WO1995000084A1

WO1995000084A1 - Over-the-shoe athletic spat

Info

Publication number: WO1995000084A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/007023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory D. Turner
Original assignee: Turner Gregory D
Priority date: 1993-06-22
Filing date: 1994-06-22
Publication date: 1995-01-05
Also published as: AU7176894A

Abstract

An ankle supporting spat (10) according to the disclosed embodiment fits over the shoe (12) of the wearer. A rand (100) on the bottom of the spat (10) overlaps the central portion of the shoe's sole. A top portion (102) partially covers the shoe (12), ankle, and leg (14) of the wearer, and is joined to the rand (100). The spat (10) is open at both the heel (16) and the toe (18) so that the heel (16) and the toe (18) of the shoe (12) protrude from the openings, exposing the front and rear cleats (20a and 20b). A set of straps (106 and 108) bind the spat (10) to the wearer's shoe (12), ankle, and leg (14), and provide support for the ankle and other tissues. The particular amount, direction, and location of the support provided by the spat (10) may be altered by changing the winding and arrangement of the straps (106 and 108).

Description

OVER-THE-SHOE ATHLETIC SPAT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to sports equipment, and more particularly, to equipment for supporting the ankle and foot of the athlete. 2. Description of the Related Art

Despite the health benefits of most athletic activities, most of them may be hazardous as well. Many sports, like football and basketball, severely stress the joints and tendons of the ankles, knees, and wrists, among other areas. Sports and activities requiring significant cutting and turning particularly strain the ankles of participants. Consequently, professionals and amateurs alike commonly suffer sprains, strains, and fractures of various joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones.

The ankle is one of the most vulnerable and frequently injured areas. Ankle injuries are commonly caused by the foot rolling under the ankle or twisting laterally with respect to the leg. These injuries are seldom irreparable, but usually require essentially immobilizing the ankle until the tissue mends, and may occasionally require surgery. The recovery process is painful and inconvenient, and imposes serious consequences on professional athletes whose careers depend on their health and ability to physically perform.

To reduce the severity of ankle injuries or prevent them altogether, many athletes wind tape around their ankles to form a tape spat. Several turns of adhesive tape are tightly bound around the ankle and around and under the foot, generally in a figure-eight pattern, leaving the heel and toe exposed. The specific method of wrapping the tape varies according to the needs and wishes of the athlete, because, inter alia, the particular technique for winding the tape in large measure determines the extent to which the various portions of the foot and ankle are supported by the tape spat. When the tape is in place, the tape spat provides significant support for the athlete's ankle and its associated ligaments, including die anterior and posterior ligaments. In particular, the tape spat supports the athlete's foot to prevent it from rolling, and resists excessive torsional movement of the foot as well.

Although tape usually provides effective support, large amounts of tape are required for each tape spat, and none of the used tape is recoverable. For professional sports teams in particular, supplying all of the players with tape for each game and practice session presents a significant expense. In addition, it is extremely difficult for an athlete to apply a tape spat to himself; hence, trainers are commonly required to wind the tape around the athletes' feet, ankles, and legs. Applying the tape is a lengthy and tedious process for both the athlete and the trainer, often requiring up to thirty minutes. Moreover, tape spats are usually applied immediately before a game or competition, during a time which could be used more productively by both the athlete and the trainer.

Another drawback of tape spatting surrounds its permanence; after the tape is applied, it cannot be conveniently adjusted without cutting the tape off and essentially starting over. As a result, if the tape becomes uncomfortable or otherwise hinders the athlete's performance, often the only practical options are to remove the tape until it can be reapplied or endure die discomfort or hindrance. In addition, when an athlete is injured, removing the tape spat is time consuming and painful, as it is difficult to immobilize the foot while the tape is removed. Removing the tape presents yet another disadvantage. Tape spats are commonly removed with cutters that cut through the tape so that it may be peeled away from the athlete's shoe and leg. Cutting the tape, however, is imprecise and frequently cuts the wearer's shoe and sock as well. This mars the appearance and integrity of the shoe, and often destroys the shoe and sock altogether.

