ICE SKATE OVERSHOE

Abstract

An ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe includes an elastomeric sole, an overtoe component, an overheel component, a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole, and at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge, where the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

Description

BACKGROUND

Generally, the present invention relates to an ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground for the use in ice skating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprises; an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe; an overtoe component having a plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overtoe apertures, the overtoe apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones are in a relaxed state; an overheel component having a plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overheel apertures, the overheel apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are in a relaxed state; a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole; and at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

In one aspect, the rigid sole is enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole to secure the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component are constructed of the same flexible, stretchable, resilient material. In one aspect, the overtoe component and the overheel component are in the form of a skeleton structure or an open frame structure. In one aspect, the overtoe component extends from the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the toe region and the ball region of the elastomeric sole, and wherein the overheel component extends from the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the heel region and the arch region of the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, the ice skate overshoe is flexible and stretchable enough to accommodate the shoe of at least two consecutive full sizes. In one aspect, the rigid sole is a single rigid piece disposed in the toe region, the ball region, the arch region, and the heel region of the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, the rigid sole comprises a rigid sole top surface and a rigid sole bottom surface opposite the top surface, a rigid sole periphery at the edges of the rigid sole top surface and the rigid sole bottom surface, and a plurality of spaced rigid sole apertures extending from the rigid sole top surface to the rigid sole bottom surface to permit for penetration of the material of the elastomeric sole into the rigid sole apertures. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component together as one have a single flat form when the flexible, stretchable, resilient material is in a relaxed state. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component are made of thermoplastic elastomer. In one aspect, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones each have an inner surface for engaging with the shoe and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones having a predetermined thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface, and wherein the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are flexible and elastic when not fitted to the shoe to permit the inner surface easily foldable against itself having a fold radius at the outer surface. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole further comprises a sole stretch zone disposed within the ball region of the elastomeric sole, the sole stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material, the sole stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to permit the top surface of the elastomeric sole when not fitted to the shoe to fold against itself having a bend radius at the top surface, the sole stretch zone flexible and stretchable when fitted to the shoe to permit a torsion angle between a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the elastomeric sole and within both the arch region and the heel region of the elastomeric sole to a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the elastomeric sole and within the toe region of the elastomeric sole, wherein one of the rigid sole is disposed within the toe region of the elastomeric sole and another one of the rigid sole is disposed within the arch region and heel region of the elastomeric sole, the two rigid soles apart from each other and separated by the sole stretch zone, and at least two of the rigid elongated runners secured to each of the rigid soles. In one aspect, the ice skate overshoe further comprises at least two elastomeric side stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones is connected from at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones to at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones and along each of a side of the ice skate overshoe, the elastomeric side stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material, the elastomeric side stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the shoe when stretched over the shoe. In one aspect, the ice skate overshoe further comprises at least two side apertures, at least one of the side apertures located along each of the side of the ice skate overshoe and between one of the elastomeric side stretch zones and the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are a single molded elastomeric piece made of the same flexible and stretchable and resilient material, and wherein the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones as a whole have a form factor smaller than the receiving shoe when the flexible and stretchable and resilient material is in a relaxed state. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are a single molded elastomeric piece made of the same flexible and stretchable and resilient material, and wherein the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are in the form of a skeleton structure or an open frame structure, the structures as a whole having a form factor smaller than the receiving shoe when the flexible and stretchable and resilient material is in a relaxed state.

In another embodiment, an ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprises; an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe; an overtoe component having a plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overtoe apertures, the overtoe apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones are in a relaxed state; an overheel component having a plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overheel apertures, the overheel apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are in a relaxed state; a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole and enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole; and at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

In another embodiment, an ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprises; an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe; an overtoe component having one elastomeric overtoe stretch zone in the form of a band, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end and the second end connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the toe region and the ball region of the elastomeric sole, the first end and the second end apart from each other, the overtoe component further having one overtoe aperture disposed between the elastomeric sole and the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone is in a relaxed state; an overheel component having one elastomeric overheel stretch zone in the form of a band, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the third end and the fourth end connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the heel region and the arch region of the elastomeric sole, the third end and the fourth end apart from each other, the overheel component further having one overheel aperture disposed between the elastomeric sole and the elastomeric overheel stretch zone, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zone is in a relaxed state; a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole; and at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

In one aspect, the rigid sole is enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole to secure the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole. In one aspect, the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component together as one have a single flat form when the flexible, stretchable, resilient material is in a relaxed state.

In another embodiment, a method to manufacture an ice skate overshoe, provided with an elastomeric sole, an overtoe component, an overheel component, and at least two rigid elongated runners rigidly connected to a rigid sole, comprises the steps of; manufacture at least two of the rigid elongated runners rigidly secured to the rigid sole; align the rigid elongated runners and the rigid sole into a mold used to manufacture the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component; with a compression molding or an injection molding process, mold the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component as a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the material of the elastomeric sole molded around the rigid sole enclosing the rigid sole and securing the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole, the rigid elongated runners and the ice engaging edges left exposed from the material of the elastomeric sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of the shoe.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a side view that illustrates the ice skate overshoe fitted over the shoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2B that shows the bottom of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bottom of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the top of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the top of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bottom of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bottom of the ice skate overshoe fitted over the shoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a top perspective sectional view taken along Line A-A in FIG. 5A that shows the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a top perspective sectional view taken along Line B-B in FIG. 6A that shows the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of the ice skate overshoe.

