EP0656756A1 - Improvements in or relating to footwear - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to footwear

Info

Publication number
EP0656756A1
EP0656756A1 EP93917459A EP93917459A EP0656756A1 EP 0656756 A1 EP0656756 A1 EP 0656756A1 EP 93917459 A EP93917459 A EP 93917459A EP 93917459 A EP93917459 A EP 93917459A EP 0656756 A1 EP0656756 A1 EP 0656756A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strap
footwear
article
ankle
attachment strap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP93917459A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jack Goldberg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0656756A1 publication Critical patent/EP0656756A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/18—Joint supports, e.g. instep supports
    • A43B7/20—Ankle-joint supports or holders

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in or in relation to footwear and refers particularly, although not exclusively, to footwear for sporting use and which includes an ankle support strap.
  • a very common sporting injury is a sprain or tear of the lateral ligament. This usually occurs due to the foot turning in on itself.
  • many sports persons either wear high-cut boots, or tape the ankle prior to the sporting activity. Taping or strapping is very time consuming and expensive by virtue of the amount of tape or strapping involved.
  • High-cut boots are heavy and expensive and many sports persons dislike wearing them as a result. They are also not suited for certain sports such as, for example, soccer, where flexibility is inherently required.
  • the present invention provides an article or footwear having a sole and an upper, said upper having an opening through which a foot of a user is intended to be placed, an attachment strap extending upwardly adjacent said opening, and an ankle strap attachable to said attachment strap and intended, in use, to be placed around an ankle of said user.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an item of footwear incorporating the principal features of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the footwear of Figure 1 as fitted to a wearer
  • Figure 3 is a side view in partial cross-section of the footwear of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 in partial section and partially assembled;
  • Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 of a second embodiment.
  • Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 of a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 to 4 there is shown an item of footwear 10 adapted to be placed over the foot 12 of a wearer.
  • the foot 12 is, in accordance with normal biological function, at the lower end of an ankle 14 of the wearer.
  • the item of footwear 10 has an upper 16 and sole 18.
  • the upper 16 has a tongue 20, laces 22 to close a longitudinal opening 24 over the tongue 20 and a foot receiving opening 26 behind the tongue 20.
  • the foot receiving opening 26 is defined by what could be called the ankle portion of the item of footwear 10. This comprises an outer side 28, and inner side 30, and a heel portion 32.
  • the item of footwear 10 has an inner sole 34 located above the sole 18. Attached to the inner sole 34 adjacent the outer side 28 is an attachment strap 36 which extends upwardly along the inner surface of outer side 28 and through the foot receiving opening 26.
  • the attachment strap 36 is of a relatively strong material. It may be of elastic material, if desired, or, as illustrated, have an elastic portion 38.
  • the attachment strap 36 is intended to pass through loop 40 on the outer surface 42 of an ankle strap 44. Once it has been passed through the loop 40, the attachment strap 36 can be passed back on itself and secured to itself by use of appropriate methods such as, for example, "Nelcro" a hook and eye, pressed stud, or any other suitable means.
  • the ankle strap 44 is intended to be placed around the ankle of a wearer as is clear from Figures 2 and 3. With this in mind, it is provided with a means to secure the strap to itself once it has been passed around the ankle 14. To enable this to occur, it may be fitted with "Nelcro" a pressed stud, a hook and eye, or any other suitable attachment means.
  • the elastic portion 38 of the attachment strap 36 should be pulled relatively taught by a user so that the ankle strap 44 is located at the correct place of the ankle 14.
  • the elastic portion 38 also allows for variation in height of the ankle 14 above the inner sole 34 of the individual wearer.
  • an ankle strap 44 which provides support to the lateral ligament. It can be used with normal shoes, or low or medium high cut boots. In this way a large amount of taping or strapping is avoided, and high-cut boots are not required.
  • the ankle strap 44 may be folded and placed on the top of the tongue 20. Side flaps 50, 52 can then be closed to retain the strap 44 in position. "Nelcro" could again be used, or any other suitable securing means.
  • recess 60 may be provided in tongue 20 to accommodate a folded strap 44 when not in use.
  • attachment strap 36 may be located on the outer side 28 as illustrated, on the inner side 30, or on the heel portion 22. It could be that two or three such straps 36 could be used. It could even be on the tongue 20. This variation is illustrated in Figure 5 where like reference numerals are used to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 with the addition of the prefix number "1".
  • the tongue 120 has a loop 146 formed on the underneath surface thereof to enable the ankle strap 144 to pass therethrough.
  • the ankle strap 144 is identical in respect to the ankle strap 44 except that there is no loop 40 thereon. In this way the tongue 120 is used as the attachment strap and thus a separate attachment strap is not required. This may, however, require that the tongue 120 be made longer than normal. Side flaps
  • the attachment strap 236 is the same as the attachment strap 36 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However, here, there is provided an opening 248 in the outer side 228 to enable the attachment strap 236 to pass therethrough. In this way the attachment strap 236 is clearly located outside the foot an ankle of the wearer and could not possibly cause any irritation.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