In addition, many athletes are called upon to perform under adverse conditions, such as mud, snow, and puddled water. The ankles and feet are particularly affected by such conditions, as they are constantly in contact with the muddy, frozen, or wet ground. Although tape spats may provide sufficient support for the ankle, they provide little or no protection from the elements. Consequently, some athletes may become more prone to various injuries and problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An athletic spat according to the present invention provides an over-the-shoe spat to support an athlete's ankle and foot. According to various aspects of die present invention, the spat: is wearable without the assistance of a trainer or other third party; requires no tape; may be donned by an athlete relatively quickly; is removable without the assistance of cutters; is reusable; is adjustable according to the athlete's comfort and needs; and is waterproof and thermally insulative. The spat suitably includes: a rand that fits across the sole of the shoe; a top portion that covers the top and sides of the shoe as well as the ankle and leg; a set of straps; and a mechanism for attaching me straps to the top portion and rand so that the straps may be wound around the ankle, shoe, and leg and firmly secured in position.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the subject spat is relatively easily donned by the athlete without the assistance of a trainer. The athlete slips his shoe and ankle into the spat, which expands to receive the shoe. The straps are suitably threaded through at least one pulley to bind the spat to the shoe and ankle, and suitably secured with hook and loop tape. Because multiple windings of tape are not required, the athlete can apply me spat with minimal inconvenience and little or no assistance.

According to another aspect of me present invention, the spat may be removed without using cutters; rather, the straps are released from the spat and unwound. The spat is then simply slipped off the shoe, without marring the surface or otherwise damaging me shoe. The spat may then be stored for subsequent use as needed.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the subject spat may be conveniently adjusted by the athlete without removing the entire spat. If the spat becomes uncomfortable, the athlete can relatively quickly loosen and readjust the straps. Because multiple turns of tape are not involved, the spat may be adjusted rapidly and easily widiout completely removing the spat.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the spat is waterproof and ύiermally insulative to keep the ligaments and tendons of me ankle and foot warm. The top portion is suitably composed of a waterproof and insulative material, e.g. neoprene, which covers the shoe, ankle, and leg. In addition, the rand is likewise suitably composed of a durable, waterproof material. These materials protect the underlying shoe and ankle from outside water and odier harsh conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and: Figure 1 illustrates an elevational view of a spat according to the present invention worn over the shoe, ankle and leg of a wearer;

Figure 2 is a top view of the rand of die spat shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is an elevational view of the exterior of the spat;

Figure 4 is a top view of the spat; Figure 5 is an elevational view of the interior of the spat, showing cushions by dotted lines and shading;

Figure 6 is a top view of the midband separated from the spat for illustrative purposes;

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the spat and shoe of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 8 is a top view of the spat illustrating an exemplary technique of wrapping the second strap around the ankle, spat, and shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Referring now to Figure 1, an exemplary over-the-shoe athletic spat 10 according to the present invention is suitably configured to fit over a shoe 12, ankle (not visible in Figure 1), and leg 14 of a wearer to support the ankle and surrounding tissues, including the posterior and anterior ligaments. In the illustrated embodiment, shoe 12 suitably includes a heel 16, a toe 18, and respective front cleats 20a and rear cleats 20b. Spat 10 suitably extends upwardly along leg 14 of the wearer, for example to the bottom of the wearer's calf. Spat 10 suitably comprises: a rand 100 configured to be positioned against the bottom of shoe 12; a flexible top portion 102 configured to generally surround the wearer's ankle, leg 14 and d e top and sides of shoe 12; and a plurality of straps 106, 108 extending from spat 10 and configured to be wrapped around me ankle and over die top of shoe 12 and spat 10. Spat 10 is illustratively open at heel 16, allowing shoe 12 to project through the rear and bottom of spat 10. Spat 10 is also illustratively open at toe 18 so mat toe 18 of shoe 12 extends forwardly dirough the opening. Shoe 12 is advantageously disposed within spat 10 such that a snug fit is maintained between toe position 18 and the forward opening of spat 10. In die preferred embodiment, me bottom of spat 10 is positioned just behind respective cleats 20a projecting from sole of shoe 12.

