RU2795494C2 - Adaptive football shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: football footwear.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to shoes that are worn when playing football. A football shoe or football boot comprises a sole and an upper. The top comprises a ball control area comprising a central area and one or more protrusions on each side of the central area, said one or more protrusions on each side defining one ridge along the central area. The ridges are parallel or converge inwardly in the forward direction of the shoe or boot, at least in its filled configuration. The central region between the ridges is convex so that, at least in the filled shoe or boot configuration, at least the top of the central region rises above the ridges. The top comprises a cut-out area formed by the flexible material of the top and is that part of the top that is generally behind the toe and behind the cut line and in front of the wearer's ankle. The ridges on each side of the central region lie in the notched region. The central area and the ridges of the ball control area are configured to come into contact with the ball during the kick.

EFFECT: improving the feel of the ball when hitting the ball and reduce the extra mass, while providing the user with additional hitting power and accuracy.

15 cl, 13 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention generally relates to footwear worn when playing football. The invention is suitable for all sports, including soccer, rugby, and Australian, American and Gaelic football, but is particularly useful when playing what is known as soccer in most countries and soccer in others.

State of the art

Over time, many proposals have appeared for football shoes or boots with uppers that improve the result of hitting the ball. For example, US Pat. No. 6,421,936 discloses a football shoe comprising an upper with a rise defined by a pair of longitudinally spaced ribs on the side of a transversely concave surface to substantially cup a ball that is in contact with said instep. Said top also includes a toe area, and said ribs have front surfaces at their front ends behind the toe area with corresponding peaks of the top.

The general concept of a concave surface in contact with the ball is also disclosed in EP 359081, in which a pair of ribs are located along the sides of the lacing region, and in EP 496931, in which the concave surface extends from the flat tip of the shoe almost to the ankle opening. International Patent Publication WO 1996/022712 describes a soccer shoe in which the combination of external leather inserts and toe ribs is believed to give the player more precise control of the ball during the kick.

Using the configuration described in US Pat. No. 6,421,936, objective testing has shown that the modified top increases ball release speed when all other factors are nearly equal, and players' subjective experience indicates that this configuration increases hitting accuracy. Both of these advantages are clearly valuable when shooting on goal in soccer and other forms of football.

However, player experience has shown that football shoes with modified uppers of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patents may be less comfortable than unmodified shoes, especially when braking on the ground, due to the reduced flexibility of the upper. This has caused the modified area to be installed behind the toe area in the embodiments described in US Pat. No. 6,421,936, as well as in the commercial shoe made in accordance with this patent and sold under the brand name Concave®.

Another modified soccer shoe is disclosed in US Patent 7,941,943. The shoe comprises a ball control insert comprising one or more raised ball control surfaces that are installed within a lapel portion that overlaps the tongue. While this modified shoe may improve ball hitting ability, the location and extent of said ball control insert may be uncomfortable for the wearer, especially while running.

In order to meet the need for a more comfortable soccer shoe with improved ball impact, the Applicant has developed the shoe disclosed in International Patent Publication WO 2014/183170, in which a generally rigid and concave ball control area is located substantially behind the toe area within the lapel, closing tongue. Due to its inherently posterior location, the rigid ball control area of this soccer shoe does not apply load or dent into the instep or toes of the wearer, thereby providing a more comfortable fit.

The applicant's international application WO 2016/141427 describes a concave spherical region at the rear end of an insert with a long front tail, with which it is inserted into and attached to the tongue of a shoe or cleat.

While these shoes have proven to be beneficial due to improved hitting accuracy and ball speed, players have suggested that running comfort could be further improved, and have also raised some concerns about the extra mass of the shoe resulting from the inserted material to achieve modified top. This is especially true in the case of an insert according to WO 2014/183170 and WO 2016/141427, where the uniform nature of the insert defining both ribs results in an increase in volume.

In addition, some wearers have had difficulty lacing shoes that contain reconfigured uppers or find such shoes aesthetically unappealing due to their large size.

Another problem that arises, especially for experienced wearers, is that some prior art modified shoes or boots result in a loss of "ball feel", thereby negating some of the positive benefits that the modified shoe or boot can provide.

The purpose of this invention is to at least partially solve at least one of these problems.

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art can reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant and/or combined with other parts of the prior art by a person skilled in the art.

The essence of the invention

Through testing and experimentation, the inventors of the present invention realized that it was possible to solve the problems of comfort, weight, ease of use, aesthetics and, most importantly, feel of the ball, and still achieve an improved ball hit.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a football shoe or football boot comprising:

sole; And

a top containing a cutout area provided by a flexible material of said top, the cutout area defining a boundary of said flexible material, with a flap or tongue extending within said boundary;

wherein said curtain or tongue comprises a central part and one or more protrusions located on the side of said central part, wherein the protrusions are formed from a material added to the material defining said curtain or tongue, while said central part either does not have, or has a negligible amount of said added material forming said projections.