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view taken along Line C-C in FIG. 7A that shows the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a side sectional view taken along Line C-C in FIG. 7A that shows the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the top of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top of the ice skate overshoe according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom of the elongated runners and the rigid sole according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the ice skate overshoe in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

• 100 ice skate overshoe
• 102 shoe
• 104 forward toe portion
• 106 rearward heel portion
• 108 sole
• 110 bottom
• 112 elastomeric sole
• 114 toe region
• 116 ball region
• 118 arch region
• 120 heel region
• 122 top surface
• 124 bottom surface
• 126 periphery
• 128 overtoe component
• 130 overheel component
• 132 rigid sole
• 133 rigid sole top surface
• 134 rigid elongated runners
• 135 rigid sole bottom surface
• 136 ice engaging edge
• 137 rigid sole periphery
• 138 upper portion
• 140 longitudinal direction
• 142 overtoe apertures
• 144 elastomeric overtoe stretch zones
• 148 overheel apertures
• 150 elastomeric overheel stretch zones
• 152 rigid sole apertures
• 154 flat form
• 156 inner surface
• 158 outer surface
• 160 predetermined thickness
• 162 fold radius
• 166 first end
• 168 second end
• 172 third end
• 174 fourth end
• 176 sole stretch zone
• 178 bend radius
• 180 elastomeric side stretch zones
• 182 side
• 184 side apertures
• 186 torsion angle
• 200 flow chart diagram
• 202 step 1 of flow chart diagram 200
• 204 step 2 of flow chart diagram 200
• 206 step 3 of flow chart diagram 200

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the use of “a”, “an”, or “the” can refer to the plural. All examples given are for clarification only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The term “shoe 102” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is known in the art and refers to an article of footwear for receiving a human foot. “Shoe 102” may refer to athletic shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, and boots but not limited to these.

The term “ice skate overshoe 100” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to an article of footwear for wearing over a user's shoe 102 to enhance the shoe 102 for ice skating on an ice surface.

The term “elastomeric” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is known in the art and refers to any of various elastic materials that resemble rubber such as natural or synthetic rubber, that is able to resume its original shape when a deforming force is removed. An example is a rubber like synthetic polymer and an elastic polymer.

The term “flexible” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is known in the art and defined as capable of bending or flexing easily and repeatedly without breaking.

The term “stretchable” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is known in the art and defined as capable of being easily and repeatedly stretched and resuming former size and shape.

The term “resilient” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is known in the art and defined as capable of regaining its original shape or position after repeated bending, stretching, compression, or other deformation.

The term “forward toe portion 104” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to at least one of a sole 108, and a toe box of the shoe 102. The sole 108 may include an outsole below the toe box. The sole 108 may include a midsole below the toebox. The toe box is the part of the shoe 102 that covers and protects the user's toes. Toe boxes come in a variety of shapes and styles. Outsoles, midsoles, and toe boxes are known in the art.

The term “rearward heel portion 106” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to at least one of the sole 108, and a heel counter of the shoe 102. The sole 108 may include the outsole below the heel counter. The sole 108 may include the midsole below the heel counter. Heel counters come in a variety of shapes and styles. Outsoles, midsoles, and heel counters are known in the art.

The terms “toe region 114”, “ball region 116”, “arch region 118”, and “heel region 120” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to regions of an elastomeric sole 112 that correspond to the like regions or these known regions of the user's foot.

The term “rigid elongated runners 134” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to the runners or the blades of an ice skate.

The term “form factor” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to the general physical internal size and internal shape or internal form of various described elements of the ice skate overshoe 100 in relation to the general external size and external shape or external form of the receiving shoe 102 or various described elements of the shoe 102. An inner surface 156 of various described elements of the ice skate overshoe 100 is used to determine the internal size and the internal shape or the internal form.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 fits over the shoe 102 and enhances contact with the ground such that the shoe 102 is operable for ice skating. The shoe 102 includes the forward toe portion 104, the rearward heel portion 106, the sole 108, and a bottom 110 for engaging the ground. The ice skate overshoe 100 enhances the shoe 102 for the user to ice skate on the ice surface. The ice skate overshoe 100 is detachably attachable to the receiving shoe 102.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112 having the toe region 114, the ball region 116 adjacent to the toe region 114, the arch region 118 adjacent to the ball region 116, and the heel region 120 adjacent to the arch region 118. The elastomeric sole 112 has a top surface 122 for engaging the bottom 110 of the shoe 102, and a bottom surface 124 opposite the top surface 122. The top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112 extend through the toe region 114, the ball region 116, the arch region 118, and the heel region 120. The elastomeric sole 112 includes a periphery 126 (periphery 126 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The elastomeric sole 112 is made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric sole 112 has the form factor smaller than the bottom 110 of the receiving shoe 102.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes an overtoe component 128 having a plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 and a plurality of spaced overtoe apertures 142. The overtoe apertures 142 are separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144. At least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. At least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102. The overtoe component 128 has the form factor smaller than the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are in a relaxed state. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 provide enough tension for a snug and secure fit that conforms over the forward toe portion 104 of the user's shoe 102 and restricts stretching loads during the user's movement. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 return to their original size and shape in a relaxed state. Plurality of the overtoe apertures 142 are shown in FIG. 1B. A larger number or a larger size of the overtoe apertures 142 generally increase overall stretchability and flexibility of the overtoe component 128 by the reduction in the totality of the elastomeric material within the overtoe component 128. In some embodiments, one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is distinguishable from another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 by at least one of, its size, its shape, its location, its location in relation to at least one of the overtoe apertures 142, and its resistance to stretching. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the overtoe apertures 142 extend partially into the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overtoe component 128 has between two and twelve of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144. In some embodiments, between two and six of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overtoe component 128 has between two and ten of the overtoe apertures 142.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes an overheel component 130 having a plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 and a plurality of spaced overheel apertures 148. The overheel apertures 148 are separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150. At least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. At least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102. The overheel component 130 has the form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are in a relaxed state. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 provide enough tension for a snug and secure fit that conforms over the rearward heel portion 106 of the user's shoe 102 and restricts stretching loads during the user's movement. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 return to their original size and shape in a relaxed state. Plurality of the overheel apertures 148 are shown in FIG. 1B. A larger number or a larger size of the overheel apertures 148 generally increase overall stretchability and flexibility of the overheel component 130 by the reduction in the totality of the elastomeric material within the overheel component 130. In some embodiments, one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is distinguishable from another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 by at least one of, its size, its shape, its location, its location in relation to at least one of the overheel apertures 148, and its resistance to stretching. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the overheel apertures 148 extend partially into the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overheel component 130 has between two and twelve of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150. In some embodiments, between two and six of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overheel component 130 has between two and ten of the overheel apertures 148.

The elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, and the overheel component 130 are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The single molded elastomeric piece may include different elastomeric pieces or different elastomeric materials molded together as a single molded elastomeric piece. An example includes a single elastomeric piece made of different colors. The elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, and the overheel component 130 as a whole have the form factor smaller than the receiving shoe 102 when the flexible, stretchable, and resilient material is in a relaxed state. In some embodiments, the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, and the overheel component 130 are made of the same flexible, stretchable, resilient material. In some embodiments, the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, and the overheel component 130 are made of a thermoplastic elastomer material. Thermoplastic elastomers are suitable in temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. This is known in the art. In some embodiments as best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B, 8A and 9, the overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130 are in the form of a skeleton structure or an open frame structure, the structures as a whole have the form factor smaller than the receiving shoe 102 when the flexible, stretchable, and resilient material is in a relaxed state. In some embodiments, at least one of the overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130 are in the form of the skeleton structure or the open frame structure.

A rigid sole 132 (rigid sole 132 shown in FIG. 2A) is secured to the elastomeric sole 112. The elastomeric sole 112 is generally rigid and not very flexible or stretchable in the area of contact between the elastomeric sole 112 and the rigid sole 132 by reinforcement of the rigid sole 132. In some embodiments, a rigid sole periphery 137 (rigid sole periphery 137 shown in FIG. 2A) of the rigid sole 132 is smaller in size than the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112, the rigid sole 132 is secured to the elastomeric sole 112 with the rigid sole periphery 137 at a distance from the periphery 137 and within the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112, which permits the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 flexible, stretchable and resilient for flexing and stretching. In some embodiments, the rigid sole 132 is enclosed on all sides by the material of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, one of the rigid sole 132 extends through the toe region 114, the ball region 116, the arch region 118, and the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes at least two of the rigid elongated runners 134 each having an ice engaging edge 136 and each having an upper portion 138, the upper portion 138 is opposite the ice engaging edge 136. Each of the upper portion 138 is rigidly secured to the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 are spaced apart and extend in a longitudinal direction 140 of the elastomeric sole 112. The ice engaging edges 136 are spaced apart and extend in the longitudinal direction 140 of the elastomeric sole 112. The longitudinal direction 140 is a direction from the toe region 114 to the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid elongated runners 134 and ice engaging edges 136 are exposed from the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112.

When the overtoe component 128 is securely fitted and stretched over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102, and the overheel component 130 is securely fitted and stretched over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102, the bottom 110 of the shoe 102 securely engages the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 and the ice skate overshoe 100 is considered secured to the shoe 102. The ice skate overshoe 100 is removable from the shoe 102.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the overtoe component 128 extends from the periphery 126 (periphery 126 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the toe region 114 of the elastomeric sole 112. The overheel component 130 extends from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. The overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130 are shown in the form of the skeleton structure or the open frame structure. The ice skate overshoe 100 is shown fitted over the shoe 102 in FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, the overtoe component 128 extends from the periphery 126 (periphery 126 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the toe region 114 and at least one of the ball region 116 and the arch region 118 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overheel component 130 extends from the periphery 126 (periphery 126 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the heel region 120 and at least one of the ball region 116 and the arch region 118 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric sole 112 are made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material and together as one have a single flat form 154 within the same plane when the flexible, stretchable, resilient material is in a relaxed state (flat form 154 shown in FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, the ice skate overshoe 100 is longitudinally symmetrical in form so that it fits over a left or a right shoe 102. In some embodiments, the ice skate overshoe is flexible and stretchable enough to accommodate the shoe of at least two consecutive full sizes.