Referring now to Figure 2, a top view of rand 100 is shown detached from the other components of spat 10. In the preferred embodiment, rand 100 is not detechable, but is shown separately and flattened for illustrative purposes. Rand 100 is suitably composed of a flexible, lightweight, and durable material, and may be somewhat elastic to effectively conform to the shape of the wearer's shoe 12 and provide optimal fit. For example, rand 100 may be composed of rubber or a synthetic material, e.g. HERCULITE™.

Rand 100 suitably comprises a front portion 203 and a heel portion 202, including a hole 200 disposed to permit heel 16 of shoe 12 to extend d eredirough. Hole 200 is suitably large enough to permit rand 100 to grasp die outermost surface of heel 16 of shoe 12, and to grasp die midportion of shoe 12 in front of rear cleats 20b of shoe 12. The front edge 200a of hole 200 suitably comprises a substantially straight line so mat the portion of rand 100 in contact wi i the underside of shoe 12 extends transversely across the bottom of shoe 12. The portion of rand 100 overlapping the back of the wearer's shoe 12 suitably extends upward to approximately the level of the wearer's ankle. This portion of rand 100 also suitably includes a cushioning material 204, e.g. air pillows or foam, to add firm support at the back of the foot.

Front portion 203 of rand 100 suitably includes respective flaps 206a, b configured to be wrapped over the top of shoe 12. The ends of flaps 206a, b are folded over die top of shoe 12 to form the opening through which toe portion 18 of shoe 12 extends. As shown in Figure 1, respective downwardly projecting spikes 208 may be formed in die material of rand 100, for example on die undersurface of the portion of rand 100 in die vicinity of die bottom of shoe 12, for added traction. Other features and finishes may be applied to rand 100 to provide traction suited to particular types of terrain, such as artificial turf or sod.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, top portion 102 of spat 10 covers much of the top and sides of shoe 12, and surrounds die lower portion of die wearer's leg 14. Top portion 102 is suitably composed of a flexible lightweight material which conforms to the shape of the wearer's shoe 12 and leg 14. Top portion 102 is suitably composed of an insulative material, for example neoprene, to provide thermal insulation for the foot and leg 14. Top portion 102 is further suitably waterproof to keep the wearer's foot, shoe 12, and leg 14 substantially isolated from the elements. Thermal insulation and waterproofing provided by top portion 102 protect the wearer from the elements and help keep the tissues warm, thus reducing the risk of injury. Top portion 102 suitably comprises a front portion 300, creases 306, trim band 304, and strap channel

308. Straps 106 and 108 are omitted from Figures 3 and 4 to allow clear illustration of the configuration of top portion 102. Top portion 102 is attached to rand 100 along ti eir common edges, suitably by stitching 105 (e.g., a nylon material) to provide a strong and durable bond between top portion 102 and rand 100. Front portion 300 of top portion 102 is attached to die edges of flaps 206a, b of rand 100, with the ends of flaps 206a, b being folded over shoe to partially form a loop. Toe 18 of shoe 12 extends rough the loop formed by flaps 206a, b, advantageously facilitating a substantially water resistant seal against shoe 12.

The material of top portion 102 is cut to match the general shape of leg 14 and shoe 12 to provide a close fit. Back 302 of top portion 102, configured to snugly contact the back of leg 14 and the back of shoe 12, is suitably composed of continuous (e.g., seamless) material for optimal waterproofing and strength.

The upper edge of top portion 102 is suitably trimmed with a durable and flexible band 304, suitably rubber, to protect the edge from damage and provide a relatively snug, water resistant seal against the wearer's leg.