The absence or negligible amount of added material increases the feeling of the ball inside said center portion for the player. Any thin layer of added material that may be present in the core preferably has a negligible effect on hardness, stiffness, or damping within the core.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a football shoe or football boot comprising:

sole; And

a top containing a cutout area provided by a flexible material of said top, the cutout area defining a boundary of said flexible material, with a flap or tongue extending within said boundary;

said curtain or tongue comprises a central part and one or more protrusions located on the side of said central part, wherein the central part is configured to provide a low level of ball damping relative to said one or more protrusions.

This low level of ball damping within the center section increases the feel of the ball for the player.

Said cutout area, i.e. the top part, is generally the portion of the vamp which is generally behind the toe and behind the cutline (if any) and in front of the wearer's ankle. Typically in athletic shoes, this will contain a closure section and will contain a tassel ("fastening members" as discussed below). As such, the cutout (if present) is an opening in the cutout area and is typically located where the tongue is provided. However, in the canopy version, the cutout area may no longer provide an opening per se if said canopy is attached along the border of the flexible material. The curtain does not necessarily need to be attached along said boundary, although it is preferred that the curtain and centerpiece be held in place during use. In one form of the present invention, the canopy is of a different construction or material than substantially the rest of the top.

In another form of the present invention, the canopy and substantially the remainder of the top may be made of the same material, such as a stretchable material or fabric, with the remainder of the top sheathed or covered with a flexible material with less extensibility than the canopy. For example, said stretchable material or fabric may be sheathed or coated with a protective sheath or film. The edge of said protective sheath or film respectively defines the boundary of the flexible material within which the curtain is provided. The cutout area may be different from the rest of the upper, or alternatively may be indistinguishable and simply define a particular area of the shoe or cleat.

The border of the cut-out area may completely enclose the canopy or only partially surround the canopy. In another version of the invention, said border may border the canopy on both sides of the canopy.

In the tongue version, the tongue can be the same material as the rest of the upper, or a material with similar properties to the rest of the upper. Preferably, said border partially surrounds the tongue, for example on both sides of the tongue.

The central part and the protrusions on both sides define the ball control area used to gain advantages for the wearer. By providing a reduced level of damping compared to the ridges, the center portion advantageously provides the wearer with an improved degree of ball feel that would otherwise be greatly softened or canceled out by the presence of a material or structure, such as material associated with the ridges. or forming them in this position. Also, by positioning the ridges on the canopy, wearers who have, for example, wider feet will continue to experience the ball impact benefits provided by the ridges since the ridges will remain in a position that is centered with the wearer's foot. In this way, the beneficial effects provided by said projections regarding the strength and accuracy of hitting the ball are maintained while the wearer also experiences an improved feel of the ball due to the reduced level of damping provided by the center portion.

The center portion may be less rigid than one or more of the lugs, thereby providing a reduced level of damping. The center portion may be less hard than one or more lugs, thereby providing a reduced level of damping.

Said upper preferably comprises a flexible material for optimal wearer comfort. The flexible material has less stiffness than said projections and preferably has the same stiffness as the core. However, said flexible material may be more or less rigid than the core. In one preferred embodiment, the central portion may be defined by the absence of material associated with or forming the protrusions. If there is no material in the central part associated with or forming said protrusions, then the stiffness of the central part will be the same as that of the flexible material. Therefore, the material associated with or forming said protrusions can lie only to the side of the central part. Thus, the wearer will have approximately the same level of "ball feel" throughout the tongue or canopy, except for areas containing stiffer ridges.

Said protrusions may be formed by applying a fluid, such as a settable plastic material, to the tongue or flap. Alternatively, said protrusions may be formed by applying a non-hardening material, such as a gel material, to the tongue or flap. More specifically, said protrusions may be formed from an injected material injected between the inner and outer surfaces of the curtain or tongue. However, other methods for applying a hardenable plastic material are also known. The curtain or tongue may be formed from a first layer and a second layer, such as an outer layer and an inner layer, said protrusions being located between the first and second layers. For example, the protrusions may be formed from an injection material injected between the first and second layers, such as the outer layer and the inner layer. The injected material may be in direct contact with said first and second layers. Alternatively, the protrusions may be preformed, for example by inserts, which are then placed between said first and second layers, for example the outer and inner layers. The protrusions can then be secured between the layers by any method known in the art. For example, the protrusions can be secured between layers by gluing, stitching, welding, or a combination of these attachment methods.

In one alternative, the protrusions may be located on the upper surface of the canopy or tongue. For example, protrusions can be formed (eg by injecting material) directly on the upper surface of the canopy. In another example, the protrusions may be pre-formed, for example by inserts, which are then attached to the top surface. The preformed ridges may be part of a separate element that overlaps the canopy or tongue area.

In another alternative, the protrusions may be located on the bottom surface of the canopy or tongue. For example, protrusions can be formed (eg by injecting material) directly on the bottom surface. In another example, the protrusions may be preformed, for example by inserts, which are then attached to the bottom surface. The preformed projections may be part of a separate element that lies below the canopy or tongue area. Said separate element may be placed within a slot or slot defining a pocket in the flap or tongue.

In another example, the projections may be integrally formed with the curtain or tongue, for example, if the curtain or tongue is molded or formed, then the projections may be formed in this process, for example, by molding or undermolding during said manufacturing process.