The present invention includes various embodiments of the ice skate overshoe 100 for attachment over the shoe 102, the ice skate overshoe 100 being removably secured about the shoe 102.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, and 2B, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112 having the toe region 114, the ball region 116 adjacent to the toe region 114, the arch region 118 adjacent to the ball region 116, and the heel region 120 adjacent to the arch region 118. The elastomeric sole 112 has the top surface 122 for engaging the bottom 110 of the shoe 102, and the bottom surface 124 opposite the top surface 122. The top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112 extend through the toe region 114, the ball region 116, the arch region 118, and the heel region 120. The elastomeric sole 112 includes the periphery 126 (periphery 126 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The elastomeric sole 112 is made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric sole 112 has the form factor smaller than the bottom 110 of the receiving shoe 102.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the overtoe component 128 having plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 and plurality of spaced overtoe apertures 142. The overtoe apertures 142 are separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144. At least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. At least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102. The overtoe component 128 has the form factor smaller than the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 are in a relaxed state. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 provide enough tension for a snug and secure fit that conforms over the forward toe portion 104 of the user's shoe 102 and restricts stretching loads during the user's movement. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 return to their original size and shape in a relaxed state. Plurality of the overtoe apertures 142 are shown in FIG. 1B. A larger number or a larger size of the overtoe apertures 142 generally increase overall stretchability and flexibility of the overtoe component 128 by the reduction in the totality of the elastomeric material within the overtoe component 128. In some embodiments, one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 is distinguishable from another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 by at least one of, its size, its shape, its location, its location in relation to at least one of the overtoe apertures 142, and its resistance to stretching. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the overtoe apertures 142 extend partially into the elastomeric sole 112.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the overheel component 130 having plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 and plurality of spaced overheel apertures 148. The overheel apertures 148 are separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150. At least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. At least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102. The overheel component 130 has the form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 are in a relaxed state. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 provide enough tension for a snug and secure fit that conforms over the rearward heel portion 106 of the user's shoe 102 and restricts stretching loads during the user's movement. The elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 return to their original size and shape in a relaxed state. Plurality of the overheel apertures 148 are shown in FIG. 1B. A larger number or a larger size of the overheel apertures 148 generally increase overall stretchability and flexibility of the overheel component 130 by the reduction in the totality of the elastomeric material within the overheel component 130. In some embodiments, one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 is distinguishable from another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 by at least one of, its size, its shape, its location, its location in relation to at least one of the overheel apertures 148, and its resistance to stretching. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the overheel apertures 148 extend partially into the elastomeric sole 112.

The ice skate overshoe 100 further comprises at least two elastomeric side stretch zones 180. Along each of a side 182 of the ice skate overshoe 100, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is connected from at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 to at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 (side 182 shown in FIG. 3A). The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform or give the same shape over the shoe 102 when stretched over the shoe 102. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 return to their original shape in a relaxed state. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 conform to parts of the shoe 102 between the forward toe portion 104 and the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 and parts of the shoe 102 below the user's ankle. The ice skate overshoe 100 further includes at least one of a side aperture 184 disposed between at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 and the elastomeric sole 112. A plurality of the side aperture 184 are shown. A larger number or a larger size of the side aperture 184 generally increase overall stretchability and flexibility of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 by the reduction in the totality of the elastomeric material within the elastomeric side stretch zones 180. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 provide enough tension for a snug fit that conforms to the user's shoe 102 and restricts the stretching loads during the user's movement. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 return to their original size and shape in a relaxed state. In some embodiments, one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is distinguishable from another one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 by at least one of its size, its shape, its location, its location in relation to at least one of the side apertures 184, and its resistance to stretching. In some embodiments, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes between two and ten of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180. In some embodiments, between two and eight of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes between two and ten of the side aperture 184.

The elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130 and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are a single molded elastomeric piece. The overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130 and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B as in the form of the skeleton structure or the open frame structure, the structures as a whole have the form factor smaller than the receiving shoe 102 (shoe 102 shown in FIG. 1A) when the flexible, stretchable, and resilient material is in a relaxed state.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one of the side apertures 184 extend partially into the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180. In some embodiments, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 within the ball region 116. In some embodiments, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 within arch region 118. In some embodiments, the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are made of a thermoplastic elastomer material.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the rigid sole 132 having a rigid sole top surface 133 and a rigid sole bottom surface 135, the rigid sole bottom surface 135 opposite the rigid sole top surface 133. A plurality of spaced rigid sole apertures 152 are disposed within the rigid sole 132. The rigid sole apertures 152 extend from the rigid sole top surface 133 to the rigid sole bottom surface 135. The rigid sole apertures 152 allow for penetration of the material of the elastomeric sole 112. This penetration of material into the rigid sole 132 is accomplished during a molding process such as compression molding or injection molding. The material of the elastomeric sole 112 is interconnected to itself from the rigid sole top surface 133 to the rigid sole bottom surface 135 through the rigid sole apertures 152 and all around the rigid sole periphery 137. The rigid sole 132 is enclosed on all sides by the material of the elastomeric sole 112 which provides for a secure connection of the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid sole apertures 152 also provide for a secure connection of the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole 112. The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the rigid elongated runners 134 having the ice engaging edge 136 and the upper portion 138 opposite the ice engaging edge 136. Each of the upper portion 138 is rigidly secured to the rigid sole 132. In some embodiments, the upper portion 138 is rigidly secured to the rigid sole 132 at the rigid sole bottom surface 135.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the rigid sole 132 (rigid sole 132 shown in FIG. 2A) is concealed and enclosed on all sides by the material of the elastomeric sole 112. The upper portion 138 (upper portion 138 shown in FIG. 2A) of each of the rigid elongated runners 134 is firmly secured to the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 and ice engaging edges 136 are exposed from the bottom surface 124.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, and 3B, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the overtoe component 128 having the overtoe apertures 142, the overheel component 130 having the overheel apertures 148, the elastomeric side stretch zones 180, and the side apertures 184. The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112 having the toe region 114, the ball region 116 adjacent to the toe region 114, the arch region 118 adjacent to the ball region 116, and the heel region 120 adjacent to the arch region 118.

