HK1247054B - Adaptable footwear for playing football - Google Patents

Description

Adjustable shoes and boots for playing football

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to footwear worn during the kicking of soccer. The invention is applicable to all specifications including soccer, rugby and australian, american and gaill, but is particularly useful in playing sports known as soccer in most countries and distinguished as soccer by others.

Background

For some time, there have been many proposals for soccer shoes or boots having an upper for enhancing kicking effects. For example, us patent 6,421,936 discloses a football shoe having an upper with an instep defined by a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending ridges flanking a transverse concave surface to cradle a ball contacting the instep generally in a cup-like manner. The upper also has a toe region, and the spine has a front surface with a corresponding upper top at its front end located rearward of the toe region.

A broad concept of concave ball-contacting surface is also disclosed in european patent 359081 and european patent 496931, in european patent 359081 a pair of ridges are disposed along the sides of the lace region, and in european patent 496931 a concave surface extends from a flat toe box generally to the ankle opening. International patent publication WO1996/022712 describes a football shoe in which the combined use of an external leather patch (patch) and ribs in the toe area is believed to enable a player to more precisely control the ball during kicking.

With the configuration of us patent 6,421,936, it has been determined through objective testing that the improved shoe upper increases the ball exit velocity when all other factors are approximately the same, and that the player's subjective experience is that the configuration improves kicking accuracy. Both of these benefits are clearly valuable in the case of kicking a goal under the soccer and other soccer specifications. However, the experience of the athlete is: football shoes having an improved upper of the kind disclosed in the above-mentioned patent may be less comfortable than unmodified shoes, especially when running on the ground, due to the reduced flexibility in the upper. That is why in the embodiment described in us patent 6,421,936 and in the embodiment made according to this patent and under the brand concove^TMThe reason for placing the modified zone behind the toe zone in commercially available shoes sold under the market.

Another improved football shoe is disclosed in us patent 7,941,943. The shoe includes a ball control insert that includes one or more protruding ball control surfaces mounted in a flap portion that overlies a tongue. While such improved footwear may enhance kicking, the location and extent of the ball control insert may be uncomfortable for the wearer, particularly while running.

To address the need to provide a more comfortable soccer shoe with enhanced kicking capabilities, the applicant has developed a shoe as disclosed in international patent publication WO2014/183170 in which a substantially rigid ball control region is located substantially behind the toe region in a flap overlying the tongue. The rigid ball control region of the soccer shoe provides more comfortable donning because it does not press or stress the bridge or toes of the wearer's foot due to its generally rearward position.

Although players have found these shoes to be beneficial to their improvement in kicking accuracy and ball speed, players also suggest that comfort during running should be further improved and also present concerns about the increase in weight of the shoe caused by the inserted material used to achieve the improved upper configuration.

In addition, some wearers have encountered difficulty in lacing shoes that incorporate an improved upper configuration, or have found such shoes aesthetically unattractive due to their larger size.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially address these concerns.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that it would reasonably be expected that such prior art could be understood by a person skilled in the art, considered relevant to, and/or combined with other examples of prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

It has been recognized that concerns regarding comfort, weight, ease of use, and aesthetics can be addressed in accordance with the present invention, and that enhanced kicking effects can also be achieved by supplementing the tongue of the shoe, rather than by modifying the upper, e.g., by including a flap over the tongue (as in previous designs) on the upper.

In one aspect, the invention provides a football shoe or boot comprising a sole, an upper, a fastening means to fasten the shoe or boot in place, and a layer of material disposed in situ between the fastening means and an underlying foot or sock, wherein the layer of material includes a ball control region having an outer ball control surface contactable with a football during kicking, and wherein said ball control surface is located rearwardly of a forwardmost region of the layer of material.

In embodiments, the layer of material may be a tongue that is attached to or integral with the upper at its forward end. In alternative embodiments, the material layer may be attached to or integral with the upper laterally of the ball control region on each side thereof. In this embodiment, the layer of material may extend rearwardly into the lining portion, which extends around the ankle or lower leg of the wearer when the shoe or boot is worn. In various embodiments, the material layer may include a soft, flexible fabric, or may be a material similar to that of the upper.

The fastening means preferably comprises laces, but may also comprise any other known fastening means typical in the art. For example, the fastening means may comprise a clasp, clip, strip, strap which may comprise velcro (velcro), or the like.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a football shoe or football boot including a sole, an upper and a tongue, wherein the tongue includes a ball control region having an outer ball control surface that contacts a football during kicking, and wherein the ball control surface is located rearwardly of a forwardmost region of the tongue.

The football shoe or football boot according to the first and second aspects of the invention may further include one or more additional features described below.