A football shoe or football boot may include a fastening mechanism for fastening the shoe or boot in place, and the fastening mechanism may be associated with a fastening area that contains, underlies, or overlaps one or more fastening mechanism components. The flap or tongue may be positioned at least partially within said fastening area.

The fastening mechanism preferably comprises a lacing system, but may also comprise any other known fastening means typical in the art, such as those discussed below.

The protrusions may be of any suitable number, shape, or size to achieve one or more of the desired effects. For example, there may be one protrusion located on each side of the central portion. In another example, there may be a plurality of protrusions located on each side of the central portion. In yet another example, there may be a different number of protrusions located on each side of the central portion.

The protrusions preferably have rounded tops, i.e. without a sharp top. The protrusions may be positioned to define a ridge on each side of the center portion. Each ridge may be in the form of a single linear protrusion. Combs can be curved or straight. The ridges may be evenly spaced along their length. Alternatively, the ridges may converge inward in a forward direction. This thereby defines a narrowing of the center portion from rear to front, whereby the distance between the protrusions on opposite sides of the center portion is reduced. This expansion of the projections may continue until the projections meet at the junction defining the center of the central portion. The inwardly converging projections may thus provide the wearer with a larger "playing spot" in which the wearer can grip the ball on impact. The ridges may be connected at their front ends in such a way that the two ridges form a U-shape. The ridges may also converge inwards at their posterior ends, but not to the same extent as at their anterior ends.

The height of the ridges relative to the upper surface of the canopy or tongue may vary along their length. Preferably, said height tapers in the forward direction. Instead of joining and forming a U-shape, the ridges may taper in height and merge into the upper surface of the tongue or canopy. This reduces the amount of added material in the instep area and creates more comfort for the wearer.

Alternatively, the ridges may converge in width in the forward direction.

Preferably, the front (distal) parts are spaced apart from any elements of the fastening mechanism. This ensures that the projections are capable of providing the maximum possible benefit to the wearer during the impact of the ball, since the mutual intersection between the fastening mechanism and the distal portions of the projections can reduce all the benefits provided by said projections. In one example, at least a portion of the projections are located behind the fastening area.

The fastening mechanism may be functionally engaged with the protrusions. For example, when using lacing, the laces can be passed through the tabs.

The canopy may extend backwards into the collar portion, the collar portion extending around the ankle or shin of the wearer while wearing the shoe or boot. The canopy may be relatively more extensible than the rest of the upper to facilitate insertion of the foot. The canopy may contain an elastomeric material such as neoprene or other stretch fabrics.

The flap may be positioned in the fastening area in such a manner as to restrict lateral and/or longitudinal movement relative to the rest of the upper when the football boot or shoe is in the padded configuration. For example, the canopy may be attached to the rest of the top, thereby restricting lateral and/or longitudinal movement of the canopy relative to the top. For example, the canopy can be attached to the top by sewing, welding or gluing. Alternatively, the curtain may be secured with a fastening means, such as a drawstring, through the curtain. This helps ensure that the protrusions and the centerpiece are always in approximately the same position for the wearer. This is especially useful because the regular tongue of a soccer shoe or cleat is prone to moving during play, and having the lugs and center section in a predictable and permanent location means that the wearer can take advantage of these features with limited need for tongue re-adjustment. .

In an alternative form of the present invention, the remainder of the upper may comprise the same base material as the canopy, as discussed above. Thus, the base layer forming the rest of the top and canopy can be continuous.

The tongue can be attached to the top or integral with the top. The tongue can be secured with a fastening means such as a lacing through the side of the sides. This helps ensure that the protrusions and the centerpiece are always in approximately the same position for the wearer.

The canopy may form part of the upper without a distinct tongue, as is known for conventional tongueless shoes. In another example, the canopy may form part of the upper, wherein the football shoe or cleat further comprises a tongue located between the canopy and the wearer's foot. The presence of the tongue in addition to the canopy provides the wearer with the benefits associated with the canopy, ie the centerpiece and ridges, but also provides the wearer with the benefits associated with the tongue. These advantages include the ease of putting on the shoe or boot, taking off the shoe or boot, the presence of elements of the fastening mechanism, such as laces, sitting on the tongue, rather than rubbing against the wearer's foot.

At least a portion of the central portion may lie within the fastening area. For example, the entire center portion may lie within the fastening area. If the central part lies partly inside the fastening area, it preferably lies partly behind the fastening area. In an alternative example, the entire center portion may lie outside the fastening area. In this example, the center piece may lie behind the fastening area.

The central part may be positioned over the wearer's instep.

Any of the features described below in relation to other aspects of the present invention may also be of use with those aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a soccer shoe or soccer boot is provided, comprising:

sole; And

top, wherein the top comprises a central region, wherein the top comprises one or more protrusions on each side of said central region, wherein one or more protrusions on each side define a ridge along said central region such that said ridges and said central region define an area to control the ball

wherein the protrusions are formed by combining fluid material with said top in direct contact with said top.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a ball control area on the top of a football shoe or football boot, the method comprising:

combining fluid material with said top in direct contact therebetween to define one or more protrusions on each side of the central region, wherein one or more protrusions on each side are positioned to define a ridge along said central region such that said ridges and said central region determine the ball control area on the specified shoe or boot.