FIG. 3A shows the overtoe component 128 extends from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the toe region 114 of the elastomeric sole 112. The overheel component 130 extends from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, the overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130 are in the form of the skeleton structure or the open frame structure.

FIG. 3B shows the overtoe component 128 extends from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the toe region 114 and the ball region 116 of the elastomeric sole 112. The overheel component 130 extends from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 connect from the overtoe component 128 to the overheel component 130 along each side 182 (side 182 shown in FIG. 3A) of the ice skate overshoe 100. Some of the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are shown connected to the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are in the form of the skeleton structure or the open frame structure.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, and 4B, according to an embodiment, the overtoe component includes one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 in the form of a band, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 having a first end 166 and a second end 168 opposite the first end 166. The first end 166 and the second end 168 are connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within at least one of the toe region 114 and the ball region 116 of the elastomeric sole 112 (toe region 114 and ball region 116 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The first end 166 and the second end 168 are apart from each other. The overtoe component 128 further includes one of the overtoe aperture 142 disposed between the elastomeric sole 112 and the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 is made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 is flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102. The overtoe component 128 has the form factor smaller than the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 is in a relaxed state.

The overheel component 130 includes one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 having a third end 172 and a fourth end 174 opposite the third end 172. The third end 172 and the fourth end 174 are connected to the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within at least one of the heel region 120 and the arch region 118 of the elastomeric sole 112 (heel region 120 and arch region 118 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The third end 172 and the fourth end 174 are apart from each other. The overheel component 130 further includes one of the overheel aperture 148 disposed between the elastomeric sole 112 and the elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150. The elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 is made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 is flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when stretched over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102. The overheel component 130 has the form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 is in a relaxed state.

The ice skate overshoe 100 includes at least two of the rigid elongated runners 134 (two are shown) each having the ice engaging edge 136. The rigid elongated runners 134 are firmly secured to the rigid sole 132 (rigid sole 132 shown in FIG. 2A). The rigid sole 132 is secured to the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the rigid sole 132 is enclosed on all of its sides by the material of the elastomeric sole 112 to secure the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole 112.

The overtoe component 128 has the form factor smaller than the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 is in a relaxed state. The overheel component 130 has the form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102 when the elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 is in a relaxed state. The overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric sole 112 as a whole have the form factor smaller than the receiving shoe 102 when the flexible and stretchable elastic material of these components are in a relaxed state. When the overtoe component 128 is securely fitted and stretched over the forward toe portion 104 of the shoe 102, and the overheel component 130 is securely fitted and stretched over the rearward heel portion 106 of the shoe 102, the bottom 110 of the shoe 102 securely engages the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 and the ice skate overshoe 100 is considered secured to the shoe 102.

In some embodiments, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric sole 112 are constructed as a single molded elastomeric piece made of the same flexible, stretchable, resilient material.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, and the overheel component 130 having the single flat form 154 when the flexible elastic material is in a relaxed state.

FIG. 4B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 4A with the ice skate overshoe 100 stretchly fitted over the shoe 102 and secured to the shoe 102. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zone 144 within the overtoe component 128 is shown stretched over the sole 108 within the toe region 114 of the shoe 102. The elastomeric overheel stretch zone 150 within the overheel component 130 is shown stretched over the sole 108 within the heel region 120 of the shoe 102 (toe region 114 and heel region 120 shown in FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 3B).

Referring to FIGS. 5A, and 5B, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 all extending from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. The elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are a single elastomeric piece made of flexible and stretchable elastic material such as rubber. Suitable rubbers include natural and synthetic rubbers. The overtoe component 128 includes plurality of spaced overtoe apertures 142. The overheel component 130 includes plurality of spaced overheel apertures 148. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 include plurality of spaced side aperture 184. The rigid sole 132 is secured to the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112. The elastomeric sole 112 includes the top surface 122 opposite the bottom surface 124. The rigid sole 132 is partially exposed. The rigid elongated runners 134 are firmly connected to the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 each include the ice engaging edge 136. In some embodiments, the rigid sole 132 includes the rigid sole apertures 152 for penetration of the material of the elastomeric sole 112 into the rigid sole apertures 152.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, and 6B, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 all extending from the periphery 126 of the elastomeric sole 112. The elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are a single elastomeric piece made of flexible and stretchable elastic material such as rubber. Suitable rubbers include natural and synthetic rubbers. The overtoe component 128 includes plurality of spaced overtoe apertures 142. The overheel component 130 includes plurality of spaced overheel apertures 148. The elastomeric side stretch zones 180 include plurality of spaced side aperture 184. The rigid sole 132 is enclosed on all of its sides by the material of the elastomeric sole 112 to secure the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid sole 132 is concealed between the top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid elongated runners 134 are firmly connected to the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 each include the ice engaging edge 136.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112 made of flexible and stretchable and resilient material. The elastomeric sole 112 includes a sole stretch zone 176 disposed within the ball region 116 of the elastomeric sole 112. The sole stretch zone 176 is made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material. The sole stretch zone 176 is flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching. The sole stretch zone 176 is bendable having a bend radius 178. The bend radius 178 is at the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112. The bend radius 178 is dynamic in use. The top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 conformingly engages the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use (bottom 110 and shoe 102 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The top surface 122 located within the sole stretch zone 176 of the elastomeric sole 112 conformingly engages and follows the shape or contour of the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use. The sole stretch zone 176 is bendable with the receiving shoe 102. The user's shoe 102 is bendable and flexible for bending and flexing within at least a ball of the foot region of the user's foot. The ball of the foot region is known in the art. When not fitted to the shoe 102, the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 is easily foldable against itself having the bend radius 178. An example of easily foldable is with forces applied from a persons index finger and thumb. An example of the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 folded against itself has the bend radius 178 of less than 8 mm. An advantage of the sole stretch zone 176 is to permit the elastomeric sole 112 to follow the natural movement of the user's foot within the user's shoe 102 when the ice skate overshoe 100 is fitted over the shoe 102 and in use. One of the rigid sole 132 is disposed within the toe region 114 of the elastomeric sole 112. One of the rigid sole 132 is disposed within the arch region 118 and heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. The two rigid sole 132 are apart from each other and separated by the sole stretch zone 176. At least two of the rigid elongated runners 134 are rigidly secured to each of the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 each have the ice engaging edge 136. The two rigid sole 132 are secured to the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid elongated runners 134 and ice engaging edges 136 are exposed from the elastomeric sole 112. The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130 not shown (overtoe component 128 and overheel component 130 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Some embodiments also include the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 (elastomeric side stretch zones 180 shown in FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, the two rigid sole 132 are enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole 112 to secure the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole, the two rigid sole 132 being concealed within the elastomeric sole 112 between the top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112.

