Patent Publication Number: US-2011067159-A1

Title: Chaps for wading and wader protection

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an outerwear worn for wading while fishing, duck hunting, or otherwise working in a stream or lake. Particularly to Chaps style outerwear worn by fishermen, duck hunters and others while wearing waders, especially breathable-style fishing waders. Used to protect waders and the person wearing them from damage cause by blackberry, thorns, brush, fishhooks, general wear-tear and abrasion. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Chaps are sturdy coverings for the legs and the garments beneath them. Consisting of leggings and held up with a belt, generally having no seat and are usually not joined at the crotch. They are designed to provide protection for the legs and the garments beneath them. 
     Waders are sportswears that are used by individuals to protect against water penetration while fishing, duck hunting, or otherwise working in a stream or lake. Waders are traditionally rubbers boots that are stepped into and pulled up to the chest of the person. Recently, in an effort to improve comfort, waders have been introduced that are lighter and completely waterproof yet allows moisture buildup within the wader due to perspiration to pass through to the outside. These “breathable” waders typically incorporate a denier nylon outer shell that is weaved with micro porous holes that are small enough prevent larger water molecules from entering the interior of the wader, yet large enough to allow vapor molecules (perspiration) to exit to the exterior of the wader. These modern materials work well in making breathable waders lightweight and more comfortable to wear, but it also makes them more prone to damage. 
     A problem with waders, and in particular modern breathable waders, is that they are prone to damage from briars, thorns, fishhooks, abrasion, and general wear and tear. 
     It is common for fishermen and hunters to walk long distances in their waders to get to their fishing-hunting destination. This causes excessive wear, and especially in the area of the inseam when waders are ill fitting and chafe. 
     Walking through and wading in areas of brush or thorns is the biggest cause of damage to waders. Therefore, waders often suffer damage form everyday fishing and hunting activity. Because they are prone to rips, punctures, abrasion and wear, constant maintenance and in many cases constant repair of the waders is required. The repairs are often expensive and always time consuming. Constant care must be taken not to walk thru or wade in areas that might damage the waders. Having to be careful where to walk and wade so as to not damage your waders is inconvenient, time consuming and impossible in many cases. 
     PRIOR ART 
     There&#39;s no known prior art that relates to Chaps for waders or chaps for wading while fishing or hunting, and more particularly to chaps made for the protection of fishing waders. 
     Chaps are, in general, known. For example, chaps designed for hunters, horseback riders, gardeners and even babies are commonplace. Chaps designed for hunting, especially upland bird hunting are the closest things to chaps for wading. There are no chaps, past or presently available, made for fisherman or hunters to protect themselves and their waders from damage while wading in rivers, streams or lakes. 
     Dan&#39;s Hunting Gear of Sugarcreek Ohio, USA and LL Bean of Freeport Me., USA, as well as others, manufacture puncture resistant chaps and trousers for hunting. They fulfill a hunters needs to protect the legs from cuts and punctures from brush while hunting. These products are not designed for, and will not work for fisherman and hunters while wearing waders they have a number of disadvantages: 
     (a) They can retain water in the legs while wading, making walking and wading difficult and dangerous. For example, hunting chaps when used while wading will fill with so much water that that the legs actually balloon outwards from the weight of the water even though they are open at the bottom. As in the example where someone wading in waist deep water then moves to knee-deep water, the chaps retain water because they won&#39;t drain below the waterline. This phenomenon is caused by water pressure against chaps, below the waterline, forcing the fabric against the legs and not allowing water to escape through the bottom of the chaps. 
     (b) They are not made of materials that will stand-up to the rigors of being submerged in water for long periods. 
     (c) The bottom part of the legs (cuffs) have a tendency to ride or float up the legs while wading, as they don&#39;t have a means of securing the bottom of the chaps to wading boots. 
     (d) They are designed and made to fit over trousers and not what are often bulky waders. 
     While prior art does exist for articles having similar attributes to wader chaps, they are designed for different uses giving them distinct design and material differences, specifically: 
     (a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,262 represents “Leg and Arm Protectors” that are designed for used while using gas powered string trimmers and brush cutters. They don&#39;t address the needs of fishermen or hunters wearing waders. They only cover the front parts of a person&#39;s legs in selected areas, which means they won&#39;t protect the equally important backs section of the legs from damage form thorns, brush, fish hooks and the like. Are not made of materials that will stand up to the rigors of being submerged in water and aren&#39;t shaped or worn like chaps. 
     (b) U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,303 represents detachable “Rain Chaps” for protecting the front side of a wearer from the waist down against rain or from frontal contact with wet objects. They&#39;re constructed differently from the present invention and again don&#39;t address the need of fishermen or hunters wearing chaps. Being designed to keep water and moisture out, unlike wader chaps that allow water to flow into and out of the underside of the chaps. They won&#39;t protect waders or the people wearing them while submerged and don&#39;t have a means of keeping the cuff or bottom of the chaps from riding up the leg. 
     (c) U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,301 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,151 both represents “Snake Proof Chaps” a protective article of clothing adapted to prevent snake fangs from biting onto the leg of a wearer. At first glance these chaps appear to be in the same general form as chaps for waders but they have several different features making them different from and unsuitable for wading. They&#39;re made of materials having specific snakebite protective qualities and not materials suitable for wading. They don&#39;t have a specific means of allowing water to flow into and out of the underside of the chaps, nor do they have a means of keeping the cuff or bottom of the chaps from riding up the leg. 