In embodiments, the ball control region is integral with or formed with the layer or tongue of material. In alternative embodiments, the ball control region is provided by a separate element overlying a region of the material layer or tongue. In this embodiment, a separate covering element may be secured or adapted to be secured to the material layer or tongue. The cover element may include a portion that contacts an outer surface of the material layer or tongue, which includes a ball control region.

Preferably, the portion of the covering element that contacts the outer surface of the layer or tongue of material is a first portion, and the covering element includes a second portion, wherein the second portion of the covering element is secured or adapted to be secured to the layer or tongue of material. Preferably, the second portion is a relatively thin elongate portion located generally forward of or extending from the first portion.

In embodiments, the second portion of the covering element is adapted to be secured to the layer of material or tongue by being adapted to be received within a gap in an outer surface of the layer of material or tongue or within a gap in the outer surface of the layer of material or tongue that defines the pocket. Advantageously, the covering element may be a separate replaceable piece, by being adapted to be secured to the layer of material or tongue.

In alternative embodiments, the covering element may be secured to the layer of material or the tongue, for example, by virtue of the second portion of the covering element being sewn, welded, or otherwise secured to the tongue.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the ball control region is preferably dimensioned such that it is generally located within an area defined by a plurality of eyelets, holes or inner shoelace sleeves in the upper adapted to receive fastening means to fasten a shoe or boot in place. In embodiments having a covering element, the element may be sized such that the element, when secured to the material layer, is generally received within an area defined by the plurality of eyelets, holes, or inner shoelace sleeves.

According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the ball control region is preferably dimensioned such that it is generally located within an opening in the upper defined by opposing lateral edges of the upper. In embodiments having a covering element, the element may be sized such that, when secured to the tongue, the element is generally received within an opening in the upper defined by opposing lateral edges of the upper. Typically, the opposing lateral edges of the upper include a plurality of eyelets, apertures, or inner lace sleeves for receiving a lace that is adapted to secure the shoe to the wearer's foot by closing the opening in the upper to an appropriate degree.

Preferably, the covering element further comprises a plurality of eyelets or holes for receiving laces so that when the football shoe or boot is worn, the position of the covering element relative to the layer of material or within the opening in the upper can be controlled.

Advantageously, the ball control region includes a laterally curved outer ball control surface between respective lateral ridge portions. Preferably, said laterally curved outer ball control surface presents a concave surface at least when in contact with a soccer ball during kicking.

Preferably, the lateral ridge portion of the ball control region tapers inwardly from posterior to anterior. Further, the lateral spine portion preferably curves inwardly and downwardly when viewed in cross-section and defines an outwardly extending shoulder at an edge of the lateral spine portion, the outwardly extending shoulder including a plurality of eyelets or holes for receiving a lace.

In accordance with embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the tongue preferably extends further rearward than the rearmost edge of the covering element, and also advantageously provides cushioning between the rearmost edge of the covering element and the wearer's ankle.

Preferably, the upper comprises a flexible material suitable for the best comfort of the wearer, while the ball control region may generally comprise a relatively more rigid material for defining a spine portion and a laterally curved outer ball control surface, thereby imparting greater velocity to a ball kicked by contact with the upper including the ball control region.

As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations such as "comprises," "comprising," and "comprised" are not intended to exclude other additives, components, assemblies, or steps.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front lateral perspective view of a left foot soccer shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a covering element adapted to be secured to the shoe shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1; and

fig. 4 is a front top perspective view of the shoe shown in fig. 1 and 3.

Detailed Description

The illustrated embodiment of the soccer shoe 10 is specifically designed for playing a sport in the form of soccer, also known in some countries as soccer. The soccer shoe 10 includes a sole 12, an upper 14, and a tongue 16. The vamp 14 and tongue 16 are made of a suitable highly flexible leather or polymer material typical in the art. The upper 14 includes opposed lateral edges 18, the opposed lateral edges 18 defining a longitudinally extending lace opening 20 in the upper 14. The sole is provided with an array of studs 22. Typically, the stud 22 includes a replaceable aluminum tip (not shown). The sole 12, upper 14, tongue 16, and cleats 22 are made and assembled by known techniques.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tongue 16 includes a covering element in the form of a generally elongate insert 24, the generally elongate insert 24 being secured to the tongue 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, insert 24 includes a first or upper portion 26 having a ball control region 28 of a substantially rigid material. Ball control region 28 has a laterally curved or concave outer ball control surface 30 between respective lateral ridge portions 32. Outer ball control surface 30 may contact the soccer ball during kicking. At the lateral side of the insert vamp portion 26, the lateral spine portion 32 is bent generally downwardly and then inwardly to form an inverted U-shape in cross section, and then turned outwardly to terminate at a longitudinally extending edge portion 44 (see fig. 3). The edge portion 44 is generally laterally downwardly inclined and includes a plurality of eyelets or holes 46 for receiving the shoelace, as discussed below.