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view taken along Line C-C in FIG. 7A that shows the elastomeric sole 112 in a bent or folded position. The top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 is bendable or foldable against itself having the bend radius 178. The bend radius 178 is at the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112. The bend radius 178 is dynamic in use to permit the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 to mate and follow the shape or contour of the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use.

FIG. 7C is a side sectional view taken along Line C-C in FIG. 7A that shows the elastomeric sole 112 in a relaxed position. Although the elastomeric sole 112 is easily flexible within the sole stretch zone 176, the elastomeric sole 112 in a relaxed position is generally flat.

Referring to FIGS. 8A, and 8B, according to an embodiment, the ice skate overshoe 100 includes the elastomeric sole 112 having the toe region 114, the ball region 116 adjacent to the toe region 114, the arch region 118 adjacent to the ball region 116, and the heel region 120 adjacent to the arch region 118. The elastomeric sole 112 includes the sole stretch zone 176 located in the ball region 116. The sole stretch zone 176 is made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material. The sole stretch zone 176 is flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching. The sole stretch zone 176 is bendable having the bend radius 178. The bend radius 178 is at the top surface 122 (top surface 122 shown in FIG. 1B) of the elastomeric sole 112. The bend radius 178 is dynamic in use. The top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 conformingly engages the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use (bottom 110 and shoe 102 shown in FIG. 1A). The top surface 122 located within the sole stretch zone 176 of the elastomeric sole 112 conformingly engages and follows the shape or contour of the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use. The sole stretch zone 176 is bendable with the receiving shoe 102. The ice skate overshoe 100 includes the overtoe component 128 and the overheel component 130. In some embodiments as shown, the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are included.

One of the rigid sole 132 (rigid sole 132 shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C) is disposed within the toe region 114 of the elastomeric sole 112. One of the rigid sole 132 is disposed within the arch region 118 and heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112. The two rigid sole 132 are apart from each other and separated by the sole stretch zone 176. At least two of the rigid elongated runners 134 are rigidly secured to each of the rigid sole 132. The rigid elongated runners 134 each have the ice engaging edge 136 (rigid elongated runners 134 and ice engaging edge 136 shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C). The two rigid sole 132 are secured to the elastomeric sole 112. The rigid elongated runners 134 and ice engaging edges 136 are exposed from the elastomeric sole 112. In some embodiments, the two rigid sole 132 are enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole 112 to secure the rigid sole 132 to the elastomeric sole.

FIG. 8B shows the elastomeric sole 112 having a torsion angle 186. The torsion angle 186 is permitted from the flexibility and stretchability of the sole stretch zone 176. The torsion angle 186 is an angle between a plane parallel to the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the arch region 118 and the heel region 120 of the elastomeric sole 112 to a plane parallel to the bottom surface 124 of the elastomeric sole 112 and within the toe region 114 of the elastomeric sole 112. The torsion angle 186 is dynamic in use and permits the top surface 122 of the elastomeric sole 112 to mate and follow the shape or contour of the bottom 110 of the user's shoe 102 when in use. The user's shoe 102 is flexible for bending or flexing within at least the ball of the foot region of the user's foot. The ball of the foot region is known in the art. In some embodiments, the torsion angle range is from 0 degrees to plus or minus 30 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 9, according to an embodiment, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 (elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the overtoe component 128, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 (elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 each have the inner surface 156 for engaging with the shoe 102 and an outer surface 158 opposite the inner surface 156. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are a single piece made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material. The material has a predetermined thickness 160 between the inner surface 156 and the outer surface 158. The material of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is flexible, stretchable, and resilient to permit the inner surface 156 easily foldable against itself having a fold radius 162, easily foldable against itself when not fitted to the shoe 102. The fold radius 162 is at the outer surface 158 of the material. In some embodiments, the fold radius 162 is between one and two times the predetermined thickness 160 of the material. The outer surface 158 of each of the zones is also easily foldable against itself when not fitted to the shoe 102. An example of easily foldable is with forces applied from a persons index finger and thumb. In some embodiments, the material of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 has the predetermined thickness 160 of between 1 mm. and 4 mm. thick. In some embodiments, the predetermined thickness 160 is variable in thickness between 1 mm. and 4 mm. thick. In some embodiments, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are in the form of thin bands having the predetermined thickness 160 between 1 mm. and 4 mm.