An article of footwear (10) with a sole (18) and an upper (16). The upper (16) has opening (26) through which the foot of a user is to be placed. An attachment strap (36) extends upwardly adjacent the opening (26) and is adapted to receive an ankle strap (44) to be placed around the ankle of a wearer.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO FOOTWEAR
This invention relates to improvements in or in relation to footwear and refers particularly, although not exclusively, to footwear for sporting use and which includes an ankle support strap. A very common sporting injury is a sprain or tear of the lateral ligament. This usually occurs due to the foot turning in on itself. To reduce strain on the lateral ligament, many sports persons either wear high-cut boots, or tape the ankle prior to the sporting activity. Taping or strapping is very time consuming and expensive by virtue of the amount of tape or strapping involved. High-cut boots are heavy and expensive and many sports persons dislike wearing them as a result. They are also not suited for certain sports such as, for example, soccer, where flexibility is inherently required.
It is therefore the principal object of the invention to provide footwear having a built-in ankle support strap system.
With the above and other objects in mind, the present invention provides an article or footwear having a sole and an upper, said upper having an opening through which a foot of a user is intended to be placed, an attachment strap extending upwardly adjacent said opening, and an ankle strap attachable to said attachment strap and intended, in use, to be placed around an ankle of said user.
In order that the invention may be fully understood, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred constructions of items of footwear incorporating the principal features of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an item of footwear incorporating the principal features of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the footwear of Figure 1 as fitted to a wearer;
Figure 3 is a side view in partial cross-section of the footwear of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 in partial section and partially assembled;
Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 of a second embodiment; and
Figure 6 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 of a third embodiment.
To refer to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an item of footwear 10 adapted to be placed over the foot 12 of a wearer. The foot 12 is, in accordance with normal biological function, at the lower end of an ankle 14 of the wearer. The item of footwear 10 has an upper 16 and sole 18. The upper 16 has a tongue 20, laces 22 to close a longitudinal opening 24 over the tongue 20 and a foot receiving opening 26 behind the tongue 20.
The foot receiving opening 26 is defined by what could be called the ankle portion of the item of footwear 10. This comprises an outer side 28, and inner side 30, and a heel portion 32.