Both the concave surface 30 and the lateral ridge portion 32 slope generally downward from the rear edge 56 of the insert 24 to a laterally curved shoulder 34 located approximately midway along the insert 24. The ridge portion 32 merges smoothly into a shoulder 34, the shoulder 34 defining a generally U-shaped form engaging the ridge portion 32. Curved shoulder 34 provides a downwardly sloping transition from ball control region 28 to a second or forward portion of insert 24 in the form of a relatively thin, elongated tab portion 36. The thin elongated tab portion 36 also has a transverse concave surface 38 between respective lateral edges 40, but the concave surface 38 is of a significantly shallower profile than the concave surface 30 of the ball control region 28. The lateral edge 40 of the elongate tab portion 36 tapers inwardly and the tab portion 36 terminates in a generally semi-circular front end 42 which engages the lateral edge 40. The lateral edge 40 of the tab portion 36 also merges with the lateral edge 58 of the outwardly extending edge portion 44 at or about the transverse curved shoulder 34.

Advantageously, the concave surface 30 also includes shallow transverse grooves or channels 48 spaced to facilitate contact with a soccer ball during kicking.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the insert 24 is secured to the tongue 16 by stitching (not shown). During manufacture of the shoe 10, the insert 24 is slidably received in a transverse slot or opening 50 (see FIG. 3) in the outer surface of the tongue 16. The gap or opening 50 in the tongue 16 is generally located near the longitudinal midpoint of the opening 20 separating the opposing lateral edges 18 of the upper 14. The insert is pushed down into the slot 50 until the transversely curved shoulder 34 of the insert 24 is located generally at or near the slot 50. The insert 24, when received through the slit 50, is stitched to the tongue 16 by suitable stitching, typically located forward of the slit in the tongue.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the insert may be adapted to be secured to the tongue by being slidably received in the pocket defined by the slit or opening 50. In this embodiment, the wearer may easily secure the insert 24 to the tongue 16 by: the insert 24 is grasped only near the vamp portion 26 of the insert 24, and the elongated tab portion 36 of the insert 24 is then slid down the outer surface of the tongue 16 and into the pocket defined by the opening 50.

When the insert 24 is properly received in the opening 50, the first or vamp portion 26 of the insert 24 contacts the outer surface of the tongue 16, and the ball control surface 30 is located rearward of the forwardmost region of the tongue 16, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, in this position, the tongue 16 extends further rearward than the rear edge 56 of the insert 24. Advantageously, this arrangement provides cushioning between the rearmost edge of the outwardly extending edge portion 44 of the insert 24 and the wearer's ankle.

It is contemplated that a variety of inserts 24 may be used with footwear 10. The inserts may vary in overall shape, including the length of the elongated tab portion 36, the profile of the laterally curved ball control surface 30, and the number and profile of the lateral grooves or channels 48. Advantageously, the insert 24 of a particular shape may be selected according to the requirements of the day, for example for wet weather conditions and the like. In addition, the insert 24 is adapted to be secured to the tongue 16 while the shoe 10 is being worn or prior to being worn.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ball control region 28, including the outer ball control surface 30, may be integral with the tongue 16 or may be formed from the tongue. In this arrangement, the separate insert 24 need not be secured or adapted to be secured to the tongue 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the insert 24 is such that the insert 24 is generally received within the longitudinally extending opening 20 in the upper 14 when secured to the outer surface of the tongue 16 (as shown in FIG. 4). In this position, the curved lateral spine portions 32 of the insert 24 are generally adjacent to the respective lateral edges 18 of the upper 14, and the outwardly extending edge portions 44 of the insert 24 are generally aligned with a plurality of eyelets or holes 52 in the upper 14. Advantageously, a lace 54 may then be received through the aligned apertures 52, 46 of the upper 14 and the insert 24, respectively (see fig. 1). The insert 24 is then securely fastened to the tongue 16 by being received in the opening 50 and by the lace 54.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, another football shoe or football boot is provided. Such a shoe or boot is similar to the shoe illustrated in fig. 1, 3 and 4, but includes a continuous upper comprising a soft, flexible material. The shoe also includes a layer of material integral with the upper laterally of the ball control region on each side thereof. The material layer is arranged between the fastening means comprising the lace and the underlying foot or sock. As the shoe is worn, the layer of material extends rearwardly into the portion of the sleeve that extends around the wearer's ankle or lower leg. This type of shoe is commercially marketed under the brand name Nike Magista.

