respectively, as described in reference to FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the one or more perforations 240 are aligned in such a way that it gives an appearance of written text or a logo. Perforations 240 permit the pouch 220 to remain breathable, malleable, and comfortable to the wearer while also allowing a boot manufacturer to input written text, logos, and advertising material on the pouch 220 via the perforations 240. The storage pouch 220 is connectable to an inner surface 214 of the shaft 210 of the boot 202 via stitching. Stitching may be employed to connect edges 224, 226, 228 of the integrated storage pouch 220 as described in reference to FIG. 2 above. Again, an open upper edge 222 is maintained in the pouch 220 to allow the wearer to access the pouch 220 via the outer surface 212 of the shaft 210 of the boot 202.

FIG. 9 shows a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment 300 of the present disclosure, showing a pair of boots 302A, 302B. FIG. 10 shows a rear elevational view of the alternate embodiment 300 of the present disclosure, also showing the pair of boots 302A, 302B. For case of reference, FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described in connection with each other, and reference characters comprising an “A” shall refer to elements of boot 302A, while reference characters comprising a “B” shall refer to elements of boot 302B. However, as the elements may be identical for both boots 302 of the pair of boots 302A, 302B, the “A” and “B” designations have been omitted for case of reference. In embodiment 300 of FIGS. 9 and 10, each boot 302A, 302B may include a respective, integrated storage pouch 320A, 320B disposed on the inner surface (not shown) of its shaft 310, with alternate configurations allowing for the integrated storage pouch 320 to exist solely within boot 302A, boot 302B, or as an element in both boots 302A, 302B.

In the present embodiment 300, boot 302 comprises the pair of boots 302A, 302B. Boot 302 further comprises a vamp 304, the shaft 310, and the integrated storage pouch 320. The vamp 304, as described above, may further comprise a bottom portion 308 connectable to an outsole 330, and an upper portion 306 connectable to a first end 316 of the shaft 310. The outsole 330 may further comprise a rear portion 332 that is connectable to a heel 334. The integrated storage pouch 320 may be disposed between the inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface 312 of the shaft 310 of the boot 302, wherein the integrated storage pouch 320 is configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface 312 of the shaft 310 and may be further configured to store one or more personal items. The shaft 312, the integrated storage pouch 320, and the boot 302 are dimensioned such that an external appearance of the boot remains consistent with traditional boot designs despite inclusion of the integrated storage pouch 320.

Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiment 1: A boot comprising a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion, a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer, an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, the outsole having a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft.

Embodiment 2: The boot of Embodiment 1, wherein the boot is selected from the group consisting of a western-style boot, riding boot, work boot, hiking boot, tactical boot, hunting boot, rain boot, and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 3: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the boot is a pair of boots, a respective pouch disposed on the inner surface of the shaft of each boot of the pair of boots.

Embodiment 4: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch is connectable to the inner surface of the shaft via stitching, the stitching connecting a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft.

Embodiment 5: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the stitching further comprises a first material, the first material being sewn down to secure the first, second, and bottom edges of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft and to provide a sealed barrier between the pouch and the shaft of the boot.

Embodiment 6: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising an open upper edge defined in the pouch, the open upper edge accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft of the boot.

Embodiment 7: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising a slot defined in the shaft, the slot aligned with the open upper edge of the pouch to provide access to the pouch from the outer surface of the boot.

Embodiment 8: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the shaft includes an edge attachable to the outer surface of the shaft around the slot, the edge being configured to cover the slot.

Embodiment 9: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch is configured to store one or more personal items.

Embodiment 10: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch is further configured to conceal the upper edge of the pouch and the slot integrated into the shaft of the boot.

Embodiment 11: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch is constructed from a durable, breathable material.

Embodiment 12: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the durable, breathable material includes neoprene.

Embodiment 13: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the durable, breathable material includes perforations formed therein to enhance breathability, and a thickness of the durable, breathable material is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

Embodiment 14: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the durable, breathable material has a first side and an opposing second side, the first side forming an outer face of the pouch, and the opposing second side forming an inner face of the pouch.

Embodiment 15: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch is dimensioned to prevent bulging when the pouch contains the item.

Embodiment 16: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the item is securable in the pouch without requiring a closure mechanism.

Embodiment 17: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the shaft is dimensioned such that an external appearance of the boot remains consistent with traditional boot designs despite inclusion of the pouch.

Embodiment 18: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pull strap is configured for the wearer to don the boot without interference with the pouch.

Embodiment 19: The boot of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the pouch further comprises a lift tab, the lift tab having a first end disposed proximate a bottom of the pouch and a second end disposed proximate the slot and open upper edge of the pouch such that the lift tab permits the wearer to lift upward the one or more personal items from the pouch.

Embodiment 20: A boot comprising a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion, a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer, an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, the outsole having a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft, and a slot maintained in the outer surface of the shaft to conceal the pouch and permit access to the pouch from the outer surface of the shaft.

Embodiment 21: A boot comprising a vamp configured to cover a foot of a wearer, the vamp having a top portion and a bottom portion, a shaft having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the top portion of the vamp, the shaft being configured to cover a portion of a leg disposed above the foot of the wearer, an interior lining disposed within the vamp and the shaft, an outsole attachable to the bottom portion of the vamp, the outsole having a rear portion, a heel attachable at the rear portion of the outsole, at least one pull strap disposed at the second end of the shaft, a pouch disposed on the inner surface and configured to be accessible by the wearer from the outer surface of the shaft, and stitching connecting a first edge, a second edge, and a bottom edge of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft, wherein the stitching further comprises a first material, the first material being sewn down to secure the first, second, and bottom edges of the pouch to the inner surface of the shaft and to provide a sealed barrier between the pouch and the shaft of the boot.

As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the subject matter that may be embodied in various forms. It will be appreciated that many modifications and other variations stand within the intended scope of this subject matter as claimed below. Furthermore, the foregoing description of various embodiments does not necessarily imply exclusion. For example, “some” embodiments may include all or part of “other” and “further” embodiments within the scope of this invention. In addition, “a” does not mean “one and only one;” “a” can mean “one and more than one.”

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18197769	May 2023	US
Child	18950465		US

BOOT WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE POUCH

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Abstract

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)

Continuation in Parts (1)