WO1991014383A1

WO1991014383A1 - Improvements in footwear

Info

Publication number: WO1991014383A1
Application number: PCT/AU1991/000101
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Miers
Original assignee: David Miers
Priority date: 1990-03-20
Filing date: 1991-03-20
Publication date: 1991-10-03

Abstract

An article of footwear, more particularly intended for use in the playing of football, constructed and arranged so as to minimise, if not remove altogether, the likelihood of ankle injury for the wearer. The invention involves a first member, adapted to embrace the ankle and to be connected, releasably or permanently, to a shoe upper, whereby to provide full ankle support yet in no way inhibit flexibility of movement.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN FOOTWEAR The present invention relates, in general terms, to improvements in footwear and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to an improved article of footwear for use in sport and the like recreations. The improved article of footwear in accordance with the present invention is especially designed for usage in the playing of games such as football, be it Australian Rules football, soccer, rugby (League or Union) or whatever. It must be realised, however, that the article of footwear in accordance with the present invention lends itself to usage in any context wherein support is required for the ankle of the wearer, in order to protect that ankle against the rigours and stresses associated with the relevant pastime. For ease of explanation, however, hereinafter reference will be made to an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, involving a football boot or the like. It must be realised, however, that the invention is not to be considered to be in any way restricted to such a preferred usage or embodiment.

Throughout the ensuing description, for ease of explanation the wording "sports shoe" will be employed. Such terminology is intended to refer to any form of footwear intended for usage in either the playing of sports or for purely recreational purposes. Over the years there have been significant changes made to sports shoes and the like equipment, such changes having been intended to overcome problems and disadvantages evident in and associated with existing articles of footwear. What might be termed a standard sports shoe, embracing as it does only the foot of the wearer, has been found for some uses and in some contexts to exhibit significant advantages, in terms of flexibility of movement and overall lightness, in turn being responsible for or allowing for easy and uninhibited movement. However, such so-called standard sports shoes have been largely criticised for their lack of support for the ankle of the wearer. Indeed such lack of adequate ankle support has been alleged, and more often than not has been found, to contribute significantly to the incidence of ankle injuries of various types for the wearer.

With a view to reducing the likelihood of onset or occurrence of ankle and related injuries, over the years a number of arrangements have been employed. A first variation from the so-called standard sports shoe (as referred to in the preceding paragraph) involved the use of what might be termed high- cut shoes or boots, being arrangements wherein the upper of the shoe in fact extended up and over, and indeed surrounded, the ankle of the wearer. Whilst affording a degree of additional support for the ankle, such shoes have generally been found to be overly or unduly bulky in wear and to in some instances in feet inhibit proper flexing of the foot, thereby imposing an unwanted restriction on the wearer. In practical terms it has also been determined that, espedally for more rigorous sports such as, for example, football, such high-cut shoes still do not provide adequate support.

A second alternative involved the application of tape or the like around the ankle and foot of the person/athlete/wearer. Provided that such tape is properly applied so as to perform its function (support) for the entire duration of the relevant activity, it can provide adequate support for the ankle and reduce the likelihood of injury. Taking into account that the aforementioned high-cut shoes are themselves responsible for inhibition of flexing of the foot, the use of tape has been extremely popular as a means for preventing, or at least minimising, unwanted ankle injuries. Again in a more practical vein, however, it has been found to be a hassle for the wearer to both apply and remove the appropriate tape or taping. For well-credentialled and rather affluent professional sporting organisations, such as football clubs and the like, there will be on hand skilled people adept in correctly applying such tape. Amateur organisations and private individuals, however, almost invariably do not have ready access to such expertise. In addition, improperly applied taping can, under some circumstances, do more harm than good. Furthermore it has been found that, whilst well-applied tape provides both physical and psychological support, it is still restrictive and can in itself inhibit overall flexibility of the foot of the wearer.

The third alternative involved the use of so-called ankle braces, adapted to be inserted into a sports shoe. Such braces have been found to be overly weighty. Furthermore such braces are by their very nature designed to be multi-functional and therefore do not cater for the differing requirements of different sportsmen (and sportswomen).