Said fluid material may be a settable plastic material which, once set, forms protrusions which may be stiffer or harder than the top. Preferably, when the top is formed from a flexible material, the settable plastic material is applied directly to the flexible top material, ie in direct contact with said flexible top material. The hardenable plastic material can be applied after the upper has been made and before or after being attached to the sole. The hardenable plastic material may be in liquid form. The hardenable plastic material can be applied by injection either between layers in a multi-layered upper construction, or into an integral multi-layered flexible material, such as leather; between fibers or particles of flexible material; in the spaces between the components of the flexible material; either on the top or bottom of a single layer of flexible material. When a hardenable plastic material is provided on one surface of the flexible material, it may adhere to that surface and form a protrusion on the other surface.

The protrusions may be located in any of the following positions: outside the fastening area, for example, outside the lacing receiving elements, for example, lacing blocks; distributed between receiving elements for lacing; on the tongue; or on the canopy, as defined above. The protrusions preferably lie within the cutout region of the shoe. The projections preferably lie on top of the wearer's instep. The final position of the protrusions may differ from the center of the foot as a result of the different foot shapes of the users.

Alternatively, said fluid material may be a fluid filler material. These can be gels, air, or metamaterials such as those that are malleable under normal pressure or manipulation and become solid at higher impacts. The flowable filling material can be applied after the upper has been made and before or after being attached to the sole. The fluid filler material may be in liquid form. The flowable filler material can be applied by injection either between layers in a multi-layered upper construction, or into an integral multi-layered flexible material such as leather; between fibers of flexible material; in the spaces between the components of the flexible material; or in a pocket inside the top.

Since the ridges are on each side of the central region, the application of said fluid material can be limited to discrete areas, i.e. divided on either side of the central region, with no or negligible amount of settable plastic material within the central region.

Any of the features described in connection with other aspects of the present invention may also be of use with those aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a soccer shoe or soccer boot is provided, comprising:

sole; And

a top defined by inner and outer surfaces, wherein the upper comprises two spaced side ridges together with an area extending centrally between said two spaced side ridges, said area having a convex shape in at least a filled shoe or boot configuration, said ridges being obtained of material injected between said inner and outer surfaces of said top.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a ball control area on a football shoe or football boot comprising an upper defined by inner and outer surfaces, the method comprising:

injecting material between said inner and outer surfaces of said upper to form two spaced side ridges, wherein the ridges are located together with an area extending centrally between said two spaced side ridges, forming a convex shape at least in the filled configuration of said shoe or boot.

Said material may be injected between the first and second sheet layers of the top. Said convex region may contain or be defined by an opening. A lath may be formed on the edges of said hole, and the top defines inner and outer layers on said edges of said hole. A flowable material such as a gel or a hardening plastic material may be injected between the inner and outer layers. When a lacing or other fastener passes between said opening, the placket may also reinforce said edges.

Instead of having multiple sheet layers defining the top, a leather top or similar laminated sheet material can be provided, with the ridges being made from material injected between the inner and outer layers.

For example, said several layers of skin may comprise a front part, the skin itself and a connecting part, wherein the comb material is injected in such a way as to separate the two said layers and form a pocket containing the injected material therein.

There can be more than one insert to define each ridge. Preferably, injected inserts are the only addition to a shoe to define a ridge without the need for additional layers of material that add bulk and bulk to the shoe or cleat.

Preferably the injected inserts are relatively stiffer or harder than the inner and/or outer layers.

Any of the features described above in connection with the preceding or subsequent aspects of the present invention may have application to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a football shoe or football boot comprising:

sole; And

a top containing a cutout area provided by a flexible material of said top, the cutout area defining a boundary of said flexible material, with a flap or tongue extending within said boundary;

wherein said curtain or tongue comprises a central part and one or more protrusions located on the side of said central part, the protrusions being formed by applying a fluid material to said curtain or tongue.

In accordance with yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a ball control area on the top of a soccer shoe or soccer boot, the top comprising a cutout area provided with a flexible material of said top, the cutout area defining a boundary of said flexible material, with canopy or tongue passing inside the specified border, and the method includes:

applying a fluid material to said flap or tongue to define protrusions therein that define said ball control area.

Said fluid material may comprise a hardenable plastic material. An additional step may include allowing said settable plastic material to set. Alternatively, said fluid material may contain a gel or other fluids as discussed above.

Any of the features described in connection with other aspects of the present invention may also be of use with those aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a football shoe or football boot is provided, comprising:

sole; And

top, and the top contains a central region, while the top contains one or more protrusions on each side of the specified central region, and one or more protrusions on each side defines a ridge along the specified central region, and the central region between the specified ridges has a convex shape, so that in at least the filled configuration of said shoe or boot, at least the top of said central region rises above said ridges.

The central region may correspond to the instep region of the shoe or cleat. The term "lifting region" is to be understood as the portion of a shoe or cleat that is worn over the upper surface of the curved medial portion of the human foot. The central region may contain a fastening mechanism for fastening the shoe or boot in place. The center region may be a fastening region.

The specified vertex can be a single point or an edge line centered in the central region between adjacent ridges on each side. At each point along the vertex line, the vertex point may rise above an adjacent ridge point. The convex shape of the central region may contain one convex mound between the ridges.