The football shoe or boot further includes a covering element in the form of a generally elongate insert secured to the layer of material in a manner similar to that shown in figures 1, 3 and 4. The insert is of the type illustrated in fig. 2 and includes a ball control region having an outer ball control surface that contacts the soccer ball during kicking. The ball control surface is located behind the foremost region of the material layer.

The elongated insert is slidably received in a transverse slit or opening in the outer surface of the layer of material. The insert, when received through the slit, is stitched to the layer of material by suitable stitching, typically located at the front of the slit in the layer of material. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the insert may be adapted to be secured to the layer of material by being slidably received in a pocket defined by the slit or opening.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the layer of material may be a tongue that is attached to or integral with the upper at its forward end.

The shoe configuration described above retains the advantageous features of ball control surface 30, which ball control surface 30 holds the kicked ball in a generally cup-like manner, thereby increasing the accuracy and speed of the kicking of the ball, while maintaining a flexible and comfortable upper, particularly when the wearer is running. At the same time, the described shoe is easier to lace up than existing shoes having improved uppers. In addition, by eliminating the need for an improved upper, the described shoe is generally lighter and aesthetically pleasing.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A football shoe or boot comprising a sole, an upper, a fastening means to fasten the shoe or boot in place, and a layer of material disposed in situ between the fastening means and an underlying foot or sock, wherein the layer of material includes a ball control region comprising an element secured directly to the layer of material, wherein the ball control region includes a transversely curved outer ball control surface between respective lateral ridge portions that is contactable by a football during kicking, wherein the ball control surface is located rearwardly of a forwardmost region of the layer of material, and wherein the ball control region is dimensioned such that it lies substantially within a region defined by opposed eyes, apertures or inner lacing loops in the upper, The hole or inner shoelace sleeve is adapted to receive the fastening means and wherein the material layer is attached to or integral with the upper laterally of the ball control area on each side thereof such that the upper is continuous laterally of the ball control area.

2. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises one or more of a strap, clasp, clip, strap, tie or the like.

3. The football shoe or football boot of claim 1, wherein the transversely curved outer ball control surface presents a concave surface at least when in contact with a football during kicking.

4. The football shoe or football boot of claim 1, wherein the lateral ridge portions of the ball control region taper inwardly from rear to front.

5. The football shoe or football boot of claim 1, wherein the lateral ridge portions of the ball control region curve inwardly and downwardly when viewed in cross-section and define outwardly extending shoulders at edges of the lateral ridge portions, the outwardly extending shoulders including a plurality of eyelets or holes for receiving lacing.

6. The football shoe or football boot of claim 1, wherein the layer of material extends rearwardly into a lining portion that extends around the ankle or lower leg of the wearer when the shoe or boot is worn.

7. The football shoe or football boot of claim 1, wherein the layer of material comprises a soft, flexible material, and/or has a material similar to that of the upper.

8. A football shoe or football boot including a sole, an upper, a fastening means to fasten the shoe or boot in place, and a tongue disposed in situ between the fastening means and an underlying foot or sock, wherein the tongue is attached to or integral with the upper at a forward end thereof, and includes a ball control region including elements formed with or secured to the tongue in a manner that is not directly secured to the upper, wherein the ball control region includes a transversely curved outer ball control surface between respective lateral ridge portions, the ball control surface being contactable with a football during kicking, and wherein the ball control surface is located rearwardly of a forwardmost region of the tongue, and wherein the ball control region is dimensioned such that the ball control region is located generally by an opposed plurality of eyelets, portions, The plurality of eyelets, holes, or inner shoelace sleeves are adapted to receive the fastening means within an area defined by the holes or the inner shoelace sleeves in the upper.

9. The football shoe or football boot of claim 8, wherein the transversely curved outer ball control surface presents a concave surface at least when in contact with a football during kicking.

10. The football shoe or football boot of claim 8, wherein the lateral ridge portions of the ball control region taper inwardly from rear to front.

11. The football shoe or football boot of claim 8, wherein the lateral ridge portions of the ball control region curve inwardly and downwardly when viewed in cross-section, and define outwardly extending shoulders at edges of the lateral ridge portions, the outwardly extending shoulders including a plurality of eyelets or holes for receiving lacing.

12. The football shoe or football boot of claim 8, wherein the tongue extends more rearwardly than a rearmost edge of the element.

13. The football shoe or football boot of claim 8, wherein the upper comprises a soft, flexible material and the ball control region comprises a relatively more rigid material for defining the ridge portions and the laterally curved outer ball control surface, thereby imparting greater velocity to a ball kicked by contact with the upper including the ball control region.