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing the wearer with appropriate ankle support, whilst in no way inhibiting overall flexibility of the foot of such wearer. The present arrangement provides the wearer with in effect the equivalent of the ankle support and protection afforded by the prior art ankle braces - preventing over-extension in sideways movements without restricting the flexing of the foot in a straight line. With the present applicant's arrangement there is no restriction on the what might be termed "power" applied in running and jumping and a restrictive force will only be encountered or come into play when there is a risk to the ankle of the wearer, for example as might be expected to occur in over-extension in a sideways movement.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is therefore provided an ankle support assembly including an ankle embracing means adapted, in use, to be co-operable with a shoe upper, said ankle embracing means including a first means adapted to be disposed around the ankle of the wearer and means for fixing said first means in position relative to both said ankle of the wearer and said shoe upper.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports shoe including an upper and an ankle support assembly of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph. In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred embodiment of an ankle support assembly and a sports shoe in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a view, from the medial side, of a sports shoe with associated ankle support assembly in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view from the lateral side of the sports shoe of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of the sports shoe of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a rear view of the sports shoe of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 the arrangement in accordance with the present invention involves a sports shoe, preferably in the form of a football boot or the like, including an upper 1 and a sole 2, adapted to be interconnected in any known way, as for example by stitching, glueing or the like. The sole 2 furthermore includes means allowing for attachment thereto, again in any known way, of a plurality of ground-engaging studs or the like members 3. In an especially preferred embodiment the studs 3 may be removably connectable to the sole 2 and associated upper 1, but in an alternative embodiment the sole 2 and associated studs 3 can be moulded or formed integrally in a single operation. Whether the studs 3 are removable from or integral with the sole 2 constitutes no part of the invention. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a portion that is adapted to reach further up the leg of the wearer than even a standard high-cut sports shoe of the type previously referred to in this specification. This portion preferably includes a so-called anklet 4 that is adapted to surround and embrace the leg of the wearer above what might be termed the ankle knuckle. The anklet 4 is connected, in any known manner, to the shoe upper 1 at each side thereof. In one preferred embodiment the anklet 4 will be releasably connectable to the shoe upper 1, as for example through the co-operation of Velcro (Trade Mark) strips (not shown) appropriately disposed and sited externally on the shoe upper 1 and internally on the anklet 4. Such an arrangement will allow for ready removal of the anklet 4 when not desired, thereby affording the sports shoe in accordance with the present invention greater flexibility in use.

In an alternative embodiment the anklet 4 will be fixedly and non-removably connected to the shoe upper 1. One means of achieving such fixed and non-removable connection will be by stitching, a practice commonly employed in the shoe trade. In an alternative embodiment the anklet 4 will be affixed in position relative to the shoe upper 1 by means of a suitable adhesive. In yet a further alternative embodiment the anklet 4 and associated shoe upper 1 will be in the form of an integral member, adapted to be formed in a single manufecturing operation, adapted to be appropriately affixed to the sole 2.

In an especially preferred embodiment the shoe upper 1 and anklet 4 will be constructed of one and the same material, as for example leather. L the embodiment illustrated, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2, the anklet 4 is of such a shape and configuration as to not extend all the way around the ankle of the wearer. The gap 5 or discontinuity 5 provided, as shown more clearly in Figs. 2 and 4, assists in affording increased flexibility to the overall configuration. This is in marked contrast to standard sports shoes which, if they have any ankle protection at all, involve an arrangement which serves to extend around the entire foot of the wearer, rather than having sections missing as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. In yet an aternative embodiment, rather than a gap or discontinuity there may be provided a section of a different, more flexible, material. It must be understood, however, that such different material would in a practical sense perform no actual function, including instead of the aforementioned gap or discontinuity 5 for cosmetic and or aesthetic reasons. The end result will, however, be the improved flexibility afforded by the aforementioned gap or discontinuity.

With the present applicant's arrangement, in the especially preferred embodiment illustrated the cut-away or gap 5 does not cover, and in fact exposes, the achilles tendon area of the foot of the wearer. In a practical situation, when the wearer or athlete seeks to accelerate the achilles tendon has been found to stretch substantially such that the distance between the heel and points on the back of the leg change significantly. If a non-stretching material, such as standard shoe material (leather) for example, is connected from the heel to the aforementioned points on the back of the leg above the ankle knuckle, then the heel itself will pull the shoe material down or alternatively there will be restriction of actual movement altogether.

In accordance with yet a further preferred feature of the present invention yet another portion or section of the foot of the wearer of the sports shoe, more particularly on the top of the foot where it joins the leg, is also not covered or enclosed by or with material. Experimentation has shown that excess material in such a location only serves to get in the way when the foot flexes, restricting how far the foot and ankle can bend. Once again, however, a strip or portion of a more flexible material may be employed. The main ligaments to be protected are what might be termed the lateral ligamentous complex on the outside of the foot. The connecting apparatus between anklet 4 and shoe upper 1 on the lateral side of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention has been found to support these ligaments or ligamentous complex and to limit the extent to which they can be stretched. In the arrangement in accordance with the present invention the shoe upper 1 is effectively connected to the anklet 4 on each side by two means. Firstly it is itself attached to the anklet 4 on each side of the ankle of the wearer by means of sections 6. Secondly it is adapted to be attached to the opposed or opposite sides of the ankle by means of a connectable strap 7. In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated two such straps 7 are involved, but it should be noted that even a single strap 7 will function adequately. Preferably the or each strap 7 will be made of a material such as Velcro (Trade Mark) adapted, in use, to be affixed to or co-operate with an equivalent material provided on the anklet 4. In an especially preferred embodiment the or each strap 7 will be constructed or formed principally from the same material as the overall anklet 4, for example leather, and will have at least one strip of Velcro or the like material disposed at or in the dvinity of the free end thereof. Attachment to the overall anklet 4 will be achieved through co-operation of the aforementioned Velcro strips on the or each strap 7 with a strip or strips of additional Velcro material provided on the anklet 4. Such an arrangement assists in correct location of the straps 7 on the foot of the wearer.