At least the top of the central region rises above the ridges in at least the filled shoe or cleat configuration. "Exalted" is understood in the frame of reference corresponding to the configuration of the foot placed on the ground. Because the fastening mechanism can take many forms, including conventional lacing with a tongue at the bottom, the tongue can return to a non-worn configuration. Thus, the sign "sublime" is understood in an occupied configuration, such as being worn or containing shoe filler/stretcher or simply thin wrapping paper, which is commonly used in new shoes for display purposes. In shoes with a more unconventional shape, such as shown in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, at least the top of the central region rises above the ridges for both wearing and non-wearing configurations.

Preferably, during some forms of ball contact for a standard round soccer ball or other type of soccer ball, only the convex shape is involved, while during other forms of contact with the ball for the specified soccer ball, the convex shape and ridges are made with the possibility of coming into contact with the soccer ball. For example, during low force kicks, the soccer ball may only come into contact with the convex shape between the ridges, with the exception of the specified ridges. Other forms of ball contact can be hits with great force, with the ridges also in contact with the ball. During a high force impact, the deformation of the ball, due to its elastically deformable nature, may be such that it partially wraps around the foot in contact with the ridges and a convex shape between the ridges. The distance between the ridges can contribute to this functionality.

Each ridge may be in the form of a single linear protrusion. The ridges may also be curved or straight. The ridges may be evenly spaced along their length. Alternatively, the ridges may converge inward towards the front.

Said protrusions may be formed by applying a hardenable plastic material to said top. The protrusions defining the ridges may be inserts located under the outer layer of the upper so that the upper has a one-piece appearance. This can be achieved by injecting material under the outer layer of the upper. In a preferred form of the present invention, the top is defined by inner and outer surfaces or layers, with material being injected between the inner and outer surfaces or layers.

For the embodiments of the invention described herein, it is preferred that the injected material is a hardenable plastic material. This material may adhere to one or both of the inner and outer layers. Thus, the injected material can be formed inside the pocket between the inner and outer layers. This preferred manufacturing process is called CNC precision casting, which is a compression molding method (also called "injection molding").

It is also possible to create ridges/protrusions with:

(i) direct molding onto the outer material

(ii) overlays

(iii) direct surface injection

(iv) undermolding

(v) creating a layered structure

(vi) injection molding

(vii) internal injection

(viii) input of preformed parts

Preferably, the material defining the ridges is stiffer than the upper layer(s), if possible, depending on the particular construction method. The upper accordingly contains a flexible material for optimal wearer comfort, while the lugs are generally relatively stiffer, giving more speed and more accuracy to the ball kicked as a result of contact with the lugs/ridges.

The preferred material for the ridges/protrusions described above is a PU (polyurethane) based material with a hardness of 80-85 Shore A (material hardness should cover the entire range of Shore A hardness and Shore C and D hardness).

Any injected and/or moldable materials can be used - TPU, TPR, rubber, silicone, EVA, PET, PP, foams and all thermo- and/or compression-molded materials and gels, liquids in any form, with any viscosity and shape, including double and/or multidensity materials. The gel or fluid must lie within Shore OO and Shore OO. Compressed gas can also be used to fill a pocket or cavity to create each ridge/protrusion.

A shoe or cleat according to the embodiments described herein may also comprise an inner upper portion. Said inner portion of the upper preferably comprises a flexible material for optimum wearer comfort. As such, the inside of the upper may be of a soft, flexible material such as woven or knitted fabric or neoprene. Preferably, the interior of the upper is made from an elastomeric, stretchable or stretchable material that stretches to conform to the wearer's foot when it is placed in the shoe. The inside of the upper may also integrate the tongue and/or collar around the heel. In this way, the inside of the upper, the tongue, and the collar can have a single shape that is attached to the sole plate. However, the invention, in accordance with the various aspects mentioned above, also provides for a conventional tongue.

The convex shape between the ridges may change during use of the shoe or cleat. For example, a bulge shape may have the most bulge when the shoe is not being worn. When wearing the shoe, depending on the instep of the wearer, the convex shape may present less convexity than in the non-wearing state. However, in some people, when worn, the feet create a large bulge in the central region. Thirdly, the bulge can also change depending on the impact of the ball. For example, when the ball strikes two spaced side ridges, the ball may exert a tensile effect on the two spaced side ridges, resulting in a decrease in the amount of convexity.

The central region between the ridges may contain a fastening mechanism, which is preferably a lacing, but may also contain any other known fasteners typical in the art, such as closures, e.g. hook and eye, clips, e.g. snap fasteners, belts, ribbon which include Velcro or the like, or buckles, zippers, buttons or the like. When lacing is used, the upper may comprise a plurality of lacing receptacles, such as eyelets or pulleys, holes, loops, hooks, or sleeves, which are configured to receive a lacing or similar fastener to fasten the shoe or boot in place. Usually, lacing receivers are located in sets spaced apart on the sides. The lacing can run between the specified sets, such as cross or straight lacing.

The ridges may lie outside the fastening mechanism.