As is clear from Figure 3, the item of footwear 10 has an inner sole 34 located above the sole 18. Attached to the inner sole 34 adjacent the outer side 28 is an attachment strap 36 which extends upwardly along the inner surface of outer side 28 and through the foot receiving opening 26. The attachment strap 36 is of a relatively strong material. It may be of elastic material, if desired, or, as illustrated, have an elastic portion 38. The attachment strap 36 is intended to pass through loop 40 on the outer surface 42 of an ankle strap 44. Once it has been passed through the loop 40, the attachment strap 36 can be passed back on itself and secured to itself by use of appropriate methods such as, for example, "Nelcro" a hook and eye, pressed stud, or any other suitable means. The ankle strap 44 is intended to be placed around the ankle of a wearer as is clear from Figures 2 and 3. With this in mind, it is provided with a means to secure the strap to itself once it has been passed around the ankle 14. To enable this to occur, it may be fitted with "Nelcro" a pressed stud, a hook and eye, or any other suitable attachment means.
As is clear from Figure 4, the elastic portion 38 of the attachment strap 36 should be pulled relatively taught by a user so that the ankle strap 44 is located at the correct place of the ankle 14.
The elastic portion 38 also allows for variation in height of the ankle 14 above the inner sole 34 of the individual wearer.
In this way, an ankle strap 44 is provided which provides support to the lateral ligament. It can be used with normal shoes, or low or medium high cut boots. In this way a large amount of taping or strapping is avoided, and high-cut boots are not required. When not in use, the ankle strap 44 may be folded and placed on the top of the tongue 20. Side flaps 50, 52 can then be closed to retain the strap 44 in position. "Nelcro" could again be used, or any other suitable securing means. As an alternative, recess 60 may be provided in tongue 20 to accommodate a folded strap 44 when not in use.
It must be realised that attachment strap 36 may be located on the outer side 28 as illustrated, on the inner side 30, or on the heel portion 22. It could be that two or three such straps 36 could be used. It could even be on the tongue 20. This variation is illustrated in Figure 5 where like reference numerals are used to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 with the addition of the prefix number "1".
In the embodiment of Figure 5, the tongue 120 has a loop 146 formed on the underneath surface thereof to enable the ankle strap 144 to pass therethrough. The ankle strap 144 is identical in respect to the ankle strap 44 except that there is no loop 40 thereon. In this way the tongue 120 is used as the attachment strap and thus a separate attachment strap is not required. This may, however, require that the tongue 120 be made longer than normal. Side flaps
150, 152 are clearly illustrated having "Nelcro" strips 154, 156 to enable the ankle strap 144 to be held over the tongue 120 when not in use.
In the embodiment of Figure 6 again like references are used for like components with the addition of prefix number "2".
In the embodiment of Figure 6 the attachment strap 236 is the same as the attachment strap 36 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. However, here, there is provided an opening 248 in the outer side 228 to enable the attachment strap 236 to pass therethrough. In this way the attachment strap 236 is clearly located outside the foot an ankle of the wearer and could not possibly cause any irritation.
In all other respects, the embodiment of Figure 6 is that identical to that of Figures 1 to 4.
Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description three embodiments of footwear incorporating the principal features of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technical field concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the ambient of the invention.