It also simplifies actual construction of the anklet 4.

As illustrated in the drawings there is a cross-over of straps 7, this giving rise to the situation wherein the strap 7 from one side can be used to 'lock in" the strap 7 from the other side, forming a "cross" at the front of the foot as illustrated more dearly, for example, in Figs. 1 and 3.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 the anklet 4 will be provided with a lip or flap 8 at the rear thereof. Such has been found to minimise unwanted rubbing during use of the artide of footwear.

The injury prevention capabilities of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention emanate from the fact that the anklet 4 can remain in substantially the same position relative to the leg of the wearer even as the achilles tendon stretches. In other words the anklet 4 can act as a stable base. It has also been found that the shoe itself will act as a stable base. The arrangement is such as to provide substantially stable fixing points, on the shoe proper and the anklet respectively and extending over the ankle knuckles of the wearer. The arrangement is such that, in use, since the actual means of interconnection of the shoe proper and anklet extend over the ankle knuckles, the hinge or pivot points for overall movement of the ankle, then the distance between the anklet and the points of. connection to the shoe does not change significantly, in effect preventing unwanted shifting of the ankle relative to the shoe and over-extension of the ligaments, tendons, etc.

The arrangement in accordance with the present invention is responsible for enhanced improvement in the degree of ankle protection afforded the wearer. In both physiological and psychological terms, this gives the wearer more confidence that his (hex) ankles will withstand any undue stresses imparted thereto, whilst at the same time not losing any flexibility of movement. A significant improvement in performance can therefore be expected.

Claims

1. An ankle support assembly induding an ankle embracing means adapted, in use, to be co-operable with a shoe upper, said ankle embracing means induding a first means adapted to be disposed around the ankle of the wearer and means for fixing said first means in position relative to both said ankle of the wearer and said shoe upper.

2. The ankle support assembly as dai ed in daim 1, wherein said ankle embracing means is adapted to be releasably affixed to said shoe upper.

3. The ankle support assembly as daimed in daim 1, wherein said ankle embracing means is fixedly and non-releasably secured to said shoe upper.

4. The ankle support assembly as daimed in claim 3, wherein said ankle embracing means is secured to said shoe upper by stitching, adhesive means or the like.

5. The ankle support assembly as daimed in daim 2, wherein said ankle embracing means is releasably secured to said shoe upper by co-operating

Velcro strips on said ankle embracing means and said shoe upper respectively.

6. The ankle support assembly as daimed in any one of the preceding daims, wherein said fixing means indudes at least one strap or the like adapted, in use, to extend from a first side of said ankle embracing means, to pass over the instep of the wearer and to be releasably secured to the other side of said ankle embracing means.

7. The ankle support assembly as daimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one strap indudes Velcro or the like material thereon adapted, in use, to co-operate with similar material on said ankle embracing means.

8. The ankle support assembly as daimed in claim 7, induding at least one strip or portionof Velcro of the like material disposed at or in the vicinity of the free end of the or each strap.

9. The ankle support assembly as claimed in any one of daims 6 to 8 induding two straps, attached to opposed sides of said ankle embracing means, both straps being adapted to pass over the instep of the wearer in overlapping relationship and to be releasably secured to the respective other side of said ankle embracing means.

10. The ankle support assembly as daimed in any one of the preceding daims, made of a lightweight and flexible material.

11. The ankle support assembly as daimed in daim 10, constructed of leather or the like material.

12. The ankle support assembly as daimed in any one of the preceding daims, wherein said ankle embracing means indudes a gap or discontinuity in the area thereof adapted to embrace the heel of the wearer.

13. The ankle support assembly as daimed in daim 12, induding a protruding lip at the uppermost edge of said gap or discontinuity, said lip serving to prevent undue rubbing or chafing on the foot of the wearer.

14. A sports shoe, induding an upper and an ankle support assembly as daimed in any one of the preceding daims.

15. The sports shoe as daimed in daim 14, wherein said upper and assodated ankle support assembly are each made of the same material and are formed as an integral unit or assembly.

16. The sports shoe as daimed in daim 14 or daim 15, wherein said ankle support assembly is connected to said shoe upper at each side thereof, said attachments extending only partially around the heel portion of said shoe upper.