     (d) U.S. Pat. No. 2008/0216203 represents a “Leg Garment” that has the appearance of chaps but is in fact a pair of trousers or over-pants. Having material covering the buttock and the front groin area of a person from the crotch to the waist makes them trousers and not chaps. This fact on it&#39;s own makes them very different from wader chaps and again they don&#39;t address the needs of fishermen or hunters wearing waders. They&#39;re not made of materials suitable for wading, don&#39;t have a means of allowing water to flow into and out of the underside of the chaps, don&#39;t have a means of keeping the cuff or bottom of the chaps from riding up the leg, and aren&#39;t designed and made to fit over waders. 
     (e) U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,377 represents “Chaps” relating to riding chaps that have the appearance of chaps but again are in fact a pair of trousers or over pants. Having material covering the buttock and the front groin area of a person from the crotch to the waist makes them trousers and not chaps. This fact on it&#39;s own makes them very different from wader chaps and again they don&#39;t address the needs of fishermen or hunters wearing waders. They&#39;re not made of materials suitable for wading, don&#39;t have a means of allowing water to flow into and out of the underside of the chaps, don&#39;t have a means of keeping the cuff or bottom of the chaps from riding up the leg, and aren&#39;t designed and made to fit over waders. 
     (f) U.S. Pat. No. 2009/0070910 represents a protective garment in the form of an Apron with attached legs. Even though both inventions strive to solve the same problem they differ significantly in design and construction. The invention in the cited document describe a single piece Apron protector comprising a front portion of material covering the groin area with attached leg portions and a pouch to hold the leg portions while they&#39;re not in use. The distinction between an apron and set of chaps alone makes the inventions different and the chaps distinctive. Other differences making them distinctive and different from one another include: 
     The Apron protectors comprise one complete piece; the Chaps are comprised of two separate leg portions. 
     The Apron protectors comprise a front portion and the Chaps do not. 
     The leg portions of the Apron protectors are attached to one another and the apron portion while the leg portions of Chaps are not joined. 
     The leg portions of the Apron only cover the front section of person&#39;s legs, while the leg portions of the Chaps encircle the entire leg. 
     The Pouch into which the leg portions are rolled up into when the legs are not in use is a major feature of the Apron. The chaps don&#39;t have this feature. 
     The Apron protectors do not have a means of attaching the bottom of the legs to a person&#39;s footwear. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     In keeping with the principle of the present invention the chaps are unique and technically different from other forms of garments. 
     The wader-chaps are construct of materials that can stand up to the rigors of being submerged in water for long periods and are made to fit over waders. 
     The chaps incorporate a means to allow water to exit the chaps from the legs while wading. Solving the problem of water being trapped behind the chaps making it difficult and dangerous to wade. In one example, hunting chaps when used while wading will fill with so much water that that the legs actually balloon outwards even though they are open at the bottom. As in the example where someone wading in waist deep water moves to knee-deep water, the chaps retain water because they won&#39;t drain below the waterline. This phenomenon is caused by water pressure against chaps below the waterline, forcing the fabric against the legs and not allowing water to escape through the bottom leg opening. A device allowing water to escape shall be incorporated into the leg area of the chaps. These include but are not limited to the use of openings, slit cuts, or grommets located in the leg material of the chaps. These may be covered with mesh and/or flaps to protect the areas under and around the openings, and to stop sticks and branches from getting caught in the chaps impeding movement. 
     To avoid the bottom of the chaps (cuffs) riding up while wading, a non-corrosive hook located at the bottom and front each leg portion will be used to attach the chaps to the wading boot by its shoelaces. 
     The wader chaps are shaped to fit over waders and wading boots, making them comfortable to wear and easy to put on and take off. 
     It is therefore the primary objective of the present invention to provide a protective set of chaps for use by a fisherman or a hunter for their waders and legs. 
     To provide fishing and hunting waders, especially modern breathable-style fishing waders and their wearer&#39;s protection from damaged cause by briars, thorns, brush, fishhooks, everyday wear and tear and abrasion while fishing or hunting. Thusly prolonging the life of the waders, generally reducing the need for repairs, and making walking and wading in areas of brush and briars easier and safer. 
     In keeping with the principle of the present invention the chaps will be worn over a set of waders. The chaps may incorporate a full or partial length non-corrosive zipper vertically along the inseam or vertically along the outside side seam of the leg portions, making them easy to put on and take off over waders and wading boots. The chaps will be put on like a pair of trousers if no, or only a partial zipper is incorporated. In the case where a full-length zipper is incorporated the leggings will be wrapped around the legs and zipped on. 
     Being attached to an existing wading belt with single or dual multi position straps with non-corrosive clips, or with a belt through a belt pocket along the top of the waders. 
     To avoid the bottom of the chaps (cuffs) riding up while wading, a non-corrosive hook located at the bottom and front each leg portion will be used to attach the chaps to the wading boot by its shoelaces. 
     The chaps can also be used while not wearing waders for the protection of fishermen&#39;s or hunters legs and their trousers while wading. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to provide chaps for the protection of waders and the fisherman and hunters who wear them. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the above and the other objects of the present invention, a simplified chaps style outerwear for wader protection is provided. The chaps have a water outlet allowing water to drain from behind the chaps as well as a hook attaching the bottom of the chaps to boot laces keeping the chaps from riding up while wading. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon considering the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
       In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a single chaps inseam according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a single chap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is side view of a single chaps inseam according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is side view of a single chaps inseam according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 6 
                 leg portions 
                 10 
                 wading belt attachment assemblies 
               
