PeepZ Cleat Covers

Abstract

The invention provides a portable protective sheath specially designed to cover the bottoms and sides of athletic cleats. The PeepZ comprises a durable rubber or plastic soled footpad accentuated with empressed grooves that facilitate traction. The top surface is configured for applying the sheath device to the front half of a cleated sports shoe to cover the front half of the sole and the sides of the toe portion of the shoe.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/465,556 filed Mar. 21, 2011, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “PeePz Cleat Covers.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of athletic sporting goods, and more specifically to the field of athletic shoes with cleated soles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for athletic shoe cleat covers. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,189 to Ron D. Johnson describes a removable bottom covering for spiked athletic shoes particularly golf shoes. A flexible sole member has a toe section and a heel section with a plurality of magnetic attaching members for attaching to metallic spikes on the bottom of an athletic shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,794 to Stephen Adelstein and Terence D. Kindle describes a protector worn over a cleated shoe comprised of a two layered sole with a deformable upper layer and a non-deformable lower layer. Right and left upper sections wrap around the top side of the cleated shoe, one upper section partially overlaying the other section and mutually attaching by hook and loop fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,398 to Boyd G. Goodwin and Carol A. Goodwin describes a protector for encasing cleats and comprising a substantially flat body portion disposed adjacent the outer surface of the shoe sole. The body portion of the cleat is provided with a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced channels for encasing the cleats. These channels are provided with strengthened and smooth outer surfaces for engaging the surface of underfoot terrain.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a protective sheath designed to be worn over athletic shoe cleats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a protective sheath attached to the cleated athletic shoe pointing illustrating the attaching strap and the velcro™ closure on the top.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a protective sheath attached to the cleated athletic shoe.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the athletic shoe sliding into a protective sheath.

FIG. 4 shows a inside perspective view of a protective sheath with the attachment strap threaded through the side walls of the sheath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, “cleats” refers to cleats, spikes and other protrusions used on the bottoms of shoes for field sports such as football, soccer, field hockey, track and field events, for example.

Cleats are a type of shoe designed especially for sports played on grass or dirt such as baseball, football or soccer. The shoes generally have large spiked studs on the bottom to assist in gripping the surface, to preventing sliding, and to assisting in making rapid direction changes. The spiked stud is often called a cleat. As these shoes are primarily made for use on soft dirt or grass, the cleats tend to maintain their durability and provide extended use even when playing rough contact sports. Walking on harder surfaces with cleats can wear down the cleats and compromise their effectiveness, resulting in worn and dull spikes. To avoid walking on the cleats, a wearer often walks on the side of the shoes, resulting in worn and frayed footwear. Walking from a playing field to other surfaces also transfers dirt, grass and debris to the other surfaces. Car interiors, hardwood floors and carpets become indelibly marred with trails of clay, sand and weed clumps that require daunting and time consuming cleaning.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the PeepZ, is a portable protective sheath specially designed to cover the bottoms and sides of athletic cleats. The PeepZ comprises a durable rubber or plastic soled footpad accentuated with empressed grooves that facilitate traction. The top surface is configured for applying the sheath device to the front half of a cleated sports shoe to cover the front half of the sole and the sides of the toe portion of the shoe. The top of the unit is manufactured of a stretchy material such as Lycra or Spandex to allow for donning and removing the Peeps protector.

In an embodiment, a strap to hold the sheath in place passes through slits in opposite sides of the sheath and is fastened over the top of the toe of the shoe with fastening means such as hook and loop fastener, for example.

Sold in pairs, the Peepz is offered in a one size fits all configuration or made available in custom sizes to accommodate any user. The present invention can be manufactured in a vast array of colors and feature the logos and designs of various sporting teams and organizations. Simple in concept and application, a user transports a pair of the Peepz in an athletic bag. Donning the cleats before hitting the field, the user simply slides each foot into the footpad of the Peepz, so that the spikes are flush with the pad surface. The user walks to the field for practice or play. Before hitting the dirt or grass, the user removes the Peepz from the shoes, leaving them at the edge of the playing area. After a game or practice, the athlete dons the protective pads again to walk to the car, leaving them on until reaching home. Hand washable, these innovative units can withstand years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective sheath device for covering the front half of cleated soles on athletic shoes, comprising a durable rubber or plastic soled footpad having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the bottom surface is empressed with grooves that facilitate traction, and wherein the top surface is configured for applying the sheath device to the front half of a cleated sports shoe to cover the front half of the sole and the sides of the toe portion of the shoe.

2. The protective sheath device of claim 1 wherein the top surface further comprises a stretchy material such as Lycra or Spandex to allow for donning and removing the device.

3. The protective sheath device of claim 1 further comprising a strap to hold the sheath in place, wherein the strap passes through slits in opposite sides of the sheath and is fastened over the top of the toe of the shoe with fastening means.

4. The protective sheath device of claim 3 wherein the fastening means is hook and loop fastener.

5. The protective sheath device of claim 3, wherein the device is sold in pairs.

6. The protective sheath device of claim 3, wherein the device is sold in a one size fits all configuration.

7. The protective sheath device of claim 3, wherein the device is made available in custom sizes to accommodate any user.

8. The protective sheath device of claim 3, wherein the device is manufactured in a vast array of colors and feature the logos and designs of various sporting teams and organizations.