Claims

1. An article of footwear having a sole and an upper, said upper having an opening through which foot of a user is intended to be placed, an attachment strap extending upwardly adjacent said opening, and an ankle strap and intended, in use, to be placed around an ankle of said user.
2. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment strap is secured to an inner sole located immediately above said sole, said attachment strap extending upwardly through said opening.
3. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said attachment strap is of an elastic material.
4. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said attachment strap has an elastic portion intermediate its length.
5. An article of footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said attachment strap passes through a loop on said ankle strap and then releasably secured to itself to enable said ankle strap to be releasably attached to said attachment strap. 6. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 5, wherein said releasable attachment is by "Nelcro" strips in said attachment strap. 7. An article of footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
6. wherein said ankle strap has means to secure the strap to itself once it has been passed around said ankle. 8. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means comprises "Nelcro" strips on said ankle strap. 9. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment strap comprises a tongue attached to said ankle strap to pass therethrough. 10. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper has a further opening adjacent said sole, said attachment strap passing being secured to an inner sole located immediately above said sole and passing through said further opening and upwardly beyond said upper.
11. An article of footwear substantially as hereinbefore described withe reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 1 1 January 1994 ( 1 1 .01 .94) ; original cl aims 1 -1 1 replaced by amended claims 1 -10 (2 pages ) ]
1. An article of footwear having a sole and an upper; said upper having an opening through which a foot of a user is intended to be placed; an attachment strap not forming part of but being secured to said upper and extending vertically upwardly adjacent said opening and beyond said upper; and an ankle strap releasably attached to said attachment strap and adapted to be placed around an ankle of said user.
2. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment strap is secured to an inner sole located immediately above said sole, said attachment strap extending upwardly through said opening.
3. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said attachment strap is of an elastic material. 4. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said attachment strap has an elastic portion intermediate its length.
5. An article of footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
4. wherein said attachment strap passes through a loop on said ankle strap and then releasably secured to itself to enable said ankle strap to be releasably attached to said attachment strap.
6. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 5, wherein said releasable attachment is by "Nelcro" strips in said attachment strap.
7. An article of footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said ankle strap has means to secure the strap to itself once it has been passed around said ankle.
8. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means comprises "Velcro" strips on said ankle strap.
9. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachment strap comprises a tongue attached to said ankle strap to pass therethrough.
10. An article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper has a further opening adjacent said sole, said attachment strap passing being secured to an inner sole located immediately above said sole and passing through said further opening and upwardly beyond said upper.
EP93917459A 1992-08-24 1993-08-17 Improvements in or relating to footwear Withdrawn EP0656756A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPL424192 1992-08-24
AUPL4241/92 1992-08-24
PCT/AU1993/000423 WO1994004049A1 (en) 1992-08-24 1993-08-17 Improvements in or relating to footwear

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0656756A1 true EP0656756A1 (en) 1995-06-14

Family

ID=3776374

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93917459A Withdrawn EP0656756A1 (en) 1992-08-24 1993-08-17 Improvements in or relating to footwear

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0656756A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH08500264A (en)
AU (1) AU4692493A (en)
CA (1) CA2143006A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1994004049A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9417006D0 (en) * 1994-08-23 1994-10-12 Thornton Richard I Golfing footwear
AUPO497897A0 (en) * 1997-02-06 1997-02-27 Miers, David John Anklet
US20020194749A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2002-12-26 Jones Lindell B. Footwear with reversible tongue
US7013586B1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2006-03-21 Nike, Inc. Article of athletic footwear with a leash
WO2005087030A1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2005-09-22 Cerbio Co., Ltd. Ankle support to be attached to footwear and footwear equipped with it
US7334354B2 (en) * 2004-06-04 2008-02-26 Nike, Inc. Adjustable ankle support for an article of footwear
US8516723B2 (en) 2008-10-08 2013-08-27 Nike, Inc. Midfoot insert construction
US8333024B2 (en) 2008-10-08 2012-12-18 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear for dancing
US9095190B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2015-08-04 Nike, Inc. Sole structure configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
US9936759B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2018-04-10 Nike, Inc. Footwear and foot support member configured to allow relative heel/forefoot motion
US9107478B2 (en) * 2013-02-08 2015-08-18 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear having a tapered throat and transitional lacing

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3327410A (en) * 1965-05-06 1967-06-27 Sr Herbert W Park Athletic shoe with integral flexible ankle support
FR2201052B1 (en) * 1972-09-27 1979-09-14 Pontvert Sa Richard
US4282659A (en) * 1979-08-21 1981-08-11 Gamebridge, Inc. Sports boot strap closure system
US4571856A (en) * 1984-05-21 1986-02-25 Autry Industries, Inc. Double laced athletic shoe
US4586271A (en) * 1984-08-10 1986-05-06 Maleyko John R K Extendible boot
US5177884A (en) * 1989-09-07 1993-01-12 Salomon S.A. Cross-country ski shoe

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9404049A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU4692493A (en) 1994-03-15
CA2143006A1 (en) 1994-03-03
JPH08500264A (en) 1996-01-16
WO1994004049A1 (en) 1994-03-03

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