               
                 12 
                 wading belt 
                 14 
                 bootlace attachment hooks 
               
               
                 16 
                 opening 
                 18 
                 mesh covering 
               
               
                 20 
                 flap 
                 22 
                 grommets 
               
               
                 24 
                 zipper 
                 26 
                 Velcro strip 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT (S): 
     In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     With reference to the drawings, in general, and to  FIG. 1 , in particular, multi-featured chaps embodying the principles of the present invention is generally depicted. 
     The chaps include two leg portions # 6   a , # 6   b . The chap material is a cloth-like material that is puncture, cut and abrasion resistant. A multitude of materials can be used that fall within the spirit of the present invention. 
     In the inseam portion of the chaps # 6 , opening # 16 , allows for water to drain from the leg portions. Water trapped in the chaps while wading is heavy and makes it difficult and dangerous to walk. In one embodiment the openings # 16 , are covered with mesh # 18 , to protect the waders underneath the chaps from damage. 
     In one preferred embodiment the openings # 16 , are replaced with non-corrosive grommets # 22   a  and # 22   b , to allow water to flow out of the chaps; or both embodiments # 16  and # 22 , may be used. 
     In the upper portion of the chaps a pocket # 8   a , # 8   b , allowing for a wading belt # 12 , which encircles the waist securing the chaps to the waist of an individual. Alternatively two adjustable side straps assemblies # 10   a , # 10   b , can be used to attach the chaps to a wading belt for securing the chaps around the waist of an individual. 
     In one preferred embodiment the two strap assemblies # 10   a , # 10   b , may include a two-part buckle positioned on the straps to allow the straps to easily be attached to the wading belt. The length of the straps will be adjustable to suite the height of the individual. 
     In the bottom portion of the legs, a non-corrosive hook # 14 , and # 14   b , at the bottom of the leg portions # 6 , are used for securing chaps to the laces of wading boots # 16   a , and # 16   b , not allowing the bottom of the chaps to ride up while wading. In one preferred embodiment (not shown), the hooks # 14   a , and # 14   b , are attached to the leg portions using a short length of stretchable webbing, making it easier to attach the hook onto the laces of the wading boots. 
     Additional embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 4 , and  5 ;  FIG. 4  shows the opening # 16 , covered with a flap # 20 , to protect the opening # 16 , the mesh # 18 , and the waders underneath them from damage. In another embodiment the openings # 16 , are covered with both a mesh covering # 18 , and a flap # 20 . Covering the openings also helps to keep sticks and other forms of brush from catching in the mechanism causing a person to trip. 
       FIG. 5 , shows a slit and non-corrosive zipper # 24 , placed vertically along the inseam of the chaps. Making the chaps easy to put on and take off over waders and wading boots. They will run either fully or partially up the length of the leg from the bottom of the leg portions # 6   a , # 6   b , and placed either vertically along the inseam or outside seam of the leg portions. In one embodiment (not shown) the slit and non-corrosive zipper are covered with a flap # 20 . In another embodiment (not shown) the slit and zipper is located parallel to and directly next to the opening # 16 , and in this embodiment they may both be covered by the same flap # 20 . In another embodiment (not shown) the slit compromises a closure system, which provides a plurality of snaps on the leg portions on each side of the slit, for closing the slit. 
     There are four additional embodiments that are not shown: In the first of the additional (not shown) embodiments, the leg elongated portions # 6   a , # 6   b , have a gusset(s) in the front knee area. Making it easy to bend down and to keep knee movement smooth. 
     In the second additional (not shown) embodiment the chaps in  FIG. 1 , have an integrated wading belt. This feature is for persons who either don&#39;t have a wading belt, or don&#39;t need to adjust the height of the chaps. 
     In the third additional (not shown) embodiment the chaps in  FIG. 1 , the belt loop pocket(s) are adjustable in height allowing for adjusting a length of interconnection of the belt and the leg portions. 
     In the forth additional (not shown) embodiment the chaps in  FIG. 1 , the straps system allowing the straps to be attached to the wading belt may be made from either a single or double strap, or the leg portion material, and be held closed by mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop materials, snaps, buckles. The length of the straps may be made adjustable to suite the height of the individual. 
     One or more of the various advantageous features of the present invention may be incorporated into the chaps for beneficial results. These features provide benefit individually as well as collectively to produce chaps that protect both the waders and the person wearing them. 
     The foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.