Any of the features described in connection with other aspects of the present invention may have application to those aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a football shoe or football boot is provided, comprising:

sole; And

a top, wherein the top comprises a central laced region, wherein the top comprises one or more protrusions on each side, outside of said central laced region, the one or more protrusions on each side defining a ridge along said central region.

Any of the features described above in connection with the above aspects of the present invention may have application to those aspects of the present invention.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a football shoe or football boot comprising:

sole; And

a top containing a cutout area provided with a flexible material of said top, the cutout area defining a boundary of said flexible material, with a canopy extending inside said boundary;

wherein said canopy comprises a central part and one or more protrusions located on the side of said central part, with one or more protrusions on each side defining a ridge along said central part, so that said ridges and said central part define an area for ball control and wherein said canopy contains an extensible material, so that the distance between said ridges is variable.

The variable spacing between said ridges allows the ball control area to adapt to the shape of the wearer's inserted foot. The wider the foot, the wider the ridges/bulges will be spaced or stretched across the width of the foot.

Any of the features described above in connection with the above aspects of the present invention may have application to those aspects of the present invention.

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

As used herein, except where the context otherwise requires, the term "comprises" and variations of this term such as "comprising", "comprise", and "comprised" are not intended to exclude additional additives, components, integers, or steps. .

Additional aspects of the present invention and additional embodiments of these aspects described in the previous paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of graphic materials

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

Fig. 1A and 1B are side views showing a football boot or shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with and without feet;

Fig. 2A and 2B are front views of the preferred shoe with and without feet;

Fig. 3A and 3B are alternate side views of a preferred shoe shape with and without feet;

Fig. 4A and 4B are rear views of a preferred shoe shape with and without feet;

Fig. 5A and 5B are 45 degree rear views of a preferred shoe with and without feet;

Fig. 6A and 6B are plan views of a preferred shoe shape with and without feet;

Fig. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a preferred shoe shape with and without feet;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred shoe shape with feet showing a kick with a standard round soccer ball;

Fig. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention, with and without feet;

Fig. 10 is a front view of the shoe according to FIG. 9A and 9B.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred shoe shape with feet;

Fig. 12A and 12B are perspective views of a shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention, with and without feet;

Fig. 13 is a front view of the shoe according to FIG. 12A and 12V.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The illustrated embodiment of football shoe 100 is designed specifically for the uniform of football, also known as soccer in some countries. In a first embodiment, the football shoe 10 comprises a sole 12 and an upper 14. The upper 14 consists of an outer layer 16 and an inner upper 18, as best seen in FIG. The outer layer 16 is made of a suitable highly flexible leather or polymeric material, as is typical in the art. The outer layer 16 comprises opposite side edges 20 which define a longitudinally extending lacing hole 22 with the lacing 24 extending between the opposite side edges 20 as usual. openings a short distance behind the corresponding ridge 40 or ridges when there are several ridges on each side.

Upper interior 18 (see FIG. 7) is made of neoprene material and defines a single topsheet 26, tongue 28 and collar 30 (see FIG. 3). The neoprene is resiliently flexible to stretch when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 10 to comfortably accommodate the user's foot. Neoprene also has sponge-like compressibility, which provides an extra level of comfort for the wearer's foot. The inner portion 18 of the upper, which defines a single topsheet 26, tongue 28 and low-profile collar (see FIG. 3), fits into the outer layer 16 but protrudes from the tongue-shaped center lacing hole 22 22. In addition, the low-profile collar 30 protrudes above the outer layer 16 along the entire ankle. The low profile collar 30 is adjacent to the tongue 28 as can be seen in FIG. 3. The inner part 18 of the top can be sewn to the outer layer 16 around the collar 30.

As best seen in FIG. 7, shoe 10 also includes ridges 40 on either side of the central lacing area. Each ridge is formed from a plastic material which is injected between the outer layer 16 and the bar 23 and then allowed to harden into relatively rigid ridges.

The cross section of the inserts 42 may be substantially triangular. However, other shapes are also included within the scope of this invention, and a more preferred shape is a rounded shape, shown as a hump. The cross-sectional shape may be uniform along the length of the insert 42. However, it is possible that the insert may have a non-uniform cross section, such as becoming progressively flatter in the forward direction. Thus, the insert 42 can be tapered in height, especially at each end. However, the shape of the insert 42 is not limited to a straight line, and curved ridges are possible. Furthermore, each ridge 40 may not be defined by a single linear insert 42. Instead, the ridge may consist of a number of spaced apart projections.

Although only one ridge 40 is shown on either side of the central lacing region 22, there may be two or more substantially parallel running rows of ridges (not shown) on each side of the central lacing region 22. Neighboring ridges may differ in height, preferably decreasing in height as they extend outwards.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the two ridges 40 may be arranged substantially parallel when the shoe is in the unworn configuration as shown in FIG. 6B. However, as shown in FIG. 6A, the stretch allowed by the elastomeric interior 18 of the upper allows the center lacing area to be widened and the lacing hole 22 to be widened. This expansion is not uniform along the length of the opening 22. Rather, there is a greater increase in the width of the gap in the rear direction. Accordingly, in the wearing configuration, the ridges 40 flare outward from front to back.

