Protective gaiter

Abstract

A protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state. In the closed state the gaiter includes an essentially frustoconical shaped body. The gaiter includes an at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening in the closed state, and a lower edge forming a large diameter lower opening in the closed state. The gaiter further includes a zipper fastener extending between the upper edge and the lower edge for selectively joining and separating opposing side edges of the body, thereby allowing the gaiter to alternate between the closed and open states.

1 . A protective gaiter having a closed state and an open state, wherein in said closed state said gaiter comprises an essentially frustoconical shaped body, and wherein said gaiter is comprised of an at least partially elastic upper edge forming a small diameter upper opening in said closed state, and a lower edge forming a large diameter lower opening in said closed state, said gaiter further comprising a zipper fastener extending between said upper edge and said lower edge for selectively joining and separating opposing side edges of said body, thereby allowing said gaiter to alternate between said closed state and said open state. 
   
   
       2 . A gaiter according to  claim 1 , wherein a slit extends from the lower edge towards the upper edge. 
   
   
       3 . A gaiter according to  claim 2 , wherein the slit is between 1 cm-10 cm in length. 
   
   
       4 . A gaiter according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper edge is entirely elastic. 
   
   
       5 . A gaiter according to  claim 1 , wherein an adjustable strap is situated near the upper edge for adjusting the diameter of the upper opening. 
   
   
       6 . A gaiter according to  claim 1 , wherein said gaiter is made of a material chosen from the group consisting of:
 a. water repellent;   b. water resistant; and,   c. cotton.   
   
   
       7 . A gaiter according to  claim 1 , wherein a lace for tying around the outesole of a shoe is situated near the lower edge. 
   
   
       8 . A method of manufacturing a protective gaiter, said method comprising:
 a. providing a trapezoid shaped material having linear upper and lower edges and side edges having zipper components; and,   b. joining at least one elastic strip to said upper edge such that the upper edge is at least partially crimped, thereby forming pleats at the upper edge.