A set of creases or wrinkles 306 may be formed in top portion 102 at front of spat 10 where shoe 12 and leg 14 of the wearer meet. Creases 306 facilitate the bending of spat 10 in response to changes in angle between shoe 12 and leg 14, for example due to running or walking. Creases 306 advantageously facilitate a walking or running motion, but resist against shoe 12 rolling from underneath the ankle or torsional twisting of shoe 12 with respect to leg 14. Top portion 102 may also include cushions 500 formed in or attached to die sides of top portion 102, for example surrounding die ankle or other appropriate areas of the wearer as shown in Figure 5. Cushions 500 are suitably formed of air pockets or foam material inserted in proper locations to add support near or around die ankle or other sensitive areas. With continued reference to Figure 3, back 302 of top portion 102 above heel 16 suitably includes a strap channel 308 formed in die fabric of top portion 102. Strap channel 308 suitably comprises parallel slits formed in top portion 102. As described below, a strap (not shown in Figure 3) may be readed through strap channel 308 to guide strap around die back of shoe 12 and leg 14, and to prevent die strap from slipping from its proper position. It should be noted, however, diat strap channel 308 is optional, and it is contemplated that strap channel 308 may be omitted without significantly detracting from the performance of spat 10.

In die alternate preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, a portion of the upper surface of top portion 102 may be split and separated, for example along a line extending from the top of spat 10 (e.g., proximate band 304) down leg 14 towards toe 18, forming a split 400. Split 400 permits the wearer to conveniently pull spat 10 over shoe 12 and leg 14. An elastic midband 402 is suitably sewn between die edges of split 400.

As best seen in Figure 6, midband 402 is suitably waterproof and composed of a durable material, and is preferably elastic along its lengdi as well as its width. Elastic midband 402 and split 400 suitably extend for the entire length of the front of top portion 102. Elastic midband 402 allows split 400 to widen to receive shoe 12 and leg 14 while spat 10 is being put on, and tiiereafter retracts to provide optimal fit of spat 10 around leg 14 and shoe 12 during use- In addition, elastic midband 402 provides added waterproofing and thermal insulation. Alternatively, midband 402 may be substituted widi a zipper, for example one diat zips from top 18 towards band 304, and which is waterproof, durable, and which provides a snug, tight fit.

In die preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3 in which split 400 is omitted, the top of spat

10 suitably comprises a continuous web of material, or, alternatively, respective segments of material joined

(e.g., stitched) at a seam 307. With this configuration, spat 10 may slide over shoe 12 much like a sock slides over a foot. Split 400 and midband 402 may thus be omitted wimout departing from die inventions described herein. To don spat 10, shoe 12 is inserted through substantially circular top portion of spat 10 towards toe 18.

For spats which include split 400, elastic midband 402 expands sufficiently to widen split 400 in top portion 102 to accept wearer's shoe 12 and leg 14. As the narrower portion of shoe 12 and wearer's leg 14 are inserted into spat 10, elastic midband 402 retracts to return split 400 to a relatively narrow width to provide a secure fit.

As shown in Figure 1, toe 18 of shoe 12 extends through the front opening of spat 10 until the front edge 207 of rand 100 is positioned behind front cleats 20a of shoe 12. Similarly, heel 16 of shoe 12 extends through hole 200 in rand 100 so that heel 16 of shoe 12 is exposed. Edge 200a of hole 200 extends transversely across the sole of shoe 12 in front of rear cleats 20b. The length of rand 100 between edge 200a and edge 207 of rand 100 is suitably designed to fit between the front cleats 20a and die rear cleats 20b for the particular shoe. In the event spat 10 is used with a cleat pattern other than shown in Figure 1 , die length of rand 100 between respective edges 200a and 207 may be configured to be disposed between d e front cleats and rear cleats of such cleat pattern.

Alternatively, small openings may be formed in rand 100 through which one or more of respective cleats 20a, b may extend, as shown in Figure 7. Such openings are suitably trimmed with a substantially rigid (e.g., aluminum) ring to protect the edges of the openings. The openings may be positioned to correspond to cleat locations that would odierwise be covered by rand 100. Thus, spat 10 may be configured to accommodate a broad array of cleat patterns.