Referring to FIG. 10, according to an embodiment, the two rigid elongated runners 134 each have the ice engaging edge 136 and the upper portion 138 opposite the ice engaging edge 136. The two rigid elongated runners 134 and the rigid sole 132 are shown as a single piece formed from the same material. Suitable materials for construction of the rigid sole 132 and the rigid elongated runners 134 include metal and plastic but not limited to these. An example of metal is stainless steel and an example of plastic is U.H.M.W. The rigid sole 132 includes plurality of the spaced rigid sole apertures 152. The two rigid elongated runners 134 and the two ice engaging edges 136 are parallel to each other.

The ice skate overshoe 100 is configured so that it fits snugly and conforms to the shape of the shoe 102 but is easy to put on and remove. The overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are made of elastic material so that the material may be stretched by applying tension, but returns to its original shape when the tension is removed. Thus, the ice skate overshoe 100 may be stretched by the user to fit around the shoe 102 and its elastic force provides for a snug fit that conforms to the user's shoe 102. If the material is too easily stretched, however, it stretches and moves while the user is ice skating so that ice skating is more difficult. The elastomeric overtoe stretch zones 144, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones 150, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 are strategically incorporated into the ice skate overshoe 100.

The stretch zones are disposed so that the user may readily stretch them in the course of putting on or removing the ice skate overshoe 100 but so that the stretch zones are not readily stretched in use while the user is ice skating. The stretch zones are restricted in areas that experience stretching loads during the user's movement. In some embodiments, the stretch zones are in the form of bands.

The ice skate overshoe 100, and more particularly the elastomeric sole 112, the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 may be made of any elastomeric material that resembles natural or synthetic rubber such as but not limited to neoprene, polyurethane, and various thermal plastic elastomers that can be manufactured through compression molding or injection molding techniques or through other means as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

An advantage of the ice skate overshoe 100 is that it enhances the shoe 102 for the user to ice skate on the ice surface.

An advantage of the ice skate overshoe 100 having the overtoe component 128, the overheel component 130, and the elastomeric side stretch zones 180 is that ice skate overshoe 100 fits snugly over the user's shoe 102 and there are no straps or laces or parts that can come loose during use. The ice skate overshoe 100 is also generally lightweight due to its size and material and also compact for transportation in comparison to a traditional or conventional ice skates. The materials of the ice skate overshoe 100 are water resistant which has advantages for cleaning of the ice skate overshoe 100. The ice skate overshoe 100 is not in direct contact with the user's foot which typically perspires and which may create odours in a traditional or conventional ice skate.

Another advantage of the ice skate overshoe 100 is that it is quickly and easily fitted to the to the user's shoe 102 without the need to remove their shoe 102 exposing their foot to possible cold temperatures.

Another advantage of the ice skate overshoe 100 is that its elastic material may be more comfortable for the user compared to traditional ice skates which are not of elastic materials.

Another advantage of the ice skate overshoe 100 is that it may accommodate various sizes of the shoe 102.

Of course, the various aspects of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-11 may be mixed and matched as desired, where possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to only those embodiments shown.

Methods of Manufacturing

FIG. 11 is an example flow chart diagram 200 for a method of manufacturing an ice skate overshoe in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The process begins (at 202) with the manufacturing of at least two rigid elongated runners firmly secured to a rigid sole. In some embodiments, the rigid sole includes a plurality of spaced rigid sole apertures for penetration of material into the rigid sole apertures during a molding process (at 206).

Next, (at 204) align the rigid elongated runners and the rigid sole into a mold used to manufacture an elastomeric sole, an overtoe component, and an overheel component. In some embodiments, the mold is also used to manufacture elastomeric side stretch zones.

Next, (at 206) mold the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component as a single elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. In some embodiments, the elastomeric side stretch zones are also molded as part of the single elastomeric piece made of the flexible, stretchable, and resilient material. The material of the elastomeric sole is molded around the rigid sole to enclose and secure the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole. The rigid elongated runners and the ice engaging edges are left exposed from the material of the elastomeric sole. A suitable molding technique includes compression molding and injection molding.

Claims

1. An ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprising:

a. an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe;

b. an overtoe component having a plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overtoe apertures, the overtoe apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones are in a relaxed state;

c. an overheel component having a plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overheel apertures, the overheel apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are in a relaxed state;

d. a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole; and

e. at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface,

wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

2. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid sole is enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole to secure the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole.

3. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component are constructed of the same flexible, stretchable, resilient material.

4. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overtoe component and the overheel component are in the form of a skeleton structure or an open frame structure.

5. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overtoe component extends from the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the toe region and the ball region of the elastomeric sole, and wherein the overheel component extends from the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the heel region and the arch region of the elastomeric sole.

6. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ice skate overshoe is flexible and stretchable enough to accommodate the shoe of at least two consecutive full sizes.

7. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid sole is a single rigid piece disposed in the toe region, the ball region, the arch region, and the heel region of the elastomeric sole.

8. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid sole comprises a rigid sole top surface and a rigid sole bottom surface opposite the top surface, a rigid sole periphery at the edges of the rigid sole top surface and the rigid sole bottom surface, and a plurality of spaced rigid sole apertures extending from the rigid sole top surface to the rigid sole bottom surface to permit for penetration of the material of the elastomeric sole into the rigid sole apertures.

9. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component together as one have a single flat form when the flexible, stretchable, resilient material is in a relaxed state.

10. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component are made of thermoplastic elastomer.

11. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones each have an inner surface for engaging with the shoe and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones having a predetermined thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface, and wherein the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are flexible and elastic when not fitted to the shoe to permit the inner surface easily foldable against itself having a fold radius at the outer surface.

12. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sole further comprises a sole stretch zone disposed within the ball region of the elastomeric sole, the sole stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material, the sole stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to permit the top surface of the elastomeric sole when not fitted to the shoe to fold against itself having a bend radius at the top surface, the sole stretch zone flexible and stretchable when fitted to the shoe to permit a torsion angle between a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the elastomeric sole and within both the arch region and the heel region of the elastomeric sole to a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the elastomeric sole and within the toe region of the elastomeric sole, wherein one of the rigid sole is disposed within the toe region of the elastomeric sole and another one of the rigid sole is disposed within the arch region and heel region of the elastomeric sole, the two rigid soles apart from each other and separated by the sole stretch zone, and at least two of the rigid elongated runners secured to each of the rigid soles.

13. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ice skate overshoe further comprises at least two elastomeric side stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones is connected from at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones to at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones and along each of a side of the ice skate overshoe, the elastomeric side stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, resilient material, the elastomeric side stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the shoe when stretched over the shoe.

14. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ice skate overshoe further comprises at least two side apertures, at least one of the side apertures located along each of the side of the ice skate overshoe and between one of the elastomeric side stretch zones and the elastomeric sole.

15. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least one of the elastomeric side stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole.

16. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are a single molded elastomeric piece made of the same flexible and stretchable and resilient material, and wherein the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones as a whole have a form factor smaller than the receiving shoe when the flexible and stretchable and resilient material is in a relaxed state.

17. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are a single molded elastomeric piece made of the same flexible and stretchable and resilient material, and wherein the overtoe component, the overheel component and the elastomeric side stretch zones are in the form of a skeleton structure or an open frame structure, the structures as a whole having a form factor smaller than the receiving shoe when the flexible and stretchable and resilient material is in a relaxed state.

18. An ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprising:

a. an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe;

b. an overtoe component having a plurality of elastomeric overtoe stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overtoe apertures, the overtoe apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zones are in a relaxed state;

c. an overheel component having a plurality of elastomeric overheel stretch zones and a plurality of spaced overheel apertures, the overheel apertures separated by at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole, at least one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones is connected to at least another one of the elastomeric overheel stretch zones, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zones flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zones are in a relaxed state;

d. a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole and enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole; and

e. at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface,

wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

19. An ice skate overshoe that fits over a shoe and enhances contact with the ground, the shoe having a forward toe portion, a rearward heel portion, a sole, and a bottom for engaging the ground, the ice skate overshoe comprising:

a. an elastomeric sole having a toe region, a ball region adjacent to the toe region, an arch region adjacent to the ball region, and a heel region adjacent to the arch region, the elastomeric sole having a top surface for engaging the bottom of the shoe, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a periphery, the elastomeric sole made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric sole having a form factor smaller than the bottom of the receiving shoe;

b. an overtoe component having one elastomeric overtoe stretch zone in the form of a band, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end and the second end connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the toe region and the ball region of the elastomeric sole, the first end and the second end apart from each other, the overtoe component further having one overtoe aperture disposed between the elastomeric sole and the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the forward toe portion of the shoe when stretched over the forward toe portion of the shoe, the overtoe component having a form factor smaller than the forward toe portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overtoe stretch zone is in a relaxed state;

c. an overheel component having one elastomeric overheel stretch zone in the form of a band, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone having a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the third end and the fourth end connected to the periphery of the elastomeric sole and within at least one of the heel region and the arch region of the elastomeric sole, the third end and the fourth end apart from each other, the overheel component further having one overheel aperture disposed between the elastomeric sole and the elastomeric overheel stretch zone, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the elastomeric overheel stretch zone flexible for bending or flexing, and stretchable for stretching to snugly and tightly conform over the rearward heel portion of the shoe when stretched over the rearward heel portion of the shoe, the overheel component having a form factor smaller than the rearward heel portion of the shoe when the elastomeric overheel stretch zone is in a relaxed state;

d. a rigid sole secured to the elastomeric sole; and

e. at least two rigid elongated runners each having an ice engaging edge and each having an upper portion, the upper portion opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion rigidly secured to the rigid sole, the rigid elongated runners spaced apart and extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastomeric sole, and the rigid elongated runners and ice engaging edges exposed from the bottom surface,

wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component and the overheel component are a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material.

20. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rigid sole is enclosed by the material of the elastomeric sole to secure the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole.

21. The ice skate overshoe as claimed in claim 19, wherein the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component together as one have a single flat form when the flexible, stretchable, resilient material is in a relaxed state.

22. A method to manufacture an ice skate overshoe, provided with an elastomeric sole, an overtoe component, an overheel component, and at least two rigid elongated runners rigidly connected to a rigid sole, comprises the steps of:

manufacture at least two of the rigid elongated runners rigidly secured to the rigid sole;

align the rigid elongated runners and the rigid sole into a mold used to manufacture the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component; with a compression molding or an injection molding process, mold the elastomeric sole, the overtoe component, and the overheel component as a single molded elastomeric piece made of flexible, stretchable, and resilient material, the material of the elastomeric sole molded around the rigid sole enclosing the rigid sole and securing the rigid sole to the elastomeric sole, the rigid elongated runners and the ice engaging edges left exposed from the material of the elastomeric sole.