As best seen from an understanding of FIG. 7, inserts 42 have a triple advantage. First, the insert 42 is below the surface of the outer layer 16 and its presence will be less noticeable, resulting in a more seamless appearance of the outer layer 16. Secondly, the presence of the insert 42 between the outer layer 16 and the reinforcing bar 23 means that to having the ridge 40 requires only one additional piece, which is the insert 42 itself. This reduces the need for additional parts to hold the insert in place and therefore minimizes added weight. Thirdly, when the insert 42 is injected, it results in production efficiency as well as self-adhesion of the insert 42 in place.

Shoe 10 is manufactured according to conventional shoe manufacturing techniques, with the exception of injected inserts 42. Inner and outer layers 18, 16 and strap 23 are die-cut or laser cut from sheets of suitable material. The necessary stitching and gluing is then carried out, including joining the placket 23 and the outer layer 16. Holes and any reinforcement needed for the laces are then made through the outer layer 16 and the ply 23. The inserts 42 are injected between the outer layer 16 and the cleat 23. The inner and outer layers 16, 18 of the upper can then be bonded and then the upper 14 is molded around the latter and the soleplate glued to the upper 14. Although the ridges 40 are injected, according to some aspects of the present invention, they may also be sewn on or inserted as preformed inserts into pockets. Rigid ridges made of an expandable plastic material such as hardening foam are also possible. Such combs will be stiff, but light. It is desirable that the ridges be hard enough to make an impact, but not so hard as to cause discomfort.

From studying FIG. 7 and 8 show the change in shape from the non-wearing to the wearing configuration when the ball 50 is hit. As can be seen from FIGS. 7B, the central region between the ridges 40 is convex in cross-section in the unworn configuration, and the apex 41 of the central region rises above the corresponding neighboring points 43 of the ridge. Fig. 7B is mirror image in this respect. However, the dotted line indicates the location of the apex 41, and this will be clear from a consideration of the side profile shown in FIG. 1B. This bulge may change when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 10, as can be seen in FIG. 7A. As already explained in connection with FIG. 6, the insertion of the user's foot will cause the central lacing area 22 to expand with a more pronounced expansion at the back of the shoe. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7A, insertion of the user's foot causes a reduction in transverse bulge. However, this change in convexity can be modified by extending in the rear direction of the shoe. The change in convexity may also depend on the profile of the user's foot, in particular on the area of instep. With a high instep, the central region will have a relatively convex transverse profile compared to a user who has a flatter foot with a lower instep. In this case, the transverse bulge will remain, but will not be as large.

In FIG. 7A, it can also be seen that when the user's foot is inserted, the upper 14 of the shoe takes a shape whereby it defines a top and two substantially vertical side portions. In such a configuration, it can be seen that the ridges 40 are located at the transition between the top and the corresponding side. This spacing of ridges 40 is important for reasons that will be discussed below.

When the user hits the ball 50 lightly, hitting the top of the user's foot in the central region (also known as the "grip zone") is unlikely to touch the ridges 40, given the distance between the ridges and the bulge. Thus, in light impacts, the ball, to the extent that it hits the central region, will contact the convex surface entirely in the central region. However, if the ball 50 is hit relatively hard, the ridges 40 will make contact with the ball, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the relatively harder/stiffer nature of the ridges 40 will impart more speed and/or accuracy to the bouncing ball 50. It is also seen from an examination of FIG. 8 that the impact of the ball 50 can push the ridges 40 further apart, thereby further reducing the transverse bulge in the central region.

In FIG. 11-13 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a 10' football shoe in which ridges 40' are distributed between the lacing blocks and the border of the central lacing hole 22'. The ridges 40' may comprise a plurality of spaced ridges or may be formed from a single ridge having slots in it to allow the lacing to be positioned inside. It will be clear from the above description that this embodiment contains many of the previously discussed features as indicated by repeated reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 9A and 9B, soccer shoe 100 includes a sole 112 and an upper 114. A fastening mechanism 120 in the form of a lacing mechanism known in the art is provided to allow the wearer to secure soccer shoe 100 to their foot. The top 112 includes a canopy 130 defined to some extent by its position relative to the fastening area 140 that is associated with the fastening mechanism 120 and the lower portion 116 of the top. The fastening area should be understood as defining the area of the top that contains, underlies or overlaps one or more components of the fastening mechanism 120.

Otherwise, the canopy may be defined with reference to the cut-out region 125 that is part of the vamp (usually combined with the boot in a sports shoe) behind the toe or toe 121 and generally above the wearer's instep. The cutout area defines the border 123 of the flexible material of the lower portion 116 of the top. The canopy 130 and the lower part 116 of the upper can be fastened together by any suitable method known in the art, including stitching and welding.

The canopy extends to form a collar portion 127 around the wearer's ankle.

As will be clear from FIG. 9A, 9B, and 10, the part of the fastening mechanism 120, in this case the front and back of the fastening mechanism 120, contains laces that are visible from the outside of the football shoe 100. Conversely, the portion between the front and back of the fastening mechanism 120 contains laces. which are not visible from the outside of the football shoe 100. Said laces which are invisible lie under the canopy 130.