After shoe 12 and leg 14 are inserted into spat 10, spat 10 is secured to the wearer using a plurality, suitably two as in the exemplary embodiment, of straps 106, 108. Toe strap 106 is suitably secured to top portion 102, preferably on the outside, and overlaps top of spat 10. Toe strap 106 may be threaded dirough a suitable hook mechanism, for example, a strap pulley 312 secured to die side of top portion 102 or rand 100 as shown in Figure 3. After strap 106 is threaded dirough strap pulley 312, toe strap 106 is pulled taut to secure spat 10, folded back over die top of spat 10, and secured in any suitable manner, e.g. with hook and loop tape, such as Velcro^™. Second strap 108, also secured to top portion 102 or rand 100 of spat 10, is suitably wrapped over spat 10 and around leg 14 and die ankle to provide support. Second strap 108 is suitably permanently attached, e.g. stitched, to rand 100 or top portion 102, or may be removably attached to top portion 102 or rand 100, for example, by hook and loop tape. Second strap 108 may be threaded mrough strap pulley 312 or an additional strap pulley secured to top portion 102 or rand 100 but further away from toe 18 than first strap pulley. When strap 108 is pulled tight, rand 100 suitably operates like a stirrup, pulling shoe 12 to die wearer's foot. If strap 108 is tightened sufficiently rough strap pulley 312, rand 100 suitably raises rand 100 towards the arch of wearer's foot, which tends to move wearer's weight to the balls of the feet. This is an added advantage for afliletes that run on the balls of their feet. At the back of leg 14 and shoe 12, second strap 108 is direaded through strap channel 308 to prevent slippage of strap 108 along back of shoe 12 and leg 14.

Second strap 108 may be wrapped around leg 14 and shoe 12 according to die wearer's needs and desires. Suitably, second strap 108 is wrapped around ankle, across top portion 102, and dirough pulley 312 in a modified figure-eight pattern to support ankle. The particular me iod of wrapping may be varied to change die particular location and directions of support provided to wearer. For example, as shown in

Figure 8, second strap 108 may be attached to me outer side of rand 100 and laid over die top of shoe 12. Second strap 108 is dien wrapped behind shoe 12 and suitably direaded dirough strap channel 308. Then second strap 108 is wrapped over shoe 12 again and mreaded dirough pulley 312 secured to die inner side of rand 100. Second strap 108 is dien pulled tight, folded back over shoe 12, and secured in place, for example, with hook and loop tape (not shown). After securing, die outer sides of straps 106 and 108 present suitable locations for names and logos of sponsors. It should be noted diat first strap 106 is not shown in Figure 8 for clarity purposes.

An athletic spat according to die present invention provides a more convenient and faster method of applying spatting man conventional tape spatting- A spat according to the present invention provides die wearer with support around die ankle and foot widiout the assistance of a trainer or other party. In addition, because die spat does not require multiple windings of tape, die spat may be put on and taken off relatively quickly. Because no tape is required, costs incurred due to wrapping the foot and leg with tape are no longer incurred. In addition, a spat according to the present invention is easily removed and does not require cutting; dius the danger of destroying or damaging shoes by the cutters is eliminated. It should be understood mat while various aspects and designs are shown in the drawing, they are not so shown in the limiting sense and variations are well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be noted that the colors and construction of a spat according to the present invention may vary to conform to the dress code requirements of various athletic leagues or team uniforms. In addition, die present invention is not limited solely to shoes, but may be applied in conjunction with skates, boots and similar footwear as well. Similarly, materials, features, designs, and construction are exemplary only, and various changes and substitutions may be made from those shown in the drawing figures without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An ankle supporter fitted over a footwear item, comprising: a jacket partially enclosing the footwear item; and a support strap attached to said jacket and overlaying said jacket, die footwear item, and die leg of the wearer.

2. An ankle supporter according to claim 1, wherein said jacket comprises: a top portion covering the top of the footwear item; and a bottom portion fitted to the bottom of the footwear item and connected along an edge to said top portion.

3. An ankle supporter according to claim 2, wherein said support strap is connected to said top portion of said jacket.

4. A spat worn over the shoe, ankle, and leg of a wearer to provide support for the ankle, comprising: a rand partially overlapping die sole of the shoe, said rand having a first hole formed therethrough for exposing the heel of the shoe and having a second hole formed theredirough for exposing die toe of the shoe; a top portion enclosing die top of die shoe, die ankle, and die leg of the user, and connected to an edge of said rand along an edge of said top portion; a support strap attached to said top portion for wrapping around die ankle and leg and over the top of said top portion to support die ankle; and a fastener connected to said support strap and said top portion for fastening said securing said support strap to said top portion and maintain the position of said strap.