Canopy 130 consists of a first material that includes an outer surface 118 and an inner surface (not shown). As best seen in FIG. 10, canopy 130 comprises a central portion 132 composed predominantly of a first material and protrusions 122 formed between outer surface 118 and an inner surface of canopy 130 lateral to central portion 132. Said protrusions are formed from a second material that has greater rigidity and/or hardness. than the first material. The presence of the ridges 122 on the canopy 130 defines a ball control area that allows the wearer to hit the ball with more power and accuracy when the ridges are in contact with the soccer ball during the kick. In addition, providing a relatively less stiff center portion 132 will also provide the wearer with improved ball feel when hitting the ball, as the wearer will not experience the same level of ball damping sensation that would otherwise be experienced with a stiffer material in the center portion 132. .

In the embodiment according to FIG. 9A, 9B and 10, the projections 122 are in the form of upwardly extending ridges 124. The projections 122 extend linearly from the relatively rear portion of the fastening region 140 towards the front portion of the fastening region 140, converging inwardly, thereby forming a substantially V-shaped projection with connection 134, in which the ridges can be connected. In this form, the projections 122 allow the wearer to grip the ball on kick, thereby providing a "playing spot" without adding material to the center portion, resulting in improved ball feel and less additional mass. Although the figures show two projections, one on each side of the central portion 132, there may be any number of projections on either side of said central portion.

The protrusions may be of any size and shape, and in some embodiments, may be formed between portions of the fastening mechanism 120.

Preferably, the protrusions 122, in particular the ridges 124, are not in direct contact with any components of the fastening mechanism 120. This ensures that the fastening mechanism does not intersect with the projections 122 and thereby limit any impact benefits provided by the projections 122. In this embodiment, the projections 122 are formed by injecting a suitable fluid material between the outer surface 118 and said inner surface. Said material, when solidified, will be more rigid than the first material of the curtain 130. In other embodiments, the projections 122 may be formed on the upper surface of the curtain 130. In still other embodiments, the projections 122 may be formed on the underside of the curtain 130.

The football shoe 100 may include a tongue (not shown) underlying the canopy 130. In such an embodiment, the tongue provides a layer of material between the wearer's foot or toe and the fastening mechanism 120. This ensures that in this case the lacing will not sit over the wearer's foot or toe and cause discomfort.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of having a canopy 130, the football shoe 100 may comprise a conventional tongue, as is known in the art. In such an embodiment, the protrusions are located on the tongue. For example, the protrusions may be located between the inner and outer surfaces of the tongue, on the underside of the tongue, or on the upper surface of the tongue.

The foregoing defines only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications may be made to them without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. A football shoe or football boot, comprising: sole; And top, and the top contains a ball control area containing a central area and one or more protrusions on each side of the central area, and the specified one or more protrusions on each side defines one ridge along the central area, and the ridges are parallel or converge inward in the front direction of the shoe or cleat in at least its filled configuration, wherein the central region between the ridges has a convex shape, so that at least in the filled configuration of the shoe or cleat at least the top of the central region rises above the ridges, while the top contains a region with a cut , formed by the flexible material of the upper, and being that part of the upper which is generally behind the toe and behind the cut line and in front of the wearer's ankle, and the ridges on each side of the central region lie in the region with the cut, while the central region and the ridges of the region for control the ball is made with the possibility of coming into contact with the ball during the impact. 2. The football shoe or football boot according to claim 1, wherein the ball control area comprises one linear protrusion on each side of the central area that defines said one ridge. 3. A football shoe or football boot according to claim 1, wherein said material defining said ridges is stiffer or harder than said upper. 4. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that the specified shoe or boot also contains the inner part of the top of a flexible material, which is relatively softer than the outer part of the top. 5. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that said central region between said ridges contains a fastening mechanism and said ridges lie outside of said fastening mechanism. 6. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, characterized in that the central region corresponds to the lifting region of the shoe or boot. 7. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that the cut-out area defines the boundary of the specified flexible material, inside which the canopy passes, having a central part, wherein said one or more protrusions are located on the side of the central part, and said one or more protrusions on each side define one ridge along the center region so that the ridges and the center region define a ball control area, and the canopy contains an extensible material so that the distance between the ridges is variable. 8. The football shoe or football boot according to claim 4, characterized in that the inside of the upper is made of an elastomeric, stretchable or extensible material that stretches to accommodate the wearer's foot when placed in the shoe. 9. Football shoe or football boot according to claim 8, characterized in that the inside of the upper is made of a stretchable material, so that the distance between the ridges is changeable. 10. Football shoe or football boot according to claim 9, characterized in that the inner part of the top contains a tongue and/or a collar around the heel. 11. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the vertex is a single point or rib line in the center of the central region between adjacent ridges on each side. 12. The football shoe or football boot according to claim 11, characterized in that the vertex is a rib line, wherein at each point along said line, the vertex point rises above an adjacent ridge point. 13. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that the flexible material has less rigidity than the protrusions. 14. Football shoe or football boot according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, characterized in that the central part is made of a material different from the material associated with the protrusions or forming them. 15. A football shoe or football boot according to claim 14, characterized in that the material associated with or forming said protrusions is located only to the side of the central part.

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